Side Work Podcast

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Four veteran waitresses clap back in a new weekly comedy podcast where nothing's off the table other than the 15% tip we just stuffed into our apron. Hosted by Brooke Van Poppelen, Joselyn Hughes, Kyle June Williams & Andrea Wallace, the group uses their combined 50+ years of servitude, extensive ca…

Side Work Podcast


    • Jun 24, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 244 EPISODES

    4.9 from 307 ratings Listeners of Side Work Podcast that love the show mention: service industry, ever worked, servers, ve worked, restaurant industry, bartenders, whether you ve, food industry, brooke, andrea, retail, restaurants, customers, served, georgia, serving, please listen, shift, therapy, ladies.


    Ivy Insights

    I absolutely love The Side Work Podcast! It's a show that brings me back to my days working in the service industry at a local bakery. The hosts, Brooke and Andrea, are incredibly honest about the ups and downs of the industry, and I appreciate their authenticity. This podcast is amazing and they truly rock!

    One of the best aspects of The Side Work Podcast is how relatable it is for anyone who has worked in the service industry. The stories shared by guests and submitted by servers are not only hilarious but also informative. I look forward to hearing these stories every Friday and the format of the show is both educational and fun.

    Another great aspect is that listening to this podcast feels like therapy. It delves into aspects of the service industry that you might not have realized needed therapy, but it's cathartic to hear these stories and know that others understand your experiences. It's a great way to unwind after a long day in the industry.

    On the other hand, there aren't many negative aspects to mention about this podcast. One small critique could be that sometimes guests can ramble on or get too intoxicated during episodes, which can take away from the overall content. However, this doesn't happen often and it's a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic podcast.

    In conclusion, The Side Work Podcast is an absolute gem for anyone who has worked in or is adjacent to the service industry. It's funny, relatable, and provides a much-needed outlet for those who understand the unique challenges of this career path. Brooke and Andrea do an incredible job with this show, and I highly recommend giving it a listen if you want some laughs and insights into the world of hospitality.



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    Latest episodes from Side Work Podcast

    Add-Ons: Bunn Coffee Makers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 22:10


    It's definitely iced coffee weather but before we were flying high on nitro brews, a simple and iconic diner invention revolutionized the way we drink coffee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add-Ons: Ranch Dressing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 24:08


    It's known as Midwestern meth, and is the condiment most likely to give servers nightmares. We explore the history of this divisive dressing!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Farewell Service Fees

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 59:02


    Today we kick things off with some disturbing headlines and then the show devolves from there into the sad state of restaurant survival in California.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add-Ons: The maitre d'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 16:28


    Today we explore one of the most notorious restaurant positions that exists to please the rich and famous: the maitre d'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Fizzy Lifting Episode About Soda Guns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 48:03


    People have been abuzz for soda water since the 17th Century. In today's episode we trace the evolution it from bubbling mineral wells to the hardest working employee in the service industry: the soda gun.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add-Ons: Non-Slip Shoes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 23:14


    Your feet are worth it! Today, we discuss the origin and evolution of the work safe, OSHA approved non-slip shoe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Kid Friendly Restaurants

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 47:44


    Throughout history, children were rarely seen or welcomed in restaurants or had menus that catered to them but now kid themed eateries are a full blown industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Restaurant Ruff Stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 59:27


    Man's best friend, and a restaurant's source of confusion and controversy, dogs are everywhere these days despite clear laws and health regulations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add-Ons: Server Aprons

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 26:08


    Enjoy an episode from our bonus series Add-Ons where we do mini episodes about the tools of the restaurant trade! No server look is complete without an apron holding you, your pens, lighters, and foil wine caps together!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Early Retirement, Food Trucks, & Manifestation w/ Chef John Fuller Pt.2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 58:23


    Today we get into the forward thinking future of food trucks as we continue our chat with Chef John the Dishwasher!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Early Retirement, Food Trucks & Manifestation w/ Chef John Fuller Pt.1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 50:12


