Please Hustle Responsibly Podcast: Recent Episodes
Support Staff
The Please Hustle Responsibly Podcast is the brainchild of our Support Staff team members Kristina Magro, Kristina Veltri, and Matt Kohl. Support Staff is a community of hospitality professionals working alongside mental health professionals, and community organizers to change the structures of the hospitality industry. Support Staff’s goals are to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health, give employers tools to better support their employees, and give hourly employees tools to better advocate for their well-being. How are we doing that? Through programs like this podcast! Inspired by the hospitality industry and our wants and needs during this COVID-19 crisis, Magro sums it up the goal of this podcast best by stating, “we decided that instead of being better advocates for everyone else we are going to be better advocates for ourselves and for the hospitality industry as a whole.” Join us on our podcasting adventure as we talk with professionals about everything from how to navigate your health insurance to dealing with HR and and the unemployment office.
Welcome to our final episode of Mental Health Awareness Month. We have focused this month on talking about alternative resources for folks wanting to take the a more holistic route to their mental health journeys.
Today we sit down with Staci Berman. She has a vast background in her scope of mental health treatments. She is embarking on a new form of education through alternative medication. Staci Berman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher. She owns a private practice in Chicago's loop and teaches self-compassion classes in the Chicagoland area and online. She specializes in working with developmental and relational trauma, depression, and anxiety and believes in the power of relationships of all kinds for healing. She is currently working toward her certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapies and research at the California Institute of Integrative Studies.
Curious about CBD? This month only we have a collaberation with @lostrangecbd enter Promo code SUPPORT STAFF and get our bundle for $99. All proceeds for the month of May go directly to support our cause.
If you have any additional questions for us or Staci please feel free to reach out at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org.
We will be taking a break to focus on our own mental health and boundaries and will be back in a couple weeks with Please Hustle Responsibly Podcast Season Two.
If you have any questions about the podcast, sponsorship or would like to be a guest please email info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org. If you would like any additional resources, therapy or mental health education feel free to visit our website www.pleasehustleresponsibly.org. Can't find what you are looking for? Email us. We will find it for you.
Today we have a very open and candid conversation with Dr. Troy Alexander-El about Cannabis and her efforts to reduce stigma surrounding cannabis in the world of healthcare. In 2018, she founded Higher Level Healthcare as a response to the discrepancy of minority access to medical cannabis. Since then she has been providing patients with education about cannabis and certifying qualifying patients to obtain medical cannabis cards!
“If you have a friend or if you have someone that you trust and you talk about it like, ‘oh yeah, this what I tried this is what works for me,’ that’s part of it. That helps reduce stigma, it’s not being afraid to have those conversations.” - Dr. Troy
Dr. Troy Alexander-EL was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and is a graduate of American University of Antigua Medical School. She trained in Internal Medicine in a combined primary care program at John H. Stroger Hospital and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. In 2018, Dr. Alexander-EL established Higher Level Healthcare as a response to the discrepancy of minority access to medical cannabis. Her company has been providing patients with education about cannabis and certifying qualifying patients to obtain medical cannabis cards. This not only allows access but patients are also well informed on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Check out more of her work at https://www.higherlevelhc.com/
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since everyday is Mental Health Awareness Month around here, we decided to focus May on alternative forms of treatment and medication for mental health challenges.
Today we talk all things CBD. What is it? How is it used? How does it benefit me both physically and mentally.
Elizabeth Mickiewicz (she/her) is a hospitality professional turned cannabis educator/advocate spreading her wings with the support of the amazing team behind lost range cbd. She enjoys being out in nature, tending to her 60+ houseplants, listening to a wide variety of podcasts, fawning over her cat, and helping people discover the healing potential of plant medicines.
Here is a little more information about Lost Range CBD:
lost range was founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado by college friends who have always believed in plants over pills. Their love for nature and the great outdoors have bonded their friendship over the past 18 years and formed a partnership to be able to share their passion – to help others find natural remedies that will drive them through their endeavors.
