The Heart Media Podcast

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...

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" an...

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 insi...

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, an...

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 mo...

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...

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 impact Food truly connects us all. Thank you for...

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 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 me...

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 worl...

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: H...

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 a...

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 als...

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...

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 Byro...

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 bui...

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 ju...

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 c...

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...

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 m...

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...

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 creatio...

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...

​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,...

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 p...