Shows
Hospo Dojo PodcastHow AI Is Quietly Revolutionising Service Businesses w/ Bianca BradyIn this episode, we chat with Bianca Brady, CEO & Founder of Axify, a smart conversational AI assistant that is transforming the way service businesses handle bookings, guest messages, and customer engagement.
Bianca is an MIT Data Science graduate and former hospitality professional who understands the industry’s frontline pressures.We talk about:
How AI is transforming customer experiences in service industries
Why embracing AI is a game-changer for hospitality entrepreneurs
Bianca’s vision for a smarter, more connected future in hospitality
Follow us on Instagram: @paulayyash @hospodojo @kirstentibballs2025-06-0519 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastThe Brutal Hours Nobody Talks About: Kirsten Tibballs' Sweet Rise in HospitalityWhat makes a world-class pastry chef? Kirsten Tibballs opens up about her journey and how she turned her love of chocolate into a global platform. Kirsten Tibballs is one of Australia’s most celebrated pastry chefs and chocolatiers. She’s the founder of Savour School and host of The Chocolate Queen, broadcast in 89 countries. Kirsten has judged top international competitions and represented Australia at the World Pastry Championship. Kirsten shares about: - Her journey from teenage apprentice to global pastry figure - How competition wins reshaped her career - Building a specialist cooking school ...2025-06-0318 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastPizza, Burnout & Building a Better Kitchen Life w/ Alastair HannmanIn this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, Paul sits down with Al Hannmann, aka @althepizzabuddha, an international pizza consultant who walked away from fine dining after hitting burnout. What followed wasn’t a career pivot, it was a full reset. We talk about the years he spent off the grid, how Buddhist practice gave him structure, and why slowing down became the foundation for everything he built next. Here’s what we cover: – Burning out in high-pressure kitchens – Finding clarity through discipline and stillness – Using pizza as a practice, not just a product – Rebui...2025-05-0355 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastFrom Dishwasher to World Champion: The Johnny D.F. JourneyIn this episode, we sit down with Johnny Di Francesco, the powerhouse behind Melbourne’s 400 Gradi and a global authority in pizza craftsmanship and hospitality business strategy. From washing dishes at 12 to running a 7,000sqm manufacturing facility, Johnny breaks down the mindset, systems, and decisions that have shaped his success. You’ll get no fluff, just clear, tactical insights on:
• Building multi-site operations without losing control
• Why he licenses instead of franchising
• How he pivoted during COVID and scaled manufacturing fast
• The real reason systems matter more than hype
“If you don’t s...2025-04-1054 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastFrom Barista to MasterChef 2024 Winner: The Culinary Journey of Nat ThaipunOn this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, I sit down with Nat Thaipun, winner of MasterChef Australia 2024, to chat about food, the hospitality grind, and what life really looks like after reality TV. It’s a raw, honest conversation about passion, resilience, and making your mark in the hospitality industry. For Nat, cooking was never just about feeding people, it was an emotional outlet. Growing up in a Thai-Australian household, she watched her grandmother cook traditional meals over an open flame, creating flavours that carried stories of their heritage. Later in life, as she faced personal st...2025-02-2352 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastThe Untold Story of Chase Kojima: Success, Struggles, and SushiIn 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 built a career blending Japanese tradition with modern cuisine. We talk about his early lessons at Nobu and the challenges of running high-pressure kitchens. This is one of the rawest, most authentic episodes we’ve ever recorded about re...2025-01-211h 07
Hospo Dojo PodcastFrom Lockdown to Cult Pastry: The Rise of Tarts AnonIn 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, resilience, and good old-fashioned hard work. Whether you’re in hospitality or just love a good pastry story, this episode is for you.2025-01-2054 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastHow Peter Gunn is Revolutionizing Fine Dining with Ides in MelbourneIn 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 establishment, the creative process behind crafting unforgettable dishes, and the importance of authenticity in today’s fast-paced industry. Whether you’re in hospitality or simply a lover of great food, Peter’s story is one of passion, c...2024-12-111h 05
Hospo Dojo PodcastBeyond the Kitchen: Morgan McGlone on Pop-Ups, Fashion, and Fried ChickenIn 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, and a passion for hospitality.
Join us as we explore Morgan’s journey, from shaping Australia’s casual dining scene to rediscovering his roots, and learn what it takes to stay ahead in an...2024-11-2053 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastCrafting the Perfect Wood-Fired Ovens with The Brick ChefThe 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 ovens, how they enhance the dining experience, and some of the challenges and innovations that Sam encounters in this super niche space. If you’re curious about how ovens are built to his standard, this episode is for you2024-10-1354 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastThe Man Behind Ho Jiak: Junda Khoo’s Recipe for SuccessWhat 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 finance to opening a tiny 12-seater restaurant, Junda shares his inspiring journey of following his passion for cooking and bringing authentic Malaysian flavors to Sydney. We dive into hi...2024-09-2338 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastFrom Concept to Cafe of the Year: The Journey of Happyfield's SuccessIn 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, collaboration, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back.
They also discuss the challenges of opening a cafe with a limited budget, the process of branding, and the secret to their strong...2024-09-0357 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastChef Ivan Brehm's Creative Mindset | Unlocking Culinary InnovationIn 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 passionate about food, this episode will inspire you to see cuisine in a new light.2024-08-1654 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastFrom Butter Blocks to Business Success: The Pepe Saya StoryIn 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 face-to-face interactions. We also discover how Pepe Saya's persistence and dedication led to their gourmet butter being stocked in grocery stores and top restaurants nationwide and their next move to supplying in the US. Join us to...2024-07-1450 min
Hospo Dojo PodcastMastering the ART of Pizza | Dan and Matteo share their SECRETS!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, the importance of hydration in dough, and the techniques that set their pizzas apart. They share their experiences of working with their mentors, their definition of Leopard Crust, and the solutions they've implemented...2024-06-301h 03
Hospo Dojo PodcastFood Truck Challenges: The Hustle Behind Burger Head | Josh and TimIn 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 marketing stunts, financial pressures, unexpected failures and triumphs. Josh and Tim provide invaluable insights on sourcing the right suppliers to mastering the art of efficiency in food trucks. Tune in t...2024-06-1456 min