Check out our social media throughout the month of May as we will have a special discount code (SUPPORTSTAFF) to receive a wellness bundle from Lost Range CBD company for $99. Check out @pleasehustleresponsibly or @lostrangecbd.
For any additional questions regarding this episode, please contact us at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
This week we are catching up with our friend Mariya Russell, and while she may have left Chicago, but she most certainly has not left our hearts. Does that name ring a bell? It should! During her time in Chicago she became the first Black woman to win a Michelin star for her work at Kumiko/Kikko. As you’ll learn in our episode, her talents extend far beyond creating beautiful dishes and reach towards humanizing the experience of the restaurant worker and creating an experience where guests can escape their every day lives to relax and feel safe in their environment. Mariya Russell grew up in Springfield, OH, where she spent most of her time with family and fondly remembers enjoying the comforts of the homemade food that made up every meal. She also developed a habit of watching and learning from cooking shows with her mom and aunts, which led her to discover that food could be much more than what she had grown up eating. She moved to Chicago, received her culinary degree, and began working in the field. She spent over 10 years working her way up, through both Front- & Back-of-House positions, building a reputation of excellence. As Chef de Cuisine of Kumiko, Russell’s simplistic, yet precise, take on gastronomy enhanced the high-end cocktail bar with an attention to detail that highlighted the honest beauty of fresh ingredients. In 2019 she became the first Black woman to receive a Michelin Star, 2 days before her 30th birthday. She currently resides in Hawaii, exploring new culinary endeavors and embracing life more fully. When not occupied in the kitchen, Russell relaxes by practicing yoga, reading, or spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Today we talk to someone that we all admire, Jason Hammel.
Jason Hammel is the chef and owner of Lula Cafe in Logan Square and the co-founder of the non-profit Pilot Light Chefs. Originally from New Haven, CT. he now lives with his wife, musician and Lula co-founder Amalea Tshilds, and their two children in Logan Square.
Find them on instagram at @Lulacafe or @jasonhammel
Today we dive in about how he started in this industry, how Lula grew into what it is today and his core values that have guided him and his team along the way. We talk to Jason about his efforts to safe Independent restaurants during this time, things that need to change and what the future of hospitality looks like. We talk about how the we need to reimagine where we get our food, supporting local farmers and creating a local ecosystem that works off of one another. There is a lot to unpack in this episode and if you are interested in what the food and beverage industry has been through this past year and how we can change moving forward.
Do Not Sleep on this episode.
Jason would like anyone who has any further questions, not to hesitate to reach out to him. If you would like us to make the connection for you, please email us at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
Today we talk to Tim Williams and Danielle Lewis of Pour Souls based in Chicago. We talk about the trials and errors of growing up in the Hospitality industry, mistakes to learn from, work life balance and their newest project, Juice.
Check them out on instagram at @poursoulschicago and @juice.chicago or juicechicago.com
Here is some more information about our guests:
Danielle Lewis @danielle_ky on instagram: I'm originally from Louisville and I've been in the industry for 22 years and I've played every part but bartended for the majority of it. In my current role we joke that I'm chief ninja officer, because I do a lot, and who needs a title anyway. I'm actually shy/introverted and never want be the center of attention. But when you get to know me watch out! I'm the friend that works out on vacation and orders all the shots.
Tim Williams @poursoulschicago on instagram: Tim has spent 14 years in the industry and has worked every position along the way, from “door guy” to Beverage Director. He’s spent the last decade in buyer and director positions, creating menus that range from fine dining to fun and nostalgic. In 2018 Tim left the on-premise world and turned his focus to consumer facing cocktail classes as well as consulting. For more information follow them on instagram or go check out their website at: @poursoulschicago and @juice.chicago or juicechicago.com
Today we talk to the Founders of No Us Without You in LA. Damián and Othón are industry vets that jumped into action almost immediately as the pandemic hit to take care of the people often overlooked in our hospitality community. No only are they feeding their community, they offer tutoring assistance, helpings with language barriers, resources, job allocation and counseling.
