More Than a Menu: Caring for the People Who Feed Us with Chef Ouita Michel

In this episode of Guided, we sit down with award-winning chef and restaurateur Ouita Michel for a powerful conversation about mental health in the culinary industry. Behind the beauty of a plated dish and the energy of a full dining room lies an intense, high- pressure culture—long hours, razor-thin margins, performance demands, and often unspoken struggles with anxiety, depression, substance use, and burnout. Ouita shares her passion for changing that culture. We talk about suicide prevention in the hospitality world, the realities of substance use in restaurant environments, and what it looks like to lead with compassion while still maintaining excellence. She reflects on how restaurant owners can create spaces where staff feel seen, supported, and safe enough to ask for help. This is a conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the responsibility we carry for the people we guide—whether in kitchens, counseling offices, churches, or businesses. If you care about mental health, workplace culture, or the people who feed and serve our communities, this episode will move you.