Arde Bogotá and Chef Sara Peral Discuss Mental Health and Professional Pressure at the Festival of the Ideas and the Culture

At the recent Festival of the Ideas and the Culture organized by elDiario.es in Rivas, Spain, chef Sara Peral and members of the band Arde Bogotá—Pepe Esteban and José Ángel Mercader, known as “Jota”—addressed the high-pressure environments inherent in the culinary and music industries. The discussion, which took place during a live cooking demonstration, focused on the necessity of normalizing mental health support and fostering collaborative professional environments.

The Intersection of High-Pressure Careers

Sara Peral, who works at the restaurant OSA alongside Jorge Muñoz, joined forces with the musicians to prepare fresh pasta with ricotta before a live audience at the Plaza de la Constitución. Despite their different fields, Peral and the members of Arde Bogotá share a common experience regarding the intense competitiveness of their respective sectors. According to Peral, there is a tendency to idealize the culinary world through television programs, often masking the reality of the grueling labor involved.

Jota, the band’s drummer, noted that the music industry can frequently become a toxic environment driven by unspoken competition. “In music, there is a lot of competition without wanting it, and it can be a very toxic environment,” Jota stated during the event. His bandmate, bassist Pepe Esteban, added that despite these challenges, their career trajectory has been marked by the support and advice of fellow artists, suggesting a generational shift toward more collaborative practices.

Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

A central theme of the conversation was the physical and emotional toll of professional success in an era of constant connectivity. Jota described the personal impact of the “era of immediacy,” noting that professionals are often treated like machines, which can lead to severe burnout. He shared a personal experience from a tour, where the stress of the band’s schedule resulted in somatic symptoms, including a temporary difficulty in swallowing.

Reflecting on these challenges, the participants advocated for structural changes in workplace wellness. “One realizes that at the end of the day, one is a person with their feelings and concerns,” Jota remarked. Peral echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for institutional support, stating, “We have to put a physiotherapist and a psychologist in every job; it should be mandatory.”

Shared Origins and Future Projects

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of public education in shaping their professional foundations. Jota noted that he and other members of the band studied together in a public high school, a background that continues to influence their perspective on success and community.

The participants are currently navigating active professional transitions. Sara Peral is developing a new project aimed at recovering the midday menu, while Arde Bogotá continues to expand its catalog. Following the release of two studio albums and an EP, the band recently released their single “Instrucciones” and is currently working on their third studio album, the title of which has yet to be announced.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

• Normalization of Support: Both the culinary and music sectors require better integration of professional mental health and physical support systems.
• Generational Shift: There is a perceived movement away from toxic competitiveness toward more collaborative and supportive professional relationships.
• Public Education: The participants emphasized the role of public education in providing the foundation for their careers in competitive fields.
• Industry Reality: High-pressure environments in media and professional kitchens often contrast with the public perception generated by entertainment media.