I Quit University to Become a Chef… Then Social Media Made Me Rich | Gianluca Ruggieri

I Quit University to Become a Chef… Then Social Media Made Me Rich | Gianluca Ruggieri

June 22, 2026 · 1h 40m · Season 11 · Episode 22

About this episode

Chef Gianluca Ruggieri shares his unconventional journey from quitting university to becoming a successful chef in Toronto, influenced by social media.

From growing up in Rome to becoming one of Toronto's most recognizable chefs, Chef Gianluca Ruggieri's journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode of the Money Buys Happiness Podcast, Gianluca opens up about failing school, quitting university just six exams before graduating, moving from Italy to Toronto, working brutal hours in restaurant kitchens, and how social media completely changed his career.We also dive into:🍝 The biggest misconceptions about Italian food🇮🇹 Why Italians hate certain "Italian" dishes in North America👨‍🍳 The dark side of restaurant culture and toxic kitchens📱 How social media transformed the food industry✈️ Why he left Rome to start over in Toronto🔥 The mindset that helped him bet on himself and build a career he lovesWhether you're passionate about food, entrepreneurship, social media, or chasing an unconventional path, this conversation with Chef Gianluca Ruggieri is packed with insights, laughs, and stories you won't forget.Use code "MBH5" at Mintink for a special discount from the boys:https://www.mintink.ca/?utm_source=moneybuyshappiness&utm_medium=collabCheck out ZHANNA:Bilal IG…

People in this episode

Host: Money Buys Happiness

Guest: Gianluca Ruggieri

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

Mintink

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Rome, Toronto

More episodes of Money Buys Happiness

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Money Buys Happiness podcast page.