86'd OTC Podcast: Service Industry Confessions

08/25/2026

The food is the part people see: Color. Flair. Creativity. Presentation.

But running a kitchen, leading a team, building a culture, and taking care of your people?
That’s the real work that makes it all possible.

🎧 Hear Chef Sarah Leavell talk about the business and leadership side of culinary in the Season One finale of 86’d.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3EHvH1PzImN67icE8PSKIe

08/24/2026

It's our final episode of Season 1, y'all! 🥹

We’re wrapping up Season One of 86’d: Off The Clock Service Industry Confessions with Chef Sarah Leavell.
From growing up on a family farm to becoming a chef, educator, mentor, and culinary competitor, Sarah’s story is about hard work, resilience, community, and finding the people who help you become who you’re meant to be.

And she has a lot to say about kitchen culture, mentorship, women in culinary, and the future of the industry.

🎧 Listen to Ep 13 with Chef Sarah Leavell now!

https://open.spotify.com/show/3EHvH1PzImN67icE8PSKIe

08/22/2026

08/13/2026

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation with Rene Hernandez wasn't about running a bar.

It was about loss.

Rene opened up about grief, and about what it means to carry something deeply personal while continuing to show up for work, for your team, and for the people sitting on the other side of the bar.

If you've ever had to put on a smile and work through something painful, you are not alone.

We talk honestly about loss, grief, and the realities of life behind the bar in Episode 12 of 86'd: Off the Clock - Service Industry Confessions.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PVravTvbMqKpow9penSjh?si=_1ULFCatREGNDOlHFHbJYw&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A61UM7VvF6ktKNHgWn1yuox

08/12/2026

If you've worked behind a bar in Tulsa, chances are you've heard of 918 Liquid Ninjas.

It's more than a Facebook group. It's one of those places where the people who actually work in the industry can connect--sharing job opportunities, making connections, asking questions, swapping stories, and helping each other navigate the sometimes wild world of hospitality.

And that's something we kept coming back to during our conversation with Rene Hernandez.

Catch more about 918 Liquid Ninjas from Rene Hernandez in Episode 12 of 86'd: Off the Clock - Service Industry Confessions!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PVravTvbMqKpow9penSjh?si=OCxrvEQBRHSRhufUHk1VDQ&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A4fXcGZJdQVKBpQs58lbskV

08/11/2026

What makes a bar more than just a place to grab a drink?

For Rene Hernandez, owner of Cave Bar & Grill, the answer is surprisingly simple:

100% customer service.
100% cleanliness.

Have you experienced The Cave? What's your definition of the "Cave experience"?

You can listen to Rene Hernandez's full story on Episode 12 of 86'd: Off the Clock - Service Industry Confessions and be sure to like and follow The Cave on socials!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1YHAdvYJqD/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PVravTvbMqKpow9penSjh?si=U4hev4jdTJKnLJvJaV7cJQ&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A2YULC3XF8vP6oq7cixla2i

08/10/2026

This week on 86'd: Off the Clock, we sat down with Rene Hernandez, owner of Cave Bar & Grill, to talk about what it really means to lead with intention.

From his journey as a barback to becoming a respected bar owner, Rene shares lessons on customer service, overcoming failure, supporting fellow hospitality professionals, and why success isn't just measured by what you build--it's measured by how you make people feel.

This conversation also takes an honest look at grief, mental health, alcohol abuse, and the importance of creating a stronger, more connected hospitality community.

🎧 Episode 12 is streaming now!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PVravTvbMqKpow9penSjh?si=aLm5B_-kQmeaw7LAi63PeA%0A

08/09/2026

🎉 Teacher Feature 2026 Winner Announcement 🎉

We are so excited to announce the winner of our Teacher Feature 2026 random drawing:

Amanda Reynolds of Glenpool Elementary!

Amanda is entering her 15th year of teaching and has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade throughout her career. This will be her second year teaching ELL, where she works with students in a smaller-group setting to build confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

In Amanda’s words, helping students find that confidence is “truly the best.”

As our Teacher Feature 2026 drawing winner, Ellis Hospitality will be fulfilling up to $500 in classroom supplies from Amanda’s Amazon wishlist.

We are incredibly grateful to every teacher who entered, every person who submitted a nomination, and everyone who helped us celebrate Oklahoma public school educators this week.

And we’re not done yet.

Throughout the rest of August, we’ll continue featuring incredible Oklahoma public school teachers and sharing their Amazon Classroom Wish Lists so our community can keep helping fill classrooms one item at a time.

Amanda, congratulations! We are honored to support you and your students as you head into another school year.

Teacher Feature 2026
Helping Fill Classrooms One Wishlist at a Time.