Beyond the Recipes: Burnout, New Team & Hot Takes Q&A

[@MarkWomack11]

I just want to be one of the thousands of people that say thank you. You have enriched my life with your recipes and instruction. You made me a better cooker. You are awesome!

[@waywardmind]

Agreed! I've used his recipes and also altered personal recipes based on new info/techniques from Brian's videos. Thanks a million!

[@nattaleehassan2625]

Same...you've simplified the recipes and made them do-able especially the beef bourguignon/pot roast. Thank so much for that and for introducing me to better than bouillon. Game changer.

[@LifebyMikeG]

thanks for opening up Brian!

[@nickv5131]

The burnout and brain fog conversation is real man. I went through the same thing. It drives my wife nuts trying to understand what I’m talking about. Hope you cross the bridge man.

[@leonardofink4236]

Lion's mane mushroom has helped my brain fog tremendously. I highly recommend it. It took about 3 months to feel the effects

[@rusty9514]

I also recommend mushrooms. But of the magic variety

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Thanks for the kind comment. I’ve dabbled with microdosing mushrooms and that’s been pretty life changing.

[@Sawatter1974]

@@BrianLagerstromhey Bri. It’s better to do a “hero dose” of mushrooms once a year vs. micro-dosing. Find a good minder and try it with an intention to improve on or ask for something if that makes sense.

[@searchingfortruth619]

was so real talking about the self imposed pressure..... in youtube-land, i feel like upload schedules are the worst

[@Earth1218]

Chronic fatigue syndrome and debilitating burnout are very real things and I applaud your honesty and bravery in discussing them so publicly. Producing weekly content for KZbin has to be much, much harder than the majority of viewers realize. The quality of your videos and recipes and the success of your channel is a testament to your drive and talent. I worked in television for 25 years. I can identify with your situation in that I had to produce creative, compelling content daily that would deliver the numbers (ratings) that my bosses and our advertisers demanded. Those demands always grew. It was that, or the unemployment line. And it was a meat grinder for your soul and psyche. My livelihood and the well being of my wife and children hinged on my ability to perform and deliver an audience every day. The long, unpredictable hours, the lost weekends, the non-existent holidays, and never getting to see the family I did this for eventually took me to a very painful and dark place. It’s weird how something can be so painful and at the same time leave you so numb. To everything. I also felt trapped by own self-imposed perfectionism and OCD tendencies. My successes were good, but never good enough. My failures were devastating. When I hit bottom I could barely move or see straight. I developed heart problems, diabetes, chronic kidney stones, and other conditions that were my body’s way of calling for help. It came to the point where I knew for the sake of my family and my existence that I needed to get out. I was lucky enough that an opportunity presented itself in a completely different industry. I jumped at the chance and am living a completely different life now. A big part of that was realizing that good is better than great, my health is more important than than a stellar resume, and time spent with my family is more valuable than any work achievement or award. Never forget that you are a human being and not just a work tool. If you ever need to step back, do so without fear. We will be here when you return, ready to try the next delicious recipe you share. P.S., I worked my way through high school and college as a prep cook and line cook in many restaurants. That’s some hard work too and I thank you for sharing your techniques and tips with us at home. Oui Chef!

[@jimmycapp29]

Hands down, one of my favorite KZbin cooking channels and I already know a lot about cooking. You present things in a very easy to understand fashion. You come off confident and affable. Simply great work. Thank you and your team for all you do. Take breaks, we'll be here waiting to see more.

[@languagechefcorey]

It takes tremendous courage to speak so openly about your mental health. As men especially, it’s important we set examples of being vulnerable yet resilient. Yours brought a tear to my eye. Thank you, chef!

[@Jay-xz6rw]

Bri, sorry to hear about your loss and the health challenges, but I'm glad to hear you never gave up on yourself and have a strong wife by your side. I really appreciate your teaching when I am over my cooking challenges❤

[@callipygianchronicle]

We do not talk enough about the physical manifestation of grief, trauma, and loss. Or the pain that is caused by anxiety and fear. The brain body connection is real and the disconnect can absolutely leave us physically depleted and ill. I’m so glad you’re feeling better and living in a more authentic place.

