The Imperfects Andy Cooks - Andy Doesn't Drink (Anymore)
Aug 10, 2025
Andy Hearnden, aka Andy Cooks, is a professional chef and social media sensation. He shares his journey from drinking's grip to finding sobriety, emphasizing the vital support from his partner, Katelyn. The conversation dives into the normalization of alcohol in the culinary world, the emotional struggles of addiction, and the importance of self-awareness. Andy also reflects on leadership lessons learned through his recovery, the shifting attitudes towards alcohol, and the joyful return to cooking as a passion project.
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Pub Culture Shaped Kitchen Life
- Andy described drinking beers with Jamiroquai at a pub near the restaurant.
- He recalled the kitchen scene normalising heavy partying and late-night culture.
Addiction Became His Biggest Failure
- Andy named alcoholism his biggest failure and spoke about it openly.
- He tied his addiction to the norms and pressures of kitchen culture.
When Drinking Reached Dangerous Levels
- Andy said he drank two to three bottles of wine a day at his worst.
- He described waking with shakes and needing alcohol just to function.
