About this episode
Step inside the restaurant underbelly with "Cellar Rat: My Life in the Restaurant Underbelly" author Hannah Selinger. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Hannah shares food confessions, personal memories, and the emotional toll of working in a male-dominated industry. From spoon collections and guilty pleasures to misogyny in fine dining and the chaos of motherhood, this episode explores the beauty and brutality of life in and beyond the kitchen.
Topics include:
Vegas memories and spoon collecting as emotional anchors
Tattoos, tongue piercings, and food identity
Guilty pleasures, pantry staples, and cooking dynamics
Wine preferences and restaurant survival stories
Misogyny, trauma, and the decline of fine dining
Writing through brutality and beauty
Pandemic fallout and tipping culture
Motherhood, gender dynamics, and personal growth
Literary projects and community-driven book tours
If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, loved a chef, or questioned the cost of a meal—this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more insider food stories and conversations about culture, kitchens, and the people behind the meals.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Vegas Reflections and Family Adventures
04:12 The Impact of Tongue Piercings
09:22 Pantry Staples and Seasonal Eating
12:37 Wine Preferences and Surprising Choices
17:20 Trauma and Survival in the Restaurant Industry
18:39 Food Preferences: Punk Rock or Precision?
19:22 Food Memories and Their Impact
20:59 Exposing the Underbelly of Fine Dining
24:54 Misogyny and Accountability in Restaurants
26:39 The Balance of Brutality and Beauty in Writing
28:34 Exploring Emotions in Writing
31:35 The Allure and Chaos of the Restaurant Industry
33:59 The Impact of the Pandemic on Restaurants
36:29 Tipping Culture and Its Challenges
39:49 Reflections on Rebellion and Personal Growth
42:34 Navigating Motherhood and Career
46:38 Upcoming Literary Projects and Inspirations
49:01 Book Tours and Community Engagement
50:23 Understanding Gender Dynamics and Progress
54:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Hannah's Socials:
Hannah Selinger Website
Instagram: @druishamericanprincess
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