Best Sam Iles Podcasts (2025)

1
The Producers: Royce Akers (Pep) - adding some spice 23:27

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21h ago23:27

23:27

Royce Akers is one third of Pep, a peppy new Australian brand shaking up the world of pepper. Even though pepper has a dramatic and storied history, a driver of fortunes and cross-cultural connection, Royce and his friends thought it had lost its way a little: ubiquitous but under appreciated, rarely elevated or feted in the same way that salt is, …

1
Natalie Bolt (The Table Food Consultants) - Sustainability in Hospitality 40:28

2d ago40:28

40:28

We’re celebrating 800 episodes of Dirty Linen at the moment. Just over five years ago when we started the podcast - the second on the Deep in the Weeds network - it was because there were stories that urgently needed to be told…so we got about it. More than 800 conversations later, we’re still here to show and share the power and possibilities of c…

1
Lorenzo Tron (Shop 225) - best pizza in Australia 27:31

4d ago27:31

27:31

We’re celebrating 800 episodes of Dirty Linen at the moment. That is 800 conversations that show the power and possibilities of connecting around food. Today’s guest knows all about connecting over a meal. His specialty - pizza - is one of the best foods ever invented to bring a group together. Lorenzo Tron is founder of Shop 225 a pizza shop in Pa…

1
Luke Iles (Lucky Pig Butchery, Melbourne) - the importance of butchers 31:48

9d ago31:48

31:48

Do high street butchers still have a place in today’s supermarket society? We chat to Luke Iles, owner of Lucky Pig Butchery in Melbourne’s Bentleigh. Luke has just scooped the pool at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards with his Leaning Tower sausage. Check out all the winners: https://www.melbourneroyal.com.au Like butcher chats? Listen th…

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The Producers: Sam Lentini (Eastcoast Beverages) - Tree to bottle 14:51

10d ago14:51

14:51

For six decades the Lentini Family citrus farm has been passed down through three generations, squeezing love and care into their range of fresh juices. Sam Lentini from Eastcoast Beverages has been a key figure in the longevity of one of Australia’s most influential farming families. ⁠⁠https://eastcoastbeverages.com.au⁠⁠ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTE…

1
Yvonne Yu (Taiwan Village and Jymmanuel, Melbourne) - a taste of Taiwan 23:34

11d ago23:34

23:34

Yvonne Yu is operations manager for Taiwan Village and Jymmanuel, two Melbourne restaurant brands that are foregrounding Taiwanese culinary culture. She works with founder Jay Yi-Ming Huang to make Taiwanese a go-to cuisine in Australia. As Yvonne explains, there are challenges in satisfying Taiwanese customers and the broader multicultural market,…

1
Alma Pasalic (Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide) - passion for Indigenous ingredients 33:21

16d ago33:21

33:21

Alma Pasalic is the general manager and beverage manager at Restaurant Botanic in Adelaide, where she’s in charge of the non-alcoholic offering that just won a prize in that category at the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards. This chat is full of her hectic passion for Indigenous ingredients, round restaurants, kind hospo culture and long care…

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Anirban Chanda (Another Whisk, Sydney) - swapping suits for sugar and spice 41:39

18d ago41:39

41:39

What happens when a long-time corporate exec swaps suits for sugar and spice? Anirban Chanda launched Sydney micro-bakery Another Whisk off the back of an inspiring run as a contestant on Great Australian Bake Off. His desserts take classic European forms sparked up with Indian spices and Australian ingredients. https://anotherwhisk.com SUBSCRIBE T…

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Christina Murrell (Luke’s Banh Mi) - taking Banh Mi to the world 43:23

23d ago43:23

43:23

Welcome to the podcast where we use abbreviations including QSR, FMCG and SOP and still make it fun! Christina Murrell is the GM (ooh another abbreviation) of Luke’s Banh Mi, a start-up that hopes to be become the Maccas of Vietnamese rolls, not just in Australia but around the world. Why not? We talk brand DNA (abbreviation alert!), business strat…

