The Heart Media Podcast

In this episode, we catch up with Dylan Walsh — the young filmmaker behind Garden State Journal, the media project that’s turning Melbourne’s everyday magic into visual poetry.

Dylan started Garden State Journal in 2022 as a way to “document what Melbourne meant to him,” capturing quiet streets, everyday moments, and local characters with a nostalgic, ’70s-inspired aesthetic. 

Through his TikTok and Instagram films, he’s turned the mundane into something cinematic — footpaths, coffee shops, people walking, and fleeting signatures of city life that many of us miss. 

We talk about:

How Dylan blends f...

Ever find yourself trusting a friend’s food recommendation more than a review site? In this chat we sit down with Taf Chiwanza, co-founder of the restaurant discovery app, Secondz. 

Taf talks about why people trust recommendations from their own network more than glossy magazines, the ripple effect of genuine word-of-mouth, and how a single shoutout can transform a small business overnight. He also shares the messages from restaurant owners that remind him why he built Secondz in the first place, to connect people through food, and help them find their next great meal in seconds.

T...

If you’ve been to Mecca’s new Bourke Street store, you might’ve stumbled across the hidden bar run by Joe Jones, serving drinks as he continues to push the boundaries of what hospitality can mean.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe, who is both a bartender and the creative mind behind Romeo Lane and Purple Pit.

We talk about what it takes to build a career in hospitality, the decision to close the doors of Romeo Lane, and how his approach to drinks has evolved as the world shifts toward drinking less a...

In this episode, we sit down with Robbie Oijvall, hailing from a small town in Sweden to culinary creative at the helm of Light Years and the Arcade Agency hospitality group.

Robbie’s journey is anything but ordinary. After studying in Sweden, he made his way to London and later joined Wagamama in the UK. From there, he transitioned to Australia and spent time in Sydney, Melbourne and finally Byron Bay. This is where he helped shape Light Years into a bold, modern Asian brand adored across Queensland. 

As part of Arcade Agency, Robbie also pla...

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Gurr,  Creative Director of Beverly Rooftop in Melbourne.  Her background spans architecture, fashion, ethical manufacturing, and spatial storytelling. We talk about how growing up in a coastal town and moving through places like Bali, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne shaped the way she sees design, community, and connection. 

Emily shares what it takes to build a creative vision into a real place, everything from design choices  to how storytelling, values, and collaboration show up in every detail. We also hear about the moments that pushed her out of her comfort zone...

In this episode, we chat with Mikey Gayed, the founder of Good Ideas Studio, and host of the Mikey Talk podcast.

Mikey opens up about swapping his corporate life in Melbourne for the uncertainty of following his passion. After studying business, he found himself back home, working the usual 9-to-5… until COVID hit. That upheaval pushed him to build something of his own. 

Good Ideas is more than just a studio, it’s Mikey’s mission to bridge the gap between businesses that need creative energy and creatives who want to create without the admin headach...

In this episode, we hang out with John Rivera, the culinary force behind three of some of Melbourne’s most exciting Filipino venues.

We trace John’s journey from growing up in the Philippines and New Zealand to launching into Melbourne’s fine-dining world, working his way through Rockpool and other prestige hospitality establishments in Australia.

During COVID, John doubled down on his roots and creativity by co-founding Kariton Sorbetes, a Filipino-inspired gelato brand, during lockdown. Today it has three Melbourne stores and is gearing up to expand internationally.  

Soon after came Askal, his con...

Get ready for a spicy and sweet deep dive with Anthony Randello‑Jahn, the charismatic creator famously known as The Donut Daddy. We're talking succulent pastries… and a dash of shirtless charm that only he can pull off.

Born and bred in Melbourne, Anthony turned childhood curiosity into an empire: from crafting doughnuts back in 2017 to launching Levain Doughnuts and Jamm’d Dessert Bar, both now staples in Melbourne's dessert scene . But here's the twist: Anthony didn’t just stop at making mouthwatering treats, he built a brand. His TikTok and Instagram presence blends irresistible recipes with tongue‑i...

In this episode, we sit down with Hugh Allen, one of the most talented and humble chefs to come out of Australia’s fine dining scene. Hugh started working in kitchens as a teenager before landing a life-changing opportunity at Noma in Copenhagen — one of the world’s best restaurants — where he trained under René Redzepi for three years.

Returning to Australia, Hugh quickly made waves and, by his mid-twenties, took on the role of Executive Chef at Vue de Monde in Melbourne. At just 26, he became the youngest chef in the restaurant’s history to earn three hats...

Join us for another episode of HMP with Kieran Spiteri, co-founder of Melbourne's Yolk Group. Known for beloved venues like Terror Twilight, Tinker, Convoy, Hi Fi, and the recently opened Ophelia, Kieran shares insights into building a hospitality brand that resonates with community and innovation.

