Story & Lesson Highlights with Edible Ed of Central Phoenix

Edible Ed shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Edible Ed, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Everything. Most people hear or see my name and automatically assume that I cook with Marijuana. My name is funny and phonetical, that’s it. But then others hear that my show is family friendly and I primarily teach cooking classes at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and assume I’m a “kid Chef.” Then others see me and I fry their brains because they can’t automatically label me or place me in a box.

My name is Edible Ed. I was a Chef in LA before having 6 back surgeries, preventing me from cooking professionally but now I have a funny family friendly YouTube cooking show. We all need to eat, and laugh, so join me. My mission is to make cooking, less intimidating, fun and SOUPER delicious.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Edible Ed’s the name and cooking is the game. I’ve loved cooking since I was a tad boy and now I’m a grown man, creating the craziest creations ever. My family is from Guyana, South America, I was born in Hollywood, I married a Mexican American and I was trained in classic French cuisine. I worked a few pop ups before that was a thing and before that, I worked for Iron Chef Wolfgang Puck. But the kitchen job I’m most proud of? My nearly 10 years cooking in a homeless shelter, starting in my teens. I learned so much about food and the human condition and how much those two things intersect. I learned a lot there.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I played sports for years. Everything. Football, tennis, soccer, cricket, baseball but especially basketball. I was really good, not only because I was tall but because I had talent. I poured every available second into honing my basketball craft. When I played, I regularly outscored the other team. I started receiving cheers from both sides of the court. But when I truly realized that I was really good was when a Mom from another team came over and told me how exciting it was to watch me. I realized that my play transcended a game and it became something more. I chase that same feeling with my food. It’s incrEDible what you can create with determination, perseverance, hard work and love.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, every day. Having a bad back takes it’s toll on you. But especially when you’re 6’7 and have had 6 back surgeries. Everything always hurts. But I can take it all laying down or keep moving forward, doing the best I can with what I got.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s really not that hard but the world seems to be doing the opposite more and more. Most people feel that when something negative happens to you, that revenge needs to be a consequence. But if someone poked my eye and I poked them back, now we’re just two even more grumpy people with swollen eyes. We’re more alike than most people understand. Don’t forget that we’re microscopic insects on a floating rock, hurdling through the vastness of space. Have some grace for your fellow human.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That’s a tough one. Even though I’m usually the biggest person in the room, I tend to be more shy. So most of my Life, I’ve been a background character. But I’ve always done my best to be a good person. I strive to be remembered for leaving this place better than I found it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Edibleeds.com
• Instagram: @edible.ed.cooks
• Youtube: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/%40EdibleEds&ved=2ahUKEwjeg96izrCOAxV6mO4BHVQOItYQjjh6BAgdEAE&usg=AOvVaw3JnkGFACnqezpUBMa6uy_R
• Other: https://linktr.ee/edibleeds