Straight To The Source

Tawnya Bahr & Lucy Allon
  • 5.0 (20)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Food, Views and Big Ideas where food and hospitality experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon go behind-the-scenes to have candid conversations with Australia’s most dynamic food, hospitality and agribusiness leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.  Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more episodes of Straight To The Source on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. To stay up to date follow Straight to the Source on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

  1. Ep 70: One Plate At A Time - Chef David Martin on redefining Aged Care Dining

    03/12/2025

    Ep 70: One Plate At A Time - Chef David Martin on redefining Aged Care Dining

    Chef David Martin has spent nearly two decades evolving from hotel fine-dining apprentice to one of Australia’s leading innovators in aged-care hospitality. In this episode, he shares how early mentorship, a strong family foundation and a deep love of food shaped his career. David talks about the moment he realised the traditional hospitality path wasn’t sustainable for the life he wanted and what ultimately drew him into aged care. He explains why he believes it’s now one of the most exciting frontiers in hospitality and how he’s helping redefine food experiences for older Australians with the launch of his new One Plate At A Time resource hub. We explore his work with St Vincent’s, leading hotel services across Victoria and New South Wales, the growth of his talented team and the role technology now plays in delivering consistent, high-quality meals at scale. David also reflects on his competition journey from national events to competing on the international stage in London and how that experience fuels his mission to elevate aged-care dining. If you’re curious about modern aged-care food, kitchen team leadership, or creating meaningful change in an industry ready for reinvention, this conversation is packed with insight and heart. Episode Highlights: David’s fine-dining beginnings, early mentors and family influences Why David moved into aged care and how he built trust in a new setting The evolving expectations of residents and why aged care is an emerging hospitality frontier David’s focus on quality, including texture-modified meals Launch of One Plate At A Time - Industry Resource   Competition experience and his leadership across St Vincent’s homes Building a strong team, embracing technology and shaping a fresh seasonal menu Whether you’re a chef, a hospitality leader or simply someone who believes food can create real connection, this conversation offers plenty of heart, insight and inspiration. Subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders and changemakers. This episode is proudly brought to you by Squizify, a digital platform that replaces old paper-based processes with modern digital solutions to help operators improve their efficiencies. To learn more, take a squiz at https://squizify.com/   Follow & Connect with David Martin, One Plate At A Time https://linktr.ee/davidmartin32  Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr  Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  2. Ep 69: Feel-Good Mexican: How Zambrero is Fighting World Hunger One Burrito at a Time

    12/11/2025

    Ep 69: Feel-Good Mexican: How Zambrero is Fighting World Hunger One Burrito at a Time

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, Tawnya Bahr is joined by Richard Prout, Chief of Product and Innovation at Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican restaurant franchise. Richard shares how Dr Sam Prince’s vision of creating fresh, healthy Mexican food grew into a global movement with nearly 100 million meals donated through the Plate 4 Plate initiative. From the brand’s humble beginnings in Canberra to its international footprint spanning Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the US, Zambrero has stayed true to its mission: to end world hunger through good food that feels good to eat. You’ll hear how Richard’s early career in hospitality (and his unlikely path to becoming a tequila connoisseur!) led him to Zambrero, where innovation meets purpose. He also reveals exciting updates on Zambrero’s new chip launch, menu evolution, and how franchise partners are helping grow the feel-good Mex movement across the globe. Episode Highlights: The story behind Zambrero and founder Dr Sam Prince’s mission to end world hunger Richard’s personal journey from fine dining to food innovation How Plate 4 Plate has helped donate nearly 100 million meals The secrets behind Zambrero’s menu consistency and innovation Launching oven-baked chips that taste fried with 50% less fat Insights into the Zambrero franchise model and growth across Australia and beyond Whether you’re a foodie, a franchise entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves a burrito with purpose, this episode is packed with flavour and inspiration. Subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders and changemakers. This episode is proudly brought to you by Squizify, a digital platform that replaces old paper-based processes with modern digital solutions to help operators improve their efficiencies. To learn more, take a squiz at https://squizify.com/   Zambrero Official Website Connect with Zambrero on LinkedIn and Instagram Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr  Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  3. Ep 68: Danny Russo: Real Food, No Gimmicks

