Episodes
284
Nov. 1, 2022
Episode 284: 17 Things That Do A Thing
Today we're talking Amish Cracker Barrel, TikTok restaurant reviews, avian flu & the price of eggs, food trucks and more hiring processes. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
285
Nov. 6, 2022
Episode 285: Mayorinara
Today we're talking Starbuck's Special K, trick-or-treating Idaho style, the US's Strategic Hotdog Reserve and Buddy Cianci's takeover of the Providence school menus. And there's a meat heist. Because if course there is. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/p...
31
Nov. 9, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 31: Thanksgiving Prep And Nuns
Get ready for the holidays, folks, and remember to take care of yourselves. (Originally released 11/24/2019)
286
Nov. 13, 2022
Episode 286: A Crooked Barn
On this very special episode, we have a guest! Today we're talking to Peter Cacace, owner and sole employee of A Crooked Barn Charcuterie out of West Rupert Vermont. We get into his winding path to business ownership, what it takes to make your way in the world of niche sausages, and what work/life balance really means. Find Peter here: https://www.acrookedbarncharcuterie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/a_crookedbarn_charcuterie/ As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902...
32
Nov. 16, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 32: Do One Thing
You don't have to do it all at once, and you don't have to do it alone. (Originally released 1/14/2020)
287
Nov. 20, 2022
Episode 287: Crawl Out Of The Turkey Hole
Today we're talking Thanksgiving (obviously), GFS outlet stores, Imperfect Foods and child labor! (Not accusing Imperfect Foods of using child labor.) As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
33
Nov. 27, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 33: Say Grace
Today we're starting a book club. First up, I read "Say Grace" by Steve Palmer. My recommendation: read this book. Read it minimum twice. This book was written for restaurant folk. It was written for us. (If you need a copy, I have extras.) (Originally released 2/20/2020)
34
Nov. 27, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 34: Wellbeing and Being Well, with Jeff Stevens
Tonight we have a guest! Joining us is Jeff Stevens, founder of WellBeing Brewing (wellbeingbrewing.com). WellBeing makes craft non-alcoholic beers, for the discerning sober beer aficionado. Jeff generously gave up time to talk to us about the story behind his business and who his market is and really, why he does what he does. Also, please be careful out there. Coronavirus has a LOT of us out of work and a LOT of us very isolated. Reach out. Get support if you need it. If you have strength to ...
35
Nov. 30, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 35: Brings You Comfort, Brings You Joy
I hate the phrase 'new normal', but here's how I'm handling shelter-in-place. Take care of yourselves; take care of each other. (Originally released 6/10/2020)
288
Dec. 4, 2022
Episode 288: Better Get It From The Island
Today, we talk about the (predictable) closing of Willows Inn at Lummi Island, a Thanksgiving recap, purple tomatoes (that we name incorrectly) and the ongoing short-staffing issues in hospitality. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
36
Dec. 7, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 36: I Don't Want To Die Like My Grandfather
It's worth looking at what the long-term consequences of your addictive behaviors might be. Also, it's ok to check in on folks. (Originally released 8/31/2020)
37
Dec. 14, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 37: Cut Fingers & Mental Health
There's more than one kind of injury. (Originally released 11/8/2020)
289
Dec. 18, 2022
Episode 289:Balls with a Mustache
Today we're talking tomato seeds, 'Mayor Sauce', Arby's Garbage and for heaven's sake, guys, get a sexual harassment policy. Post it. Post it everywhere. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
38
Dec. 21, 2022
This Empty Glass Episode 38: Tell Your Story
How do your want your story to be told? Well, first you have to figure out what your story is, then stick to it. (Originally released 2/15/2021)
290
Jan. 5, 2023
Episode 290: Tooth or Dare
Today we're talking Culinary Artistry (the book), we're pitching shows to the Food Network (call us!), we have a pound of ground kangaroo to do *something* with and we ate some amazing sausages. Also, we look back at 2022 and forward to 2023. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https...
39
Jan. 8, 2023
This Empty Glass Episode 39: That Old Apartment
Tonight we're talking dreams, the state of the world, thunderstorms and selfishness. But, you know, in a nice way. (Originally Released 8/24/21)
291
Jan. 15, 2023
Episode 291: No Substitutions
Ladies & Gentlemen, we watched The Menu. If you have not watched it, and would like to see it spoiler-free, then don't listen to this first. We're spoiling (in a good way) the heck out of this movie. Also, Noma's closing after finding out that it's "unsustainable" to actually pay their staff. Sadface. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall...
292
Jan. 22, 2023
Episode 292: Chicken Fire
Today we're talking about adding egg whites to sourdough, the rising cost of eggs, health inspections and the bombshell that ServSafe is funding the NRA's lobbying to keep restaurant wages down. For shame, ServSafe! As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people...
293
Feb. 5, 2023
Episode 293: Shoe Steak
Today we're talking ongoing service industry staffing issues, Canadian Super Pigs, Mario Batali (also a Super Pig?), listener mail about The Menu and how long can a steak stay on your shoe and still be edible?As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell...
294
Feb. 12, 2023
Episode 294: Killer Pizza
Today we're talking Mafia Hitmen running French pizza joints, school foodservice managers stealing chicken wings and wildin' out over Black History Month, and Is The Customer *Really* Always Right? As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
295
Feb. 22, 2023
Episode 295: Niche Meats
Weird, rambling episode today with Steve live in studio! We talk donuts, mountain oysters & turkey fries, child labor and meat packing. Also, what band would YOU like to see headline a Testicle Festival in an unpronounceable Michigan town? As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://...
296
Feb. 26, 2023
Episode 296: How Do We Best Serve...Each Other
Today we're sitting down with Jensen Cummings to discuss the best of all possible futures for our industry. Fingers crossed! As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop And you can get in touch with Jensen here: https://www.bestservedpodcast.co...
297
March 6, 2023
Episode 297:The National Low Wage Association
Today's topics: kitchen robots, White Castle, weather and hey, did you know that the National Restaurant Association is lobbying AGAINST student loan forgiveness? For shame! As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop
298
March 19, 2023
Episode 298: Short Labor
Today on our show: Red States want to make your kids work in meat packing plants! Also, Chicago restaurants are now required to give you PTO, and Ben has a new computer. Plus, taxes. As always, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568 https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547 intheweedswbr.com @wurstharold (twitter) https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop