When you tune into an episode of "devHour", you expect captivating stories. But when Jennie Raymer hosted Alejandro Franco, the tale was not only compelling but also deeply relatable.

The world of sushi, as seen through Alejandro's eyes, is not just about a culinary art but is a reflection of life's journey, filled with choices, passions, and reflections. The essence of this episode wasn't just sushi, but the choices we make in life and how we respond to the challenges thrown our way.

Alejandro shared a deeply personal story of an ex-partner who couldn’t see the future in his love for sushi. "That person believed that this had no future", Alejandro said, recalling those days of self-doubt. Jennie, with her graceful approach, dug deeper, making us ponder - how often do we let others' fears shape our choices?

Yet, Alejandro's story is one of resilience. "When I stop making sushi for a week, I feel like I want to make sushi even for free," he confessed. This isn't just a profession for him. It's a passion. His words remind us of the power of consistency. As Alejandro stated, “Consistency beats talent”. It’s a lesson for you - in life, in passions, in dreams. You don’t always have to be the best, but being consistent can make all the difference.

Throughout the discussion, Jennie played a pivotal role. She didn’t just guide the conversation but explored Alejandro’s emotions and the deeper message he held. Her questions didn't merely scratch the surface. They dived into Alejandro's philosophy, making "devHour" more than just another podcast.

But what's the takeaway for you? The episode is a reminder that everyone has their own journey. As Alejandro put it, "Even if you learn 100 percent from me, you're going to have your own touch". Whether it's sushi or another passion, the essence is to find your own touch, your own uniqueness. And sometimes, to move forward, "you have to step back", as Alejandro beautifully put it.

The true magic of this episode lies in its relatability. Be it Alejandro's love for sushi, his belief in consistency, or his journey of self-discovery, there's something for everyone. When Alejandro speaks of how he interprets sushi, "This piece of tuna will taste better in the way that I believe," it makes you wonder - what's your version of sushi? What's that one thing you believe in so deeply that naysayers can't waver your faith?

Next time you're about to give up on a passion or feel swayed by someone else’s viewpoint, remember Alejandro’s journey. And remember Jennie’s insightful questions that helped unravel such wisdom. Let it inspire you to stay true to yourself, to be consistent in your pursuits, and to always find your unique touch in everything you do.

To delve more into Alejandro's world, check out his website, francosushi.com. If sushi is an art, Alejandro is its passionate artist, with a story that'll inspire you to find your own path and passion.

Aleks Bond is not your typical private chef. His love for food and cooking has taken him on a journey of discovery, leading him to find his true purpose in life. On the latest episode of the devHour podcast, hosted by Jaymi Block, Bond shares his inspiring story of how he turned his passion into a fulfilling career.

From a young age, Bond knew he had a passion for food. He would spend hours in the kitchen with his grandmother, experimenting with flavors and creating new dishes. But it wasn't until he left his corporate job and took a leap of faith that he realized he wanted to pursue a career in cooking.

As Bond describes it, "I had this moment where I was like, I don't want to spend the rest of my life doing something I don't love." With the support of his family, he enrolled in culinary school and began working as a private chef, where he could combine his love for food with his desire to create meaningful connections with people.

Throughout the episode, Bond shares his personal journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of following your passion and finding purpose in life. He encourages listeners to take risks and pursue their dreams, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones.

As Jaymi Block notes, "Aleks' story is a testament to the power of following your passion and embracing uncertainty. He reminds us that life is too short to not pursue what truly makes us happy."

In addition to his inspiring message, Bond also shares some valuable insights on the art of cooking. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and the value of taking time to savor each bite. He also shares some of his favorite recipes and cooking tips, making it easy for listeners to bring a taste of his culinary expertise into their own homes.

Overall, Aleks Bond's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your dreams and finding purpose in life. As he says, "When you do what you love, it never feels like work." With his passion for food and his commitment to creating meaningful connections, Bond has truly found his calling as a private chef.

As you listen to this episode, take note of Aleks' inspiring words and let them guide you on your own journey of self-discovery. Remember that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of risk-taking, you too can find your purpose and make a difference in the world.

Chef Lucas Trahan is a man who has always had a deep love and appreciation for food. Growing up in southern Louisiana, food was an integral part of his family and community.

He learned to cook at a young age by helping his mother in the kitchen and eventually became fascinated with the idea of cracking eggs with one hand. This playful challenge sparked a passion for cooking that continued to grow throughout his childhood.

