Bite Size

Xanny Christophersen

Welcome to Bite-Size - Brought to you by Priestley’s Gourmet Delights. With each episode, we look to bring you ideas and insight into the Foodservice industry. Whether you’re a distributor, a chain, or an individual venue owner, these episodes are designed to break down things happening in the industry and give you a bite-sized summary of it. hosted by Xanny Christophersen

  1. 10/08/2025

    The Power of Eating Local with Alastair McLeod, Australian Celebrity Chef and owner of Al’FreshCo Catering

    In 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 deeper connection to food, the land it’s grown on and the people who grow it. This grassroots philosophy is what inspired Alastair to start his catering businesses and what continues to drive his passion today.    Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook or simply love a good laugh and a great story, this episode will leave you inspired, entertained and maybe even a little bit hungry!   Want more of Alastair? Follow him on Instagram at @chef_mcleod or his business Al’FreshCo Catering at @alfreshco_catering.   Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram    To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au.   Produced By The Podcast Boss

    44 min
  2. 09/11/2025

    The stark reality of QLD’s Food Insecurity Crisis with QLD Foodbank CEO, Jess Watkinson

    In 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 role in driving real impact. Jess also breaks down how everyday Queenslanders can be part of the solution – showing how even a $1 donation can help provide a nourishing meal to someone in need. Whether you’re a business owner, community member or simply someone who wants to help, this episode will leave you inspired and informed about how small actions can create a big change. To donate or to learn how you can support Foodbank Queensland, visit their website at https://www.foodbank.org.au/?state=qld Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram  To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced by The Podcast Boss

    37 min
  3. 08/13/2025

    Culinary Confidence with MLA’s Corporate Executive Chef, Sam Burke

    In 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 showcasing its quality and versatility to chefs and communities around the world. Sam and Xanny chat about how the Australian foodservice industry has evolved over the last three decades, why building ‘culinary confidence’ is key to creating a better dining experience and Sam’s new YouTube series, Raise the Steaks. Whether you’re curious about the behind the scenes of Australia’s red meat industry or just love a good chat from a chef who’s seen it all, this episode is packed with insights for both business and consumers that you won’t want to miss! Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights  To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

    32 min
  4. 06/09/2025

    Part Two: Beyond the Bias with Inclusion Strategist Michelle Redfern

    In 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 truly equitable workplaces. Michelle also draws on her work with elite women in sport, revealing powerful parallels between kitchens, venues, and locker rooms. Packed with real-world examples, practical advice and an empowering message, this episode is a must-listen for venue owners, operators, and anyone passionate about building a fairer, more inclusive future for the hospitality industry. Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights  To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

    37 min
  5. 05/25/2025

    Part One: Beyond the Bias with Inclusion Strategist Michelle Redfern

    In 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 create truly equitable workplaces. Michelle also draws on her work with elite women in sport, revealing powerful parallels between kitchens, venues, and locker rooms. Packed with real-world examples, practical advice and an empowering message, this episode is a must-listen for venue owners, operators, and anyone passionate about building a fairer, more inclusive future for the hospitality industry. Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights  To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced by The Podcast Boss

    24 min

About

Welcome to Bite-Size - Brought to you by Priestley’s Gourmet Delights. With each episode, we look to bring you ideas and insight into the Foodservice industry. Whether you’re a distributor, a chain, or an individual venue owner, these episodes are designed to break down things happening in the industry and give you a bite-sized summary of it. hosted by Xanny Christophersen