Shows
Bite SizeDesserts & Champagne: Expert Pairing Tips with Bernadette O’Shea, Champagne ConsultantEver wondered what to pair with a glass of Champagne?
Look no further! This episode might just be your answer.
Join Xanny as she sits down with Bernadette O’Shea, one of Australia’s most well-known Champagne consultants, who expertise spans across both Australia and France.
With countless awards to her name, and even a knighthood from the French Government for her contribution to the champagne industry, Bernadette brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table.
Together, Bernadette and Xanny sip their way through an array...
2025-12-1027 minBite SizeFrom Instagram DM to The Great Australian Bake Off: A Conversation with Gregson Gastar, Contestant on The Great Australian Bake OffIn this episode, Xanny chats with Gregson Gastar, competitor on the latest season of
The Great Australian Bake Off, with a flair for bold shirts and even bolder bakes.
Gregson shares how an unexpected opportunity to join the show allowed him to
showcase not only his incredible baking skills but also his proud Filipino heritage.
With warmth and humour, he reflects on his childhood, the influence of his culture on
his cooking, and the whirlwind experience of competing on national TV.
Together, Xanny and Gregson dive into the technical side of baking, what...
2025-11-1033 minBite SizeThe Power of Eating Local with Alastair McLeod, Australian Celebrity Chef and owner of Al’FreshCo CateringIn this episode, Xanny sits down with Alastair McLeod, a much-loved Brisbane-based celebrity chef, whose stellar career has taken him from Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe to television screens and dining tables around Australia.
Known for his warmth, wit and signature Irish charm, the executive chef of former Brisbane favourite, Brett’s Wharf, shares stories from his incredible career, his extensive international travels, his love of people and the joy of thoughtfully preparing meals using locally grown produce.
Xanny and Alastair chat about how taking cooking back to the basics creates a deep...
2025-10-0844 minBite SizeThe stark reality of QLD’s Food Insecurity Crisis with QLD Foodbank CEO, Jess WatkinsonIn this episode, Xanny sits down with Jess Watkinson, CEO for Foodbank Queensland – the state’s largest hunger relief charity.
With over 20 years of experience in government and not for profit roles, Jess share’s her insights into the growing issue of food insecurity, who it’s really affecting and how Foodbank is working tirelessly to create a hunger free future.
Together, Xanny and Jess explore the crucial role of partnerships in tackling food insecurity, the innovation approaches Foodbank is taking within the charitable food sector and how businesses like Priestley’s can play a pivotal ro...
2025-09-1137 minBite SizeCulinary Confidence with MLA’s Corporate Executive Chef, Sam BurkeIn this episode, Xanny sits down with Sam Burke, Corporate Executive Chef and Foodservice Business Development Manager for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
A true champion of Aussie red meat, Sam has had red meat in his veins since day one. Starting out as an apprentice chef, he carved out a remarkable career across butcher shops, corporate catering, leisure and sporting events, including the Olympics and Rugby World Cup and even royalty dinners.
Since stepping into the Executive Chef role at MLA in 2014, Sam has been a global ambassador for premium Australian red meat, proudly...
2025-08-1332 minBite SizeBeyond the Plate with MasterChef Alum Kishwar ChowdhuryIn this episode, Xanny sits down with chef and culinary sensation Kishwar Chowdhury, who captured national attention as a finalist on MasterChef Australia in 2021.
From her Melbourne upbring with Bangladeshi and Indian roots, to introducing millions of Australians to the bold and rich flavours of Bengali cuisine, Kishwar shares how cooking has become her life’s passion.
They dive into her journey, from working in the family printing business to becoming a national TV finalist. They also touch on how MasterChef Australia gave her a platform to spotlight cultures in the culinary world and...
2025-07-0633 minBite SizePart Two: Beyond the Bias with Inclusion Strategist Michelle RedfernIn part two of this episode, we sit down with Michelle Redfern, an award-winning advisor, speaker and inclusion strategist, to explore what real inclusion leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast paced industries.
From her corporate beginnings to becoming a powerhouse advocate for gender equity and workplace inclusion, Michelle shares key moments that shaped her mission and how unconscious bias continues to show up in workplaces today.
Xanny and Michelle unpack the unique challenges faced by hospitality businesses, including the lack of diversity at leadership levels despite frontline representation, and the culture shifts needed to create...
2025-06-0937 minBite SizePart One: Beyond the Bias with Inclusion Strategist Michelle RedfernIn the first part of this episode, we sit down with Michelle Redfern, an award-winning advisor, speaker and inclusion strategist, to explore what real inclusion leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast paced industries.
From her corporate beginnings to becoming a powerhouse advocate for gender equity and workplace inclusion, Michelle shares key moments that shaped her mission and how unconscious bias continues to show up in workplaces today.
Xanny and Michelle unpack the unique challenges faced by hospitality businesses, including the lack of diversity at leadership levels despite frontline representation, and the culture shifts needed to...
2025-05-2523 minBite SizeFood, Family and Fashion with Brooke FalveyWelcome to Bite Size!
In today’s episode, Xanny interviews the woman described as Queensland’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw, Brooke Falvey!
Brooke shares how being part of the multi-generational hospitality family behind Falvey Hotels has influenced her career, and how she balances working for her family while building her impressive fashion career, with over 93k followers on Instagram. She offers a unique perspective of integrating the family business into her freelance lifestyle and how she draws inspiration from travel, food and fashion.
Xanny and Brooke also discuss how food and fashion are surpr...
