Behind the Scenes

This podcast is first and foremost for those in the food industry, to share their stories and generate empathy both behind and beyond the table.

The host of Kitchen Trenches is Amber Chase, a food writer + editor based in North Carolina. Formerly from the industry herself, she knows the grit it takes to work on the line, behind the bar, and facing the customer. She is currently the Digital Director at The Local Palate magazine but still likes to volunteer alongside chefs and nonprofits engaging with food education, sustainability, and industry advocacy.

Our music is produced by Bryan Wehrkamp and our design is by Adam Dixon. Headshot credit to Jess Martin and peaches by Miss Angel’s Farm + Orchard.

Special thanks to interviewees, friends, family, and supporters.

A person with short curly hair holding a large apple in front of their mouth, surrounded by three other apples, one on their head, one on their shoulder, and one against their arm, with a neutral background.

Learn About Southern Smoke Foundation

A nonprofit founded and powered by current and past Food+Beverage workers, Southern Smoke Foundation is dedicated to creating a meaningful safety net of support that doesn’t exist for most people in our world.

Learn more

 Contact us.

  • For questions regarding episodes, interviewee nominations, general inquiries, or feedback:

    email us at kitchentrenches@proton.me

  • We take our partnerships very seriously and want to seek out relationships that will be beneficial to both our listeners and our partners.

    If that’s you, drop us a line at

    kitchentrenches@proton.me