[@RyanMacLean-n1o]

Bri, your channel is one of my favorites on KZbin. I love the recipes and think you and Lorn are hilarious. That said, this is my favorite video you’ve produced. I’ve lost both parents, a sister, and two 15 year old dogs. The grief and pain are real. It’s so easy to feel like we are all alone in the struggle. It takes a lot of strength to be vulnerable with an audience, and I’m grateful that you took the time to share this with us. Thank you both for what you do.

[@spicy571]

I don't know if you'll read this but I fought cancer back in 2022 as a 26 year old guy and am just starting to get back to life. I am still unemployed but working to get a job. I finally moved out of my parents house after I was there during treatment and I am trying to get back on the horse, but I definitely have days where I feel like you did, especially feeling really unmotivated and fatigued and I feel like a failure when I have those days. Hearing what you said helps some and I want you to know I appreciate your videos so much, they've helped this process and will continue to. I would love to hear anything more you have to say about how to deal with The Weight Of It All and pushing past it. Love you man!

[@anthonygardner400]

I've watched and loved you for most of your KZbin career, Bri. After this, love you even more, bro! Your mixture of crazy culinary talent and authenticity is magical - exactly what people want. Thanks for opening up and being vulnerable. I needed to hear your story today. Be well, and take care of yourself. Appreciate you so much.

[@zach4154]

Health convo was great to hear. Have struggled with health anxiety and on and off stress born issues from it for a while. Ironically cooking is one of my ways to help with these issues and this channel has inspired countless meals over the past 4+ years.

[@euansblair]

I don’t often comment on KZbin videos but I appreciated the honesty here. Your channel gives so much inspiration and joy to people. Don’t let that be the be all and end all of everything, but do take pride in it. I appreciate you and look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

[@sherriemann8271]

Thank you for being so vulnerable. “I have currently wired my body to a permanent state of fight or flight”, I know that feeling. I’m happy you’re healing. My family really enjoys your channel.

[@Jerrywave_]

Appreciate you talking about the brain fog, burnout, symptoms you were feeling. I’ve been experiencing that for a long time now and like you said, impossible to get that point across to people, or they say oh I get that too sometimes, just kind of dismissing how you feel as the norm. Things became so overwhelming (still feeling that way but on the up) and you truly do just become paralyzed from it all. Glad that you’ve managed to recover from it. Your videos have always been a shining light for me on my darkest days, and you’ve truly taught me so much about cooking. I can never thank you enough Bri and Lorn for everything y’all do!

[@dawsonholmberg3496]

Resonate with Brian’s burnout so much. Been dealing with my own journey of burnout for the last 4 months. Thanks for sharing Brian 🤍

[@nicholasdunn6158]

If you quit youtube tomorrow just want you to know you've inspired me to be a better home cook. Cooking is my true passion and I'll use the techniques and flavor combinations I've learned forever. I did not understand the mental strain doing what you do creates until I saw videos like this. I truly appreciate what you do.

[@matthewlerpiniere8953]

Love your channel. I really also love seeing KZbinrs that I follow opening up about mental health. Good to see the younger generation talking about burnout and mental health and not glorifying working yourself into the ground and the addiction that often comes with the "old" mentality.

[@artleitch]

Your discussion of brain fog really resonated with me. The feeling of constantly walking through jello and inability to complete simple tasks was something I went through earlier this year and resulted in me taking leave from work. I only feel like it's somewhat resolved now, months later and I can only attest to the necessity of taking time to rest, reflect and realign. Always put your health first and feel no guilt in doing so

[@paulasimson4939]

Lauren is the hidden gem of this channel!

[@patriciaadermann2368]

Thank you! I totally agree! Of course as her mom, I may be a little partial! 😉

[@MegamiShin]

I wanted to make this comment as well while Brian talked about brain fog and fatigue.

[@Cyax0k]

Agreed! I also thing its really funny that in this video its the clearest I've ever heard him say her name in a video in the years I've been watching the channel. At this point its almost like a channel meme on if her name is spelled Lauren or Lorn.