    Today's guest has been there, done that with twenty seven years in restaurants. Chef John the Dishwasher joins us for an inspiring chat on how coming up in the kitchen shapes your work ethic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Drinking Holidays Debunked

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 41:30


    Today's episode is a cold shower to shake you out of your St. Patrick's Day stupor!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Service Scandals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 59:34


    Whether it's horse meat, opium noodles, or good old fashioned noro-virus burrito bowls, restaurants are a breeding ground for scandal!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Revival of Private Dinners with Chef Zach Meloy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 51:32


    We talk about the return of private dinners where chefs are carving out new territory by either bringing the restaurant to you or making a beautiful meal happen in an unlikely setting. Joining us is Chef Zach Meloy from Dirt Church Services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Middle East Paradise in Michigan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 46:08


    We go into the history of Dearborn, Michigan: home to the world's largest population of Arab Americans and Muslims outside of the Middle East. It's a rich community with an incredible food scene that Brooke spent several years working in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A PSA about PDA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 50:36


    In honor of Valentine's weekend, we want to lay down the cultural and regional norms of getting handsy in bars and restaurants so you don't end up arrested for making out in public.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Hotel Room Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 48:44


    Hotel room service: It's just like waiting tables, except the customer is probably naked.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    Nice Work If You Can Get It Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 43:54


    We are back with an extended conversation about the magic that is a unionized service industry job.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Nice Work If You Can Get It Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 57:24


    We invite longtime friend Sumi Folz onto the podcast to discuss how she landed the most coveted service gig working as a unionized banquet server in a 4-star hotel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Well Isn't That Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 52:29


    We have a few specials tonight on this latest episode! We are finally discussing why restaurants run specials and how to tell if it's a truly inspired dish or has an expiration date fast approaching.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Some Restaurant Resolutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2024 38:44


    Today's episode is heavy on headlines and ends with some restaurant resolutions we all need to talk about in upcoming episodes! Happy 2024!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add-Ons : The Check Presenter

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 18:37


    Now we ALL have Covid. So let's drop the check on 2023 and enjoy a re-fire of an episode of Add-Ons allllll about the way we deliver the damage at the end of a meal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Holidays Year Round

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 37:57


    Today we look at bars, restaurants and even casinos that celebrate the holidays all year!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Flight Attendants: Servers in the Sky Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 48:51


    Today we get into the juicy stories and work hazards that can come with a flight attendant's profession.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Flight Attendants: Servers in the Sky Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 47:03


    Today we discuss the history and multi-tasking career responsibilities of flight attendants!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Add Ons: The History of Coasters (the drink kind)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 17:32


    The team done got Covid. So we want to share one of our favorite episodes of Add-Ons that is short and sweet. We will be back with new shows next week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The History of Black Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 31:12


    Let's just say, the name "Big Friday" didn't stick. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Retail Return: Brooke's Record Store Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 73:08


    Something about November that makes us go back to talking about our sister industry: retail! We take it back to the nineties with Brooke's former coworker MJ joining to talk about running a record store at the tender age of twenty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    When Restaurants Go Viral

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 57:31


    Today we discuss the obvious benefits of going viral as well as the ugly downside of Tik Tok-ers descending upon your restaurant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Celebrating 200 with Pub Owner & Cider Expert Mike Pomranz

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 63:08


    How ya like them apples? To celebrate 200, we called in Food & Wine writer, pub owner, & cider maker Mike Pomranz to whisper tales of fermentation into Andrea's ear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Another Round Of Bad Vibes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 62:26


    Today's episode kicks off with a creepy AF ghost story, table side flambee terror and the twisted history of America's most dangerous bars and patrons.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    In Our Halloween Era

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 53:52


    It's time for our annual celebration of all things spooky in the service industry world. Grumpy ghost patrons, vengeful vixens and our own home state haunts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Health Inspector Cometh