To learn more about their mission visit: @nouswithoutyou on Instagram
DONATE to their cause at www.nouswithoutyou.la
Here is a little bit more about both of the Founders:
Damián Diaz is originally from Vallejo, CA but has made Los Angeles his home since 2010. He had a dual upbringing both with his family here in the US as well as those on Mexican soil, as his families roots stem from Aguascalientes Mexico. These experiences have led him to obtain a concrete foundation from his Mexican heritage as well as an understanding for the immigrant experience. His families roots have instilled the essence of pain, hard work, and perseverance; while his own experiences have cultivated the idea of compassion, persistence and patience as a mantra. He is a seasoned hospitality Veteran who has helped to shape some the most noted establishments in Los Angeles, alongside many BOH workers he calls his friends. Damián believes in the narrative that the underdog weaves. He roots for the Individual that puts in the work regardless of how uneven the playing field may seem. The story of the undocumented worker who wants to provide for their family so that they too can have a fighting chance to live the life they deserve. Damian believes that what his Business partner Othon Nolasco and him have created is straight forward; We are humans helping humans. He exhibits the same level of hospitality whether it’s an illustrious bar, or out on the streets themselves. He believes that the immigrant worker has served as a corner stone in our nation’s history, and that this community deserves to feel the same level of humanity as any other in this country. In talking to all the families on a weekly basis, he reminds them all that regardless of status in this country we all bleed the same.
Othón Nolasco Born and bred Angeleno Othón Nolasco considers founding No Us Without You LA to be both the end and beginning of his life of service. From a young age, Othón was instilled with the significance of his birthplace-Boyle Heights, the center of Mexican-American culture in Los Angeles. His Parents taught him, ”to never forget where he came from”. These words would become steadfast reminders of what hard work paired with pride for the task at hand would result in-living a life with few regrets. An altar boy who became a bartender in college and then a medic who became a respected leader while overseeing operations at some of the best best bars in America. Othón often says that he “is proud to feed those who have fed us for years” this rings true if you’ve ever had the pleasure of working in the hospitality industry in Los Angeles. Undocumented back of house staff are the reason for LA having such a high caliber of food and drink establishments. They are the unsung heroes of the industry which has shaped the success of so many, including Othón. It is difficult for him to attribute the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing shutdown and what No Us Without You LA would become. Othón knows that he and his partner Damián Diaz were meant to take action to provide food security for families in need.
Today we talk to Chef Jup about starting in kitchens at a young age, mentorship and representation and how the future of hospitality should rebuild.
We sit down with him to discuss how he got his start in New Orleans, how he grew up in kitchens, what led him to want to spread that knowledge. We have always admired how Chef shared his platform and used him skills to build others up around him. Jupiter has always made mentorship in his kitchens a number one priority and we discuss how raising the minimum wage could affect those efforts. If you have any additional questions for Chef Jupiter or want to be put in touch please email us at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org.
Chef and Partner at Frontier and Ina Maes in Wicker Park of Chicago Il.
Check out Chef's food on instagram @frontierchicago @inamaetavern
Here is a little background on Chef Brian Jupiter: Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Executive Chef Brian Jupiter has always believed that Southern comfort food is a true art form. Pulling inspiration from closely held family secrets and recipes, Jupiter spent his childhood alongside his grandmother in her kitchen. After beginning his professional career at the age of 16 in the kitchen of New Orleans’ famed Aurora Steak house, Jupiter eventually moved to Miami, Florida to pursue degrees in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management. In 2003, Jupiter made the move to Chica go to fill the role as Chef de Cuisine, and eventually Executive Chef, at Narcisse Champagne and Caviar Salon. He later became an integral part of the menu development for the opening of Frontier in 2010 and Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods in 2018, as Executive Chef of Pioneer Tavern Group.
Chef Jupiter’s accolades and television appearances include 2019 & 2020 James Beard Awards Semifinalist for "Best Chef: Great Lakes", 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand, Cooking Channel’s “America’s Best Bites”, NBC Chicago News, NBC’s “1st Look”, Fox 32 Chicago News, WGN-TV News, Food Network, and “Check, Please!”.
