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@heartmediapodcast

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exploring culture, business and the stories behind it all
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In this episode, we sit down with @hughsallen , one of the most talented and humble chefs to come out of Australia’s fine dining scene. Hugh started working in kitchens as a teenager before landing a life-changing opportunity at Noma in Copenhagen — one of the world’s best restaurants — where he trained under René Redzepi for three years.

Returning to Australia, Hugh quickly made waves and, by his mid-twenties, took on the role of Executive Chef at Vue de Monde in Melbourne. At just 26, he became the youngest chef in the restaurant’s history to earn three hats in The Age Good Food Guide, balancing high-pressure leadership with a calm and thoughtful approach to food.

In this conversation, we talk about the journey — from humble beginnings to hatted kitchens, what he’s learned about creativity, leadership, and staying grounded in an industry that often isn’t. Hugh’s story is one of quiet ambition, deep curiosity, and a genuine love for the craft.

#HughAllen #VueDeMonde by @heartmediapodcast

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a year ago

In this episode, we sit down with Nat Thaipun as she opens up about the moment MasterChef shifted everything for her , and how one show became the spark that pulled her out of one of the darkest periods of her life.
From rock bottom to a new beginning.
A raw, honest conversation you don’t want to miss.

Thank you for listening! We are so grateful we get to do this thing and it really means the world to us to have supporters like yourself listening in.

Link in bio❤️ by @heartmediapodcast

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10 months ago

The long awaited episode with Ben Shewry is finally here. Hailing from New Zealand's North Taranaki region, Ben is the visionary chef and owner of one of Australia's most renowned restaurants, Attica.

In this episode, Ben shares his experiences from his early days in the kitchen to leading Attica, a restaurant celebrated for its innovative use of native Australian ingredients and commitment to sustainability. We delve into his creative process, family life, the challenges of the fine dining industry, and the tedious process of writing his memoir, Uses for Obsession.

We thoroughly enjoyed our discussion with Ben as it offered a glimpse into the passion and philosophy that drives one of Australia's most acclaimed individuals.

#atticamelbourne #benshewry taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @heartmediapodcast

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a year ago

David Makin has spent his life somewhere between coffee, competition and controlled chaos.

From growing up around events and hospitality, to becoming the first ever Victorian Barista Champion, to coming second in the world, to building Axil Coffee Roasters into one of Melbourne’s most recognised coffee brands, his story is full of grit, obsession and near misses.

In this episode, we talk about the early days of specialty coffee in Melbourne, losing everything before starting again, the mentors who helped him rebuild, opening Axil with Zoe, racing cars as a very expensive “hobby”, and what it really takes to train world champion baristas.

We also get into the reality of hospitality right now. Rising wages, fuel surcharges, public holiday penalties, the pressure on cafes, and why the price of coffee has become such a heated conversation.

But underneath it all, this is a conversation about resilience.

About getting close, missing out, going again, and building something that lasts.

A proper Melbourne hospitality story.

Full episode out now.

Thank you for listening! We are so grateful we get to do this thing and it really means the world to us to have supporters like yourself listening in. by @heartmediapodcast

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4 months ago

From starting a two Michelin-star apprenticeship at just 15 years old, to surviving the intense 90-hour work weeks of 1990s hospitality 🧑‍🍳🎙️We sat down with David to talk about his incredible journey from a small UK pit town to the elite kitchens of Raymond Blanc.
From the terrifying reality of entering an aggressive, macho adult workplace as a teenager, to finding his true “tribe” and family inside the kitchen crew, this chat is a raw and fascinating look into what old-school hospitality was really like.
If you love food history, chef stories, or are just fascinated by what it takes to make it in the culinary world, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch the full episode now.

Thank you for listening! We are so grateful we get to do this thing and it really means the world to us to have supporters like yourself listening in. by @heartmediapodcast

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5 months ago

1.9 BILLION diners seated globally last year ??🎙️

We sat down with Drew from @opentableau to talk all things hospitality, restaurants, trends, AI, marketing, bookings, viral venues and what actually makes people want to dine out in 2026.

From why Melbourne’s food scene is still world class, to the rise of experience led dining and the future of restaurant tech, this chat is packed with insights, opinions and some seriously good conversation.

If you’re in hospitality, marketing, or just obsessed with food, this one’s worth the listen.

Watch the full episode now. by @heartmediapodcast

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5 months ago

For @mark_hannell, it didn’t start with a romantic story of being surrounded by generations of food. It was him and a mate, cooking curry for friends, figuring it out as they went.

Fast forward and he’s now the chef and co-owner of @reedhouse.melbourne, after years of working his way through some of the most respected venues in London and Melbourne.

No big fairytale origin. Just hard work, a bit of risk, and a genuine love for feeding people, exactly what we got to talk about in this episode. by @heartmediapodcast

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7 months ago

The hard truth: money is the oxygen of business.

When the oxygen drops, businesses don’t operate the same. They make trade offs. They cut where they can. Survival takes over, and long term thinking gets pushed aside.

That is exactly what we unpack in this episode. We sit down with @lyndonkubis, Australian entrepreneur, wine merchant, and hospitality advisor recognised for shaping Melbourne’s modern wine bar culture.

Watch the full episode now. by @heartmediapodcast

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7 months ago

If loving what you do was a person, it would be @rymondtn .

With two bakeries under his belt and complete creative freedom in the kitchen, Raymond Tan has built a life around doing what he genuinely loves. Every day is another chance to experiment, create, and push his craft a little further.

In this episode we talk about creativity in the kitchen, building a career around passion, and what it really takes to run a bakery (or two).

Watch the full episode now. by @heartmediapodcast

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7 months ago

This episode with Julia Sansone, the creative force behind @sansberry and @mince.mag might make you want to look at your city a little differently.

We talk about exploring creativity in the real world, not just online. From sticker culture and unexpected inspiration to community spaces all rooted in authenticity, and creative growth.

It is a conversation about building real connection, and finding inspiration beyond the algorithm. by @heartmediapodcast

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8 months ago

How often do you shop local? 🥕🌽 This very special episode with Natalie from @queensharvestqvm & Gemma from @foodforeveryone.aus might make you want a do so more .

We still talk food and flavour, but today we go beyond the plate, zooming out to the local businesses, everyday produce, why where you shop actually matters, and how you can make an impact

Food truly connects us all. by @heartmediapodcast

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8 months ago

In this episode, we sit down with Sophie McGrath of @sophiemcgrathpr as she opens up about building a career in public relations, navigating pressure behind the scenes, and what it really takes to sustain longevity in an industry that never switches off.

A grounded, insightful conversation you don’t want to miss.

Link in bio ❤️ by @heartmediapodcast

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8 months ago