Besties & Bubbles

Mel Watson, Audrey Kuhl
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Biweekly

Longtime friends Mel and Audrey invite you to pop a bottle and join them on a journey through the vibrant world of hospitality. With decades of combined experience in the industry, these two besties reflect on their deep friendship and shared adventures, offering expert insights and practical lessons on running a successful hospitality business. Each episode features candid conversations, bubbly banter, and valuable tips for navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of the hospitality world. From the latest industry trends to time-tested strategies for creating unforgettable guest experiences, Mel and Audrey are here to inspire and educate. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, "Besties & Bubbles " is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, pour yourself a glass, get comfortable, and tune in for a delightful mix of friendship, fun, and business savvy.

Episodes

  1. 04/07/2025

    Hospitality Horror Stories

    In this episode of Besties & Bubbles, Mel and Audrey share some of the wildest and most unbelievable tales from their careers. From spilled soup on a baby to mishaps with university presidents, forgotten weddings, and even haunted hotels, this episode is packed with hilarious, horrifying, and heartwarming stories. Tune in for honest conversations, lots of laughs, and practical advice, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the chaotic yet captivating world of hospitality. (00:42) Kicking Off with Hospitality Horror Stories (01:21) Soup Disaster: A Baby's Nightmare (02:59) Red Wine Catastrophe (04:43) Wedding Day Mix-Up (06:33) Dealing with Difficult Customers (08:31) Internal Team Conflicts (13:58) Shocking Room Service Encounter (16:15) Reporting an Incident (17:16) Haunted Hotel Stories (19:16) Dealing with Unruly Guests (22:52) Wedding and Event Mishaps (25:23) Handling Complaints and Cover-Ups Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  2. 03/14/2025

    The Power of Collaboration with Nicole Marie

    In this episode of 'Besties & Bubbles,' Audrey and Mel introduce their first guest, Nicole Marie, an accredited practicing dietitian specialising in celiac disease and gluten-free living. They discuss their exciting new collaboration, the Gluten-Free Living Workshop, an in-person event designed to bust myths around gluten-free diets while providing practical cooking demonstrations and expert advice. Nicole shares her journey into dietetics and the importance of specialised care, while the trio explores the business benefits of collaboration and networking. Tune in to learn about their plans for creating a supportive, informative community for gluten-free living. (00:40) Introducing Nicole Marie (01:15) Nicole's Journey as a Dietitian (02:24) Challenges in Dietetics (03:10) The Importance of Specialization (04:05) Networking and Collaboration (11:06) Gluten-Free Living Workshop (15:57) Power of Collaboration (24:01) The Importance of Networking (24:21) Overcoming Networking Fears (25:06) Understanding Collaborations (26:15) Defining Successful Collaborations (28:26) Big Picture Collaborations (30:20) Vision for the Future (39:34) Workshop Goals and Myths (44:17) Creating a Supportive Community Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  3. 03/06/2025

    The Future of Hospitality

    In this episode of Besties & Bubbles, Mel and Audrey discuss the impact of automation and AI tools on customer service, the decline in face-to-face interactions, and the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world. They share their experiences, observations, and actionable tips for hospitality businesses to enhance service standards and meet customer expectations. Listen for practical advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs, all while celebrating the art of hospitality. (00:55) The Impact of Automation on Hospitality (02:21) The Decline of Customer Service (03:32) Balancing Technology and Human Interaction (07:26) Customer Expectations in Modern Hospitality (11:57) Reviving the Art of Service (15:36) Challenges in Hospitality Training (22:49) The Importance of Customer Experience (36:10) Finding the Balance: Technology and Human Connection Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  4. 12/12/2024

    The Grind

    In this episode of Besties, Bubbles, and Biz, Mel and Audrey explore the daily grind of owning and operating a business in the hospitality industry. They talk about the nonstop demands, the pressures of running a café, managing staff, and the personal challenges like burnout and finding a balance between work and personal life. Special guest Hayden, our amazing producer from Posterboy Media, joins in to share his experiences and insights into navigating the challenges of small business ownership while staying motivated. Tune in for an honest look at the highs and lows of business life. (00:27) Real Talk: The Grind of Business Ownership (02:19) Balancing Business and Personal Life (05:05) The Challenges of Being a Sole Trader (09:31) Strategizing for the Future (12:54) Special Guest: Hayden from Posterboy Media (14:46) The Realities of Running a Business (30:09) Delegating Tasks to Reduce Stress (30:54) The Challenges of Meal Packing (31:31) Recognising Burnout in Hospitality (33:28) Coping Mechanisms for Burnout (35:37) The Rollercoaster of Hospitality (39:36) Finding Joy and Support in Hobbies (41:05) The Passion for Hospitality (42:21) Balancing Work and Personal Life (51:53) Consistency and Customer Expectations   Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  5. 11/28/2024

