The Heart Media Podcast
The Heart Media Podcast explores the culture, business and stories behind hospitality, often referred to as “hospo” in Australia. It looks at the people, venues and ideas shaping the industry, along with the realities of running and growing hospo businesses. Episodes focus on the human side of hospitality and the work that goes into creating memorable experiences.
Episodes
David Makin Axil Coffee | HMPE39
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 e
David Ball Beverly Rooftop | HMPE38
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 f
Drew Bowering Opentable | HMPE37 | HMPE37
1.9 BILLION diners seated globally last year ??🎙️We sat down with Drew from OpenTable Australia 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 insigh
Mark Hannel | HMPE36
For Mark Hannell, it didn’t start with a romantic story 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 Reed House in Melbourne, after years 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
Lyndon Kubis | HMPE35
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 Lyndon Kubis, an Australian entrepreneur, wine merchant, and hospitality advisor recognised for shaping Melbourne’s mode
Raymond Tan | HMPE34
If loving what you do was a person, it would be Raymond.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 t
Julia Sansone (Sansberry) | HMPE33
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 in
Natalie and Gemma (Food for everyone and Queen's Harvest) | HMPE32
How often do you shop local? 🥕🌽 This very special episode with Natalie from Queen's Harvest & Gemma from Food For Everyone 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 impactFood truly connects us all.Thank you for liste
Sophie McGrath | HMPE 31
In this episode, we sit down with Sophie McGrath of Sophie McGrath PR 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.Thank you for listening! We are so grateful we get to do this thing and it really mean
Nat Thaipun – 2024 MasterChef Australia Winner | HMPE30
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 t
Weave Agency | HMPE29
In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Weave, the creative company built on passion, transparency, and a determination that would not let the business fail.Weave began as something fun, something they loved enough to work endless hours on. Through honest conversations and a culture of oversharing, they built a team that believes in them rather than just works for them.We talk about:How
Dylan Walsh | Garden State Journal | HMPE28
In this episode, we catch up with Dylan Walsh — the young filmmaker behind Garden State Journal, the media project that’s turning Melbourne’s everyday magic into visual poetry.Dylan started Garden State Journal in 2022 as a way to “document what Melbourne meant to him,” capturing quiet streets, everyday moments, and local characters with a nostalgic, ’70s-inspired aesthetic. Through his TikTok and
Taf Chiwanza | Secondz | HMPE27
Ever find yourself trusting a friend’s food recommendation more than a review site? In this chat we sit down with Taf Chiwanza, co-founder of the restaurant discovery app, Secondz. Taf talks about why people trust recommendations from their own network more than glossy magazines, the ripple effect of genuine word-of-mouth, and how a single shoutout can transform a small business overnight. He also
Joe Jones | HMPE26
If you’ve been to Mecca’s new Bourke Street store, you might’ve stumbled across the hidden bar run by Joe Jones, serving drinks as he continues to push the boundaries of what hospitality can mean.In this episode, we sit down with Joe, who is both a bartender and the creative mind behind Romeo Lane and Purple Pit.We talk about what it takes to build a career in hospitality, the decision to close th
Robbie Oijvall | Arcade Agency, Light Years | HMPE25
In this episode, we sit down with Robbie Oijvall, hailing from a small town in Sweden to culinary creative at the helm of Light Years and the Arcade Agency hospitality group.Robbie’s journey is anything but ordinary. After studying in Sweden, he made his way to London and later joined Wagamama in the UK. From there, he transitioned to Australia and spent time in Sydney, Melbourne and finally Byron
Emily Gurr | Beverly Rooftop | HMPE24
In this episode, we sit down with Emily Gurr, Creative Director of Beverly Rooftop in Melbourne. Her background spans architecture, fashion, ethical manufacturing, and spatial storytelling. We talk about how growing up in a coastal town and moving through places like Bali, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne shaped the way she sees design, community, and connection. Emily shares what it takes to buil
Mikey Gayed | Good Ideas Studio, Mikey Talk | HMPE23
