In The Weeds with Ben Randall
417 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratingsI began cooking when I was 14 years old and I never looked back. Enjoy the pirate ship.
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Episodes
Episode 300: BCE (Before COVID Era)
April 02, 2023 02:17 - 1 hour - 5 MBToday we talk new restaurant openings, egg-gouging, updates on the chocolate factory explosion and food disasters throughout history. 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
Episode 299:Robot Food
March 26, 2023 23:33 - 1 hour - 155 MBToday we're talking Robot McDonald's, exploding chocolate factories, hiring, firing and counseling, cheese curd festivals and temp agencies. Spoilers, temp agencies for hospitality SUCK. 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
Episode 298: Short Labor
March 19, 2023 17:25 - 1 hour - 132 MBToday 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
Episode 297:The National Low Wage Association
March 07, 2023 01:38 - 1 hour - 128 MBToday'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
Episode 296: How Do We Best Serve...Each Other
February 26, 2023 18:17 - 1 hour - 113 MBToday 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.bestservedpo...
Episode 295: Niche Meats
February 22, 2023 15:19 - 1 hour - 146 MBWeird, 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) ...
Episode 294: Killer Pizza
February 12, 2023 23:39 - 1 hour - 151 MBToday 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/...
Episode 293: Shoe Steak
February 05, 2023 23:30 - 1 hour - 151 MBToday 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/...
Episode 292: Chicken Fire
January 22, 2023 20:41 - 1 hour - 138 MBToday 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.co...
Episode 291: No Substitutions
January 15, 2023 18:11 - 2 hours - 231 MBLadies & 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...
This Empty Glass Episode 39: That Old Apartment
January 09, 2023 02:04 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBTonight we're talking dreams, the state of the world, thunderstorms and selfishness. But, you know, in a nice way. (Originally Released 8/24/21)
Episode 290: Tooth or Dare
January 05, 2023 21:54 - 2 hours - 178 MBToday 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...
This Empty Glass Episode 38: Tell Your Story
December 22, 2022 01:11 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBHow 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)
Episode 289:Balls with a Mustache
December 18, 2022 22:13 - 1 hour - 155 MBToday 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
This Empty Glass Episode 37: Cut Fingers & Mental Health
December 15, 2022 00:54 - 29 minutes - 41 MBThere's more than one kind of injury. (Originally released 11/8/2020)
This Empty Glass Episode 36: I Don't Want To Die Like My Grandfather
December 08, 2022 01:19 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBIt'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)
Episode 288: Better Get It From The Island
December 04, 2022 22:41 - 2 hours - 172 MBToday, 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/...
This Empty Glass Episode 35: Brings You Comfort, Brings You Joy
December 01, 2022 00:55 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBI 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)
This Empty Glass Episode 34: Wellbeing and Being Well, with Jeff Stevens
November 27, 2022 21:36 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MBTonight 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...
This Empty Glass Episode 33: Say Grace
November 27, 2022 21:33 - 35.9 MBToday 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)
Episode 287: Crawl Out Of The Turkey Hole
November 20, 2022 23:13 - 2 hours - 175 MBToday 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
This Empty Glass Episode 32: Do One Thing
November 17, 2022 00:42 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBYou don't have to do it all at once, and you don't have to do it alone. (Originally released 1/14/2020)
Episode 286: A Crooked Barn
November 13, 2022 23:05 - 2 hours - 178 MBOn 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/7...
This Empty Glass Episode 31: Thanksgiving Prep And Nuns
November 10, 2022 01:59 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBGet ready for the holidays, folks, and remember to take care of yourselves. (Originally released 11/24/2019)
Episode 285: Mayorinara
November 06, 2022 23:12 - 1 hour - 149 MBToday 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.redb...
Episode 284: 17 Things That Do A Thing
November 01, 2022 23:36 - 1 hour - 136 MBToday 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
This Empty Glass Episode 30: Choices, Choices
October 27, 2022 00:09 - 32 minutes - 30 MBI used to choose to drink, now I choose NOT to drink. I REALLY wish it was as simple as all that. Also, let me tell you about my job. (Originally released 11/3/2019)
This Empty Glass Episode 29: Triggered For Good
October 20, 2022 00:27 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBToday we're talking about things that trigger you into feeling good, baseball, and we have an interview! (Originally released 8/13/2019)
Episode 283: The Dead Don't Have Bills
October 17, 2022 11:24 - 1 hour - 148 MBToday we're talking Apples & apple picking, coffee, 'Texas' Pete hot sauce, the Great Racist British Baking Show and frivolous lawsuits. (Is that a job?) 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
This Empty Glass Episode 28: Gradual Change Brought You Here
October 13, 2022 00:09 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBHow did we get here, what can we do for ourselves and how can we help each other? Also, chemistry. (Originally released 7/23/2019)
This Empty Glass Episode 27: The Other Side Of The Door
October 06, 2022 00:06 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBKnow thyself. (Originally released 4/2019)
Episode 282: Going Scandi!