[@kevinwichlin9889]

“Double, though” lmao

[@annakopinska5212]

LOVED IT! Honestly, my husband is an amazing home chef, and he used to talk about Kenji Lopez-Alt all the time. "Kenji said this, Kenji said that, blah blah blah". We've been watching your videos for over a year now, and now we both talk about "Brian said this, let's make that weeknighting dish that Brian made, our knives are okay but should we get that Brian knife?" You have given us so many great meal recipes, and we love how you describe the science behind the process that makes everything taste so good. You're our favorite celebrity!

[@jarrlo29]

I've watched your channel for years, but this.... this helped on a deep level. I reached out to someone today because of this. Thanks for being transparent on your health journey man.

[@Nighthorde26]

I went through the SAME thing during all of 2023. My burnout was so bad i had no energy or motivation, i was always angry, i couldnt even do the things i loved. No games, no dancing, didnt want to work out or run but forced myself to, i ended up getting nearly anorexic. Ive recovered since the beginning of this year but definitely feel changed. Now im constantly thinking of betterment without burning out (which is, admittedly, hard). I hyperfocus to the extreme and its REALLY hard to not constantly worry or stress. Glad to hear youre taking it easier and better now! Your videos genuinely help myself, and I hope youve got some creators that help you!

[@drew-alexander]

Hearing your experiences of dealing with loss really echo what I've been going through over the last year. I lost my mother earlier this year, and your experiences with frustration, brain fog, and deep depression is almost exactly what I've gone through. I don't have much to add, just wanted you to know that I feel seen and heard and it's nice to know that even through the darkness, you can come out of it stronger and better at the end. Truly love your content and appreciate you sharing this part of your life with us. ❤

[@Skuljor]

I don’t often comment - really appreciated you talking about your health issues. I had very similar issues driven by overworking and personal stressors and when you were talking about the feeling of needing to resolve it causing it to get worse and the frustration with how it impacted your life and the looping of those issues causing it to get worse I knew exactly what you meant. I’m so glad you’re doing better now. I also had to switch things up and it really was the only cure.

[@suzyjetlagged3609]

No need to dance. You being authentic is most important and love you for that. I lost my beloved sister, my best friend and her husband, my Dad and most recently my dearest brother over an 11 year period. Your recipes keep me happy and motivated in the kitchen cooking for my family. Your sharing is making a huge difference. Thank you and Lauren xx p/s Alex and you goofing off outtakes video will be charming.

[@gratefultammy]

Ditto

[@TanyaLopez-dg9hc]

I'm so impressed that you're talking about your health/personal struggles. I got cfs/me back in 2005 (I'm close to 50, I think older than a lot of your viewers), and at the time, I didn't know anyone who was talking about what you are in this video. I went through a very similar process, trying to figure out how my stress, my life circumstances, various physical health problems, all fit together. I recovered, but it took me a decade. Personal growth and development is hard. Worthwhile, but damn hard, and it's a gift to the world for you to talk about it. For-sure, you're helping someone else see themselves and their situation in a new light. Kudos and best wishes to you.

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Thanks for sharing Tanya. It’s a really hard thing to go thru. I can’t imagine suffering for a decade. Kudos on making it thru. And thanks for watching.

[@r1-le801]

Ive never been this early. Before I watch this, I just want to thank y'all for the absolute best cooking channel ever. I cant stress enough how successful I've been with your recipe, and I appreciate you so much.

[@hillarybean2027]

Great video, appreciate your honesty and authenticity. So glad you are feeling better and your fans love your cooking!!

[@melaniepotter3951]

You are so precious to us...your recipes and instructions are some of the best out there. We know you work so hard! We are wishing you tremendous success!!!

[@ricksan37]

First, I don't often muscle through 50+ minute videos... I've been subscribed and watching/saving your videos for quite some time now. With that said, this video almost made me cry. I am your sister in that I'm a cooking enthusiast but not a chef (although I wish I was one). Your openness about your personal/health challenges and how you addressed them were spot on and really resonated with me. Thanks for sharing!!