In this episode, we chat with Mikey Gayed, the founder of Good Ideas Studio, and host of the Mikey Talk podcast.Mikey opens up about swapping his corporate life in Melbourne for the uncertainty of following his passion. After studying business, he found himself back home, working the usual 9-to-5… until COVID hit. That upheaval pushed him to build something of his own. Good Ideas is more than just
John Rivera | Askal, Inuman, Kariton Sorbetes | HMPE22
In this episode, we hang out with John Rivera, the culinary force behind three of some of Melbourne’s most exciting Filipino venues.We trace John’s journey from growing up in the Philippines and New Zealand to launching into Melbourne’s fine-dining world, working his way through Rockpool and other prestige hospitality establishments in Australia.During COVID, John doubled down on his roots and cre
Anthony Randello-Jahn | Donut Daddy, Levain Doughnuts | HMPE21
Get ready for a spicy and sweet deep dive with Anthony Randello‑Jahn, the charismatic creator famously known as The Donut Daddy. We're talking succulent pastries… and a dash of shirtless charm that only he can pull off.Born and bred in Melbourne, Anthony turned childhood curiosity into an empire: from crafting doughnuts back in 2017 to launching Levain Doughnuts and Jamm’d Dessert Bar, both n
Hugh Allen | Vue de Monde, Yiaga, Noma | HMPE20
In this episode, we sit down with Hugh Allen, 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 mi
Kieran Spiteri | Yolk Group, Terror Twilight, HiFi, Convoy | HMPS1E19
Join us for another episode of HMP with Kieran Spiteri, co-founder of Melbourne's Yolk Group. Known for beloved venues like Terror Twilight, Tinker, Convoy, Hi Fi, and the recently opened Ophelia, Kieran shares insights into building a hospitality brand that resonates with community and innovation.In this episode, we delve into Kieran's journey from launching his first café to expanding
Julian Hills | Navi Restaurant | HMPS1E18
In today's episode we're joined by Julian Hills, the chef-owner of Navi, one of Melbourne's most acclaimed fine dining establishments.Julian's journey began on a 40-acre farm in Victoria's Strzelecki Ranges, where he developed a deep connection to the land through gardening, fishing, and foraging. His background in fine arts adds a unique dimension to his culinary creation
Ben Shewry | Attica Melbourne | HMPS1E17
The long awaited episode with Ben Shewry is final here. Hailing from New Zealand's North Taranaki region, Ben is the visionary chef and owner of one of Australia's most renowned restaurant, 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
Zoe Birch | Greasy Zoes | HMPS1E16
Join us for an intimate conversation with Zoe Birch, the talented chef and co-owner of Greasy Zoe's, the acclaimed eight-seat restaurant nestled in Hurstbridge. Zoe, alongside her partner Lachlan Gardner, has crafted a dining experience that embodies hyper-local sourcing and sustainability, offering a seasonal menu that reflects the freshest produce from the Yarra Valley. In this episode, w
Joanna Reymond | Reymond Communications | HMPS1E15
Join us this episode with Joanna Reymond, Founder and Director of Reymond Communications, a leading Australian lifestyle PR agency specialising in hospitality, design, and property. Joanna's journey began in France, and she later honed her skills in Business, Catering, and Hotel Management in Cannes. Her career in public relations took off upon returning to Melbourne, where she worked with pr
Pat Nourse | Creative Director of Melbourne Food and Wine | HMP S1E14
Get ready for a wildly entertaining chat with none other than Pat Nourse— the Creative Director of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Sure, he knows food, but more importantly, he knows how to throw a party that gets an entire city buzzing.In this episode, we get into the real stuff—what it takes to curate an event that brings together world-class chefs, big ideas, and some of the best vibes
Kyle Nicol | Lilac, Hazel & Mulberry Group | HMP S1E13
We're back this week with our good friend Chef Kyle Nicol, the culinary talent behind Melbourne's Lilac Wine Bar and Hazel.Listen in on Kyle's culinary journey from his humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour to London's Michelin-starred Arbutus, and back to Melbourne, where he's made his mark at Supernormal, Builders Arms, and Rascal Brunswick. We delve deep into Kyle's c
Pierre Khodja | HMP S1E12
Join us as we explore the culinary career of our good friend Pierre Khodja, the French-Algerian chef renowned for his innovative fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavours. Pierre's passion for cooking ignited in his childhood, inspired by his mother's ability to create flavourful meals from simple ingredients. Throughout his career, Pierre has held esteemed positions in various
Stephen Nairn | Yugen Dining & Omnia Bristro | HMP S1E11
