Hospo Dojo Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Chase Kojima, the chef behind iconic restaurants like Sokyo, Kiyomi, Chuuka, Simulation Senpai, Senpai Ramen, and Senpai Dojo —venues that once set the benchmark for modern Japanese dining in Australia before closing their doors. Chase shares his journey from mastering Japanese cookery under his father to taking a leap of faith in Australia, where he bui...

In this episode, we sit down with Gareth Whitton, the chef-turned-pastry guru behind Melbourne’s Tarts Anon. From Michelin-star kitchens to the chaos of lockdown, Gareth turned a small idea into a big deal—crafting tarts that have taken the dessert world by storm. We’ll dive into his journey, the challenges of building a business during a pandemic, and his thoughts on balancing creativity, resilie...

In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we sit down with Peter Gunn, the culinary mastermind behind Melbourne’s acclaimed restaurant, Ides. Known for his innovative approach to modern Australian cuisine, Peter shares his journey from working with some of the world’s top chefs to establishing a venue that reflects his unique vision. We discuss the challenges of running a fine-dining establishmen...

In this episode, we sit down with Morgan McGlone, the founder of Belles Hot Chicken, a venue that has been redefining fried chicken in Australia since 2014. But Morgan’s story isn’t just about food—he’s staged internationally with top chefs, managed models in New York, and hosted over 87 pop-ups and collaborations across the globe. Now at Bar Copains, Morgan continues to blend creativity, business...

The restaurant world thrives on many trades that work behind the scenes, and in today’s episode, we’ve got Samuel Fraraccio, also known as The Brick Chef, joining us. Samuel collaborates with chefs and restaurant owners across Australia, designing and building incredible wood-fired ovens that bring unique craftsmanship to the restaurants world wide. We chat about the process behind creating these...

What happens when a finance professional takes a leap of faith into the culinary world? Junda Khoo turned a small food court outlet into one of Sydney’s most beloved Malaysian dining destinations. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of community. In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we chat with Junda Khoo, the mastermind behind Ho Jiak. From leaving a stable career in f...

In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Chris and Jesse, the masterminds behind Happyfield, the award-winning cafe known for its exceptional coffee and innovative brunch menu. They share their journey from humble beginnings to being recognised as the best cafe in Australia. Chris and Jesse delve into their unique approach to hospitality, emphasising the importance of community,...

In this episode, Chef Ivan Brehm takes us through his culinary journey, combining science, art, and tradition to create unique dishes. He shares how his time in top kitchens shaped his approach to food, balancing innovation with respect for the past. Ivan also talks about the importance of storytelling through food and how his multicultural background influences his creativity. If you're passionat...

In this episode, we chat with Pierre and Melissa, the founders of Pepe Saya. We discuss how Pierre, also known as Pepe, took a childhood nickname and a single block of butter from Sydney's Carriageworks markets and turned it into a successful business. They share practical advice for anyone looking to supply to restaurants, highlighting the importance of hard work, personal connections, and f...

In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Daniel and Matteo, two of Australia's top pizza chefs. They bring their expertise and passion for creating the perfect pizza to the table, sharing their journey from humble beginnings to becoming renowned figures in the hospitality space, specifically the pizza industry. Daniel and Matteo discuss the details of making the perfect pizza, t...

In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Josh and Tim the founders of Burger Head. Influenced by their years of combined experience and a deep passion for creating the perfect burger, they share their journey transitioning from fine dining kitchens to quick service burger shops and now multiple food trucks. Josh and Tim share stories on navigating rapid expansion, creative...