    Entrepreneurship

    In today's ep, we talk about our journey into entrepreneurship, examining the challenges and rewards we face. We reflect on our entrepreneurial spirit from childhood and distinguish between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. Not to mention creativity, independence, and dealing with uncertainty, emphasising the importance of spotting opportunities and making an impact. We want everyone to embrace the journey of creating something meaningful. Working in hospitality is actually pretty fun! (00:14) Defining Entrepreneurship (01:31) The Entrepreneurial Mindset (02:27) Intrapreneurship Explained (03:25) Challenges of Entrepreneurship (04:57) Personal Journeys and Experiences (11:43) Balancing Personal and Professional Life (12:45) The Importance of Alignment and Impact (17:30) Early Signs of Entrepreneurship (19:27) Growth and Reflection Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  6. 11/14/2024

    Our Mission

    In the second episode of 'Besties, Bubbles, and Biz,' Mel and Audrey discuss the creation of their podcast and the driving force behind it: a mission to empower small business owners in the hospitality sector with actionable advice and practical insights. They discuss what topics will come up in future episodes, including menu pricing, waste management, collaboration, staffing, sales, marketing, and building a strong team culture.  Mel and Audrey will create a fun and welcoming atmosphere each week, featuring guest speakers to provide enriched content. All this, with the backdrop of their shared passion and long-time friendship.      (00:39) How It All Began (01:30) Our Mission and What We Offer (02:05) Naming the Podcast: Besties, Bubbles, and Biz (02:47) Why We Love Podcasts (04:16) Filling the Gap in the Market (05:33) Real Talk: Business Tips and Lessons (06:31) Our Passion for Helping Small Businesses (07:49) Topics We Will Cover (12:46) Guest Speakers and Future Episodes   Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  7. 10/31/2024

    Content Marketing 101

    In this episode of 'Besties Bubbles and Biz,' Mel and Audrey share actionable marketing tips for small business owners. They discuss the importance of social media and email marketing strategies, including planning content, utilising user-generated content, and engaging with followers - highlighting practical steps to create effective posts, leverage various social media platforms, and implement email marketing campaigns. Whether you’re a small cafe or a retailer, these actionable steps will help you grow your business.00:38 The Power of Social Media for Small Businesses (02:45) Creating Effective Social Media Strategies (06:31) Engaging with Your Audience (10:28) Planning and Executing Marketing Campaigns (15:15) The Importance of Consistency and Quality (18:08) Utilizing Reels and Stories (19:04) Understanding Your Social Media Metrics (19:18) Integrating Platforms for Seamless Posting (19:40) The Power of Video Content (19:58) Overcoming Camera Shyness (20:41) Effective Call to Actions (21:13) Creating Engaging Reels (22:41) Leveraging User-Generated Content (23:51) The Importance of Email Marketing (27:13) Utilising Tools and Resources (31:08) Planning and Content Strategy Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  8. 10/17/2024

    Trusting Your Gut with Niche Markets

    In this episode of 'Besties Bubbles and Biz,' Mel and Audrey discuss building a niche business. Audrey shares how she started with Gut Tribe Kitchen, trusting her instincts and eventually growing the business. They discuss the decision to become Celiac Australia accredited to gain trust, expansion strategies, challenges faced, and the importance of customer feedback and market adaptation. Audrey and Mel also discuss the benefits of staying true to their niche and the potential for other businesses to cater to specialised markets effectively. (00:32) Starting a Niche Business: Davies Street Food Co. (01:03) Market Research and Initial Growth (03:27) Collaboration and Accreditation (04:59) Customer Engagement and Menu Development (06:31) Operational Challenges and Innovations (09:43) Rebranding and Customer Loyalty (13:34) Marketing and Expanding the Niche (21:50) Perceptions and Challenges of Gluten-Free Food Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  9. 10/02/2024