2025-02-2521 minBite SizeThe Family Behind the Brand: Tony Christophersen and growing a small family business into the leading Australian dessert wholesaler
This episode is an insight into the family dynamics of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights as Xanny interviews a special guest, her father and Priestley’s board member Tony! In this conversation, Xanny and Tony dive into how they ensure that business doesn’t affect their relationship and what the dynamics look like for a family owned and run company. Tony Christopherson has been an integral part of the Priestley’s Gourmet Delights story since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Throughout this episode he shares his personal experiences and insights on how they developed and grew Priestley’s into the business t...
2024-11-2518 minBite SizeMastering Communication: How to take your confidence and presentation skills to the next level!In this episode, Jillian and Xanny delve into the best strategies on how to find confidence in presenting and why it's critical to elevate your communication style as a woman in business. Media powerhouse, Jillian Whiting (known for her roles on Seven’s Sunrise, Weekender and Nine News Queensland) reveals why learning how to communicate authentically and clearly is a skill that everyone should learn. She offers a unique insight into ‘imposter syndrome’ and why we need to lean into the anxious and uncomfortable feeling to build our confidence in these circumstances. Jillian and Xanny share their personal experiences of pre...
2024-09-0515 min
Bite SizeABC Brisbane Priestley’s NEW AI Robot Powered FacilityABC Brisbane interviews CEO Xanny Christophersen on the new AI robot powered cake factory that has officially opened in Acacia Ridge. Priestley's Gourmet Delights proudly unveils brand new, state-of-the-art factory, announcing the grand opening of their expansive 7,740 square-metre facility. It is a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence in every delectable creation they bring to your table.
2024-05-3006 minBite SizeNavigating the Future of Hospitality: Marketing Strategies for All SizesIn this episode, we’re tackling the age-old question: How do you get your business out there? How do you harness the power of marketing to connect with your audience and separate yourself from the competition? Hospitality marketing expert Astrid Kelaher (known for her roles at Crown Resorts, Lavazza Australia, Treasury Wines, and PUBLIC) reveals the vital role marketing plays in Australia's AUD 26.7 billion dollar hospitality industry. She shares tactics for small venues to compete with giants, the power of user-generated content, and sustainable marketing practices. Astrid provides a glimpse of emerging trends that will reshape the industry. Join us...
2023-10-1220 minBite SizeFrom Stationwagon to Sweet Success: The Extraordinary Story of our Founder, Marilyn JonesAn inspiring story to share, this episode will take you on a delicious journey of entrepreneurship and creativity. Join us as we sit down with Founder and Board Member, Marilyn Jones as we explore the extraordinary rise of a founder who started by delivering cakes from the back of a station wagon and became the biggest dessert supplier in Australia. We’ll dive into how Priestley’s was born, the hurdles of starting a business, the art of taking risks, how to overcome the challenges of being a woman in business and the importance of being an innovator and chan...
2023-08-2922 minBite SizeBuilding the Perfect Recipe: Team Building in the Foodservice IndustryIn the fast-paced and dynamic world of the foodservice industry, teamwork is the secret ingredient that can make or break a restaurant's success. In this episode of Bite Size, we delve into the art of team building and explore its crucial role in the foodservice industry.
Join us as our host Xanny Christophersen sits down with industry expert, and renowned Executive Chef, Gary Johnson, who has mastered the art of fostering strong and cohesive teams.
This episode uncovers the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of managing people and how to foster the best team culture in th...
2023-06-2219 minBite SizeVenue Design Tips & Tricks for the Foodservice IndustryIn this episode, we are joined by Tanya Zealey from Design Interiors.
If you currently run a food venue that needs to be ‘zhuzhed up’ or you’re thinking of opening one, this episode covers the design and layout tips and tricks you need to know that will save you loads of time, resource and dollars. In this episode, we discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to design and venue layout and offer practical advice from our subject matter expert, Tanya Zealey, Director at Ellivo https://www.ellivo.com/, who has wor...
2023-03-3015 minBite SizeBite Sized Tips for using Technology in the Hospitality and Foodserice Industry - with Andrew Low, Co-Founder of Ordermentum.Technology. It's interesting when you utter this word - it can bring a look of dread or exhilaration in the hospitality and foodservice industry, depending on your experience. In this episode, we speak with Andrew Low, co-founder of Ordermentum, on how technology can drive meaningful insights that can transform your business - resulting in streamlining your processes, supporting your teams and helping with cash flow. We hope this sparks some ideas for your venue.
2023-01-2419 minBite SizeTips for Café Owners In Today’s Challenging Environment - with Liam McLaughlin, Executive Chef and senior partner at Global Hospitality...Running a cafe business is an amazing experience, though it doesn't come without its challenges. Most business owners are incredibly time-poor, juggling many aspects of the business, from cash flow, staffing, social media to ordering stock and the list goes on. In this episode, we will talk to Liam McLaughlin and provide some tangible and practical tips for you to consider.
Liam is an experienced Executive Chef and senior partner at Global Hospitality Group. Liam's specialty as a consultant chef with a demonstrated history of working with the hospitality industry to achieve effective and...
2022-10-1326 min
Enterprise Excellence Podcast with Brad Jeavons#36 How a Family Business Survived the COVID Crisis Using Enterprise Excellence with Xanny ChristophersenProudly brought to you in association with S A Partners, a world-leading business transformation consultancy.IntroductionWelcome to Episode 36 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast. I am so pleased to have on the show with me today Xanny Christophersen. Xanny is the Chief Operations Officer of Priestley's Gourmet Delights, one of the leading cake and dessert manufacturers of Asia Pacific. Xanny has focused her career on excellence for customers, people and the planet. Let's get into the episode. Xanny, thank you for joining us today. SummaryBefore COVID-19, business was ex...
2021-05-2426 min