EPISODE 646 - Chef Franck Desplechin - Relentless Growth - Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset for Professional Fulfillment

Most people simply know me as or simply call me Chef Franck; and that is exactly how I like it. Over time, "Chef Franck" has become more than just a name; it is a reflection of the way I show up in everything I do, with heart, passion, and a relentless commitment to grow and improve.

Behind the title is a lifetime dedicated to the craft of hospitality: My career began in the kitchens of Brittany, France, where I trained under Michelin-starred chefs who demanded nothing short of excellence. Those early years forged a deep respect for precision, discipline, and creativity. As I grew, my path took me beyond the kitchen, leading and mentoring teams, building businesses, and evolving with one constant: a love for creating meaningful connections.

From fine dining restaurants to luxury hotels and entrepreneurial ventures, every chapter has been a pursuit of one thing: creating meaningful experiences that stand the test of time. It has become so much more than food or leadership. It is about connection, transformation, influence and the pursuit of something greater than the work itself. It is the energy you bring into a room, the standard you set without saying a word, and the respect you earn by how you show up day after day.

Cheffranck.com was created as an extension of that spirit, a way to connect directly, without layers or filters. A place where craft, leadership, and authenticity meet opportunity. Whether it is building unforgettable workplace culture, strengthening teams, or guiding personal and professional growth, my mission remains the exact same: to elevate, to inspire, and to leave every place - and every person - better than I found them.

This is not just what I do. It is who I am.

I have never been one to follow a straight path; mine has been forged through pressure, uncertainty, reinvention, and an obsession with meaningful growth. What began in a small kitchen in Brittany at the age of 15 has become a lifelong pursuit of mastery, resilience, and purposeful leadership. From chasing Michelin stars in France to leading five-star operations across the Pacific and the U.S. I have learned that excellence is not found in the title, the awards, or the prestige; it is in the process. I have “failed”, started over, worked in languages I did not speak, and rebuilt my identity more than once. Along the way, I have grown from an apprentice with a dream to a chef tested by fire, an hospitality executive with a broader vision, and now, a founder, CEO and author driven by the same hunger I had on day one; but with far more perspective. Today, my work lives at the intersection of precision, purpose, and transformation; guiding teams, leaders, and organizations to rise, evolve, and deliver at the highest level. Not because it is easy, but because it is worth it.

Book: Relentless Growth - Cultivating a chef’s mindset for professional fulfillment

What if the only thing standing between you and true professional fulfillment was your mindset? Relentless Growth: Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset for Professional Fulfillment is my answer to this problem, offering a bold and practical blueprint for both emerging and seasoned hospitality professionals who want to thrive—not just survive—in one of the most demanding industries in the world.

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 645 - Anthony Dyer - Moon Child - Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions

ANTHONY DYER grew up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where adventure and resilience were woven into his very being. That same spirit of fearlessness carried him into a life of service, leading to an extraordinary career in Special Operations Aviation as a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator. Over the course of more than a decade, Anthony flew into some of the most dangerous and unpredictable environments on the planet, executing high-risk missions that demanded precision, courage, and an unbreakable will.

His exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to his team earned him numerous accolades, including the Air Force’s Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year award in 2018 for his role in a daring, life-saving operation. Throughout his career, he witnessed both the triumphs and the burdens of combat, experiencing firsthand the weight that warriors carry long after the missions end.

When he’s not writing or speaking on behalf of those who have walked a similar path, Anthony finds solace in fishing, basketball, and the simple joys of family life. Above all, he is a devoted father and husband, embracing the adventure of parenthood with the same passion and intensity that defined his military career. Now residing in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, Anthony continues his journey—one that is no longer defined by combat

Book - Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator

Born in the rugged Appalachian town of Sylva, North Carolina, Anthony Dyer was raised in a world of untamed adventure, where resilience was a way of life. That same fearless spirit propelled him into the elite realm of Special Operations Aviation, where he spent over a decade as a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator, flying into the world's most volatile war zones. Tasked with executing high-risk missions under relentless pressure, Anthony's career was defined by precision, courage, and sacrifice. But what happens when the mission ends?

In Moon Child, Anthony delivers a raw, unfiltered account of his life in combat-the triumphs, burdens, and unseen wounds that follow Warriors home. He shares the harrowing details of his most dangerous operations, including the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, where split-second decisions meant the difference between life and death. Yet, beyond the battlefield, Anthony faced a far deadlier enemy: the silent battles of addiction, trauma, and the search for purpose beyond war.

For those who have known war, for those who have battled addiction, and for those still finding their way-Moon Child is your story, too.

https://www.traitmarkermedia.com/moonchild

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 644 - Marshall Fine - Journalist, Critic, Historian, Filmmaker, and Author of Hemlock Lane

About the author

After a fifty-year career as an award-winning journalist, critic, and filmmaker, Minneapolis native Marshall Fine made the transition to writing fiction in 2024 with the Kindle best-selling novel, "The Autumn of Ruth Winters." Fine has written biographies of filmmakers John Cassavetes and Sam Peckinpah, directed documentaries about film critic Rex Reed and comedian Robert Klein, conducted the Playboy Interview with Howard Stern, and chaired the New York Film Critics Circle four times. The author currently lives in Ossining, New York. His second novel, "Hemlock Lane," will be published in November 2025.

Book: Hemlock Lane

In this riveting story of family bonds and buried truths, a young woman’s homecoming becomes a reckoning as four days together threaten to shatter the comfortable lies that have held her family together.

In the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family convenes for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs―an idyllic holiday for the perfect family.

But Nora has always known better.

Growing up, she learned to tiptoe around her mother Lillian’s explosive temper. Her father did the same. Nora’s sole confidante was their housekeeper, Clara, and their bond has only strengthened through the years. In fact, it’s all that’s keeping Nora together for her homecoming. But under that lifetime of pressure, the facade is beginning to splinter.

Over the next four days, everyone’s secrets are at risk. None more so than what Nora really wants for her life, how Clara has helped her get it…and how they’ve orchestrated it all behind Lillian’s back.

As the family grapples with the complex ties that bind them, Nora discovers that facing the truth―however painful―might be the key to finally breaking free. This weekend, Nora’s bravest act may be in knowing which bonds to cherish and which ones need to be gently set aside, making room for a future of her own choosing.

https://www.marshallfine.com/
https://amzn.to/4n9ZIED

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 643 - Mitchell Levy - Executive Abundance Through Clarity & Credibility, LinkedIn Basics for Authors and Creatives

Global Credibility Expert Mitchell Levy is a 2x TEDx speaker (including the 28th most popular in 2021), an international bestselling author of over 60 books, a Certified Stakeholder Centered Coach, and an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches.

As an Executive Coach, Mitchell is a sounding board, a thinking partner, and someone who can hold the mirror to generate insights for personal change. This impact has earned him a place among the world’s Top 200 Leadership Voices by LeadersHum (#16 in 2023), and as the #1 Thought Leader in Ecosystems and Top 100 Thought Leader Overall by Thinkers360.

He’s an accomplished Entrepreneur who has created twenty businesses in Silicon Valley including four publishing companies that have published over 750 books. He’s provided strategic consulting to hundreds of companies and has been the chairman of a board of a NASDAQ-listed company.

https://mitchelllevy.com/books/

Mitchell Levy has authored and co-authored over 60 books. You can see these books on Pintererst. He’s written on topics surrounding thought leadership and credibility in many vertical and functional areas.

https://mitchelllevy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 642 - Ryan Null - The Flare Chronicles - Into the Blaze and Into the Shadows, Marketing Your Book, Giving Back and Pizza

About the author
Ryan Null, an American author, is a great father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. He began his writing journey in 8th grade, inspired by his love for reading and a teacher’s challenge.

Balancing a busy life running an egg business, working multiple jobs, and raising a family, Ryan finds time to craft detailed, imaginative stories. His unique worlds and clever wordplay set him apart. Outside writing, he enjoys taking care of chickens, building projects, and engaging in men’s ministry at his church. This is his first published book, with more in the series to come.