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 60:29


    To kick off spooky season, we talk about a restaurant's most feared boogeyman : The Health Inspector! This clinical and important job keeps the public safe while striking fear in the hearts of murky buckets of water everywhere.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Talking Tipped Minimum Wage with Renee Hickman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 39:49


    We discuss the movement toward raising the tipped minimum wage for servers being raised to the standard minimum wage with Eater Chicago writer Renee Hickman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Street Vendors: A Dangerous and Delicious Service Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 56:32


    Today we discuss the contentious and criminalized world of street vendors who only want to make an honest living while enriching the culinary landscape with bomb ass food.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Dan Ahdoot Solves The Service Dilemma

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 63:19


    Author, comedian, actor, podcaster, and Food Network host Dan Ahdoot joins us today to discuss all things service related! Pet peeves were aired! Problems were solved! We learn Farsi! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    CA$H I$ KING

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 46:12


    While society hurtles toward a cashless swiveling iPad future, we explore the importance and equity of accepting cash and the benefits of putting it front and center in the restaurant industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Substitution Squeeze

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 56:09


    Whether it's a simple request or a customer who tries to create their own dish, substitutions can throw the whole restaurant into chaos.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Non-Smoking Section

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 49:03


    Remember when you could order a slice of pie and blow cigarette smoke into a baby's face? Those were the glory days of smoking in restaurants and today we dive into the once en vogue fad of ordering a steak and cigar to the full on ban of cancer sticks in and around dining and drinking establishments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Buca di Broadcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 46:07


    In this week's episode, we went there. "There" being Andrea's eternal flame and former red sauce chain restaurant employer: Buca di Beppo. We discuss the history and culture of this tacky and tasty family style restaurant after dining in at the Pasadena, CA franchise. Feelings were felt! Opinions were formed. Spumante was spilled.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Burn Out Happens

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 47:40


    Today we discuss how to fundraise for Maui, bread conspiracy theorists, Dunkin Donuts entering the hard seltzer chat, and our topic of the day: Server Burnout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Catch-Up & Gen Z Spidey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 38:33


    Today we discuss more headlines involving fast food workers fighting for their rights, child bartenders, and how as a server you might want to know a tiny bit of ASL.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Catch-Up & Sriracha pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 37:56


    We're back and still battling heartburn from the biggest pitcher of margarita known to man, discuss the hot-strike summer, and thanks to your Server Submitted Stories, get to shame a parmesan thief and much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Re-fire: Halloween & Henry Zebrowski

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 54:53


    We go way back to our first collab with Last Podcast on the Left host Henry Zebrowski!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Spooky Season Service Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 58:29


    The month of October is now as commercialized and busy as December, creating a slew of seasonal jobs and ways to make extra bling while you get your spooky on!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Art of the Hook-Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 59:40


    Today, we really get into what getting hooked up at a bar or restaurant consists of. We discuss how one might achieve freebies or buy backs by being a good customer, and when and what we do in the service industry when we like you, or need to right a wrong with a free dessert or app. Oops!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Did We Miss Anything?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 48:53


    After a much needed break, Brooke and Andrea have clocked back in! Today we read your stories and discuss some headlines that happened while we were napping in the coat room.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Poolside Service and Swim Up Bars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 38:41


    Splash! We wanted to send you into the summer with wet and wild vibes until we return. Stay sweet and have the BEST SUMMER EVER. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Rib Shacks, Puke Purses, and Brandie Posey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2022 60:11


    Brandie Posey, Host of Lady to Lady on Exactly Right Network joins us to discuss crab pretzels, Chili's Rita Robot, and getting sat with a 91-top in today's latest episode of Side Work Podcast!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Waitographers, River Rats, and Chef Ty Hess

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 59:56


    California has to cram for an exam, Hilton is training servers to be professional portrait takers for customers, maternity leave is a mess for service workers and then we speak with "The Gooch" aka, Chef Ty Hess based out of Salt Lake City, Utah!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Thank God It's An Episode About TGI Friday's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 57:13


    From Flairtending to Operation Swill, we are here to talk about TGI Friday's!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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