    05/11/2025

    Ep 68: Danny Russo: Real Food, No Gimmicks

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, host Tawnya Bahr sits down with the bold, brutally honest, and unapologetically Italian Chef Danny Russo. From humble beginnings in Sydney’s inner west to working in some of the world’s top kitchens in London, Rome, and Marseille, Danny has carved out a remarkable career grounded in respect for produce, cultural authenticity, and culinary evolution. Danny shares stories of his Italian heritage, the deep-rooted traditions that shaped his love of food, and how the Australian food scene has risen to global prominence. He also opens up about his work with the Russolini Group, international consulting projects in Chicago and Manhattan, and how he’s blending innovation with tradition, without the gimmicks. Hear Danny’s refreshing perspective on: Why Australian chefs and produce are now world leaders His philosophy on simplicity, respect, and storytelling in food The importance of provenance and consistency in hospitality How technology and AI are shaping the modern kitchen The balance between global influence and Italian soul This raw and honest chat is packed with insight, grit, and laughs, straight from the heart of a chef who never holds back. Subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders and changemakers. This episode is proudly brought to you by Squizify, a digital platform that replaces old paper-based processes with modern digital solutions to help operators improve their efficiencies. To learn more, take a squiz at https://squizify.com/   Follow Danny Russo and find out more about the Russolini Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therussolinigroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sala.dining  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-russo-25a60b30/  Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr  Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min
  4. Ep 67: Leading with Empathy: Laura Goldberg on Growth, Resilience, and Women in Hospitality

    29/10/2025

    Ep 67: Leading with Empathy: Laura Goldberg on Growth, Resilience, and Women in Hospitality

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, host Lucy Allon sits down with hospitality leader Laura Goldberg. As Co-Owner and COO of Hurricane’s Grill and Co-Founder of Women in Cafes and Restaurants, Laura opens up about building inclusive teams, advocating for women in leadership, and her commitment to supporting mental health in the industry through The Burnt Chef Project. Whether you’re a hospitality professional, business owner, or advocate for inclusion, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership. What you’ll learn: How empathy drives sustainable business growth The realities of running a global restaurant brand Building an inclusive community for women in hospitality The importance of mental health in leadership Why community and connection fuel the future of hospitality Subscribe for more interviews with industry leaders and changemakers. This episode is proudly brought to you by Squizify, a digital platform that removes the old paper-based processes and replaces it with a modern digital solution to help operators improve their efficiencies. To learn more, take a squiz at https://squizify.com/  Follow Laura Goldberg and find out more about her growing business group, Hurricane’s Grill Restaurants: Laura Goldberg https://www.instagram.com/laura_g_hurricanesgrill  Hurricane’s Grill Restaurants www.hurricanesgrillrestaurants.com.au Discover more about Women in Cafes and Restaurants: https://wcr-connect.com.au/  Learn more about The Burnt Chef Project: https://www.theburntchefproject.com/  Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr  Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  5. Ep 66: Work Hard, Cook Hard: Adrian Richardson & Markus Werner on Mentorship, Kitchens, and Friendship

    22/10/2025

    Ep 66: Work Hard, Cook Hard: Adrian Richardson & Markus Werner on Mentorship, Kitchens, and Friendship

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, we’re joined by two culinary heavyweights: Adrian Richardson, TV chef and restaurateur behind La Luna and Good Chef Bad Chef, and Markus Werner, Culinary Director at Delaware North, overseeing stadiums and resorts across Australia. From humble apprenticeships to leading massive teams and global TV audiences, Adrian and Markus share how they first met (spoiler: it involves a “borrowed” knife), the values forged through old-school culinary training, and what drives them to keep learning after decades in the industry. They talk about: The realities of kitchen culture then and now. What has changed and what hasn’t How to spot and nurture the next generation of great chefs The balance between fine dining precision and stadium-scale catering What keeps these bigger-than-life chefs inspired outside the kitchen, from hunting to motorbikes to salami-making Their most memorable food moments (including Adrian’s unforgettable nonna’s ravioli) A lively, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation about passion, friendship, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to food. This episode is proudly brought to you by Squizify, a digital platform that removes the old paper-based processes and replaces it with a modern digital solution to help operators improve their efficiencies. To learn more, take a squiz at https://squizify.com/  Follow our guests: Adrian Richardson – https://www.instagram.com/chef_adrian_richardson/  Markus Werner – https://www.instagram.com/mwservus  Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr  Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  6. Ep 65: Jules Bagnato: How Brae is Leading the Future of Sustainable Hospitality

    15/10/2025

    Ep 65: Jules Bagnato: How Brae is Leading the Future of Sustainable Hospitality

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, host Lucy Allon is joined by Jules Bagnato, co-owner of Brae Restaurant in regional Victoria, one of Australia’s most celebrated dining destinations and the nation’s first three-star Food Made Good accredited restaurant. Jules shares her remarkable journey from a corporate background to shaping one of the world’s most respected hospitality venues, where regenerative farming, design, and storytelling converge to create an authentic sense of place. From her early experiences living in Spain during the rise of modern gastronomy to leading Brae’s sustainability and culture programs, Jules reveals how she and chef Dan Hunter built a restaurant deeply connected to its landscape, people, and purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about: Building a hospitality business rooted in values, vision, and culture How European dining philosophies shaped Brae’s approach to Australian terroir Why sustainability goes far beyond composting and solar panelsCreating pathways for leadership, respect, and well-being in hospitality teams The behind-the-scenes systems that support creativity and consistency Whether you’re a chef, restaurateur, designer, or food lover, this episode offers rare insight into how one of Australia’s most thoughtful food and hospitality leaders is reshaping the future of dining. Episode Highlights [00:00] Welcome to Straight To The Source [00:27] Introducing Jules Bagnato and Brae Restaurant [03:40] The influence of Spain’s avant-garde dining scene [07:00] Building a sense of place at the Royal Mail Hotel [13:00] The vision and design philosophy behind Brae [18:00] Creating culture, clarity, and respect within a team [22:00] Defining sustainability and the Food Made Good framework [27:00] Lessons from achieving Australia’s first three-star sustainability rating Follow Brae Restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/braerestaurant  Learn more about Brae Restaurant: https://www.braerestaurant.com  Find out about the Sustainable Restaurant Association and Food Made Good Accreditation: https://thesra.org  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source: @straight_to_the_source Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  7. Ep 64: Cooking, Teaching, Leading: The Many Hats of Karen Doyle

    01/10/2025

    Ep 64: Cooking, Teaching, Leading: The Many Hats of Karen Doyle

    In this episode of Straight To The Source, host Tawnya Bahr sits down with Karen Doyle, chef, educator, and national president of the Australian Culinary Federation. From growing up on a farm in Ireland to backpacking her way to Australia, Karen’s story is as rich and flavourful as the food she loves. Karen shares how she unexpectedly fell into cooking, her journey through hotel kitchens, and how passion, care, and respect have shaped her career. She opens up about her leadership roles with both the Australian Culinary Federation and World Chefs, why mentorship is vital, and how the culture of hospitality is changing for the better. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone working in (or inspired by) food and hospitality — from the importance of networks and lifelong learning, to building sustainable careers with balance and purpose. Follow Karen Doyle: @irishkaz7 Follow @acfaussiechefs  Follow: @Worldchefs Follow: @LeCordonBleuaustralia   Connect with the Australian Culinary Federation: https://www.austculinary.com.au/ Learn more about World Chefs: https://worldchefs.org/  Find out more about Straight To The Source: https://straighttothesource.com.au/  Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source @straight_to_the_source Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr Lucy Allon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  8. Ep 63: Growing Hillside Food Forest: Regenerative Farming in Australia with Pigs, Pastures & Purpose

    24/09/2025

    Ep 63: Growing Hillside Food Forest: Regenerative Farming in Australia with Pigs, Pastures & Purpose

    Today, we’re going straight to the source of Hillside Food Forest. In this episode, host Tawnya Bahr is joined by Sam Rayment and Liz Ferrone, the duo who swapped engineering and dietetics for life as regenerative farmers in Putty, New South Wales. From their first backyard aquaponics system in Redfern to raising pigs, cattle, and pasture-raised chickens on their farm, Sam and Liz share the steep learning curve, triumphs, and wild stories that come with building a business from the soil up. This isn’t just a conversation about farming—it’s about setting out to change the future of food. Episode Highlights How an engineer and a dietitian became regenerative farmers with no prior farming background The leap from Sydney city life to establishing Hillside Food Forest in Putty, NSW Why pigs, cattle, and pasture-raised chickens became the heart of their farming system The wild challenges of farm life: escaping pigs, chicken chaos, and floods Building confidence and quality through feedback from chefs at Carriageworks Farmers Market Scaling from small batches to supplying restaurants and wholesale with consistent, premium produce The role of freezing in ensuring quality, consistency, and nationwide distribution Collaborating with LP’s Quality Meats to create a smallgoods range Turning pork fat into value-added products: lard-based moisturisers and pet treats Why regenerative farming means transforming waste into resources Follow Hillside Food Forest:Instagram: @hillsidefoodforest Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast:Instagram: @stts_podcast Follow Straight To The Source:Instagram: @straight_to_the_source Connect with your hosts: Tawnya Bahr Lucy Allon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
See All (73)

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to Food, Views and Big Ideas where food and hospitality experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon go behind-the-scenes to have candid conversations with Australia’s most dynamic food, hospitality and agribusiness leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.  Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more episodes of Straight To The Source on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. To stay up to date follow Straight to the Source on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Information

  • Creator
    Tawnya Bahr & Lucy Allon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Straight To The Source

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