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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ❤

[@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.

[@sarahhudson1175]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@ThePiquet888]

You know what you need to do. You are doing it already.. sit down and write yourself a priority list. You seem to luv cooking, luv attention, luv your partner, luv creating...and maybe many more.. kids, family, friends, entertainment.. Do what you luv the best and do it as well as you can. You have a fantastic supporter base who obviously like what you do and they will stick with you. Don't worry so much about trying to make everyone happy all of the time. Impossible. You will go nuts!!!! Also ... take breaks.. I luved your Korean trip (even though it was a working break).. more like that please

[@lynnwinters634]

I’m a culinary school drop out 45 years ago! I still love,love, love, cooking! I watch you and Ethan all the time! Keep up the good work guys! Welcome Alex!,

[@shirtpocketvids5395]

You guys are the best! Thanks for the videos and your recipes. Take care of yourself! Glad to hear that you're feeling better. The knife is great

[@cadyrrabbit577]

Shoes has been bringing people together for ages. Let's get 'em.

[@nathanielcollier]

Thank you for being so open about your struggles, I happen to be watching this video lying on the couch unable to get myself to work and dealing with the death of my dad and my wife’s chemo treatments. You just never know how your words might hit someone else out there in the ether, I will be sure to pass it on.

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Hang tough Nathaniel. Thanks for watching. Sorry your going thru this.

[@srisinger]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2265">37:45</a> You’re not just tired; you’re depleted. If you were just tired, you could take a nap! Feel you, brother!

[@koreyb]

Thank you for all the techniques and skills you have helped us learn through the years.

[@iillidge]

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

[@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. 🇨🇦

[@markpr218]

Best trick I learned was browning your meat under the broiler (from the stroganoff video). I've used that for a BUNCH of other recipes, and it always makes it better.

[@davidfuller581]

Re: carbon steel, the thin ones definitely do what you describe, the heavier ones from e.g. matter are basically easier to lift cast iron.

[@rbt450]

Haven’t watched yet, but just commenting that I love the content you’ve put out, this is the most I’ve learned and most I’ve enjoyed learning about cooking since Good Eats

[@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.

[@jhwheuer]

Burnout is life changing. Hang in there, the lowest bit is behind you. Mine is more than a decade ago, almost back, but like a broken bone, the final bit never returns. Is Dr. Merkola still around in ChiTown. Helped a lot when I lived there 20y ago.

[@XanderDDS]

can relate to Brian saying all of his celebrities are in this platform. keep up the great work!

[@Walmartweirdo]

These are awesome! Thank you guys

[@EmilyOxy]

Your videos are always admired for their professionalism and creativity. Thank you for your dedication!🤭🌷✈️

[@phranerphamily]

When I was 36 I was working full-time with a 6-year-old and I lost three family members and Aunt that married in within 3 months so that's four people dead in 3 months. One day I caught myself thinking about driving off the ship canal bridge on I-5. It came out of nowhere and I was fortunate that I had people that I could rely on as you do. My husband stepped up. My daughter's friends parents helped out. And then I lost the ability to walk. Not connected to my depression turns out I had neurosarcoidosis well I still have neurosarcoidosis. At the time they couldn't diagnose it properly because it would have meant having a brain biopsy and I wasn't having that. So we just treated the symptoms and hope that it would resolve itself. It did not but I did gain the ability to walk back and today I walk without a cane and I'm not in a wheelchair anymore so happy days. But it completely changed my life in ways that I had no idea that it would. So I think life is about expecting the unexpected and you and Lauren certainly have run up against that in the last year. I'm glad that you're changing and rolling with it having these little q&as and talking to people definitely helps everyone understand how channels change. I have stepchildren as well as my daughter and one of them decided to have kids and one of them didn't kind of like you and your sister and that is a completely valid decision And no one should ever question you not wanting to have kids. This was a really long comment 😂

[@zenbrandon]

You are my cooking bible, sir. You, Internet Shaquille, and Ethan are literally helping me keep my family fed! Thank you for all you do!

[@diannalocke997]

I appreciate all you have done! It's time to be you. 🥰🥰🥰

[@JM-ir8vw]

I’ll speak for everyone. We love Alex!

[@paulasimson4939]

Lauren is the hidden gem of this channel!

[@MadMFox]

Your polenta and rustic sauce is a regular in my house. Yum, love it.

[@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.

