Ben Ford | An Artisan's Craft

Explicit content warning

01/27/25 • 112 min

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with chef, restauranteur and author,Ben Ford from “Ford's Filling Station in Los Angeles!” We discuss Ben's illustrious culinary career, his upbringing as the son of actor Harrison Ford, and the origins and influences of his deep-rooted passion for cooking. We touch on the evolving landscape of the culinary industry, as well as the significance of creativity and craftsmanship. Ben also shares personal anecdotes and insights about his philanthropic work with the State Department, his experiences with various culinary projects around the world, and his future aspirations as a chef, restaurateur and craftsman.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:45 Growing Up with Harrison Ford

05:57 Discovering a Passion for Cooking

11:01 The Evolution of a Chef

18:44 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

27:48 Mentorship and Legacy

34:36 Culinary Inspirations and Future Plans

37:05 Discovering Culinary Inspirations in Mexico

37:40 Influence of Spanish Chefs and Culinary Adventures

39:43 The Simplicity and Essence of Cuisine

44:07 The Impact of Food Television

45:47 Parenting and Cooking: Passing Down Skills

51:19 Personal Journey into the Culinary World

58:16 Balancing Fame and Authenticity in the Culinary Industry

01:04:31 Philanthropy and Culinary Craftsmanship

01:16:06 Exploring Comfort Food Across America

01:17:05 Immigration's Impact on Comfort Food

01:18:26 Dream Dinner Guests

01:19:41 Growing Up Around Creativity

01:29:31 Perfect Day and Alternate Career Paths

01:37:31 Advice to My Younger Self

01:41:45 Culinary Diplomacy and Future Projects

01:49:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

#podcast #BenFord #TamingTheFeast #FordsFillingStation #HarrisonFord #Chef #Author #LosAngeles #NoKidHungry #Restaurateur #Cooking #FoodNerd #Foodie #FoodNetwork #FoodTV #CookingChannel #CulinaryArts #food #foodie #foodporn #foodblogger #foodlover #cook #kitchen #foodies #eat #cheflife #restaurant #foodblog #cuisine #cucina #storyandcraft

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:45 Growing Up with Harrison Ford

05:57 Discovering a Passion for Cooking

11:01 The Evolution of a Chef

18:44 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

27:48 Mentorship and Legacy

34:36 Culinary Inspirations and Future Plans

37:05 Discovering Culinary Inspirations in Mexico

37:40 Influence of Spanish Chefs and Culinary Adventures

39:43 The Simplicity and Essence of Cuisine

44:07 The Impact of Food Television

45:47 Parenting and Cooking: Passing Down Skills

51:19 Personal Journey into the Culinary World

58:16 Balancing Fame and Authenticity in the Culinary Industry

01:04:31 Philanthropy and Culinary Craftsmanship

01:16:06 Exploring Comfort Food Across America

01:17:05 Immigration's Impact on Comfort Food

01:18:26 Dream Dinner Guests

01:19:41 Growing Up Around Creativity

01:29:31 Perfect Day and Alternate Career Paths

01:37:31 Advice to My Younger Self

01:41:45 Culinary Diplomacy and Future Projects

01:49:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

Previous Episode

Jordan Bridges | Back Porch Entertainer

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Jordan Bridges from the Lionsgate film “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and the Apple TV+ series, Palm Royale !” We chat about his career, family legacy, and his personal passions. Jordan discusses what it was like to grow up in a family of iconic actors, including his father, Beau Bridges, his uncle, Jeff Bridges, and grandfather, Lloyd Bridges. We cover a lot of ground...discussing Jordan’s passion for martial arts, to his passion for music. We also touch on Jordan’s thoughts on the value of work ethic and the importance of family...as well as the love of storytelling, and the challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:11 Growing Up in LA and Family Background

06:31 Martial Arts and Fitness Journey

16:28 Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships

27:30 Navigating Parenthood and Career Advice

32:38 Challenges in the Entertainment Industry

48:42 Financial Instincts and Modern Television

50:55 Taylor Sheridan's Journey

53:04 Working on Palm Royale

57:01 Film vs. Television: A Personal Take

01:02:53 Family Legacy and Personal Reflections

01:21:28 Celebrity Crushes and Influences

01:28:35 Desert Island Picks

01:38:18 The Role of Gurus and Teachers

01:39:02 Radio Days and Alan Watts

01:39:43 The Magic of Audio and Radio Theater

01:41:36 80s and 90s Music Nostalgia

01:52:38 Parenting and Generational Differences

01:54:49 Defining the Perfect Day

01:59:48 Career Fantasies and Creative Pursuits

02:04:35 Reflections on Youth and Advice to Younger Self

02:16:16 Working with Carol Burnett and Family Projects

02:24:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

#podcast #JordanBridges #DenOfThieves #Lionsgate #PalmRoyale #AppleTV #BeauBridges #JeffBridges #LloydBridges #GerardButler #OSheaJacksonJr #CarolBurnett #Family #LosAngeles #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft

Next Episode

Katie O'Brien | Laughing From X to Z

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, writer and producer,Katie O'Brien from theTubi series “The Z-Suite !” We explore Katie's career journey from Omaha to L.A., through the world of improv and her successful stint with the comedy group “The Katie Dids.” Katie shares her experiences working on “Teachers”, advice and anecdotes about navigating Hollywood, and her approach to storytelling that bridges generational gaps. Additionally, we dive into comedic inspirations from Christopher Guest to reality TV, and how Katie balances the roles of writer and producer and showrunner. This was a fun exploration of the creative process and the essence of multigenerational comedy.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:24 Katie's Journey: From Omaha to LA

04:09 The Comedy Path: Improv and The Katie Dids

09:08 Creating Teachers: From Web Series to TV Show

11:22 Life in LA: Jobs, Struggles, and Breakthroughs

26:11 Post-Teachers Career and COVID Impact

30:29 Navigating the Pandemic on Set

31:05 The Need for More Comedy

31:36 Creating the Show

32:53 Generational Dynamics in the Show

36:39 Casting the Characters

40:23 Writing Process and Inspirations

44:34 Gen Z Research and Realism

47:48 The Seven Questions

58:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

#podcast #KatieOBrien #TheZSuite #Tubi #LaurenGraham #NicoSantos #Actor #Director #Producer #Acting #Writing #Producing #Comedy #Improv #Chicago #Teachers #GenX #GenZ #TheBubble #JuddApatow #GilmoreGirls #storyandcraft