Knives Down

World Butchers Challenge
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Knives Down is where butchers speak - and we listen. Hosted by Alana Empson in collaboration with the World Butchers' Challenge, this podcast goes beyond competition cuts and surface-level shop talk to explore the stories, ideas, and people shaping the future of butchery. From the block to the world stage, these are raw, reflective conversations with those who live and breathe the trade. Whether you're deep in it or looking in from the edge, this is your access to the full story - no trim, no filter.

Episodes

  1. 23 JAN

    What Cancer Taught an All Star About Life - Simon Taylor

    Simon Taylor shares his journey from aspiring butcher to global leader in the trade. He reflects on mentorship, competition at the World Butchers Challenge, his cancer battle, and how these moments reshaped his views on leadership, community, and legacy.

    58 min

  2. 26/11/2025

    The Butcher Behind the Mic - Alana Empson

    You know her as the host, but today the spotlight is on her.In this episode, Alana Empson steps out from behind the mic to share her own story, from her early days in the cutting room to becoming a leading voice in modern butchery. She talks about the craft that shaped her, the years of practice behind true skill, and why creativity matters just as much as technique. Alana opens up about the shift she’s seeing in the industry, the rise of apprentices who are changing the game and the global competitions pushing everyone to sharpen their craft. A genuine, behind the scenes look at the passion, grit and artistry that turned a butcher into a storyteller.

    26 min

  3. 03/11/2025

    The Mindset Behind Butchery Excellence - Martin Jäntschke

    What does it take to think like a world champion butcher?In this episode, performance coach Martin Jäntschke pulls back the curtain on the mental game behind the Butcher Wolf Pack’s global success. From the locker room to the cutting table, Martin breaks down how systems thinking, engineering precision and elite teamwork turn good butchers into world-class competitors. We get into what really happens after you win the World Butchers Challenge, how to keep that fire alive, and why the same high-performance principles that drive butchers can transform any team, in any field.

    40 min

  4. 30/09/2025

    Foundations and Legacy - Rod Slater

    Knives Down is here. Episode 1 takes us back to where it all began, with World Butchers’ Challenge founder Rod Slater. From the first spark of an idea to letting go of the reins, Rod shares the story of building something bigger than a competition and what it means to step aside but never really leave the room.

    21 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Knives Down is where butchers speak - and we listen. Hosted by Alana Empson in collaboration with the World Butchers' Challenge, this podcast goes beyond competition cuts and surface-level shop talk to explore the stories, ideas, and people shaping the future of butchery. From the block to the world stage, these are raw, reflective conversations with those who live and breathe the trade. Whether you're deep in it or looking in from the edge, this is your access to the full story - no trim, no filter.

Information

  • Creator
    World Butchers Challenge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © World Butchers Challenge
  • Show Website
    Knives Down