[@KennethBaker53]

When I saw the video's title, I was scared you were calling it quits. I am so glad you aren't! KZbin burnout is a real thing, and so many channels do well, but because of the pressure, they cannot sustain the pace of production and growth. I am glad you were able to deal with the health issues and get on top of them. Thanks for being so transparent and open. Congratulations on the growth of your channel to the point that you are bringing Alex on. Your channel has quickly become my favorite for exactly the reason you stated: attainable home-cook recipes. Your recipes are amazingly well-researched and significantly better than those I used before. My kids demand your chocolate chip cookie recipe weekly.

[@lobstahchowdah8920]

Thanks for sharing what has been going on behind the scenes in your lives. Grief, depression and burnout are real. I lost both parents recently in a short period of time, so I can relate to everything you spoke about. Keep on taking good care of yourself. It does get easier. You are such a talented chef and teacher, and I enjoy watching your channel and making your dishes.

[@shawndugay4089]

As a Gen Xer who was raised in the "ignore your feelings and just suck it up" era, good on you for being able to prioritize your mental health. More importantly, thank you for sharing your personal journey with us.

[@KevinDHart]

This is absolutely the realest Q&A you've done. And you're not wrong about the YT overlords. They are awful. But like you said, you'll be ok. You've got a LOYAL following. When I need to find something new and delicious to eat that involves ingredients that I know I can find in the store and won't take 2 days to cook, you're the channel I go to.

[@bradk7969]

Great talk. What you are talking about with the fatigue and brain fog is systemic fatigue overload. It’s the total stress load from ALL sources psychological physical etc. So tally up work, physical activity, mental stress u reach a certain point and your nervous system literally starts dialing down energy and that motivation takes a huge nose dive. U hit the nail on the head about learning to take it easy which can be really REALLY hard for the go-getters. Glad to hear you’re much more cognizant of it now. (From a classically trained physician who has become a much better cook because of you! My family appreciates it!!!)

[@loridoyle3591]

I finally had time to sit and watch this video. Thank you for being so honest and brave sharing your hard stuff. You probably won’t ever know how something you shared may have validated or inspired someone going through their own struggles. So glad you’re moving into more hopeful times. I wish you both-ok, you three! -the best. I still revisit many of your videos as I tackle old favorites using new techniques I’m learning from you.

[@micahallen3093]

Just want to say thanks for your channel - your recipes are the perfect blend of elevated but practical and I have learned SO much as a home cook from you. I now cook all of our family meals and I am doing it better, faster, and with less hassle than ever before. You are my favorite youtube cooking channel and I share you with all my friends!

[@kimberlycooper6321]

Thank you for all your cooking content over the years, I'm such a huge fan. I can't thank you enough for coming clean about your issues & how important your emotional, mental, & physical health is and how they're all connected. Hang in there. Life is a rollercoaster! Love to Lorn & welcome Alex.

[@mariamcdonald3841]

This was phenomenal. Your sincere sharing is so appreciated and needed. Hooray for functional medicine, learning to process grief (so sorry about your momma 💛), practicing meditation, and emotional growth. Sending you and your whole crew so much love 💛

[@5valeria7]

Thank you for all of the fine recipes you have provided over the years. I started with Weeds and Sardines and loved your gardening advice. It was so good. I have made so many of your recipes because they are some of the best out there. I am an older fan and love the new generation of chefs and their creativity. I understand your struggles. After having lost most of my immediate family, one sibling in 1998, two parents in 2020 and my sister in 2023. It is a lot to endure. Grief is disabling and I have experienced some of what you have felt. Take good care of yourself! You are Lauren are truly the best part of You Tube.

[@sarahhudson1175]

Love your channel and your approach to recipes giving the home cook access to great recipes!

[@iamcrolfe]

I watch KZbin for the recipe but more importantly for the personality. Thank you for putting yourself out there, being real, in addition to making great recipes for the home cook. When you spoke about ‘celebrity’, it’s not about the ‘wow’ factor but the fact that you feel you know who is directing and guiding your choices in the kitchen for you and your family. Videos like this increase that connection. Thank you for all you do!

[@johngordon3231]

I usually never comment on videos but you were so transparent, and thank you for that. I really enjoy your content and have made a number of your recipes and enjoyed them. I really enjoy how you share with us home cooks on how to be better but also practical with limited resources at home. Thank you and do take care of yourself first.