Today we talk to Jennifer Kim about how she transitioned into an alternative economy model to support women who have opened small businesses in the time of Covid-19.
Jen has been working in the industry since 2009, ranging from mom-n-pops to Michelin starred spots. She went out on my own in 2016 with Snaggletooth and then in 2018 with Passerotto. She since transitioned into an alternative economy model to use the platform, resources and networks she built up during the past decade to work with other micro-economies and hospitality folks to put $ in our pockets during a time when it’s not safe for us to go back to work and/or we have no relief from our government.
Personal Facts about Jen:
I originally went to UIC with the intention of joining their pharmacy program; I didn’t find cooking as a profession until later in life (mid-20s). I didn’t grow up with parents or guardians that would cook at home often so food was always based around convenience and whatever two small kids could safely put together. I ate a lot of Chef Boyardee and baked potatoes with Kraft singles.
Currently living with the duality of hating the nightmare that is the American Experience and loving the time away from work culture to learn how to be a full, complex human being.
I have a dog. I love him. His name is Buster.
Today we talk to Ryan Pfeiffer. Who talks us through his journey of how he landed in Chicago. He talks about how he went from running a Michelin Star kitchen to following his dreams of opening a Sandwich Shop. Big Kids was opened during the pandemic in the iconic Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. He discusses tips on responsibly leadership, how to give good feedback to your team and his plans for a profit sharing model when that is possible.
Big Kids is a newly opened spa in Logan square. Unlike other spas, Big Kids does not focus on pampering the people… but instead, the sandwich. The last thing anyone wants is to eat a stressed out sandwich, so we take our time to make all of our sandwiches feel comfortable and stress free before releasing them back into the world. Ryan “stack em up” Pfeiffer opened Big Kids Sandwich Spa in October 2020 with his partners: Mason “here for it” Hereford, Wade “gimme dat cactus” McElroy, and Jeff “the hair” Donahue, with the intention of making life better, not only for the diner, but for the sandwich as well. They change their hours often as well as their menu, and the only thing they consider to be more fun than running Big Kids is playing with dogs.
Check out Big Kids
wwww.bigkidschicago.com
@bigkidschicago on instagram
If you have any additional questions for Ryan please contact us at info@pleasehustleresonsibly.org
Alex Nsiah-Kum (he/him)
Megan Mitchell (she/her)
We are personal trainers who live & work in the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago. Alex founded Paramount Personal Training in 2006 as a mobile personal training company. Megan joined Paramount in 2013 and together we opened the first physical location.
- We are doing a mix of in person and virtual workouts
- We nerd out about health & fitness, but also love cocktails and college basketball
- We eloped in 2018 and were supposed to celebrate with family & friends last year. We postponed the party to this April.
- I have a dog named Zoe who is 16 years young
Social Media
- Instagram - @boomerangninja
- Facebook - boomerangworkoutYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgHEfdADDfRuUkgU0zkubQ
Today we talk to Won Kim about feeding your Community.
He has turned his Bridgeport restaurant Kimski into Community Kitchen and Canteen which distributes hot meals to anyone who is in need. Teaming up with different chefs around the city Kim's menu offers six ever changing meals daily.
The Community Kitchen is a food service program that provides complementary box lunches to in need residents, families and workers in Chicago the Canteen has provided over 4,000 hot fresh meals a week to local senior housing complexes, food pantries, community centers, hospital workers and residents of Chicago.
Won is a modern day renaissance man. He is a stellar Chef, DJ ,
Street Artist, Community Activist etc. He has spent his time since the pandemic started on focusing on feeding his community. They have turned not only Kimski but he has multiple other venues around the City jumping on board to feed folx in solidarity. He also has been a part of other fundraising programs live streaming DJ sets to raise money for local tavern's staff. What can't this man do?
