Learn about some of the assistants to your favorite celebrity chefs on this HRN Community Sessions segment! Mariana Cotlear, former assistant to José Andres, sits down with Laura Ryan, assistant to chef Tom Colicchio, and Mandy Oser, former assistant to chef Eric Ripert. Learn how all of these women came to work for such high-profile chefs despite their different career paths. Find out how the world of food relates to subjects like law and politics. What is an average day like for a celebrity chef assistant? Listen in to find out why chefs are generally very charitable, and how camaraderie often leads to collaboration in the kitchen. Learn what aspects of the job are the most trying and challenging. Thanks to our sponsor, Hearst Ranch, and thanks to The California Honeydrops for today's music!

"A big reason I didn't end up in the kitchen is because I can't do the same thing everyday." [11:00] -- Laura Ryan, assistant to Tom Colicchio

"My position is unique; you can take it to a lot of different areas in the industry." [14:35] -- Mandy Oser, former assistant to Eric Ripert

Stephanie Kornblum and Alina Munoz saw an opening in the culinary job market, and rather than filling themselves, they facilitated. By forming CULINTRO, they created a network for industry professionals to “develop career contacts, knowledge, and skills” through “panel discussions, internship programs, monthly articles from industry executives, and of course, a job board”. If you’re looking to begin and/or further your career in/around food, look no further than Culintro.

This week on U Look Hungry food writer Nick Fauchald joins Helen to talk about food media and how the transition from print to digital has affected this area of journalism and writing. From cooking apps to culinary trends, social media to kitchen music get an inside scoop on the food scene today and where it could go in the future. Want to know what makes a great cookbook? Minnesota cuisine? Tune in. This episode is sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.