We're back with a banger for our first episode of 2025. Join Ty and special guest host Ellie as we chat with Stephen Nairn, the brilliant Culinary Director behind two of Melbourne’s hottest dining spots—Yugen Dining and Omnia Bistro. Stephen has cooked in some of the world’s top kitchens and now leads the charge at these iconic venues, blending creativity, precision, and bold flavors to wow a
A1 Bakery | Anthony, Daniel and Haikal | HMP S1E10
Join us for this SPECIAL Christmas episode as we explore ALL things A1 Bakery with none other than Anthony, Daniel and Haikal. The A1 Brothers get a bit deep and chat about family, early days in the bakery, and we get to know a little bit about their bond through some games.This one was a long time coming, so we were absolutely chuffed to talk to the boys inside the OG store in Brunswick. What a w
Cameron Tay Yap | Young Chef of the Year 2024, Amaru, Attica | HMP S1E9
At just 25, Cameron Tay-Yap has already carved out a remarkable career in fine dining as the head chef at Amaru, one of Melbourne's top hatted restaurants. A finalist for The Age Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year award in 2023, Cameron's journey is marked by resilience, innovation, and passion.Join us in this episode as we delve into Cam's story—his inspirations, insane
Bernard Chu | Kōri Ice Cream | HMP S1E8
In this week's episode we dive into the story of Bernard Chu, one of the creative forces behind Melbourne's Kōri Ice Cream. As a renowned pastry chef and former co-owner of LuxBite, Bernard has brought his unique vision and love for Japanese culture to craft one of the city's most exciting dessert destinations. We chat all things dessert, working relationships, life during Covid and
Episode #7 Luke Phillips | Founder of Into Carry & Into Coffee | Zero-Waste Cafe
We’re joined by none other than Luke Phillips, the founder of Into Carry and Into Coffee, a sustainable fashion brand and zero-waste cafe and funnily enough where we shoot the podcast! Luke’s approach blends environmental consciousness with creativity, transforming materials like milk cartons, packaging, excess fabric, and other waste products into unique, eco-friendly accessories.We chat about th
Charlie Lehmann | Ramblin Rascal Tavern | Double Deuce Lounge
Charlie Lehmann is notorious for his outspoken personality on social media and in person he did not disappoint. As a university student, Charlie thought to himself that "getting people pissed" would be much more fun and drawing inspiration from the bar he worked at, started Ramblin Rascal with his best friends Sebastian Soto and Dardan Shervashidze at the age of 25. Ramblin Rascal has wo
Kay-Lene Tan (Omnia/Yugen, Masterchef and High School Bullies)
An exciting podcast with an exciting person, Kay-Lene Tan is every bit as charming, funny and bubbly as she appears in the media. It was such a good time filming this one with a no filter approach and plenty of vulnerability she took us on a journey through her childhood, growing up in Singapore and how it influenced her career. Transitioning from an amateur documentary filmmaker to a chef at the
Episode #4 Guy Grossi | Grossi Restaurants (Florentino, Grill etc.) + Awards from the Italian President
A moving, insightful, fun and entertaining chat all rolled into one. Chatting to Guy was spectacular, he has so much to talk about, acquiring a great deal of life experience throughout his years as a chef and restaurateur. Guy grew up in an Italian immigrant household and was inspired by his father (a chef), working in restaurants from a very young age. He then went on to study chefing and opened
Episode #3 Lachlan (Lachie) Keef-Jackson | The Atlantic
This was by far one of the most interesting episodes we shot, Lachie's story is truly remarkable, full of emotion, challenges and inspiration a truly unique listen. He started out as a chef at the age of just 13 after getting expelled from boarding school for getting into fights and taking down bullies. He then trained under one of the best chefs in Australia at the time, before heading to Lo
Episode #2 Victor Liong | Lee Ho Fook & Collabs with Kanye West
Victor Liong is a Melbourne hospitality icon, he is the owner and creator of the incredible Lee Ho Fook restaurant (Awarded two chef's hats in 2024 and featured as one of the best 25 restaurants in VIC by Gourmet Traveller). Victor tells all as we get into his childhood, growing up in Brunei, the toughness of traditional French kitchens and his obsession with repetition. We talk about facing
Episode #1 Blayne & Chayse (Chugga) Bertoncello | O.MY Restaurant (Restaurant Of The Year 2024 & Sommelier Of The Year 2023)
You have never heard people speak with passion like this, the two brothers Blayne & Chayse Bertoncello from the famous O.MY Restaurant have an incredible story, starting their now famous fine diner out in Beaconsfield at the tender ages of 23 and 19 respectively, after a self discovery trip to Europe. All the produce they use in their menu comes from a personal farm just 10 minutes from the re