If you have any questions for Won please email us at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
Want to Donate to their cause: www.communitykitchenchicago.org
Want to check out what Won is up to? Follow him on instagram at @communitykitchenchicago @kimskichicag0 @revisecmw
Today we talk with Kisira Hill. She has transitioned from working physically in the service industry to 100% creative. You can find Kisira behind some of the best graphic design in the game. When she is not crushing various art projects you can find her on her Anthropological Podcast Series. We talk to her about how she made this transition, what she does to she find inspiration and the various projects she is currently working on and what the future holds.
Please forgive us for the interruptions in the podcast. We are working on getting our podcasts edited to eliminate this problem.
Kisira Hill (she/her) is an anthropologist interested in the relationships between contemporary culture and evolutionary theories of migration in academia, graphic designer by trade and hospitality person/bartender by hustle, and a Support Staff Community Partner. She’s been working in hospitality for 6 years, holding positions from manager to food runner, event coordinator, barback and bartender. When she thinks back to pre-pandemic, her favorite hospitality position is barback - “it's like a 11 hour game of Tetris and endurance.” After graduating from The University of California she moved to Chicago where she found her passion for food and beverage spaces. She looks to merge the academic and hospitality worlds through event work and creative content that bridges our contemporary understanding of the food and beverage industries with historical context and cultural critique. This has manifested in a participating in “industry” focused events such as Chicago Style (2018-2019), Resistance Served (2019-2020), Patron Sustainability Summit (2019), and Ice Queens Social (2018) - discussing topics from intersectionality & inclusion in hospitality spaces, ancestral trauma, the historical contributions of BIPOC peoples to the hospitality industry, and beyond.
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“Mental health for folks that work at the forefront of social interactions is key! Hospitality work is energy work, and it's laborious! Compound caring for strangers, hospitality industry workers deal with intense hours, uniquely uncertain wages and financial insecurity, exposure to triggers for some like alcohol or unhealthy eating environments, racial divides and inequity. I want to advocate for the POC folks that occupy the majority of hospitality positions. Mental health means equity, openness, support access and resources!”
Want to check out what she is doing find her on instagram:
@gemini_rising @creative.momnts @readspill
If you have any additional questions for Kisira. Please contact info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
Today we talk to the founder of Chicago based initiative 360 Nation W. D. Floyd. We talk about the their inception. We talk bout their ethos and the 4 daily practices and 4 rights. How to think outside of the box when it comes to leadership and education. We learn more about what 360 continues to do for their community and how we can get involved. Strap in because this one is an inspirational one!
A little bit more about our guest: W.d floyd is a Chicago based multidisciplinary practitioner. With 15 years of experience as an educator and developmental practitioner, his body of work focuses on the exploration and utilization of cultural assets as a means to promote self-actualization through self-determination. w.d believes that real change comes from empowering others with the agency to shape their existence. w.d believes in the obtainment of a critical consciousness and creative and technical skill sets as mechanism for transforming lives and communities. An example of this intersection of thought and practice is w.d's use of photography to document Black culture on the west and south sides of Chicago. He believes in the collaborative practice of street portraitures and its ability to grant him the opportunities to celebrate an existence that has contributed greatly to his development. His work is grounded in the desire to illuminate the dignity of those who have traditionally been framed through a lens of degradation. The thinking which derives from his lived experience greatly informs his concept of beauty and originality . Please visit their website at www.360-nation.com and if you have any questions please email them to info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org.
This conversation was one that changed the way all three of us view life. Kimiko walks us through her journey of finding compassion and how we can access these tools to help us in our day to day and work life. Compassion is a practice and we are so happy to have this conversation with Kimiko. Grateful for her insight on how we can all use a little more compassion in our lives.
