Learning his way to the top, Justin shares stories about what it's like to land a job in the the kitchen, and what it takes to become and stay successful when it gets too hot in the kitchen.
Justin also brings the element of family life and work life balance
to the conversation, which I know for a lot of veterans... is one of the hardest things to figure out.
Seriously, one of the most down to earth guys... who can tell you that nothing comes easy from taking the shortcuts in life. Read through the show notes below and throw this episode on, and just chill all the way through, till the end of the conversation.
Show Notes
Hear the excitement in Justin’s excitement to be on the show (4:07)
Pre-Marine Corps Justin (4:47)
We talk about the little Filipino inside of Justin (7:00)
The road to the literal chopping block (7:39)
The recruiter lies to the Chefs too! (8:30)
“Working at the prisons…didn’t speak to me…” (11:13)
The GI Bill… “back in the day” (13:03)
Starting over at 22 (15:31)
Esprit de… Kitchen (18:00)
California Culinary Academy on Polk Street (19:01)
The energy in a kitchen—the kitchen high (21:10)
Does Justin have a “Top Gun” of cooking movies? (25:00)
Justin’s culinary resume (27:18)
How children can ruin a job as Chef to the Playboy Bunnies! (29:38)
Becoming the feeder of nerds! Culinary master to the one of the greatest brains this generation has seen, and his employees that will send us all to space… Space-X (31:44)
Maintaining discipline in the kitchen (34:35)
What it takes to become successful in the food business (36:52)
Passing on knowledge (40:36)
Burritos and Rosemary! (41:37)
Chitterlings aka the “poo trap” (43:58)
Justin’s dreams (46:08)
Balancing family vs food (47:35)
Justin’s advice to struggling veterans (51:48)
“Shut up and Listen” (54:33)
Final advice for aspiring chefs (55:10)
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.