#57. In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Cassidy, the founder of Elemental Prep, a company that teaches people how to retain information. Ellen shares her innovative process of information retention, which involves reading, translating, and quipping. She explains how to code information with emotions by intoning the words as you say them, translating the information in your own words, and creating a conversation with what you read.

This process helps people retain information and make it their own. The episode also touches on Ellen's background and her journey to creating Elemental Prep. Ellen discusses the power of effective note-taking and the importance of translating information into one's own words. She shares her personal experience with note-taking and how it helps her remember and understand information.

Ellen also talks about the value of indexing advice and using intuition to make decisions. She highlights the need for trust in relationships and the challenges of managing a growing team. Ellen ends with sharing her vision for the future, including expanding her tutoring business and developing a tech platform for asynchronous learning.

Where to find Ellen Cassidy:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

In this episode, we cover:

(08:32): Growing up and handling trauma

(15:35): The process of retaining information

(31:09): The community and future of elemental prep

(40:08): Faster with less effort

(41:31): Good way to index advice

(43:55): Portfolia and investment

(46:20): What makes you angry?

(48:49): The importance of trust in relationships

(56:49): A vision for the future: expanding the tutoring business and developing a tech platform

#56. In the latest episode of The meez Podcast, we had the pleasure of conversing with the masterful Avery Ruzicka, founder and head baker of Manresa Bread.

Avery delves into the art of breadmaking, sharing her passion for milling flour in-house and the distinctive flavors it yields. She also enlightens us on the benefits of natural leavening, not just for taste but for digestion too, and offers her take on the ubiquitous all-purpose flour.

But Avery's expertise doesn't end at the oven. She's a culinary entrepreneur who's mastered the delicate balance of scaling a business without compromising on quality.

From the intricacies of expansion to maintaining excellence across multiple locations, Avery's journey with Manresa Bread is a testament to her dual prowess as a chef and a savvy business operator.

Tune in to this insightful episode to uncover the secrets behind crafting exceptional bread and the strategies that have allowed Avery to grow her business while keeping the essence of her craft alive. Thank you, Avery, for an enlightening conversation!

Where to find Avery Ruzicka:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

In this episode, we cover:

(02:37) Avery's background
(05:08) Organization and calendars
(10:07) The benefits of milling your own flour
(24:12) Avery's thoughts on all purpose flour
(27:54) Surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you
(38:26) The importance of the retention of team members
(41:09) The reason behind Avery and Manresa Bread's success
(44:35) Delegation in owning and running a business
(52:50) Other bread programs Avery favors
(57:29) What Avery would do if she had unlimited resources

**SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR MEEZ POD LISTENERS**:

Just give the code "meezpod24" to your meez Services Manager for a 100% discount on our “Premium Recipe Upload Service- Hourly (coupon covers 4 hours. one time use only, must be a meez customer)

#55. In this week's episode, we sit down with the remarkable Chef Fiore Tedesco, co-owner of the renowned L'Oca d'Oro in Austin and the visionary behind an eagerly anticipated new pizza venture, Bambino. Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, Chef Fiore is a proud supporter of Good Work Austin, showcasing his commitment to community and culinary excellence.

Join us as Chef Fiore shares his extraordinary journey, marked by both hardship and triumph. From his early years influenced by a significant hearing impairment to navigating homelessness in New York's Washington Square Park, his path has been anything but ordinary. Yet, it's these very challenges that have sharpened his senses and shaped him into the acclaimed chef he is today.

With a rich background that spans the music and fashion industries, alongside mentorship from culinary giants like Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern, Fiore's story is a testament to resilience and passion. His transition to Austin opened a new chapter, allowing him to explore the soul of Italian cuisine, deeply rooted in his family's heritage.

This episode delves deep into the essence of struggle, resilience, and the art of cooking with soul. Fiore's insights into overcoming adversity, fostering resilience within his team, and imparting life's tough lessons to the next generation are both enlightening and inspiring.

Prepare to be moved by a conversation that's as profound as it is unexpected, filled with life lessons that extend far beyond the kitchen. Chef Fiore Tedesco's narrative is not just about culinary success; it's a compelling exploration of the human spirit's capacity to overcome and flourish.

Where to find Fiore Tedesco:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

In this episode, we cover:

(04:11) Reminiscing about Indie Chefs Event
(05:02) Fiore's movie, Severed Ways
(09:26) Fiore's diverse background as an artist and his bout of homelessness
(21:36) Fiore's experience growing up deaf
(29:07) Experiencing Suffering and how it can lead to strong resilliance
(35:46) Teaching resilience to your children
(47:20) Balancing technique in soul in Fiore's restaurant
(54:17) Fiore's new pizza joint
(1:06:53) What Fiore would do if he had limited resources

**SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR MEEZ POD LISTENERS**:

Just give the code "meezpod24" to your meez Services Manager for a 100% discount on our “Premium Recipe Upload Service- Hourly (coupon covers 4 hours. one time use only, must be a meez customer)