From Nightclubs to Culinary Curating: Matt Miller on the Long Game of Creative Vision

From running nightclubs with the mob in Chicago… to curating a culinary bookstore in Long Beach built on dialogue, not hype—Matt Miller has lived some stories. In this episode, I sit down with Matt—writer, food obsessive, and founder of Kitchen Lingo—to talk about the messy, meandering, totally unscripted path to building something that actually fits. What struck me most? He didn’t rush it. He sat across the street from the space for months before deciding what it should become. No grand launch. No five-year plan. Just coffee, curiosity, and the courage to wait until it felt right. We talk about identity pivots, business burnout, and what happens when you finally stop forcing your ideas and start listening instead. If you’ve ever second-guessed your creative choices or wished you had gone for that weird business idea—you might just be inspired to start trying again after listening to this episode. What’s Inside: Mob-adjacent nightlife lessons (yes, really) Why Matt gave up “being good” at something to do what he actually cared about The unexpected origin story of Kitchen Lingo Bookstore How to let your next idea reveal itself instead of rushing it Creative pivots, risk-taking, and giving yourself time to figure it out About Our Guest: Matt Miller is a culinary bookseller in Long Beach, California. He is a former restaurateur, wine specialist, coffee roaster and public radio show host. He has been a contributing food writer for LA Weekly, Eater Los Angeles, Eaten Magazine, and Delicious (UK). His recipes have appeared in Cooking Light Magazine and his food concepts have been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel. Connect with Matt: Website: https://www.kitchenlingobooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchenlingobooks/ About the Show: ✨ From the Ashes is proud to be part of the high-impact work of Intrepid Wellness, transformative coaching that helps visionary changemakers rise from burnout and step into their full creative power. This podcast is your free resource for epic-level personal growth—one story at a time. 📲 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated. It helps more people find the stories that light the way. About the Host: Valerie Hwang Beck is a holistic wellness coach, personal growth mentor, and board-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. As the founder of Intrepid Wellness and creator of the year-long mentorship Club Phoenix, Valerie helps high-achieving creatives break free from burnout and realign with their truth—without sacrificing their health, joy, or purpose. Through From the Ashes, Valerie shares intimate conversations that awaken transformation, rebuild self-trust, and celebrate the art of rising to meet the most vibrant, authentic version of yourself. Join the Conversation Got insights, feedback, or an aha moment from today’s episode? Leave me a voicemail on SpeakPipe or email me at [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @intrepidwellness.val 🎥 YouTube: @intrepidwellness562 💻 Website: intrepidwellness.life 📧 Join my email list Want to Go Deeper? Join Club Phoenix If this episode speaks to your soul and you’re ready to stop over-functioning, start healing, and fully embody your next level—you belong in Club Phoenix. 📅 Book a 30-minute Vibrant Vision Quest 🔥 Explore upcoming programs & intensives