[@Red2U]

I love your channel. I love the way you present your recipes and break them down in an approachable way. Your passion for food comes through the screen.

[@timp4447]

Hey Bri’, love your channel-you taught me how to make bread, and now I can’t stop. Thank you for sharing your struggles with fatigue & burnout. I’m a primary care physician and can vouch for the fact this is real, and can be incapacitating. Good to hear you are on the road back to wellness. Need to set those protective boundaries in our lives, no one else will do it for us.

[@lindacampbell4483]

Loved this in-depth look into you both. Sharing your personal journey of your illness should help some people. Being vulnerable in front of so many fans could make it easier for others to seek help. I have enjoyed so many of the recipes you have shared, and just in the last month, have made your apple galette three times. It just keeps getting better every time. Thank you both for your integrity and talent!

[@banethero]

B Man! Loved it! Great to hear more of your story. Thanks for sharing and thanks for all you do each week to teach us all!

[@phewd]

You're my favorite parasocial relationship, Brian, and really appreciate this Q&A. I've suggested your recipes more than any other KZbin cooking channels. Looking forward to many more to come...

[@minniemat]

Thanks for this format! Love hearing from both of you, your new chef...and the cat. Social media burnout is a thing. I started an account for a creative passion that I loved and now I have to make myself do it for content. Not the point of the whole thing in the first place. It's good to hear that you've come out the other side wiser and healthier. Thanks for being one of my favorite KZbinrs. I love it when your new recipes pop up--I never miss them. Thanks for being down to earth and throwing out recipes for us home cooks 💙

[@laurie9708]

Thanks to both of you for candidly sharing about such a painful time and how you dealt with it. Huge service to your community, and we're out here for you!

[@somewhatboxes]

i wanna go back and do timestamped comments that are just "dude that was awesome" to every question you answer, but i'll be serious and say that it surprisingly hit me hard to hear you talk about needing to lie down for an hour between 30-minute sessions of minimal work, and how much i've been relating to it. i appreciated hearing it a lot. i don't think i would have expected to hear it from you since you seem to be so energetic and upbeat in all of your videos.

[@jackson9526]

Dude every recipe you make is 10/10 in my book and you CRANK out the videos man I know the pressure is on so take the time you need!

[@element7821]

I want to thank you so much for your excellent recipes and inspiration. Your baguette recipe is, hands down, the absolute best for a home kitchen (and I've tried many, maaany, over quite a few months).

[@JillKimball-e8g]

Love you guys! Nothing in the world better than opening up your heart 😊

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

I love your channel and thanks for sharing. I lost both of my parents this past year so I understand your grief/depression/burnout. Be kind to yourself. Also, my two favorite recipes of yours is the One Hour Bagel and the Detroit Style Pizza!

[@waylonwiseman2209]

Thank you so much for your segment on burnout and self care. I am going through a challenging time with burnout and so much of what you articulated really resonated with me. I appreciate it!

[@RykaStar]

“The recipes I put out work for the people they’re intended for” ACCURATE and thank you for doing just that!!

[@DavidSteveExploring]

Thanks for everything. I’m a home cook and have watched (and tried to repeat a half dozen or so) of your recipes. I still make your bread recipe from the original video about once a week (took me a bit to learn how to handle that wet dough lol). Wishing you all the best.

[@barbaraford8716]

I have made several of your recipes and they are all fantastic and keepers!! Making your Greek chicken wraps this weekend. Thank you so much for the recipes. You’ve made this 65 y/o grandma a rock star in this house!!!

[@harmonybat]

I'm local and would totally fangirl if I ran into you somewhere. Congratulations on the ongoing recovery - losing parents is tough!

[@janeclark7060]

Love the shout-outs to the Lou! We desperately needed some new restaurants to try, so thanks. Also heavily related to the grief issues. My mom died right before yours did, and I have several other grief-like things at the same time. I came through most of the other stuff, only to be hit by grief even harder this month. It comes in waves (sometimes tidal waves). May you continue to heal and be good to yourself. Big shout-out to Lauren: your groundedness is a gift to the channel. Can't wait to see more of Alexander!

[@FoundationsSoundLab]

Thanks so much, love getting to know you two much better. Always appreciate your work!