Book - The Flare Chronicles: Into the Shadows

"When the blaze fades, only the brave survive the dark."

The story continues… After the explosive events of Into the Blaze, Daniel, Trisha, and Broctree rise from the ruins of rebellion—scarred but not broken. Seeking refuge at the sacred Godeware Lake, they hope for healing… but peace is fleeting.

Whispers of ancient evils stir in the dark. A forgotten terror—the Korkulan Skugga—returns, threatening to plunge Azrin into a new era of fear. As long-buried secrets surface and trust is tested, the trio must face an enemy born from myth itself.

A world on the brink. A destiny rekindled. Shadows that know your name.
The Flare Chronicles: Into the Shadows pulls you deeper into the fire—and far beyond.

Book: The Flare Chronicles: Into the Blaze

"A spark can ignite a legend."
Step into a kingdom ruled by shadows and secrets, where sixteen-year-old Daniel embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his mysterious bloodline. Armed with only his bow, a satchel of essentials, and an unbreakable will, Daniel’s quest soon ignites into a blaze of rebellion, redemption, and an ancient prophecy coming to life.

Along the way, he encounters a legendary warrior, a mysterious rogue, and a world brimming with hidden magic. With the tyrannical Order watching from the shadows, Daniel must decide: cling to safety or embrace the fire of destiny.

Epic battles, loyal companions, and gods of old lurking in the shadows—The Flare Chronicles: Into the Blaze is the thrilling start of an unforgettable adventure.

https://www.authorryannull.com/home

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 641 - E K Wise - The Debilis Rising - Keepers of the Rock Book 1, magical realism and earthbound fantasy and M.A.S.H.

E.K. Wise’s endless curiosity about cultural history and geology developed in her youth after living abroad and traveling internationally. She is enticed by multicultural cuisine and will sample almost any food once.

When not creating stories, she’s likely wrangling teenagers, sweating on her stationary bike, reading, or studying cool rocks and minerals.

Wise passionately advocates for learning evaluation, as she and three of her four kiddos (and maybe the dog), have ADHD. She earned degrees in psychology and clinical social work and lives with her family in Southern California.

Book: The Debilis Rising

When you know the Earth is dying, what will you do to save it?
Tessa Horton knows there’s more to life than meets the eye and her unique ability is proof. Tú Chen feels guilty about keeping his ability secret from his parents, but does it to protect them.

The truth about the world is finally unveiled when they are accepted into the College of Geological Evolution, an exclusive international school run by an ancient secret society: the Keepers of the Rock.

The Keepers, bestowed with supernatural abilities connected to the Earth, have a duty to protect the planet and its creatures, so humanity can reverse its accelerating course toward destruction. They alone are aware of the insidious evil that exists in the world: the Debilis—monsters who prey on mankind and willfully manipulate them for their ultimate goal—control of all Earth’s resources and humanity itself.

As they settle in at school, Tessa and Tú are relieved to find they are not alone. However, the pair and their extraordinary classmates soon learn how challenging their destined responsibilities will be. As Keepers, they are forbidden from directly meddling in human affairs and must rely on covert guidance to save humanity.

With the stakes incredibly high, the Keepers must prepare their young scholars to stop the resurging evil. For in truth, “the hand that cradles the rock rules the world.”

Keepers of the Rock: The Debilis Rising is Book One in an exciting and original YA fantasy series by E.K.Wise. If you like secret worlds, crystals, minerals, history, or science you will love this immersive 4-D reading experience!

https://ekwise.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 489 - Author Darlene Campos Shares the Amazing Story of Holocaust Survivor Pete Philipps

Hello! Hola! I'm Darlene P. Campos, an Ecuadorian-American author who is also a proud Houstonian.

I earned my BA in English-Creative Writing with a Medicine and Society Studies minor from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and my MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso (Go Miners!).

I am the author of the young adult novels Behind Mount Rushmore, Summer Camp is Cancelled, and Heaven Isn't Me, traditionally published by Vital Narrative Press.

