Chef Janine Pezarro: From Michelin Kitchens to the Warrior’s Path with Chef Brett Wright from Palm Beach Meats

In this very powerful episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini sits down with Chef Janine Pezarro and Chef Brett Wright to explore what resilience truly looks like behind the kitchen doors.

Janine opens up for the first time about the murder of her family, the trauma that followed, and how she transformed that pain into purpose — from Michelin-level pastry kitchens to the founding of The Warrior’s Path, a course helping men reconnect with courage and emotional strength.

Brett shares his own transformation — escaping gang life, finding salvation in cooking, and building Bib Gourmand recipient, Palm Beach Meats, and the only Kobe-certified operations in the U.S. into a budget friendly experience. His leadership philosophy centers on empathy, equality, and giving his team the opportunities he never had.

It’s raw, vulnerable, and inspiring — proof that food can be the bridge between survival and strength.

🎙️ Featuring:

• Chef Janine Pezarro — Founder, The Warrior’s Course

• Chef Brett Wright — Executive Chef / Owner, Palm Beach Meats

• Hosted by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media

Takeaways:

• Chefs Janine Pezarro and Brett Wright discussed their innovative approaches to classical dishes, exemplified by their unique use of beurre blanc with beef, showcasing culinary creativity.
• Brett Wright emphasized the importance of accessibility in gourmet dining, striving to make high-quality wagyu meat available to the average family rather than limiting it to fine dining establishments.
• Janine Pezarro shared her profound personal journey, illustrating how her experiences have shaped her culinary philosophy, emphasizing the emotional connection food can foster.
• The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by women in the culinary industry, with Janine recounting her experiences of harassment and the resilience required to navigate a male-dominated environment.
• Both chefs expressed a strong commitment to mentoring and uplifting their staff, recognizing that true leadership involves empowering others to reach their potential in the kitchen.
• The episode concluded with reflections on personal growth, as Janine shared her desire to inspire others through motivational speaking and her journey of self-discovery in the culinary arts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America

Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.