1
Emily Morgan (Nestle Golden Chef of the Year) - the future of hospitality 39:33

25d ago39:33

39:33

She’s only recently qualified as a chef but New Zealand’s 19-year-old Emily Morgan was just crowned the 2025 Nestle Golden Chef of the Year, after competing at Fine Food Australia against 11 other contestants. If you want to feel positive about the future of hospitality, simply listen to this chat. https://www.instagram.com/emilymorganchef/ https:/…

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Federica Andrisani (Fico and Pitzi Pasta Bar, Hobart) - a taste of Tassie 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

By A Deep in the Weeds Production

1
Fernando Monzon (Sommelier Oceania Vista) - a journey of discovery 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

How would you feel if you were in charge of 35,000 bottles of wine? Our last voice from a Mediterranean cruise on Oceania Vista is that of sommelier Fernando Monzon. Born in Chile, Fernando's mind was opened to wine by chance, taking him on a journey of discovery that continues in every port. This Mediterranean jaunt is part of a 12-day cruise on ⁠…

1
Lori Powell (Cooking Teacher Oceania Cruises) - a food school at sea 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

When it comes to food, US chef Lori Powell has done it all. She’s a food stylist, recipe developer and now cooking teacher for Oceania Cruises, running a glamorous food school at sea. We encounter Lori on the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey. https://www.instagram.com/loridpowell?igsh=MXRyNndob2ZwZHFkag== This Mediterranean jaunt is part of a 1…

1
Postcard from Santorini - George Ntantis (Winemaker) 19:01

1M ago19:01

19:01

Dirty Linen steams into Santorini for a chat with local winemaker George Ntantis. Most people know the Greek island for its pretty painted homes and domes and outrageously blue sea but there's so much more to learn - including about Santorini's food and wine culture. This Mediterranean jaunt is part of a 12-day cruise on ⁠Oceania Vista⁠. Story comi…

1
Alexis Quaretti (Executive Culinary Director Oceania Cruises) - Living the dream 35:15

2M ago35:15

35:15

Dirty Linen is aboard ship, a 12-day cruise in the Mediterranean on Oceania Vista, where cuisine is the key focus. We talk to the cruise line's Executive Culinary Director Alexis Quaretti about fine food at sea and what restaurants on land might learn from the challenges of feeding 1200 people on board a luxury cruise. https://www.instagram.com/ale…

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Postcard from Rome - Claudia Paiella (restaurateur, cooking teacher and guide) - Roaming Rome 20:35

2M ago20:35

20:35

Dirty Linen is coming to you from Rome, Italy, one of the western world's most resonant and layered places to eat. We meet restaurateur, cooking teacher and guide Claudia Paiella to find out what feeds Roma and walk around bustling Mercato Trionfale for tastings, including a life-changing porcini mushroom. https://www.enotecacorsi.com This episode …

1
Postcard from Italy - Alessandro Camici (Oilbar, Livorno) and guide Elena Morelli 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

Ciao ragazzi! Dirty Linen is coming to you from Italy - we're on a travel assignment - and today's episode is in Livorno, a coastal city in Tuscany. People tend to bypass Livorno for nearby Pisa and Florence but there are great food traditions to explore in this diverse city of many influences. We chat to olive oil expert Alessandro Camici and guid…

1
Emma Sheahan (Lumen People) - Illuminating Lumen, episode 7! 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Last time we caught up with Lumen People, they announced the closing of cafe #1 and shared the news of location #2. As a new site draws closer, Emma Sheahan shares tales of the last bittersweet days in North Melbourne and plans for the new place in Fitzroy. https://www.lumenpeople.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES, NEWS, GIVEAW…

1
Princess Anne Uy (Marvel Stadium) - a remarkable journey 37:46

2M ago37:46

37:46

A busy restaurant is one thing but how about a packed stadium? Princess Anne Uy feeds up to 45,000 people in her role at Marvel Stadium. She's also representing Australia at the World Food Championships. Her journey is remarkable - and we both get emotional talking about it. https://www.instagram.com/princess_anne_stories/?hl=en SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NE…

1
Judy McMahon (Catalina, Rose Bay) - celebrating 30 years 36:27

2M ago36:27

36:27

I’m excited when a restaurant celebrates its first birthday. But what about a restaurant that turns 30? In 1994, Judy McMahon took over Catalina at Rose Bay. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this now iconic restaurant is beloved for its seafood, definitely, but it’s the polished experience that keeps people coming back. We talk about hard-won wisdom, th…

1
Leon Kennedy (Pax, Melbourne) - truth bombs and strategic insights 40:55

2M ago40:55

40:55

We love a return guest on Dirty Linen. Leon Kennedy (previously of Mulberry Group, now at Pax) comes back with a few more truth bombs and strategic insights. We talk about the four-part roadmap that every restaurant needs to be successful, and why altruism is a key to better and more productive business. Mentioned: pax.melbourne Robert Solow’s mode…

1
Fernando Sanchez (Opera Bar, Sydney) - bar with a view 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

Venues don’t come more iconic than Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House. It’s the eve of a new era, with longtime venue managers Solotel on the way out and new stewards Applejack on the way in. We chat to executive chef Fernando Sanchez about work-life balance, women in the industry, reducing food waste and his ‘no dickheads’ policy in the workplace…

1
Dennis Spanos (Vanilla Lounge, Oakleigh) - A new wave of Greek food 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

A new wave of Greek food is sweeping Australia. One business that’s never been shy of innovation is Vanilla Lounge in Melbourne’s Greek hub of Oakleigh. As the Spanos family open another outlet - this time focused on desserts - we catch up with Dennis Spanos about the family business, his father’s legacy, leading with empathy and the changing face …

1
Gabrel Tan (Veneziano ambassador) - beans, farmers and origin 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

Why would a barista subject themselves to the stress and pressure of competition? We chat to Veneziano ambassador Gabrel Tan about putting his coffee skills on the line as he shares resonant stories about beans, farmers and origin. https://www.instagram.com/gabrel____/?hl=en SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES, NEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND BE…

1
Raphael Bereche (Bereche et Fils) - terroir, tradition and the miracles of Champagne 25:16

3M ago25:16

25:16

Bonjour from Champagne! Dirty Linen did the hard yards visiting small Champagne producers and sampling the wares. This conversation is with Raphael Bereche, 5th generation producer at Bereche et Fils. We talk terroir, tradition and the many miracles of Champagne. https://www.bereche.com/en/check-age SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE…

1
David Loyola (Aux Deux Amis) - Dining in Paris Special Episode with Dani Valent 20:35

3M ago20:35

20:35

David Loyola launched wine bar Aux Deux Amis in 2010 after a transformative four years working at bistronomy originator Chateaubriand. We talk about the true essence of hospitality, as expressed in this small, serious, seriously fun 45 square metre restaurant. https://www.instagram.com/auxdeuxamis/?hl=en SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE AR…

1
Postcard from Provence Episode 2 (Ferme de la Plaine) with Dani Valent 11:28

3M ago11:28

11:28

Dirty Linen is currently Linge Sale - that's French for 'Dirty Linen'. We come to you from Ferme de la Plaine, a small farm in Provence that has an Australian connection: it's where Barragunda restaurant manager Marie Grasset was born. Today's pod is a walk around the farm with her nephew and farmer Martin Dorino. Apologies for my French! SUBSCRIBE…

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Postcard from Provence (Lourges Market) Special Episode with Dani Valent 11:21

3M ago11:21

11:21

Dirty Linen comes to you from France, specifically a summer produce market in Lourges where we are lapin up the lapin. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES, NEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND BEHIND THE SCENES https://deepintheweeds.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d33e307cf7100cf947e2e6973&id=d17d8213f5 Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.in…

1
Mahshid Babzartabi (Author and Cook) - Stop, Next Chapter. 31:19

3M ago31:19

31:19

Have you had your life changed by Persian cuisine? Mahshid Babzartabi is an author and cook who arrived in Australia as a refugee from Iran in 2013. Her new book Stop, Next Chapter. tells the story of that harrowing journey. Mahshid is a translator by profession now also working in food, doing catering, cooking classes and her new Mystery Boxes, wh…

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Jessica Locarnini (Honey Sommelier) - Can you bee-lieve it? 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

Can you bee-lieve it? Honey is variable, precious and under threat. Bees are responsible for pollinating a large proportion of crops: we don’t eat without them. Jessica Locarnini spends a lot of time thinking about all this in her role as Australia’s only honey sommelier. Beekeeper, educator, judge and passionate honey-lover, we rhapsodise about a …

1
Melissa Glentis (The Bean Cartel) - the cost of coffee 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

There’s nothing like coffee prices to get a conversation going! Melissa Glentis is general manager at The Bean Cartel coffee roasters. How much should a cup of coffee cost and why? What can cafe owners do to increase understanding and spend, and what should coffee drinkers know about the coffee supply chain? I mentioned Melissa’s LinkedIn article: …

1
Episode #36 What happed to the art of free the free posing round? My favourite bicep routine, and who will be there on my final workout ever? 25:25

3M ago25:25

25:25

Send us a text Yes the free posing round was a sight to behold back in the day from Benfatto to Ed Corney but now the athletes are rushed on and off and posing seems like a lost art. Plus my favourite bicep exercises & who would be joining me on my last workout ever!!!! The call of the iron is far to strong, Thanks so much for listening Dino.…

1
Heidi Modra (Ophelia, Melbourne) - Restaurant life is emotional! 34:09

4M ago34:09

34:09

Restaurant life is emotional! Heidi Modra recently sold Pinotta after 14 years of looking after community, and thinking about her business day and night. She’s now an employee at Ophelia, adjusting to cafe rhythms and steering the ship as they open for nights. The transition was necessary but there’s rawness and grief along with reflection and reli…

1
The Producers: Ann Lyster (Apple grower) - bravo to great apples 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

West Australian apple grower Ann Lyster is also the chairperson of Fruit West Co-operative. She didn’t start life as a farmer but she finds it extraordinarily satisfying, rich and diverse. Not only is there the joy of feeding people, there are also the challenges and learning opportunities of digging into everything from soil to marketing to intell…

1
Episode #35 Metallica speaks out, & you absolutely rattle mate!!!! 20:26

4M ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text Metallica James Hetfield speaks out, and have you got someone who absolutely stinks in the gym? The call of the iron is far to strong, Thanks so much for listening Dino.By Dene Iles

1
Emma and Marichi (Lumen, Melbourne) - calling time 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

It’s the sixth episode in our Illuminating Lumen series, and this one has some big news. After working all the angles, owners Emma and Marichi have decided to call time on the North Melbourne location. What wouldn’t they compromise on? What are they proud of? And what’s next? https://www.lumenpeople.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ART…

1
Hayley Illing (Hayley in Hospitality) - a helping hand 40:40

4M ago40:40

40:40

What are the biggest pain points in hospitality right now? Perth-based consultant Hayley Illing (Hayley in Hospitality) lands on working holiday visas - they don’t work for employees or businesses. There are also issues with broader perceptions of hospitality, and the resilience of people within it. We also tackle Google reviews: what’s the best wa…

1
Sarina Kamini (Author) - What We Call Masala 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

At first glance, this pod is a conversation with Sarina Kamini about her new book What We Call Masala, which explores theories and practices around regional Indian spices. But go deeper and it’s an invitation to connect with our bodies, minds, souls, heritage and one another. There’s also some homework: get your turmeric and your salts! Sarina Kami…

1
Kurt Lovell (Project Salubrious) - a successful project 29:27

4M ago29:27

29:27

There are so many ways to be inclusive when it comes to dining. Kurt Lovell runs Project Salubrious, a three-year-old cafe north of Brisbane. Following his own health issues, he eliminated dairy, gluten and grains from his own diet, and has reflected that style of cuisine at the cafe. What’s the response been? How does he deal with sceptics? And ho…

1
Robert Nudds (Studio Round) - The Art of Hospitality Design 36:58

4M ago36:58

36:58

How do restaurants ensure customers fall in love with them and decide to return? Studio Round strategy director Robert Nudds has worked with some of Australia and New Zealand’s most engaging restaurants to create and communicate identity, purpose and brand touchpoints. We talk about ‘experience philosophy’ and how it can help restaurants thrive. ht…