Pete Philipps' Interview
Pete grew up in Essen, a major industrial city on Germany’s Ruhr River. His father worked as a cattle hide dealer for an international trading company in nearby Mühlheim. His mother was a designer for a fashionable women’s dress shop. Pete, his younger twin brothers, and parents lived together in an apartment.

1933–39: Pete had barely passed his first birthday when the Nazis came to power. His father realized the danger that now faced Jews in Germany, and the family left for Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1936. Pete attended Jewish school there, but the times were unsettling. In fall 1938, the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia, was incorporated into the Nazi Reich, and the following March, German troops marched into Prague. Shortly thereafter, Pete’s family left for Italy, where they settled in the Genoa suburbs. There, they were attacked by local antisemitic fascists. Soon after Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, the Philippses immigrated to Ecuador.

1940–45: In Quito, the Philippses joined the growing colony of refugees from Germany. Pete attended a private boys’ school. His father set up business making margarine, while his mother did clothing alterations and knitting. In May 1941, just six months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Philippses arrived in the United States. Pete’s father returned to his former company.

After the war, Pete learned that his paternal grandmother, who had fled earlier to the Netherlands, had been deported to Auschwitz, where she perished. He completed his education and, after a tour of military duty in Germany, became a journalist for the New York Times.

https://www.ushmm.org/remember/holocaust-survivors/volunteers/pete-philipps
https://www.ushmm.org/
https://www.darlenepcampos.com/
___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Published: Jan. 20, 2025

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy

Adam was born during the Eisenhower administration to Leonard and Sandra Zoberblatt Nimoy. He attended the University Elementary School, a “lab school” run by UCLA, where he was subjected to numerous psychological experiments. The experimentation continued at UC Berkeley in the form of mind-altering substances from which he may, or may not, have fully recovered. In a state of absolute certainty, Adam attended Loyola Law School. He was wrong.

After seven years of practicing entertainment law and one moment of clarity, Adam left his life as an attorney to follow his passion of making films. After directing forty-five hours of network television, some of it sublime, some of it eminently unwatchable, Adam’s career plummeted due in large part to drug and alcohol addiction. On January 1, 2004, Adam entered 12-Step recovery hoping to achieve an attitude adjustment. This was a New Year’s resolution he knew he had to keep. For 8 years, he taught writing, directing and acting at the New York Film Academy and taught filmmaking at Beit T’Shuvah, an addiction treatment center where the residents kept him on the straight and narrow.

Book: The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy

"Engaging and immensely relatable, while at the same time offering deeply profound insights into Adam Nimoy's personal relationships, particularly with his famous father." — Eugene Roddenberry Jr., CEO Roddenberry Entertainment

Living with Dad was like living with a stranger— as a kid I often had trouble connecting and relating to him. But I was always proud of him. Even before Star Trek I'd see him popping up in bit roles on some of my favorite TV shows like Get Smart, Sea Hunt, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. And then one night he brought home Polaroids of himself in makeup and wardrobe for a pilot he was working on.

It was December 1964 and nobody had heard of Star Trek. Still, the eight-year-old me had watched enough Outer Limits and My Favorite Martian to understand exactly what I was looking at. Spock's popularity happened quickly, and soon the fan magazines were writing about dad's personal life, characterizing us as a "close family." But the awkwardness that defined our early relationship blossomed into conflict, sometimes smoldering, sometimes open and intense. There were occasional flashes of warmth between the arguments and hurt feelings— even something akin to love— especially when we were celebrating my father's many successes. The rest of the time, things between us were often strained.

My resentment towards my father kept building through the years. I wasn't blameless, I know that now, but my bitterness blinded me to any thought of my own contribution to the problem. I wanted things to be different for my children. I wanted to be the father I never had, so I coached Maddy's soccer, drove Jonah to music lessons, helped them with their homework— all the things dads are supposed to do. All the things I wanted to do. So what if my Dad and I had been estranged for years? I was living one day at a time. And then I got his letter.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3KvTi1s

https://adamnimoy.com/

original pub date - Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca