This Empty Glass

This is the final episode, but the struggle continues.

Tonight we're talking dreams, the state of the world, thunderstorms and selfishness.  But, you know, in a nice way.

How do you want your story to be told?  Well, first you have to figure out what your story is, then stick to it.   thisemptyglass@gmail.com  

There's more than one kind of injury.

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.

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.

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 spare, do some check-ins.  It can't hurt.

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.

You don't have to do it all at once, and you don't have to do it alone.

Get ready for the holidays, folks, and remember to take care of yourselves.

I 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 all about my job.

Hey!  Today we're talking about things that trigger you into feeling good, baseball and we have an interview!

How did we get here, what can we do for ourselves and how can we help each other?  Also, chemistry.

Know thyself.

Look, I get it.  You have a lot of problems.  Where do you start?  Well, at the beginning.

So, how do we take care of ourselves when nobody is watching? Today, we head into the Heart of Darkness.  Also known as Pittsburgh.

In which we talk about restaurant upbringing, managing expectations and personal responsibility.  Also there's bears.

This 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/

In this episode, we talk about the very real pros and cons of sobriety.  Restaurants don't make it easy on you.

Today we sit down with (call) a seattle chef named Laura who has launched a company aimed at changing the way chefs approach health - our own health.  We talk yoga, sleep & the importance of taking time for yourself.

Today, we're talking about the cook shortage, chef suicide, treating our people like people and all the times I didn't die.

I went to a conference and read a book.  Social situations continue to be a bummer, and I had to take another long look inside.

Yeah, these 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.

I unfairly judged someone; here's where I apologize.  Also, where are our real responsibilities?    

It's our first interview episode!  Today we chat with Melinda Dorn about restaurant culture in relation to substance abuse, her history in the industry & her ideas for changing things (for the better) into the future.

So how do we make this work?  Practice.  We practiced drinking, now we have to practice sobriety.

So what do we really value in the restaurant, and what defines a cook's value TO the restaurant?  Also, baseball.

If I could erase all of my terrible, fuzzy memories of my drinking days, would I?  Find out!

Did my personality change when I quit drinking?  How would I know?

Tonight we're grilling, thinking about self-care and boxing.  How can you be kind to yourself and mend some bridges?  I have some ideas.   Also, I always give the wrong Twitter handle.  I am @soberchefben on the Twitters.  Sorry.

How do we mourn a loss without alcohol?  Also, bread, stones and Star Wars.

So you've been invited to a restaurant work party.  Everyone's gonna be drinking.  How does that shake out for you?   Find us on iTunes & Blubrry & shit, get ahold of us @soberchefben on Twitter or thisemptyglass@gmail.com with questions, comments or if you want to be a guest!

How do you define sobriety, for you?  Because it's a tricky word.  Spoilers, there IS no one definition.    

Where do you feel comfortable? Who are the people there? Are they really good for you? Do you remember where that giant bruise down the side of your leg came from?

So you quit drinking and everyone around you hasn't. Is anyone else out there going through this too?

So you've decided to quit drinking while maintaining your restaurant lifestyle. How do you do that? Where are your resources? Who else is doing this very same thing?

Man oh man, there are so many reasons to drink in the restaurant industry. And it's so EASY.

A year ago today, we lost one of the greats.  This episode is dedicated to my voluntary brother Tim.  Take that break, Chef.

Why listen to me at all?  What do you know about me?  In this episode, I tell you who I am NOT.  Spoilers, I'm not your mom.

Welcome to This Empty Glass, hosted by Chef Ben.  I am a 24-year veteran of the restaurant energy and a 3 & 1/2 year sober fella.  This podcast will be all about the pitfalls of alcoholism, drug abuse and general lawlessness that typifies restaurant work.  Follow me down.