In this episode of the Backstage Kitchen, Chef Richard Julien speaks with Carl Coutinho, the president of Avondale Sky Winery, and Shawn from the Halifax Progress Club. They discuss the importance of community in the food and wine industry, the evolution of the Crave event, and the dynamics of running a family business. Carl shares insights into the challenges of the wine industry, the significance of customer engagement, and how success is defined beyond just financial metrics. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from entrepreneurship and the joy of creating memorable experiences for customers.

In this episode of the Backstage Kitchen Podcast, Chef Richard Julien sits down with singer-songwriter Christina Martin to discuss her journey in music, the impact of Mary Ann Faithfull, and the importance of storytelling in songwriting. They explore the challenges of the music industry, the joy of collaboration, and the connection between food and music. Christina shares her experiences with healthy living, her upcoming holiday music, and her love for cooking, all while reflecting on the inspirations that drive her artistry.

Photo Credit - Cherakee Andresen aka cherakeeandresen.photo on Intragram

In this engaging conversation, Chef Richard Julien welcomes Chef Dan Geltner, who shares his culinary journey from his early days in Montreal to his current role as a consultant and private chef. They discuss the evolution of the food scene in Halifax, the challenges and joys of launching a new restaurant, and the importance of family recipes in shaping culinary identity. Dan reflects on his experiences catering for music festivals and the unique challenges of creating memorable dining experiences in that setting. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the creative process behind developing new dishes, emphasizing the significance of quality ingredients and technique.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Julien hosts the husband duo, The Standstills, discussing their journey in music, the evolution of their sound, and their experiences on the road. They share insights on songwriting, live performances, and the importance of passion in both music and cooking. The duo reflects on their collaboration with Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal and the challenges they faced while touring. The conversation highlights the intersection of culinary arts and music, emphasizing the creative process and the joy of sharing experiences through food and sound.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Julien sits down with Ryan McDonald, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Alert the Medic. They delve into the intricacies of songwriting, the pressures of performance, and the journey of maintaining a band over the years. Ryan shares insights into the creative process, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in the music industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also touches on the connection between music and culinary arts, highlighting how both require creativity and passion.

Chef Richard talks about some of the culinary traditions of the world for this time of year. He also shares some of his Holiday memories and even some fatal screw ups.

Plus we have a world excusive interview with the big man in red: Santa Claus, just back from his latest world tour!!!

( Please note this is a Santa parody interview, please listen and know its not intended to poke fun at Christmas or Christianity in any way, shape of form) Much love - Chef Rich

In this episode of Backstage Kitchen, host Richard Julien sits down with chef Roland Glauser for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about what it actually takes to build a lasting career in professional kitchens.

From discipline and technique to leadership, pressure, and pride in the craft, Roland shares hard-earned insight from years on the line—where standards matter, shortcuts don’t exist, and consistency is everything. This is a candid look at the work behind the plate, the lessons that don’t get taught in culinary school, and the mindset required to stay relevant in an industry that never slows down.

If you care about longevity, integrity, and respecting the craft—this one’s for you.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Julien and Mike Turner ( founding member of Canadian icons Our Lady Peace) discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal connections and experiences in the music industry to the impact of technology and AI on creativity. Emtee shares insights about his reunion tour with Our Lady Peace, the significance of community in his current venture, Flying Squirrel Motors, and the importance of connection through food. The dialogue also touches on the evolving landscape of music production and the role of AI, culminating in reflections on memorable culinary experiences and the value of interpersonal relationships.