In this episode, we delve into Kieran's journey from launching his first café to expanding into a group that redefines the café experience. He discusses the philosophy behind Yolk Group's success, the importance of creating spaces that feel like a "warm neighbour," and how they balance consistency with creativity across multiple venues. 

In today's episode we're joined by Julian Hills, the chef-owner of Navi, one of Melbourne's most acclaimed fine dining establishments.

Julian's journey began on a 40-acre farm in Victoria's Strzelecki Ranges, where he developed a deep connection to the land through gardening, fishing, and foraging. His background in fine arts adds a unique dimension to his culinary creations, even using ceramics at Navi that he crafts himself.

In this episode, we delve into Julian's path from aspiring snowboarder to award-winning chef, his philosophy on sustainable and ethical dining, and the creative processes that drive Navi's...

The long awaited episode with Ben Shewry is final here. Hailing from New Zealand's North Taranaki region, Ben is the visionary chef and owner of one of Australia's most renowned restaurant, Attica.

In this episode, Ben shares his experiences from his early days in the kitchen to leading Attica, a restaurant celebrated for its innovative use of native Australian ingredients and commitment to sustainability. We delve into his creative process, family life, the challenges of the fine dining industry, and the tedious process of writing his memoir, Uses for Obsession. 

We thoroughly enjoyed o...

​Join us for an intimate conversation with Zoe Birch, the talented chef and co-owner of Greasy Zoe's, the acclaimed eight-seat restaurant nestled in Hurstbridge. Zoe, alongside her partner Lachlan Gardner, has crafted a dining experience that embodies hyper-local sourcing and sustainability, offering a seasonal menu that reflects the freshest produce from the Yarra Valley. ​

In this episode, we chat about her journey from working in some of Melbourne's top restaurants, including Middle Brighton Baths and The Courthouse in North Melbourne, to establishing her own unique dining space. We delve into the inspirations behind Greasy Zoe's, the challenges and...

Join us this episode with Joanna Reymond, Founder and Director of Reymond Communications, a leading Australian lifestyle PR agency specialising in hospitality, design, and property. 

Joanna's journey began in France, and she later honed her skills in Business, Catering, and Hotel Management in Cannes. Her career in public relations took off upon returning to Melbourne, where she worked with prominent design firms before establishing her own agency. 

In this episode, we delve into Joanna's experiences growing up in a culinary family, her transition into PR, and her insights on building and maintaining a successful agency. We...

Get ready for a wildly entertaining chat with none other than Pat Nourse— the Creative Director of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Sure, he knows food, but more importantly, he knows how to throw a party that gets an entire city buzzing.

In this episode, we get into the real stuff—what it takes to curate an event that brings together world-class chefs, big ideas, and some of the best vibes Melbourne has to offer. We talk about his past life as one of Australia’s sharpest food critics, x-rated shenanigans while working for Gourmet Traveller and what t...

We're back this week with our good friend Chef Kyle Nicol, the culinary talent behind Melbourne's Lilac Wine Bar and Hazel.

Listen in on Kyle's culinary journey from his humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour to London's Michelin-starred Arbutus, and back to Melbourne, where he's made his mark at Supernormal, Builders Arms, and Rascal Brunswick. We delve deep into Kyle's culinary philosophy, his experiences across various kitchens, and his vision for the future of dining and his career. He also touches on his passion for teaching the next generation of chefs and the toll of overworking on the...

Join us as we explore the culinary career of our good friend Pierre Khodja, the French-Algerian chef renowned for his innovative fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavours. Pierre's passion for cooking ignited in his childhood, inspired by his mother's ability to create flavourful meals from simple ingredients. 

Throughout his career, Pierre has held esteemed positions in various acclaimed restaurants in Melbourne and around the world. 

In this week's episode, we chat to Pierre's about his culinary philosophy, his experiences in the kitchen, and the stories behind his unique life.

Thank you for li...

We're back with a banger for our first episode of 2025. Join Ty and special guest host Ellie as we chat with Stephen Nairn, the brilliant Culinary Director behind two of Melbourne’s hottest dining spots—Yugen Dining and Omnia Bistro. 

Stephen has cooked in some of the world’s top kitchens and now leads the charge at these iconic venues, blending creativity, precision, and bold flavors to wow anyone who enters their doors. We talk to him about his journey from international kitchens to Melbourne’s food scene, what inspires his menus, and how he manages it all while...

Join us for this SPECIAL Christmas episode as we explore ALL things A1 Bakery with none other than Anthony, Daniel and Haikal. The A1 Brothers get a bit deep and chat about family, early days in the bakery, and we get to know a little bit about their bond through some games.

This one was a long time coming, so we were absolutely chuffed to talk to the boys inside the OG store in Brunswick. What a way to end the year with this episode, so grab some popcorn, get festive and enjoy the A1 SPECIAL! 