Here is a little more about Kimiko and her own journey: I fell in love with the industry as a child, y parents decided they wanted to try different cuisines once a month and I was a very reluctant participant (that first savory mint milk shake) got me interested in writing reviews (what kids might order at restaurants that didn’t cater to children, oddly Chicago magazine wasn’t interested.) Fast forward ten years I started working in foodservice in 1987, at 15. Worked in a kitchen doing prep. By 29 I had worked as a server, bartender, manager, bookkeeper, owner and POS programmer. Now I’m only tangentially attached to the industry, through marriage. Throughout the years I have remained keenly interested in mental health, my own and that of those in the industry. I’ve lost several friends to death by suicide and overdose and through my own struggles with depression I realized that I want to work towards serving this community by both sharing the tools I myself have used and through teaching cultivating compassion, a course I am passionate about.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Compassion Institute : https://www.compassioninstitute.com/
Yale Science of Well-Being This course is being offered on Coursera currently which does offer scholarships! https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=01-BrandedSearch-US&utm_content=01-BrandedSearch-US&campaignid=380484307&adgroupid=102187343498&device=c&keyword=&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=433079694377&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=CjwKCAiAuoqABhAsEiwAdSkVVAydJ-PgkJe8HaTwEKqL7ZXKrz-B1yFwkS5IUFyn-Hic-9kvoOGKlRoCvgIQAvD_BwE
Books Referenced:
The Book of Joy
The Fearless Heart
Love 2.0
Today we chat with two members of the IWW. They discuss the tools and tips that employees will need when unionizing the workplace.
Here are links to various resources referenced in the show:
Ellen's Union:
http://www.stardustfamilyunited.com/
Kino Lefter on Ellen's Stardust:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjYxNzUucnNz/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xNTA0MjQz?sa=X&ved=0CA0QkfYCahcKEwjYmr6Rk5fuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ
The IWW:https://iww.org/ United Electrical:https://www.ueunion.org/ Tunde Wey and Tom Colicchio (bleh, but w/e) on the future of restaurants:https://www.motherjones.com/food/2020/05/save-yesterdays-restaurant-industry-or-let-it-die/ Emergency Worker Organizing Committee (EWOC): https://workerorganizing.org/ Here's their form to talk with an organizer: https://workerorganizing.org/talk-with-an-organizer/
Today we start the New Year off with CHAAD ( Chicago Hospitality Accountable Actions Database). We talk all things accountability and how to work through that process to start 2021 in a positive light. We have Emily and Molly with us today. Here is a brief description of our guests:
Emily McCoy LPC ATR-P (they/she) is a clinician at Art of Balance working as a trauma and anxiety specialist who volunteers for CHAAD as a mental health consultant and database supporter. They have 7 years of experience working in hospitality as a server and a bartender and have hopes to work with current hospitality professionals to hold the industry accountable for the trauma cycle it often perpetuates. Aviations, cat snuggles, and board games have been keeping them sane through the pandemic thus far.
Molly Pachay - 27, former bartender with a background in restorative justice and a penchant for stirring the pot. I started working with CHAAD this past summer after experiencing the heartbreak and disappointment in this current moment of historical reckoning of our industry. Now I spend my time tending plants, reading too much news, and playing gin rummy.
For further information or to check out the resources referenced on this show please go to www.thechaadproject.org or www.pleasehustleresponsibly.org.
The Holidays can be tough. Especially after this year. So we talk to DJ Watson to give us some tools to get through this Holiday Season. DJ is the Educational Director of Support Staff, Former Hospitality Professional, Amazing Person, Best advice Giver and Overall Our Biggest Asset to this Team.
DJ is an associate marriage and family therapist whose clinical interests include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making. DJ uses an integrated, person-centered approach that draws upon CBT, Gottman, and Narrative Therapy techniques. He uses these techniques to identify skills, build upon strengths, and reduce negative symptoms. DJ understands that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. He has successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. DJ blends humor, knowledge, passion, and compassion to help couples, families, and individuals in an ever changing world. DJ received his B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Central Arkansas. He earned his M.A. (with honors) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to joining Pinnacle, DJ worked as an outpatient clinical counselor treating couples, families, and individuals who struggled with anxiety, depression, anger management, sexuality and gender, substance use, grief, and PTSD. DJ also has extensive knowledge in the fields of secondary education and college readiness.
