Meet Jeffrey Schlissel

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeffrey Schlissel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jeffrey , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Persisting Through Mental Health Challenges: My Journey
Are you facing challenges in life due to mental health? How does one overcome what they’re going through? For years, I’ve battled mental health issues, and since 2018, I’ve been sharing my story. Now, my journey is in print—Craveable Obsessed: Journals of a Food-Addicted Chef is available for purchase. But this is not just any cookbook. The first part is all about my journey, while the second part features family recipes that I’ve made healthier. This book is raw and unfiltered because mental health isn’t pretty.

Writing this book forced me to revisit dark and emotional memories. I had to relive traumatic experiences, like when I was just three years old. When the book was finally released, I couldn’t help but think about all the negative voices I’d heard throughout my life: “You’ll never amount to anything! You don’t have what it takes! You’ll be a ditch digger!” Those words made me doubt myself, and once doubt sets in, it can feel like the darkness is strangling you. But I realized that I had to dig deep and remember who I’m meant to be. I had to tell myself, “I got this. I CAN do this!” I had to look at those triggering memories as if I were watching them in third person and remind myself, “I have to love that little kid.”

I often think back to my school years and all the fights I had with my father. I wonder how different my life would have been if I knew then what I know now. But here’s the thing: dwelling on the past doesn’t change it. If we focus too much on the future, we miss what’s happening around us right now.

When I finished and published my book, I reflected on the experience and wrote this:

Feelings and Your Past

Finding out in my early twenties that I had been dyslexic my whole life made me wonder how my relationship with my father might have been different if I had known earlier. It’s a mind-boggling thought that I’ll never have the answer to, but it’s something I still think about. I also recently discovered that I have ADHD and OCD. Again, I could wonder how things might have been different, but it won’t change my past or my future. If I keep my head turned toward what’s behind me, how can I see what’s around or in front of me?

Today, I am a chef and an author—two things I never imagined would come true. Through my own adversity, I changed my stars. I rewrote who I was meant to be in my father’s eyes and became who I was always supposed to be. I wouldn’t change my past because it shaped me into who I am today. My book is meant to help others understand that they are not alone. I once thought I was, but I was in the darkest place imaginable. My book is one of the ways I’m giving back for being here today.

I live by a quote from my book: “If your past is currently dictating your future, don’t let the time to change slip past you.” In the end, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. You have to face your challenges head-on, work through them, seek help, and, most importantly, tell the people around you so they can support you. If they don’t want to hear it or don’t want to help, change your support system immediately. Mental health is an everyday thing; it never goes away. Believe it or not, journaling helps incredibly.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Born in the era of disco balls and feverish nights, Chef Jeffrey Schlissel’s teenage years were seasoned with a touch of Scarface flair—”Say HELLO to MY little friend!”—before he sautéed through the grunge era and found his rhythm in the roaring 2000s. Meet Chef Schlissel, the culinary alchemist behind his food and the Bacon Cartel.

In 2018, Chef Schlissel’s journey ignited at the American Culinary Federation National Convention. Since then, he has made it his mission to turn mental health from a rare ingredient into a staple in every pre-shift discussion.

As a national speaker on mental health and its impact on business ROI, Chef Schlissel brings a sprinkle of insight to the table. He also co-hosts “The Walk-in Talk,” the top food podcast on Apple, alongside Carl Fiadini and John Hernandez. Together, this superhero trio whips up culinary magic and supports local farmers through their Farmers Craveable Dinner series. “One of the best parts of the podcast is crafting dishes that are layered and packed with flavor,” Chef Schlissel quips. “I like to think of my cooking as a contradiction in flavors—like a sweet and spicy dessert. Just like me, really.”

Chef Schlissel’s flavor-packed wisdom is broadcast in over 1,600 cities across the U.S. and more than ninety countries worldwide. He earned the Presidential Medallion from the American Culinary Federation in 2021 and claimed the title of Best Plant-Based BBQ in the U.S. in 2022.

After narrowly escaping a tragic fate at eighteen, Chef Schlissel dedicated himself to repaying his second chance at life. Through his book, he hopes to inspire readers to cook up their own transformations and make their own changes.

Follow Chef Jeffrey “The Kingpin” Schlissel to find out when he will be hosting his Farmers Craveable Dinner Series—where he’ll be showcasing recipes from his book, along with a book signing. The Farmers Craveable Dinner supports local farmers and their goods, with farmers present at the dinner, sharing their stories and showcasing their passion for how they raise their produce.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

While on my journey, I relied on several essential qualities, skills, and knowledge to help me. The ones that stand out most are:

Journaling – I never thought penning my emotions would help. I’m a chef, hunter, and butcher. I work out like a man’s man. How the hell is writing about emotions supposed to help me? At first, I lied to my therapist: “Oh, journaling? Yes, I did it all week, and it was so therapeutic!” But here’s the thing—who was I hurting? Once I actually sat down and started writing my dark thoughts, I began to see things differently. I started viewing my memories as if I were watching a movie. I wasn’t the ME in the memory but an observer. This made it easier to understand what was happening. It allowed me to feel the emotions without being triggered.

Support – There’s an old saying: “Misery loves company!” If you’re depressed, look at the company you’re keeping. We all have certain people around us who tell us what we want to hear. When you complain about your parents not letting you go somewhere, are you talking to them, or are you calling friends who will agree with you? What sets you apart is asking the deeper question: “Why?” When you mess up and a support person gives you the blunt truth, do you walk away and call someone else? Sometimes, you need to hear it straight. A great friend once told me after a presentation, “DUDE, what the hell was that? That’s not the Jeffrey I know. You need to get your ADHD under control; you need help.” That was my wake-up call. Having the right support group is vital to your success.

Communication – It’s amazing how words can either heal or harm. That’s why there’s the old saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword!” To achieve anything in life, you have to master the most complicated human skill: communication. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, consider this scenario. When I was younger, I’d ask my mother, “What’s for dinner?” and she’d answer, “18:30!” I’d think, am I high? I know I’m dyslexic, but do I speak dyslexic too? Then I’d ask, “What time is dinner?” and get “Chicken Parmesan!” Learning to convey your vision so others can see it is a masterclass! It’s like a dance, a symphony, where you and your audience become one. When you’ve truly connected, you see it in each other’s eyes—it’s magical. Learning how to read your audience and communicate a compelling message is key.

Without making these changes in my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’d be committing Einstein’s definition of insanity.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My most significant growth area in the past 12 months was knowing my true self. I finally started to believe in myself. It sounds weird, but how could you not? I was never really good at math, but my equation is a simple one: the way in which my father communicated with me equaled how I perceived who I was.
Diane Moon, I use to work with her, a wonderful woman. She so believes in me. She would tell me all the time, “One day, I am going to turn my TV on, and you will be on it!” I would respond, “Do you mean handcuffs and a police escort?” I finally realized that I needed to be who I needed to be! I guess I was or am a slow learner, but at least I finally learned who I am! I finally saw how my support group saw me. They all made me realize my true potiental, whatever that is. Understand this: once you realize your potential, you are unstoppable! Watch my journey and find out where I land!

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John Hernadez Ibis Images

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