[@JillahThrillah]

I thoroughly enjoy your recipes and culinary advice, you are seriously my favorite YT chef. I loved this video bc I got to know you more as a person and I love the dynamic you and Lorn have. So cute! I appreciate you sharing your very real and relatable struggles, and how you’re getting through it all. The authenticity you both bring to the often fake-as-F internet is refreshing. Whether you make a vid per week or take months off at a time, my subscription to your channel isn’t going anywhere. It is permanent. Fantastic work, man, and thank you both for excellent content ❤

[@melissawiggles4594]

Thanks for all the hard work you & Lauren put into your videos! Also thank you for sharing your health story with us! ❤

[@noahmoore6513]

Brian, your videos have made my life significantly better. A tremendous inspiration in the kitchen and mentality. Glad you’re doing better and I appreciate the work you guys do.

[@marissasantucci]

Such a good q&a! Love to see Lorn make an appearance, and I’m so happy you’re in a better place with mental health. addressing the burnout and grief especially when it’s manifesting with physical symptoms isn’t easy and it’s definitely scary so kudos to you. Love your content as always. Wishing you all the best! Plus totally sick knife, I gotta check that out

[@michaelwilkes5437]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Glad you’re feeling better !

[@adelecruzmorris7358]

So sorry for your losses. Grief has to be felt, for as long as you need it to. Glad you are on your road to recovery. I say Yay to you

[@bobobobobobobo996]

thanks for sharing Brian. Just wanted to let you know youve inspired and taught many home cooks like myself. youre definitely my favorite and go-to chef/content creator/recipe designer!

[@jimmurray9]

Bri thanks for being so damn open and honest You rock!

[@MelwasSmallAdventures]

Im happy you are starting to find a better life balance! I have cronic brain fog and brain fatigue after a car accident where i smashed the window of the car hitting me. I was very lost for a few years after, but after landing in my new self, and getting some help, I have found tactics to live better. But I will probably be a spoonie for life, but Im happy to still be around. 😊 Thank you for sharing and know that we will all be here after every break you need! ❤️

[@54kasey]

Bought your knife...my new fav :) I love your style. Not snooty/pretentious. Good humor, amazing recipes... Really great content for the home cook. Cheers!

[@ryananthony3104]

This is definitely the channel I got to when I actually plan on making a dish because they are manageable and usually turn out great. So I think your "would my sister make this" philosophy works great.

[@kitcat9447]

I've encountered debilitating burnout and it's no joke. I couldn't form sentences that made sense. Spent months in bed. Genuinely thought I wasn't going to wake up everytime I finally went to sleep. Has taken years to recover, and I'll never be the same person (both in good and bad ways.) It's really important when people talk about it. I thought I was just being lazy or crazy

[@aaronstreet2744]

I enjoy watching your videos for the very reason you mentioned: new, unique and seemingly complicated recipes made simple and accessible. I also like your humor, gentle tone and overall positive demeanor. It's always cathartic to hear about the real life struggles of others, especially those we look up to. I feel that so often the MO of online influencers is to come across as perfect. With good editing, viewers don't see any of the mistakes, the frustrations or the failures that ultimately lead to the final version of the video. Thank you for all of the hard work you and Lauren do week after week. Your recipes have made my family very satisfied and very stuffed!

[@eMCatman]

I have watched and bookmarked and used many of your videos/recipes, but never subscribed. This video really sold me on subscribing, so now it's official. Much admiration and respect for both of you, and I'm so glad that you, Brian, are in good health, experiencing the next chapter of your life.

[@JuiceBox-n9q]

You guys rock, I don't even notice the breaks between videos, and I always look forward to seeing your videos. The recipes are always :chefskiss:

[@dww2006]

I love hearing from you and Lauren. I love this channel. It’s practical and has great recipes and techniques. Thank you for sharing your journey. I’ve been there. I fully understand the feeling of despair and fatigue but sometimes for no apparent reason. I knew you had been suffering from some kind of issue. Thanks for sharing that journey. From this Canadian to an American. Thanks. 🇨🇦

[@JoeBeardsley]

Hey Bri, your channel is one of my favorites. I love to cook (and eat). I feel like I'm a better cook because of your channel. Thank you.😊 Also, I had no idea about your health struggles. You hid it well. Glad you're in a better place.