October 03, 2022 00:20 - 1 hour - 149 MBToday we're talking about folks stealing; stealing from federal funds for feeding children, stealing from the stock market(?) and trying to steal from as-of-yet unhired employees. What a week. Also, there are haircuts. 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.redbubbl...
This Empty Glass Episode 26: Cascade Failure
September 29, 2022 00:28 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBLook, I get it. You have a lot of problems. Where do you start? Well, at the beginning. (Originally released 3/9/2019)
Episode 281:Influence That Soft Opening
September 27, 2022 17:13 - 1 hour - 147 MBWe're back with an update on the good ship Disney Wish, how the mighty USA has fallen (in food security) and we dive into what they eat in Norway. Also, Ben was on someone else's show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-6-ben-randall/id1605827840?i=1000580322843 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 inthewee...
Episode 280: Ketchup By The Foot
September 19, 2022 02:58 - 1 hour - 159 MBSteve's back! Today we're talking Steve's Alaskan cruise, ketchup chips, Canadian-American pizza and more on hiring post-COVID. 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
This Empty Glass Episode 25: On The Road
September 15, 2022 01:24 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBSo, how do we take care of ourselves when nobody is watching? Today, we head into the Heart of Darkness. Also known as Pittsburgh. (Originally released 2/24/2019)
Episode 279: If This Job's A 10
September 11, 2022 21:26 - 1 hour - 116 MBWe're back! Ok, just Ben! Today we're talking about hiring restaurant employees - from both sides of the desk. Things are changing, folks. Gotta change with them. 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
This Empty Glass Episode 24: Bear In A Cage
September 06, 2022 01:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBIn which we talk about restaurant upbringing, managing expectations and personal responsibility. Also there's bears. (Originally released 1/20/2019)
This Empty Glass Episode 23: Happy New Year
September 06, 2022 00:59 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBThis time of year is tough; being sober over the holidays is tough, restaurant work is tough, but goddamn it, we are tough. Reach out if your innate badassery isn't getting you all the way there. https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa 1-800-273-8255 (Suicide Prevention Hotline) https://www.hftd.org/ (Hope For The Day) https://www.bensfriendshope.com/ (Originally released 12/25/2018)
Episode 278: Terrible Muffins
August 29, 2022 01:25 - 1 hour - 163 MBToday we’re talking about more hiring woes, unregulated pizza recalls and leaving your job for all the right reasons. 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
This Empty Glass Episode 22: The Pros & Cons
August 25, 2022 00:09 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this episode, we talk about the very real pros & cons of sobriety. Restaurants don't make it easy on you. (Originally released 10/14/2018)
This Empty Glass Episode 21: Industry Health with Chef Laura McWilliams
August 18, 2022 00:15 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBToday we sit down with a Seattle chef named Laura who has launched a company aimed at changing the way chefs approach health. We talk yoga, sleep & the importance of taking time for yourself. (Originally released 10/7/2018)
Episode 277: Austin Beef Syndicate
August 14, 2022 04:11 - 1 hour - 162 MBToday we're talking brisket heists, cost increases linked to diesel fuel, hiring & hiring & hiring, Domino's Italy foray coming to an end and more on the Blue Bell criminal case. 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
This Empty Glass Episode 20: I Did Not Die
August 10, 2022 11:59 - 30 minutes - 28 MBToday we're talking about the cook shortage, chef suicide, treating our people like people and all the times I didn't die. (Originally released 9/16/2018)
Episode 276: Popeye's Is UnhealthCare
August 08, 2022 02:37 - 2 hours - 167 MBToday we're talking Popeye's Customer Service, bulletproof coffee, the Cult of Keto, various approaches to pizza making and the ongoing hiring saga. Also, we have some teenchy technical difficulties. Let's blame it on supply chain. 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:/...
This Empty Glass Episode 19: Hot Mess
July 31, 2022 15:39 - 30 minutes - 28 MBI went to a conference and read a book. Social situations continue to be a bummer and I had to take another long look inside. (Originally released 6/18/2018)
This Empty Glass Episode 18: RIP Chef Tony
July 31, 2022 15:37 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBThese are not the feels I wanted to have today. In losing Anthony Bourdain, I have lost part of the structure of what makes me...me, at least professionally. Get help if you need help Get rest if you need rest. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em. (Originally released 6/9/2018)
Episode 275: Lookin' Around For The Pickle
July 25, 2022 00:59 - 1 hour - 141 MBToday we're talking about pickle-brined hotdogs, more Chicago pizzas, influencer culture, cancer Skittles and the birth of a Pizza Robot? 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
This Empty Glass Episode 17: I'm Sorry, Jenn Louis
July 21, 2022 11:46 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBI unfairly judged someone; here's where I apologize. Also, where are our real responsibilities? (Originally released 5/21/2018)
Episode 274: Mayo In The Mail
July 18, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 160 MBToday we're talking fancy coffee (Cafe Feminino), customer service standards (of dentistry?) restaurants suing themselves, COVID closings and pickled hotdogs. Also, would you rather wait at the door, or at a table? Jury's out. 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....