Suncoast Fresh Prodcast

Episode 104: James White | Olsson's Salt

Did you know salt is the world's oldest seasoning? Many of the world's most distinguished chefs recognise the taste advantage of sea salt over other salts. But how is this magic condiment mined.

 

We've got James White, the General Manager of Olsson's Salt, on the poddy to spill all the salty secrets! With a love for good-quality ingredients, sustainable food and regenerative agriculture, James is here to tell us how Olsson Sea Salt is one of the most eco-friendly seasonings on the planet.

 

The Olsson family have been crafting their iconic salts since 1948—Australia's oldest family-owned sea salt makers! From cattle to consumers, it's an epic journey you don't want to miss. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 103: John McFadden

Cooking magpies! Wait what? You'll have to listen in. From working scrubbing dishes at age 12 to winning hundreds of thousands of dollars at global cooking competitions, John McFadden's cheffing journey is nothing short of legendary.

 

Throughout his epic 35+ year career, he has racked up some pretty impressive titles like World Food Champion in 2022 and World Seafood Champion in 2022 and 2023. Oh, and did we mention he's one of the youngest Aussie chefs to cook at The James Beard Foundation in New York?

 

He is a true mentor and motivator, and he loves sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of culinary talent. We are so grateful to gain some insight as well as some crazy kitchen tales from him in episode #103. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 102: Robert Pekin | Food Connect

Robert Pekin puts the culture into agriculture. The former dairy farmer has lived quite a life— from living wild like Bear Grylls in the Tasmanian bush to working as an aircraft maintenance engineer—he's seen it all. But his journey eventually led him back to his farming roots, with a mission to flip the script on industrial agriculture by promoting it as dignifying life and respecting the landscape.

 

Enter Food Connect Shed, Robert's passion project and home to over 20 food businesses, including OzHarvest, Food Connect Foundation and Ballistic Beer Co. It's a buzzing hub for the local food economy, where food lovers collaborate to build a healthier, fairer, and regenerative food system.

 

In this episode, Robert had us feeling incredibly inspired and left us wanting more. Get keen for round 2! Catch episode #102 to hear the real deal on how food, fibre, and agriculture shape our planet—what's the real price of that Maccas burger on our planet? Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 101: Raymond Capaldi | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 7

Guess who's back? It's the one and only Raymond Capaldi from @raycapaldiconsultancy, joining us for the 7th and final instalment of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series! Fun fact: Ray once worked at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, where the festival is held every year. He returned this year as an ambassador, marking his 8th year at this incredible event!

 

In this episode, Ray touches on the controversies that sparked from his previous episode. We chat about how these honest, unfiltered conversations are making waves and supporting chefs dealing with mental health struggles.

 

Get ready for some big questions: Can food really save the world? You'll have to listen in to find out! Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 100: Michael Lambie | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 6

We've hit the big 100! Who better to celebrate with than the remarkable

@michael.lambie for part 6 of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series.

 

Michael's culinary journey is nothing short of epic. From being a head chef under Marco Pierre White to bringing his talents Down Under, he's turned England’s loss into Melbourne’s gain. He’s the mastermind behind iconic spots like @taxikitchenmelbourne @lamaroshotel @thesmithprahran and @lucyliumelbourne. Rumour has it that a new restaurant, @junimelbourne, could be spicing up Melbourne’s dining scene very soon… stay tuned!

 

For over 20 years, Michael has been a culinary trailblazer in Australia, and he's just as passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs as he is about creating mouthwatering dishes.

 

Tune in to hear more about his incredible journey and what's cooking next. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 99: Ian Curley | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 5

Culinary mastermind @chefiancurley joins us for Part 5 of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series.

 

Ian co-owns the kitchens at @frenchsaloon and @kirkswinebar in Melbourne. Ian’s expertise extends beyond the kitchen—he also lends his talents and knowledge to @ovolohotels and @melbourneracingclub through his consultancy work. You might have also seen him on TV shows like Conviction Kitchen, @masterchefau, Yes Chef, and @9postcards.

