Culinary School Truths with Brian O'Malley

Culinary School Truths with Brian O'Malley

From Restaurant Hoppen by Hurrdat Media

April 16, 2026 · 1h 6m

About this episode

Brian O'Malley discusses the debates surrounding culinary school and professional kitchen experience, leadership in kitchens, and the unique aspects of Metro's culinary program.

There are a lot of debates about the state of culinary school in America, and as Metro CC's Dean of Hospitality & Horticulture, Brian O'Malley has heard them all. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the debate of attending culinary school versus learning solely in professional kitchens, the state of leadership in modern kitchens and avoiding toxicity, the importance of Metro's on-site restaurant, and so much more. References: Metro Community College – https://www.metro.edu Sage Student Bistro – https://www.metro.edu/sage-student-bistro ProStart Competition – https://www.prostart.americanculinaryfoundation.org This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro: One of Omaha’s Most Influential Culinary Leaders 00:00:57 – Meet Brian O’Malley (Metro Community College) 00:03:57 – Culinary School vs Restaurant Experience (The Real Answer) 00:08:45 – Why “Learning How to Learn” Changes Everything 00:13:30 – How Chefs Actually Improve…

People in this episode

Guest: Brian O'Malley

Topics covered

  • culinary school
  • restaurant experience
  • leadership in kitchens
  • toxic work environments
  • Metro Community College
  • Sage Student Bistro

Keywords

  • culinary education
  • hospitality
  • kitchen leadership
  • student-run restaurant

Mentioned in this episode

Products: ProStart Competition

Places: America, Omaha, NE

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