Season 9 - Episode 7 - Hospitality & Headspace with Scott Armstrong !

04/17/25 • 108 min

Can hospitality thrive without mental wellness?

In this very special live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Scott Armstrong, journalist-turned-mental-health-advocate and founder of MENTL, to have an unfiltered, honest conversation about the state of mental health in the workplace - particularly in high-pressure industries like hospitality.

This episode dives deep into psychological safety, breaking down stigma, and how investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s good for business.

Scott shares his journey from global editorial roles to launching a platform that challenges cultures of silence and burnout. We also explore how leadership, open dialogue, and structural changes can drive well-being at every level of the team.

Tune In To Learn:

👩‍🍳 The critical link between mental health and team performance

👩‍🍳 Scott’s personal journey from journalism to wellness advocacy

👩‍🍳 The red flags of anxiety, burnout, and toxic leadership

👩‍🍳 How businesses can create a culture of psychological safety

👩‍🍳 What the upcoming Mental Health Awards mean for the industry

00:00 Live Podcast Announcement

03:02 Meet Scott Armstrong & His Journey

21:20 Global Journalism to Leadership Challenges

36:03 Shifting from Media to Mental Health Advocacy

46:36 Why Mental Health is a Business Imperative

01:04:09 Addressing Toxic Cultures & Workplace Stress

01:10:08 Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments

01:16:52 The Mental Health Awards & How to Nominate

01:23:34 The Power of Open, Honest Conversations

01:29:52 Quick Fire Round with Scott Armstrong

01:40:26 Final Thoughts & Farewell

You can learn everything about Scott's organisation by heading to - https://mentl.space/

A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com

🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 20th and 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience!

Please leave us a review, it’s the best way to support the show!

Food is memories!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can hospitality thrive without mental wellness?

This episode dives deep into psychological safety, breaking down stigma, and how investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s good for business.

Tune In To Learn:

👩‍🍳 The critical link between mental health and team performance

👩‍🍳 Scott’s personal journey from journalism to wellness advocacy

👩‍🍳 The red flags of anxiety, burnout, and toxic leadership

👩‍🍳 How businesses can create a culture of psychological safety

👩‍🍳 What the upcoming Mental Health Awards mean for the industry

00:00 Live Podcast Announcement

03:02 Meet Scott Armstrong & His Journey

21:20 Global Journalism to Leadership Challenges

36:03 Shifting from Media to Mental Health Advocacy

46:36 Why Mental Health is a Business Imperative

01:04:09 Addressing Toxic Cultures & Workplace Stress

01:10:08 Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments

01:16:52 The Mental Health Awards & How to Nominate

01:23:34 The Power of Open, Honest Conversations

01:29:52 Quick Fire Round with Scott Armstrong

01:40:26 Final Thoughts & Farewell

You can learn everything about Scott's organisation by heading to - https://mentl.space/

A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com

🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 20th and 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience!

Please leave us a review, it’s the best way to support the show!

Food is memories!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Season 9 - Episode 6 - Health Hacks for Hospitality with Michael Canas!

Is your lifestyle helping or hurting your performance in the kitchen?

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Michael Canas, a transformation coach with a passion for helping people in demanding careers - like hospitality - take back control of their health.

From sleep and cravings to nutrition, alcohol, stress, and the power of small, consistent habits, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice for anyone struggling to stay healthy in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Whether you're a chef, restaurant owner, or just someone trying to juggle long hours with better habits, this is your blueprint for sustainable health and wellness.

Tune in to learn:

👩‍🍳 The real impact of nutrition vs. exercise - and where to focus first

👩‍🍳 What alcohol really does to your body, and how to drink smarter

👩‍🍳 How mental health, movement, and discipline all go hand in hand

👩‍🍳 The coaching mindset: how accountability and self-awareness lead to long-term results

01:00 Chef JKP Podcast Announcement

02:47 Meet Michael Canas: Transformation Coach

07:40 From Pub Chef to Fitness Professional

22:12 Nutrition vs. Exercise: Which Matters More?

33:21 The Sleep–Cravings Connection

41:38 Breaking Habits & Coaching Real Talk

48:15 Health Struggles in Hospitality

59:51 Common Health Myths and Missteps

01:08:57 Alcohol & Long-Term Health

01:18:43 Longevity, Habits & Healthspan

01:22:29 Accountability & Self-Improvement

01:34:46 Quick Fire Round

01:42:54 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcanasmc/

A huge thank you to our partners:

Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com

Westholme – westholme.com

🚨 The Chef JKP Podcast is going LIVE! 🚨

Join us for unfiltered, real conversations on April 13th, 20th, and 27th at Timeout Market Dubai. Expect deep insights, audience Q&As, and a chance to connect with industry leaders.

Want to support the show? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefJKP

Food is memories!

Enjoy the episode! 🍴

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next Episode

Season 9 -Episode 8 - Troy Payne - Crafting Culinary Memories !

What happens when comfort food meets the desert?

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the inspiring and outspoken Chef Troy Payne for a deep, personal, and unfiltered conversation.

From his Melbourne food roots to launching Craft by Side Hustle, the first brewery concept in the MENA region, Troy opens up about the highs and lows of his culinary career. The episode touches on mentorship, his powerful connection with the late Chef Greg Malouf, the mental health challenges of the industry, and finding identity in the Dubai food scene.

Tune In To Learn:

👩‍🍳 How Troy’s journey from Australia shaped his food philosophy

👩‍🍳 The emotional toll and importance of mental health in kitchens

👩‍🍳 What it’s like to launch a brewery-meets-comfort food concept in the Middle East

👩‍🍳 How innovation, failure, and purpose intersect in modern hospitality

00:00 Chef JKP Podcast Live Announcement

03:58 Meet Chef Troy Payne

04:29 Growing Up in Melbourne & First Taste of Cooking

06:50 Childhood Food Memories & Influences

11:13 The Path to Professional Cooking

15:34 Mentorship and Growth in the Culinary World

22:47 Finding Confidence and Voice as a Young Chef

30:24 The Influence of Greg Malouf & Their Bond

42:30 A New Adventure: Opening a Restaurant in the Middle East

47:27 Returning to Dubai: A New Beginning

54:38 Innovating Mobile Kitchens

01:00:07 Craft by Side Hustle: The First Brewery in MENA

01:05:22 The Reality of Entrepreneurship in F&B

01:10:56 The Importance of Mental Health in the Culinary Industry

01:17:55 Family, Food, and Balancing Personal Life

01:22:12 Lessons from Failure and Reinvention

01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions & Final Reflections

Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trotskie/

A huge thank you to our partners Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com

🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience!

Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/

Please leave us a review on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show!

Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices