The Protectors® with Jason Piccolo
The original The Protectors® podcast, established in 2019, is about resilience, reinvention, and the moments that change the direction of our lives.
Hosted by retired federal agent, U.S. Army veteran (OIF 2006), author, and interviewer Dr. Jason Piccolo, the show explores what happens after service, success, failure, burnout, loss, transition, and personal transformation.
Through conversations with veterans, leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who chose a new path, The Protectors® focuses on growth, identity, purpose, and the courage to move forward.
Jason also interviews both bestselling and independent authors, exploring the creative process, the writing journey, the challenges of publishing, and the stories behind the books. From debut novels to works by New York Times bestselling authors, these conversations offer insights into storytelling, perseverance, and success.
These are conversations about second chapters, hard-earned wisdom, and finding meaning after life changes course.
Whether you’re rebuilding, redefining yourself, chasing something new, launching a new venture, writing your first book, or simply trying to move forward, The Protectors® is about navigating change with resilience and purpose.
The Protectors® with Jason Piccolo
#205 | Chef Andrew Gruel | Stepping Forward | Slapfish Restaurant Group
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Chef Andrew Gruel stopped by The Protectors to talk about the ailing restaurant industry, raising money to support the industry, and advice for prospective chefs coming from the “protector” community. Support of the restaurant industry goes beyond the physical building, keeping a restaurant open and afloat it supports the entire restaurant ecosystem, from the fisherman to the delivery truck driver to the entire support system. There is a GoFundMe out now to help (link ). The Protectors has donated $100, anyone that matches the donation will receive a Protectors T-Shirt* Thanks Chef for doing this!
The Relief: All of the funds raised will be accepted by the organizers then re-distributed directly to restaurant workers, via checks and electronic platforms, who have either lost their job or are in need of a small leg-up to cover rent payments, medical bills, childcare or any other day-to-day help.
About the Chef: Andrew Gruel, a summa cum-laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University, is currently the Founder and Executive Chef of Slapfish Restaurant, the award-winning food truck turned international brick and mortar, based out of Huntington Beach, CA. Chef Gruel has taken Slapfish (bootstrapped!) from 2 food trucks to 10+ restaurant locations in just over 3 years.
Chef Andrew Gruel has appeared on multiple Food Network shows including his most recent role as a Judge on the show Food Truck Face Off. Gruel has also been on "TODAY Show", PBS, Cooking Channel, as well as in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, Food & Wine Magazine, Entrepreneur, and Restaurant Business. In 2013 he was named top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs in Orange County. He is currently the host of a new restaurant makeover show set to air spring 2015 on a major network.
*(up to 10 t-shirts).
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
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