[@tuskfireboltthedrop6737]

I’m glad you found your way through 💗 I only recently discovered your channel and I LOVE it! You understand the complexity of food and at the same time, you make it seem doable. I grew up in a restaurant, and this is the type of cooking tuition I’m looking for. Keep doing it with our passion, with your heart and go on holiday whenever you want 😂 If anything, waiting for your videos make them look even better 😉

[@harmonybat]

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

[@terra1241]

My husband and i have integrated a few of your recipes into our schedules! I love the weeknighting recipes. Im an awful cook, and it gives me lots of anxiety, but now i can actually meal plan and prep without my husband doing most of the work! (He enjoys cooking and still does a LOT but im decent now!)

[@The_Razielim]

re: Other KZbin chefs being far too technical and/or just generally *unreasonable expectations* for a home cooking environment - Yes. There's a few people who I used to follow who have fallen to the wayside because of the combination of super Bro-y obnoxiousness (the classic KZbinr "Turn your personality up to 11"-thing) + their 'recipes' have gotten completely out of hand in terms of steps, technique and/or equipment. Conversely, there's a reason you're always my top recommendation for friends or on Reddit looking to learn more and get into cooking. It's that you make a point of trying to keep things both accessible and educational. I've mentioned this on past videos, but I really do appreciate that you come at vids from the perspective of "This will get you most of the way there at two-thirds of the effort, and it'll be great. But *if you want*, you could spend a bit more time/energy and turn it into a project, and take it from 'great' and really make it fantastic." It's kind of the best of both worlds, "This works, it's easy and doable on a weeknight.", but also "Or you could turn into a project for a rainy weekend or an occasion and make it really special."

[@FunTrumpet]

Love your recipes, used to watch about 10 youtube cooking channels but after finding your channel four years ago the number has dropped to around three. I don't think anyone else develops as nice and convenient recipes for the home cook.

[@patrickturner136]

LOVED IT!!!

[@mindyshively4947]

I like the vibe on this channel...I think it strikes the right note between elevated recipes which are achievable yet beautifully executed. I dislike channels that are too chefy or fussy but I dislike even more hime cooks who are trying to teach something but then show their result and it is an underbaked product or just not well executed. To me, this channel is the right tone.

[@mindyshively4947]

* home

[@andrisromanovskis9363]

Thank you! I loved this, honestly, and I have a honest question - if you have such deep people, why is your foreign policy so shallow?

[@evanlathouse2688]

Your Honorable Judge Lagerstrom.

[@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

[@polishhammer1992]

Honored to have my "Yes Chef" question featured on the Q&A!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

There is only one way to spell Brian . . . and I also love you for calling out that guy that did unspeakable things to Star Wars. You rock B.R.I.A.N "loooved it"

[@MercedPDF]

I've been there as well..maybe not as bad as you described it, but still, burnout is really bad... Good to hear you're over the rough patch.

[@teresitawilliams3011]

Love your recipes and skill in the kitchen. I’ve always admired you. Thanks for sharing

[@annamvaughn]

Great video! Love your recipes!

[@colonelj12]

Great vid. Loved it.

[@unfinishedbusiness2]

Loooooved it!

[@yhavin]

Casual Harry Potter costumes to boost nerdiness is unmatched

[@RobertMayfair]

Love you guys

[@BillAndersonNS]

Loved it.

[@jobberforlife]

Holy shit the Star Wars interruption was amazing. Let's go video editor!

[@JasonCrowder-j1j]

I've been to all of Alex's former restaurants! All excellent! Seems like a solid choice!

[@i0606]

8 handicap is so good at golf, sheeeeeesh

[@brianfong5711]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1223">20:23</a> Lauren wears the pants in this relationship, passive aggressive style. That powermove.

[@skryptre]

***old ornery voice, shaking a cane in the air*** I remember when this channel was called "weeds and sardines" and I was of only a few hundred subscribers

[@farlo_9355]

Great video!

[@emc4069]

Totally agree with the flower thing!

[@sephestra.]

Yes, I did love the vid. =) I don't comment very often anymore (I'm weirdly anxiety-ridden when youtubers I follow hit it big...no, I don't know why) but I did want to say that I went through similar circumstances to Brian's and ended up with all of the same physical and mental issues. It's difficult to admit something is very wrong, it's a pain in the ass because you don't WANT to feel like that, and a struggle to overcome without help and support. Glad to see you're both recovering as best as you can. Also, Brian's emo look is peak aughts.