 

Part of the legendary 'Brit Pack,' Ian shares wild stories from the intense, high-pressure British kitchens. From a charity dinner in India that had him confined to his hotel room to the last time he shed a tear, Ian doesn't hold back. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into what he believes is the future of Australian cuisine.

 

Tune in and enjoy this raw and honest chat. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Episode 98: Ben Williamson | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 4

Dear friend of the Podcast, @benwilliamsonisgood, is back for Part 4 of our Speed Dating Series from @tasteportdouglas. The real question is, what hasn't Ben been up to? He’s the co-owner of @anyday.hospitality, which owns a string of hotspots including @agnes.restaurant, @agnes.bakery.brisbane, @bianca.restaurant, @same.same.restaurant, @honto.restaurant and @los.landofsmiles.

 

Despite his packed schedule, he still makes time to head to epic events like the Taste Festival, where he hosts incredible masterclasses. In this episode, he shares what it’s like working alongside chefs he’s admired throughout his career, talks about his decision to cut back on alcohol, and gives us a sneak peek into some exciting travel plans on the horizon.

 

Crack open a non-alcoholic beer, sit back, relax and enjoy. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. 

Episode 97: Manu Feildel | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 3

One of Australia's favourite French chefs and TV royalty @manufeildelofficial joins us for Part 3 of our Speed Dating Series from @tasteportdouglas.

 

Manu has been lighting up our screens since 2006, starring in favourites like @mykitchenrules, Australia's Got Talent, @plateoforiginau, Boys Weekend, @readysteadycookau, Dancing With The Stars and @sasaustralia. But he doesn’t stop there—Manu’s also crafted his own sauce range, @bymanuf, and even runs a production, catering and event space, @labotaniquesydney. Talk about a multitasking legend.

 

From the moment Manu started speaking, we were captivated—he's a natural entertainer! In this episode, Manu dives into the incredible friendships he’s built in the industry, the challenges of juggling family and career, and how the game has changed over the years. Have we all gone soft? Manu doesn’t hold back, offering his unfiltered and honest take.

 

You definitely don't want to miss this one. Hit play and get ready to be laughing along with us. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. Link in bio!

Episode 96: Mark Best | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 2

Join us for another incredible chat from @tasteportdouglas with globally recognised Chef @markbest, renowned for his consultancy work with @thecalilehotel and his appearances on @masterchefau and @netflix The Final Table.

 

Mark is like a living encyclopedia, brimming with inspiration, knowledge, and insight. His wise and warm energy is truly captivating.

 

In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of the festival's standout moments, shares stories behind some epic dishes he prepared at Taste, reflects on the impact of clickbait headlines and media attention, and offers a glimpse into his latest ventures.

 

It's the perfect time to get comfy, pour yourself a cuppa, and tune in to the legend we know as Mark Best. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. 

Episode 95: Colin Fassnidge | Taste Port Douglas Speed Dating Series Part 1

Colin Fassnidge (@colinfassnidge) – what a breath of fresh air! We meet some incredible people within the hospitality industry through our Prodcast, and Colin is no exception. We recently spent a few days at @tasteportdouglas and managed to catch up with the man himself.

With a career spanning over two decades, Colin is renowned for his bold and refined approach to modern pub dining and nose-to-tail cuisine. He shared captivating stories of his travels, including eating horse and cooking a sheep inside its own stomach, as well as his upcoming adventures with the iconic @fooddiaryseries alongside @james_white__ and @robertroworth

From being trained by Raymond Blanc to becoming a TV personality and cookbook author, Colin’s journey is a testament to his creativity and dedication to the culinary arts. As a judge on My Kitchen Rules and the author of Four Kitchens, he continues to inspire with his no-nonsense attitude and innovative cuisine.

Tune in to hear about Colin’s dynamic career, his experiences at Taste Port Douglas, his views on modern dining, and his latest projects. This episode is packed with passion and insight—don’t miss it! Available on all your favorite listening platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and more.