I’ve been a fan of Chef Robert Irvine for years. One of the first things that struck me about him? The guy is jacked. He clearly cares about fitness and what he puts into his body—something you don’t always associate with world-class chefs. But that’s Robert: a rare blend of culinary mastery and physical discipline.
Beyond his cooking chops, he’s a prolific entrepreneur, author, speaker, and philanthropist. All gas, no brakes. His energy is relentless, and his no-BS attitude—rooted in honesty and transparency—is obvious in everything he does. It’s no surprise he’s been so successful. As the saying goes: how you do one thing is how you do everything.
What separates Robert from most celebrity chefs is that balance. In an industry often defined by indulgence, he proves you can be passionate about food and maintain peak physical condition. He’s also a tireless advocate for the military and was recently tapped to overhaul food for the entire U.S. Armed Forces—a mission tailor-made for his skills and values. His commitment to serving those who serve runs deep, and it reveals a side of him that goes far beyond his TV persona.
Recently, Robert featured me and my book in an article for his magazine—yes, Chef Robert Irvine Magazine exists, and it’s fantastic. I had a great time doing that interview, and I wanted to return the favor: sit down, ask him some questions, and learn how he sees the world.
When we recorded this conversation, his wife—former pro wrestler Gail Kim (I’m a big wrestling fan)—walked by in the background. I had to hit pause and ask her to join. We talked about how they met, their relationship, her career, and how she views Robert’s journey. It was a fanboy moment for me, but it also gave a powerful look at how two driven people support each other while building a life together.
You hear me say this all the time: these interviews bring me joy. Because when you get access to someone operating at this level, it changes you. Want to level up your nutrition? Talk to a world-renowned chef. Want to level up your fitness? Learn from the best trainers on the planet.
Stay curious. Keep learning. Never stop leveling up. Those are just a few of the lessons reinforced in my conversation with Robert Irvine—a man who lives the principle that excellence isn’t a destination. It’s a daily habit.
Check out our How I See It with one of the most dynamic figures in the culinary world today.
How Chef Robert Irvine Sees It
On Success:
“Success is waking up, changing one life. Not money, fame—never chased that.”
On Perfection:
“The military shifted me—be the best me. At 59, I’m close.”
On Drive:
“I’m type A—people ask, ‘What’s balance? What’s enough?’ Never enough.”
On Trust:
“Trust’s tough—in marriage, two lives merge into one; in business, I trust you to do your job.”
On Business:
“Don’t sell what I want, sell what consumers want. That was tough—I’m creative.”
On Innovation:
“When they say ‘can’t,’ I study their process, tweak it.”
On Leadership:
“Type A’s hire B’s to feel big—I hire A’s to sharpen me.”
On Growth:
“Now I listen, keep wins or losses quiet—it’s easier to connect.”
On Humility:
“Egoless leaders listen; they don’t mind a new angle.”
On Optimism:
“I stay positive—change works if it lifts everyone.”
On Identity:
“Look in the mirror—who do you see? You’ve got to like that person.”
On Passion:
“Passion’s what gets you up—for me, it’s people, the challenge.”
On Fitness:
“Fitness is mental—focuses me. Every day—six days lifting or cardio—calms me.”
On Effort:
“No pill makes you fit—never will. That’s overcoming impossible.
On Impact:
“Helping costs time, not cash—hug someone, open a door, buy food for a kid.”
Want to watch the interview and read the complete transcript of Greg Scheinman’s full conversation with Chef Irvine?
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In health,
Greg
Greg Scheinman is the Founder of Midlife Male. You can follow him on Instagram and LinkedIN
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