In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, we have Brad Leone. Brad is known for his prominent role at the Bon Appétit test kitchen. Over time, he climbed the ranks to become the Test Kitchen Manager. It was during this period that Brad's magnetic personality and cooking prowess shone through in the form of the video series It’s Alive! (https://www.bonappetit.com/video/series/it-s-alive-with-brad) This series, known for its humor and laid-back style, garnered a devoted fanbase and revolutionized Bon Appetit's online video content. My personal favorite is when he went noodling for catfish with chef Matty Matheson (https://youtu.be/-JkcZRBUNtw?si=RMY2tkkaxZFwIADT) .
Brad's creativity didn't stop at the test kitchen. He worked on various projects, including the celebrity-guest show Taste Testers, where he collaborated with notable figures like Jeff Goldblum, Jimmy Kimmel, and Paris Hilton. In 2021, he achieved New York Times Bestselling author status with his debut book, Field Notes for Food Adventure.
Now, Brad is embarking on a new chapter, where he continues to explore his approach to food, technique, and traditions. From hiking, hunting, and foraging to fishing and fermenting, his two new YouTube shows Makin’ It and Local Legends promise to take viewers on a thrilling culinary adventure.
Join us as we sit down with Brad Leone to discuss his remarkable journey, his time at Bon Appétit, his exciting new solo endeavors, and much more.
Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Chris' Return from Summer Break 2:10 - USPCA Sponsor Message 3:12 - Interview Begins: Brad Leone on Caffeine and Energy Levels 4:57 - Balancing Introversion and Public Persona 5:57 - The Evolution of Food Content: Entertainment Meets Education 7:25 - The Importance of Showing Mistakes in Cooking Videos 9:39 - Brad's Journey: From New Jersey Kitchens to Bon Appétit 11:26 - Culinary School Realities and Working in Restaurants 16:44 - Brad's Transition to Video Content Creation 18:30 - Local Legends: Telling the Stories Behind the Food 22:22 - Fermentation: Why Sauerkraut is Brad’s Go-To 24:06 - Balancing Fun and Food Safety in Fermentation 27:54 - The Realities of Working in a Test Kitchen 34:47 - The Challenges of Content Creation in the Digital Age 39:55 - The Art of Storytelling in Food Media 43:58 - Mentorship and Inspirations in Brad’s Career 48:46 - Brad’s Thoughts on Being a Content Creator and the Impact of Positive Energy 55:18 - Final Thoughts from Brad Leone
BRAD LEONE
Brad’s YouTube shows Makin’ It! And Local Legends (https://www.youtube.com/@bradleone)
Brad’s website (https://bradleone.com/)
Brad's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brad_leone/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bradleoneofficial/) , and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@brad_leone)
Brad’s book Field Notes for Food Adventure (https://amzn.to/3Ep03it)
CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
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