If you have any further questions for us please do not hesitate to reach out at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
Marie Cheslik Co-Founder of Slik Wines & Registered Nurse Most recently the Wine Director at Michelin starred-restaurant, Elske, Marie has received nominations including ‘Best Sommelier’ from Jean-Banchet, Eater’s 'Young Guns' in 2020, as well as passing her Certified Exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018. She has also been awarded ‘Best Side Hustle’ by Chicago Magazine for working as a sommelier and using her Registered Nurse license to help during COVID-19. Both careers have embraced her “people person” side as well as challenges her by teaching hard-to-grasp subjects like medicine and the world of wine. During COVID, she juggles doing what she loves by moonlighting as a nurse and establishing her virtual new wine education business, Slik Wines. Join us in talking to Marie and listening to her unique perspective not only within this industry but also within the healthcare field. We reference this article in the show: https://mariecheslik.medium.com/the-v...
Today we talk to Jason Vaughan owner of Nancy's Hustle and Tiny Champions in Houston, TX. We as a team have always admired how Jason has lead his team down in Houston. Today we get to talk to him about his ethos and what he does to run a ethical and sustainable venue while cultivating a culture for his staff.
FACT CHECK Here is a fact check from the episode. Jason is an incredibly humble human and when put on the spot he did not do his community contributions justice. After further investigation, here are a couple examples of what Jason has done for his team and what his team has done to help the Houston Community: When Nancy's first closed after the pandemic, they sold all the food they could to-go and donated 100% of the proceeds to our staff. They also paid them all a 2 week salary and raised 10k for them on a GoFundMe. They had a daily staff meal for pick up for the month we were closed. The team has also done the following since the start of the pandemic. raised $2,500 to BLMHTX with Bakers against racism Raised 4k for Mavia in Beirut to help them feed the community after the port explosion. We did this with one of our servers who is Lebanese and felt very passionate about it. Donated $2,500 to Project Row House, a community platform focused on enriching the lives and creating opportunity for marginalized communities Donated rice and beans and bread to Finca Tres Robles (a neighborhood farm) to help feed neighborhood families throughout the pandemic. Raised 1k in a bagel pop up for BLMHTX When they do the soft opening for Tiny Champions we will be charging or friends and family and donating the money to Finca Tres Robles so they can feed people who need it instead of feeding people who can afford it. So all in all, if you are in Houston. You should check them out. Give the staff a smile and hopefully a high five soon for all their efforts to the Houston community.
Today we talk all things Health Insurance. Just in time for open enrollment. Everyone is qualified for open enrollment for Health Insurance starting now until December 15th through the extension of the ObamaHealthCare Act. Kristina Veltri , Matt Kohl and Kristina Magro talk to Nadine Bunni about everything we need to know when choosing the ideal healthcare plan for you. Nadine received her undergraduate degree in Sociology and minor in Civic Engagement at Illinois State University. She has two and a half years of experience in healthcare administration, specializing in medical finance and insurance, since graduating college in 2018. She currently is a Financial Counselor working specifically with out of network and uninsured patients, at a large healthcare organization in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. If you have any additional questions for Nadine or the crew, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@pleasehustleresponsibly.org
The Please Hustle Responsibly Podcast is the brainchild of our Support Staff team members Kristina Magro, Kristina Veltri, and Matt Kohl. If you’re not familiar with who we are, Support Staff is a community of hospitality professionals working alongside mental health professionals, and community organizers to change the structures of the hospitality industry. Support Staff’s goals are to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health, give employers tools to better support their employees, and give hourly employees tools to better advocate for their well-being. How are we doing that? Through programs like this podcast! Inspired by the hospitality industry and our wants and needs during this COVID-19 crisis, Magro sums it up the goal of this podcast best by stating, “we decided that instead of being better advocates for everyone else we are going to be better advocates for ourselves and for the hospitality industry as a whole.” Join us on our podcasting adventure as we talk with professionals about everything from how to navigate your health insurance to dealing with HR and the unemployment office. Want to see what Support Staff is up to? Check out our website at www.pleasehustleresponsibly.org
Today we introduce the team, so you can get to know us.