Kevin Boehm cofounder of Boka Group, James Beard Award winner, and one of the most influential voices in modern hospitality has opened 46 restaurants. But behind the success was chaos. In his memoir The Bottomless Cup, he shares his story for the first time. Kevin has lived through highs that felt euphoric + lows that nearly cost him everything: homelessness, bankruptcy, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation. His story began with a shocking discovery at 18, that the man who raised him wasn’t his biological father; setting off a lifetime of reinvention, rebellion, and relentless drive. Kevin shares:
The “one-take Frank” mentality: why chasing big, loud moments (openings, applause, launches) became his dopamine drug
Building a six-table café at 21 and scaling to 46 restaurants
The real cost of the high: alcohol, burnout, suicidal lows
What an actual rock bottom looks like + why he calls it a gift
Choosing happiness like a job: therapy, meds, Hoffman, sobriety, boundaries
The mantras: “The magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding” and “Everyone is responsible, but no one is to blame.”
Forgiving three complicated parents
Why hospitality is emotional surgery, not just food and service
The purpose as playing a cameo role in other people’s biggest nights
Social media & mental health hygiene: curating your feed like your pantry

Content Warning:: This episode includes candid discussion of depression and suicidal ideation.

Follow Kevin here

Grab a copy of his memoir The Bottomless Cup here

Book Recommendation: The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer

Kevin Boehm cofounder of Boka Group, James Beard Award winner, and one of the most influential voices in modern hospitality has opened 46 restaurants. But behind the success was chaos. In his memoir The Bottomless Cup, he shares his story for the first time. Kevin has lived through highs that felt euphoric + lows that nearly cost him everything: homelessness, bankruptcy, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation. His story began with a shocking discovery at 18, that the man who raised him wasn&rsquo;t his biological father; setting off a lifetime of reinvention, rebellion, and relentless drive. Kevin shares:
<ul>
<li>The &ldquo;one-take Frank&rdquo; mentality: why chasing big, loud moments (openings, applause, launches) became his dopamine drug</li>
<li>Building a six-table caf&eacute; at 21 and scaling to 46 restaurants</li>
<li>The real cost of the high: alcohol, burnout, suicidal lows</li>
<li>What an actual rock bottom looks like + why he calls it a gift</li>
<li>Choosing happiness like a job: therapy, meds, Hoffman, sobriety, boundaries The mantras: &ldquo;The magic you&rsquo;re looking for is in the work you&rsquo;re avoiding&rdquo; and &ldquo;Everyone is responsible, but no one is to blame.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Forgiving three complicated parents</li>
<li>Why hospitality is emotional surgery, not just food and service</li>
<li>The purpose as playing a cameo role in other people&rsquo;s biggest nights</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Social media &amp; mental health hygiene: curating your feed like your pantry</li>
</ul>
Content Warning:: This episode includes candid discussion of depression and suicidal ideation.
Follow Kevin <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kevinboehmboka/?hl=en">here</a>
Grab a copy of his memoir The Bottomless Cup <a href="https://riponbookstore.com/products/the-bottomless-cup-a-memoir-of-secrets-restaurants-and-forgiveness-9781419775246">here</a>
Book Recommendation: The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer

Behind every headline is a person + a deeper story. Question Everything with journalist Danielle Robay cuts through social media buzz to uncover the voices, ideas, and cultural moments that shape how we see the world. Each week, she asks bold questions that challenge assumptions and reveal the nuance behind the narratives, inviting you to look closer at the world, and at yourself. Because there's always more to the story.
——
Danielle is also the creator of the bestselling QUESTION EVERYTHING card game series, which has sparked connection and conversation in thousands of living rooms around the world. She's also the co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) and host of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. With her signature curiosity—dubbed "The Queen of Questions"—and a background in political science, Danielle brings both heart and rigor to every conversation. A Gloria Steinem Fellow and mentee of Larry King, she's carried forward a legacy of curiosity and connection, interviewing icons from Taylor Swift to Malala Yousafzai in more than 8,000 hours of elevated conversation.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

The Magic Is in the Work You’re Avoiding: with Restaurateur Kevin Boehm

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7853f048-7365-42ad-9d35-b38c012280ad/transcript