John Bates

Hosted by chef Robert Belcham, Mise en Place-the Podcast pulls up a chair for candid, substantive conversations with the people shaping British Columbia's vibrant food scene. This series, presented with the Chefs' Table Society of BC, moves beyond recipes and menus to explore the real architecture of a life in hospitality. Each episode is a deep dive with restaurateurs, producers, and culinary leaders, unpacking the complex business decisions, career pivots, and personal philosophies that define their work. Listeners get an authentic backstage pass to the pressures, triumphs, and often-unseen logistics of running kitchens and dining rooms. The discussions naturally reveal the interconnected culture of local food, from farm relationships to dining room dynamics. Belcham’s perspective ensures these aren’t just interviews, but nuanced dialogues full of practical insight for anyone invested in this world. The podcast serves as an oral history of a community in motion, documenting the craft, economics, and human stories behind the plates. It’s for those who appreciate that a great restaurant experience is built on a foundation of meticulous preparation-the true meaning of its namesake. Tune in for thoughtful, grounded talk that respects the intelligence of both its guests and its audience.