Worldchefs Podcast: World on a Plate

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Jonathan Thompson, the CEO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, a global leader in crafting the finest pure vanilla extracts for nearly 120 years. Since taking the helm in 2020, Jonathan has spearheaded a major business transformation, leveraging his extensive leadership background at top consumer packaged goods companies like Mars and Danone to lead Nielsen-Massey to it...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Ana Roš, a self-taught chef from Slovenia who helms the kitchens at Hiša Franko, a world-renowned three-star Michelin restaurant in the Soča Valley. Ana's path to the kitchen was anything but traditional; a former competitive alpine skier and diplomacy student, she pivoted to gastronomy out of love, eventually being named the World's Best Female Chef in 2017. He...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Hussain Shahzad, Executive Chef of Hunger Inc. Hospitality. A leading voice in Indian cuisine, he uses local ingredients, tradition, and innovation to shape a forward-thinking food culture. After training with the Oberoi Group in Mumbai and gaining experience at Eleven Madison Park in New York, Hussain returned to India to be part of a rapidly evolving culinary...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Stelios Kiosses, psychotherapist, Course Director at the University of Oxford, and pioneering voice in the emerging field of culinary psychology. With over three decades of clinical experience, Stelios explores how food is inseparably connected to how we think, feel, and live. He has spoken at Harvard Medical School, authored books, and has just released his lat...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Anna Blue, Founder and CEO of Blue Moss Group, where she helps organizations align business strategy and social impact to drive growth. She is also the founder of the Hospitality Creator Summit, a first-of-its-kind platform connecting hospitality leaders, creators, and brands to shape storytelling and influence in the industry. Before entering hospitality, Anna...

On this episode, Ragnar is joined by members of Team Singapore, winners of the 2026 Gelato World Cup, and Ilaria Cicero, recently-appointed Global Exhibition Director of the F&B division of IEG Group, organizer of SIGEP World and the Gelato World Cup.  First launched in 2003, the Gelato World Cup unites top talent from across the globe to compete for the world title through challenges in Gelato-ma...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Andy Cuthbert, Worldchefs President, and Sunjeh Raja, Founder of Foodverse and CEO of ICCA Dubai, about the launch of Worldchefs Digital Community, a new online platform designed to unite chefs around the world. Officially launched in December 2025, this platform offers chefs, educators, and associations a dedicated space to build professional profiles, access e...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Raphaël Reynard, co-founder of Chaleur, a socially engaged restaurant in Marseille. With 15 years of experience working in professional kitchens and a passion for serving people in precarious situations, Raphaël co-founded Chaleur, officially opening its doors in June 2025. The restaurant builds its menus around rescued and unsold ingredients from local producer...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Morgaine Gaye, a food futurologist, trend forecaster, researcher, and author whose work sits at the intersection of culture, behavior, geopolitics, and the human relationship to food. Morgaine has built a career on identifying the subtle cultural signals that shape how and why we eat. She advises major food companies, technology brands, governments, and organiza...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Christine Tobin, a food stylist and culinary creative with over 30 years of industry experience telling powerful stories through food. With a background in fine arts, a family of passionate cooks, and years spent working in restaurants before transitioning into food styling, Christine has brought her expertise to projects including Julia on Max, Don't Look Up, T...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Dr. Yana Steudel, a scientist, culinary innovator, and founder of Dr. Steudel AG. After an international career in chemistry, Yana followed her passion for gastronomy, transforming scientific precision into culinary innovation. Her Germany-based company develops award-winning and all-natural flavor pearls that enhance dishes while preserving the pure essence of...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Andy Cuthbert, Worldchefs President and long-time leader in the global culinary community. From his early beginnings in Melbourne to his role as President of the Emirates Culinary Guild and now Worldchefs President, Andy has dedicated his career to elevating chefs and hospitality professionals worldwide. With one year of his presidency now complete, he reflects...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales and the driving force behind bringing the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 to the UK for the first time in its 98-year history. Arwyn has played a significant role in Wales' culinary scene, from coaching their junior team to a gold medal at the Culinary Olympics in 2004 to leading the successful bi...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Chef Noreen Mira, whose journey from healthcare to the kitchen has shaped her ambitions to address nutrition, food security, and sustainability through food. With a background in psychology and years of experience in emergency and primary care, Noreen witnessed firsthand how access to quality food impacts health outcomes, inspiring her to pivot her career during...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with French physical chemist Hervé This, founder of molecular gastronomy, molecular cooking, and Note by Note cooking, three distinct approaches that apply scientific understanding to study, improve, and reimagine the culinary arts. A visionary in culinary innovation, Hervé was recently awarded the prestigious Sonning Prize for his work to renew and scientifically qu...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Karl Guggenmos, a Certified Master Chef, visionary leader, and culinary medicine expert with over 60 years of experience in the food industry. Beginning his culinary journey as an apprentice in Europe, Karl became the Dean of Culinary Education at Johnson & Wales University, shaping the future of chefs' education. Karl has been a driving force behind the growing...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Executive Chef Evi Chioti, active member of the Cyprus Chefs Association and an accomplished advocate for sustainable gastronomy. From her early days in a family of hospitality professionals to becoming the first woman awarded the Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy® Gold Medal, Evi has built a remarkable career as a chef and educator. Today, she is c...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Kristine Hartviksen, Executive Committee Member at Worldchefs and Head of Innovation at NorgesGruppen, Norway's largest grocery company. Kristine has held several leadership roles across culinary associations, including as President of both the Norwegian Chefs Association and the Nordic Chefs Association — the first woman to hold these roles. With over 25 years...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Matthieu Longuere, Master Sommelier and Wine Development Manager at Le Cordon Bleu London. Originally from France, Matthieu has worked in the UK since 1994, holding senior sommelier positions at some of the country's top hotels and restaurants. In 2005, he earned the prestigious title of Master Sommelier, an honor held by fewer than 300 individuals worldwide. To...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Kris Hall, CEO and founder of The Burnt Chef Project. Having faced his own mental health challenges throughout his career, Kris launched The Burnt Chef Project in 2019 to tackle the stigma around mental health in the industry. What began as a black-and-white photography campaign offering raw glimpses into the lives of hospitality professionals has since grown in...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Harish Arya, Chef Manager at Sodexo in Singapore. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Chef Harish has honed his skills at esteemed establishments such as ADDA Restaurant, SATS and Hyatt Regency Hotel. A strong passion for innovation has earned him many accolades in the competition scene, from a Gold Medal in FSG SATS Catering Competition, a Silver...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Young Chef Andreas Enger Fjellheim, who took home gold for the Norwegian Junior Culinary Team in the 2024 Global Chefs Challenge Finals. A rising culinary star, Andreas has impressed at global culinary competitions, including the Culinary Olympics and World Cup. In addition to his win in the Global Young Chefs Challenge, he earned Best Veal and the Green Spatula...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Chef Kimberly Tang. Born in Singapore and raised in Melbourne, she's been surrounded by diverse food cultures from an early age, and began culinary training at age 17. Kimberly grew her skills in prestigious kitchens including Nobu, Dinner by Heston, Society, and Chef's Table. In 2021, Kimberly was named Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year and represented Australia a...

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Giuseppe de Vincenzo, the newly crowned champion of the European Grand Prix. Giuseppe shares his journey from competing in Singapore in 2024 to his victory in Rimini, and how after this most recent win at the Global Chefs Challenge Semi-Finals, he'll be representing Italy at the Worldchefs Congress in 2026. He discusses his experiences working in renowned kitche...