[@ronnieh8858]

Love Alex! Love Lorne! Love Brian and the new knife I have! I think Lorne is the funniest!!!❤️

[@katiemoore-rg5vi]

Luv! Love! The costumes are perfect for y'all....

[@d3fc0n545]

Crispy eggs cooked high heat in a cast iron are clearly the best eggs, another solid take bri

[@tim_slusher]

loved it

[@bartomiejszymulewicz7975]

My favorite channel by far

[@MattMungan]

I’m questioning how the video editor feels about Brian given the placement of the chef knives. I wouldn’t turn my back on them if I were you, Brian. 🔪

[@cindyms.1237]

I love your channel and I have purchased some Made In pots and pans with your discount. Thanks for that because they are fantastic pans. Will last a lifetime. I also received your chefs knife last week and it has replaced my favorite knife. Its a brilliant knife. For those of you who haven't bought it because you already have a drawer full - buy it.

[@patlawler5532]

"... there was always something stuck in my teeth ..." -- such an appropriate analogy! 😄

[@judybesse4058]

Loved it......

[@joecarsello]

Im here for that "Lagy 8 inch" keep up the great work you crazy kids

[@stonerscravings]

I’m here for your plants 🤩🤩🤩. Kinda kidding. Y’all are awesome

[@AyaNaser-22]

Hi Chef Brian! You are my Role Model!

[@EvanWhooleryEVNRL]

love the recipes. love dance moves. and love the closing line to your videos. two of your recipes earned us the title of flavor kings in our dinner club. thanks for everything bry!

[@Murzington]

He's dressed like Harry Baggins. A mix between Harry Potter and Frodo Baggins. 😂😂

[@alexthip]

My man clocking in the hours on double jerk-- I mean double the sessions on Hell Let Loose. 🤣

[@HJonesT]

As someone who’s on YT almost exclusively as well, I’m curious what content creators you follow.

[@Dr-Loren]

Alex seems like a damn cool guy! Can't wait to see his braising!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

he's a good one!

[@SethBeck]

When you get there, you'll find Melbourne, AU a foodie heaven.

[@Avellin]

Why am I not surprised Brian's an F1 fan? Favorite team? Current driver? Retired driver (alive it dead)? Been to any races in person?

[@dennarai]

Kind of love sassy Lorn at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1224">20:24</a> lol

[@celwise]

What!! Awesome knives, "thirst trap" (lol, I didn't know what that meant #oldlady) and F1 all in one spot! I'll take 2 more knives!🤣Keep it up team! Love the channel and the content. The knives are great~

[@Picit-13]

funny as I am doing dishes as I listen!!! haha

[@toxicwaltzn8175]

Noice: Been looking forward to this. (Gotta wait till later to watch though.) ((And....I think my mom got me the Knife for Christmas!!))

[@ryanfranklin3674]

I can’t tell if the vocal effects are on purpose or artifact. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1316">21:56</a> being spoken to a concert hall made me laugh either way though.

[@tempinternetname]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="43">00:43</a>:53 that's like lifetimes worth of wisdom secret knowledge for health you dropped

[@Trish-j2y]

Sorry for your losses. Thanks for the videos. I have made quite a few, and if I actually need something to work, you is the channel I go to. I do have to look away when you put a spoonful of mayo in your mouth though. Glad you are feeling better and welcome to the orange haired dude.

[@Gopic21]

Legend

[@5m4llP0X]

I gotta say, Spin Drift (or is it Spindrift?) is the best sparkling water I've ever had. All the rest of them taste exactly the same if you plug your nose, or add something to them. To me, Bubbly, Lacroix, Parrier, and Polar are all the same.

[@kencase2179]

Happy Halloween and great nod to Harry Potter! I've loved all your recipes that I've made. Also, love my new Lagerstrom Chef's Knife. I went through the chronic fatigue thing a few years back and the doctors never figured out what it was. I had to force change upon myself to feel better.

[@Kevin-zd5bi]

You've probably answered this before, and I imagine a chef getting asked this question is the equivalent of a tech guy being asked what they think of the Big Bang Theory, but based on your experiences, I feel like you would love it or hate it so... Thoughts on The Bear?

[@keatonhanson]

the slow zoom in on alex killing me 😭

[@robo_bravado]

Brian's Star Wars movie takes are quality. Eat it, Editor. Also the take on zucchini. Just not worth any time. It can go extinct as far as I care.

[@MrZabbitz]

LOVE THE COSTUMES!!