[@7youngke]

Appreciate the real talk about your struggles. I’ve been there a few different times and it’s impossible to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it. But this was great 👍 Overall best vibe in the cooking tube category plus great recipes! Keep doin your thing!

[@drgeorgeian1888]

Thank You Brian ! ! ! Thank You Lorn ! ! ! You guys are the Best ! ! ! Welcome Alex ! ! !

[@melissagammon5983]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. 🙏🏼

[@claireulmer7150]

"My guy Bri!" as my husband calls you. I am so happy I found you 6 months ago. I make 2-3 of your meals weekly for my husband and 3 daughters aged 5, 4 and 2 (adjusting or omitting spice for the youngest taste buds). You've taught me so much about cooking and my immediate and extended family love every single recipe I've made of yours. I am glad to hear you've endured hopefully the most difficult part of your grief/chronic fatigue syndrome journey and are on the other side. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with all of us and continue to take care of yourself!

[@brendaliles7040]

Thank you for your content, your fun & likable style, and for sharing part of your personal journey.

[@JodeneEkker-r5e]

It’s all good. Been there and worked through it myself. Completely new place of mindfulness. Love your content. Great channel.

[@bradcarruthers2783]

Glad that you worked through everything. I love your channel and your recipes! Take care of yourself we will be here for you.

[@msgoge1]

Great video! Glad to hear you are feeling better. We love trying your recipes. Thanks for opening up.

[@timdavidson8964]

I definitely understand the health struggles. I haven't experienced the same thing, but I've gone through something rather similar that was long term and required a lot of adjustment. Your content is awesome and I' m really glad you're feeling better.

[@Chan_Prado]

You're awesome, Brian. Thanks for your candor and for sharing your journey to good health. There are a lot of us out here who can relate to the mental stress, chronic fatigue, and self-reckoning you've gone through. We appreciate you and wish you all the best. Take the time you need to find your new true north; we'll still be here to support you no matter what!

[@daenskitchen]

Loved this video Brian! I’ve been a silent fan of yours for years and your such a big inspiration for me. Congrats on all your success ❤

[@daenskitchen]

Ps. If I ever saw you on the street I would be that person freaking out and saying “omg it’s Brian!”

[@quaidrasmussen4151]

You’re an awesome chef and a fun dude. Hope you feel better. Whatever direction you take this you’ll have support

[@SinisterMD]

It's been fun watching your channel change and grow. Also, as a physician, I feel the way you describe "brain fog" is probably an underlying depression. I'm glad you have recognized it and taken steps for better mental health.

[@danielarichards3191]

Oh gosh Brian. I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through all of this. You’ve been my lifesaver on more than one occasion and for that I thank you!❤ And now I will go and buy the books you talked about. Thank you!! Be well

[@michaelmontalto]

Interesting... So, I've watched a LOT of celebrity chefs in my time. I have found your content to be the most appealing (after cooking for well over 15 years) along with Chef Jean Pierre. Both of you are authentic, approachable, you demystify techniques and give TRULY helpful insider tips. Also, I find that the recipes come out more consistently. Thanks for all that you do Brian. -mM Chicago IL

[@iillidge]

I looove your channel! Thank you for sharing your love for food with us!

[@lisahernandez425]

This was such a great video! I don’t normally watch the Q&As but I clicked anyway. Your segment on burnout spoke to me so much. Thank you! Also, your recipes are my fav! Thank you to both of you!

[@paulvarda5318]

i'm glad to hear you've mostly worked yourself outta that funk. relatives passing away isn't easy. i'll keep watching even if you skip dropping new videos for a month if need be. you the man!!

[@GaetanLloyd]

LOVED IT! (i watched till the end) Also, it’s nice to see that the highly informational charismatic dude behind the KZbin veil is a real person with real struggles. Thanks for opening up. Sometimes regular people like us feel better knowing that the people we look up to are human beings like we are.

[@Banditxam5]

Thanks Brian for all the help you have done to me.... Also thanks for being so open and honest about your struggles... We are here for ya ....❤️❤️❤️❤️