1
THE HEALING REP. 4:39

4M ago4:39

4:39

Send us a text The gym.... has asked for nothing yet given me everything. The call of the iron is far to strong, Thanks so much for listening Dino.By Dene Iles

1
Annie Smithers (Du Fermier, Trentham) - watering her carrots 39:09

4M ago39:09

39:09

As Dirty Linen celebrates 5 years, we return to the airwaves with chef, restaurateur and author Annie Smithers, owner of Du Fermier in Trentham, Victoria. Last time we spoke to Annie, we lamented the loss of her water rights. Suddenly, her small farm was imperilled. Now she’s once again able to water her carrots but the overall picture for local fo…

1
Emma Sheahan (Lumen People) - Illuminating Lumen episode 5 16:27

5M ago16:27

16:27

Illuminating Lumen episode 5: We’re keeping an eye on Lumen cafe & wine bar in North Melbourne in our Illuminating Lumen series. Today we have a quick catch up with co-owner Emma Sheahan on the eve of the Victorian government raising the payroll tax threshold. It means Emma might be able to pay herself. LISTEN TO THE ILLUMINATING LUMEN SERIES https…

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Anthony Drew (Good Company Bar Group) - popping off 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

How does a bar group find its way when people are drinking less and all eyes are on workplace culture and keeping staff and patrons safe? We chat to Anthony Drew, GM of Good Company Bar Group, which has 11 Melbourne venues and more in the wings. https://www.gcbg.com.au SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES, NEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND BEHIND T…

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Dani's Friday on My Mind - 5 years old, wheat, Tacos, Cafes, French gastronomy and the modern pub. 28:14

5M ago28:14

28:14

Friday on my mind, an occasional series where I share what I’ve been eating, drinking, doing and thinking. Dirty Linen is five years old! I talk about Bendigo Taco Trail, cafes opening nights, a French gastronomy festival and the modern pub. Then I read out my story about wheat, published recently in Good Weekend magazine. Hope you enjoy! Bendigo T…

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Troy Wheeler (Meatsmith) - the art of butchery 31:13

5M ago31:13

31:13

What’s it like breaking down a beast in front of 6000 whooping butchery fans? Troy Wheeler from Meatsmith knows, because he was recently part of the Australian team that went to Paris to compete in the World Butchers’ Challenge, coming home with an impressive podium finish. We talk about the art of butchery, why it’s still motivating and engaging, …

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Simon Schulz (Schulz Organic Dairy) - sharing tough realities 30:40

5M ago30:40

30:40

Simon Schulz is a third generation dairy farmer and processor in Timboon, in south-western Victoria. It’s been the driest two years on record and recent rain, though welcome, isn’t a total fix for the pasture or the business. Simon talks about the pressures on farmers, the lack of assistance and understanding from government and the importance of s…

1
Constantine Conti (Film Maker) - The Golden Spurtle 18:53

5M ago18:53

18:53

There’s your everyday morning porridge and there’s The Golden Spurtle, the world porridge-making championships held each year in Scotland. Australian film maker Constantine Conti had a mate in the running and was so intrigued he made a documentary about the competitive combination of oats, water and salt, and the way food brings people together, ev…

1
Sutinee ‘Tinee’ Suntivatana (Humble Rays, Tori’s and Regale, Melbourne) - the balance of competition and collaboration 35:04

5M ago35:04

35:04

What drives a chef to open (and keep opening) small businesses in a challenging market? Sutinee ‘Tinee’ Suntivatana owns Humble Rays, Tori’s matcha cafe and Regale Asian-Australian fusion restaurant in Melbourne. We talk about being a female chef and a women in business, the balance of competition and collaboration, and the excitement of serving ey…

1
Marichi Clarke (Lumen, North Melbourne) - Illuminating Lumen episode 4 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

Are we worried about winter? We continue our occasional series chatting to the people of Lumen, an independent cafe and wine bar in North Melbourne. Today’s guest is co-owner Marichi Clarke. We talk about the state of the food world, the ups and downs of the seasons, and why he’s still energised about his business despite the challenges. https://ww…