As he got older, Lucas considered a variety of career paths, including baseball and theater. However, he eventually realized that he wasn't quite skilled enough in these areas to pursue them as a career.

Cooking, on the other hand, was something that he excelled at and truly enjoyed. He participated in culinary arts programs in high school and was even exposed to the innovative and artistic approach to food at the Alinea website.

It was this unique expression of food as an ephemeral art form that really spoke to Lucas and inspired him to become the chef he is today. He went on to attend culinary school and has since worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world.

He has a true talent for creating innovative dishes that are not only delicious, but also visually stunning and experiential.

Lucas's journey shows that sometimes it's not about being the best at something, but rather finding a passion and excelling in it.

His love for food and cooking has allowed him to create a successful career for himself and bring joy to others through his culinary creations.

Cory Morris's journey in the culinary world is one marked by both success and failure. He reflects on his experience as a young chef, recounting a humbling moment where he was turned down for a job at Tru, a two-star Michelin restaurant in Chicago.

Despite this rejection, Cory persevered and eventually landed a job at Tizi Melloul, where he was able to learn from more experienced chefs and network within the industry.

Cory's time as an executive chef at Zion National Park at just 21 years old also proved to be a lesson in humility. He admits to having an inflated ego at the time, thinking he was better than he actually was.

It was his mentor, Jose Garces, who helped him realize the importance of constantly learning and improving in the culinary world.

Through his experiences, Cory has learned the value of resilience and determination in achieving success. He has also come to understand the importance of seeking out mentors and being open to learning from those around him.

These lessons have undoubtedly played a crucial role in Cory's current role as the executive chef at Beatrix and Lettuce Entertain You, where he has been able to bring his unique culinary style to life.

Cory's story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals face challenges and setbacks, and it is through facing these challenges head-on that we can ultimately achieve our goals.

Amilcar De Silva, Manager at Aikana Chicago joins us to share his journey into hospitality and the determination needed to succeed. Originally from Panama, Amilcar has worked his way up in the restaurant industry and brings his own background and passion for Latin American culture to the industry. 

Aikana is a Latin-fusion restaurant that brings the flavors and culture of Central and South America to the city of Chicago. 

Along with chef Alexander Quinto, who is of Colombian descent and has visited many places in Central and South America, Aikana Chicago offers a unique and authentic dining experience with its Pan-American menu, elaborate cocktails, and immersive decor that transports customers to the tropical jungle of Tulum.

Aikana Chicago has only been open for a year, but has already gained a reputation for its excellent service and delicious cuisine. In a time when the restaurant industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Aikana Chicago stands out as a beacon of resilience and innovation. 

By offering a truly memorable and immersive dining experience, Aikana Chicago has not only survived but thrived, and is poised for continued success in the future.

De Silva's own journey, moving to the United States as a child and working his way up in the restaurant industry, adds depth and authenticity to Aikana Chicago.

It is a story of determination and the power of hard work, as he has overcome challenges and carved out a successful career in the competitive world of restaurants. 

Amilcar is a testament to the importance of authenticity, cultural representation, and excellence in the food and hospitality industry.

You'd know Max Musto didn't start off cooking vegan food just by looking at the tattoos that adorn his body. Proud of his culinary career, he joins us to open up about the journey that led him to leading a vegan lifestyle. 

Coming from a large Italian family, food was always a big part of Max's life growing up. Naturally drawn to the arts, he'd hone his culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago where he was classically trained in french cuisine. 

Yet it wasn't until Max found himself in a dark place, seeking a way out of the pain, that would point him in a different direction in his career. 

"I was struggling in my life, working in the restaurant industry, I was a break dancer, I skateboarded, I played hockey, I did it all. I had five knee surgeries and a back surgery and unfortunately I got addicted to pain pills."

With the support of his wife, Max made the decision to travel out of the country to seek help for his addiction through plant-based, psychedelic medicines. He shares the vision that led to his drastic change in lifestyle. 

"It showed me the interconnectedness of all life and what I was doing to the animals and our planet. The destruction of everything agriculture and how we're destroying our land."

Tune in to hear more on Max's incredible journey from classically trained chef, to leading a movement to transforms people's minds about their relationship with food. 

Christopher Gumprecht, VP of Technology for Rōti, joins us to share his story on the first episode of the devHour podcast.