    Mel's Journey in Hospitality

    In this episode of 'Bestie's Bubbles and Biz,' Audrey interviews Mel about her 15-year journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a waitress under her father's supervision, Mel worked her way up through various roles, including sales and marketing director and finally a General Manager. Mel shares experiences from running major events, facing business challenges, and her dedication to staff and operational excellence. She now channels her rich experience into her own business, Inspire, providing marketing and operational consulting to elevate small businesses within the hospitality sector.    (00:25) Mel's Journey in Hospitality (01:22) Early Career and Inspirations (03:13) Rising Through the Ranks (06:27) Challenges and Achievements at Balgownie (12:10) Transition to New Ventures (13:28) Overcoming Challenges in the Hotel Industry (13:59) Transitioning to Business Development Manager (14:50) Navigating Brand Consistency and Upgrades (15:44) From BDM to Director of Sales (18:33) Starting Inspire: The Spark and Vision (20:55) Services Offered by Inspire (22:25) Growth and Challenges of a New Business (27:14) Future Plans and Family Involvement Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  10. 09/19/2024

    Audrey's Origins

    In this episode of Besties, Bubbles, and Biz, Mel and Audrey delve into the founding story of Davies Street Food Co. Audrey discusses her inspiration for starting the business—the lack of quality options for people with dietary restrictions in the hospitality sector.  They talk about how the business evolved from the Gut Tribe Kitchen to the renowned Davies Street Food Co. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Audrey shares the challenges of running a gluten-free business, obtaining Celiac accreditation, and navigating a business partnership separation. They also touch on the importance of family support, the role of social media in their marketing strategy, and future goals of increasing staff and focusing on education within the industry.  (00:22) The Origin Story of Davie Street Food Co. (02:33) Challenges and Opportunities During COVID-19 (04:07) Growth and Community Support (09:49) Navigating Business Partnerships (14:31) Adapting to Changes and Future Plans (24:39) Reflecting on the Journey (25:00) Challenges of Running a Business (25:27) Marketing Strategies and Social Media (28:13) Importance of Customer Feedback (29:58) Training and Empowering Staff (32:43) Future Goals and Education (34:42) Passion-Driven Business (40:05) Balancing Personal and Business Life Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  11. 09/05/2024

    Welcome to Besties, Bubbles & Biz

    Meet Mel and Audrey, longtime friends and fans (sometimes haters) of the hospitality industry. In this first episode, Mel and Audrey reflect on their deep friendship and shared experiences in the industry. They reminisce about their beginnings in a bustling restaurant and explore their personal and professional growth.  The duo highlights the importance of understanding various aspects of the hospitality sector, from front-of-house to back-of-house operations. They also discuss the industry's challenges and their passion for creating memorable customer experiences. The episode combines humour, storytelling, and valuable insights into their journey and the broader hospitality industry while celebrating their friendship and business success. (00:40) How We Met: The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship (01:41) Early Days in the Hospitality Industry (02:54) From Work Experience to Lifelong Friends (05:06) Navigating Career Paths in Hospitality (07:00) Transitioning to Corporate and Beyond (08:01) The Value of Diverse Experience in Hospitality (08:39) The Versatility of Hospitality Experience (09:41) Transitioning to City Life and Career Growth (10:23) Adventures in the States (11:17) Returning to Melbourne and New Challenges (12:12) The Unyielding Passion for Hospitality (15:28) The Adrenaline Rush of Service (16:53) The Struggles and Joys of Front of House   Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  12. 08/27/2024

    INTRODUCING "Besties, Bubbles & Biz"

    Join Mel and Audrey for candid conversations, bubbly banter, and valuable tips for navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of the hospitality world Thanks for listening.  Follow us on Instagram For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

  • 12 Episodes

About

Longtime friends Mel and Audrey invite you to pop a bottle and join them on a journey through the vibrant world of hospitality. With decades of combined experience in the industry, these two besties reflect on their deep friendship and shared adventures, offering expert insights and practical lessons on running a successful hospitality business. Each episode features candid conversations, bubbly banter, and valuable tips for navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of the hospitality world. From the latest industry trends to time-tested strategies for creating unforgettable guest experiences, Mel and Audrey are here to inspire and educate. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, "Besties & Bubbles " is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, pour yourself a glass, get comfortable, and tune in for a delightful mix of friendship, fun, and business savvy.

Information

  • Creator
    Mel Watson, Audrey Kuhl
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Besties & Bubbles