At just 25, Cameron Tay-Yap has already carved out a remarkable career in fine dining as the head chef at Amaru, one of Melbourne's top hatted restaurants. A finalist for The Age Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year award in 2023, Cameron's journey is marked by resilience, innovation, and passion.

Join us in this episode as we delve into Cam's story—his inspirations, insane work ethic and the crazy pivot he plans to take in his career. Whether you're a foodie, aspiring chef, climber ;) or just love a good success story, this is a video you won't wa...

In this week's episode we dive into the story of Bernard Chu, one of the creative forces behind Melbourne's Kōri Ice Cream. As a renowned pastry chef and former co-owner of LuxBite, Bernard has brought his unique vision and love for Japanese culture to craft one of the city's most exciting dessert destinations. 

We chat all things dessert, working relationships, life during Covid and how Bernard and his team were able to stay afloat and grow during those tough times. Learn how Bernard turned his passion for desserts into an unforgettable culinary journey. The guy even br...

We’re joined by none other than Luke Phillips, the founder of Into Carry and Into Coffee, a sustainable fashion brand and zero-waste cafe and funnily enough where we shoot the podcast! Luke’s approach blends environmental consciousness with creativity, transforming materials like milk cartons, packaging, excess fabric, and other waste products into unique, eco-friendly accessories.

We chat about the journey behind Into Carry and Into Coffee, exploring Luke’s background, his passion for design and how his brands are making a meaningful impact in the local community. Luke shares insights on the challenges of running a sustai...

Charlie Lehmann is notorious for his outspoken personality on social media and in person he did not disappoint. As a university student, Charlie thought to himself that "getting people pissed" would be much more fun and drawing inspiration from the bar he worked at, started Ramblin Rascal with his best friends Sebastian Soto and Dardan Shervashidze at the age of 25. 
Ramblin Rascal has won multiple awards and Charlie's other venture Double Deuce Lounge has just won Bar of the Year for 2025 according to the AGFG. 
We get stuck into it, talking about growing up poor, working from a...

An exciting podcast with an exciting person, Kay-Lene Tan is every bit as charming, funny and bubbly as she appears in the media. It was such a good time filming this one with a no filter approach and plenty of vulnerability she took us on a journey through her childhood, growing up in Singapore and how it influenced her career. Transitioning from an amateur documentary filmmaker to a chef at the age of 25, Kay-Lene then trained at Singapore’s At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy and quickly advanced through acclaimed kitchens, including Joël Robuchon's restaurant in Singapore and The European in Mel...

A moving, insightful, fun and entertaining chat all rolled into one. Chatting to Guy was spectacular, he has so much to talk about, acquiring a great deal of life experience throughout his years as a chef and restaurateur. Guy grew up in an Italian immigrant household and was inspired by his father (a chef), working in restaurants from a very young age. He then went on to study chefing and opened his first restaurant in 1986. This began his now renowned career as a restaurateur and what would become the Grossi owned restaurants and bars that we know today. We...

This was by far one of the most interesting episodes we shot, Lachie's story is truly remarkable, full of emotion, challenges and inspiration a truly unique listen. He started out as a chef at the age of just 13 after getting expelled from boarding school for getting into fights and taking down bullies. He then trained under one of the best chefs in Australia at the time, before heading to London at 16 to train at one of Marco Pierre White's establishments and the story only gets more exciting from there. We get stuck into everything from family to living on...

This was by far one of the most interesting episodes we shot, Lachie's story is truly remarkable, full of emotion, challenges and inspiration a truly unique listen. He started out as a chef at the age of just 13 after getting expelled from boarding school for getting into fights and taking down bullies. He then trained under one of the best chefs in Australia at the time, before heading to London at 16 to train at one of Marco Pierre White's establishments and the story only gets more exciting from there. We get stuck into everything from family to living on...

Victor Liong is a Melbourne hospitality icon, he is the owner and creator of the incredible Lee Ho Fook restaurant (Awarded two chef's hats in 2024 and featured as one of the best 25 restaurants in VIC by Gourmet Traveller). Victor tells all as we get into his childhood, growing up in Brunei, the toughness of traditional French kitchens and his obsession with repetition. We talk about facing adversity and how you can teach creativity in any field if you put in the hard work. 

https://www.leehofook.com.au/

Thank you for listening! We are so g...

You have never heard people speak with passion like this, the two brothers Blayne & Chayse Bertoncello from the famous O.MY Restaurant have an incredible story, starting their now famous fine diner out in Beaconsfield at the tender ages of 23 and 19 respectively, after a self discovery trip to Europe. All the produce they use in their menu comes from a personal farm just 10 minutes from the restaurant that is maintained by the team at the restaurant and led by head chef Blayne. Brother Chayse (Chugga) won Sommelier Of The Year in 2023 and he explains how he had no formal...