The Curious Cooks – Details, episodes & analysis

What if eating beef could benefit your health and the environment? In this episode, we sit down with Dean Ryan of Lake Janis Farm in Pemberton, where 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Jersey beef is grown slowly on diverse pastures in harmony with the land. Dean shares how regenerative farming boosts soil health, animal wellbeing and flavour—producing nutrient-dense beef with higher Omega-3 levels that support brain health and ageing well. We also explore his gold kiwifruit, organic avocados and ultra-white lamb, all part of a farming system designed to give back more than it takes.  Follow @lakejanisfarm Instagram to discover suppliers and contact them via https://lakejanisfarm.com.au/ 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK - BBQ Jersey Beef , Straciatella and Roasted Tomato Toasts 
Find the recipe via - https://mattersoftaste.com.au/blogs/news-and-recipes/bbq-beef-italian-toasts-and-series-one-final-podcast-episode

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
 Stay curious and get involved!
 Follow us on Instagram → @curiouscookspodcast
 Reach out → thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
 Discover more via our webpage → https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/thecuriouscooks

SPONSOR THANKS

This podcast is proudly supported by Urban Forager — Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate.  Shop the range and use code CURIOUS20 for 20% off aturbanforager.com.au

HOST INFORMATION

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

Instagram @kateflowerfood  + Facebook @kateflowerfood

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

Instagram @mattersoftaste + Facebook @mattersoftaste

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

What does it really take to get fresh food from WA growers to your dinner table? From horse-and-cart beginnings to state-of-the-art, climate-controlled trading floors, the world of fresh produce has undergone an incredible transformation — and few people have witnessed that journey more closely than Damon Watling, Director of Quality Produce International (QPI) and owner of Heavenly Strawberries.

In this episode, Kate and Tracey head deep into WA’s fresh-produce supply chain to uncover the unseen work, relationships, challenges and innovations that shape the food we buy every day. Damon shares how 500+ pre-orders roll in overnight, why grower relationships and seasonal forecasting matter more than ever, and how consumers’ stated values often differ from what actually ends up in their baskets.

We also explore:
✨ How WA growers are expanding into new growing regions
✨ Why QPI staff specialise in areas like citrus, berries and dates
✨ Surprising truths about transparency, labelling and supply chains
✨ Insight into working with the major supermarkets
✨ And why quality produce still starts with people, not systems.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Asparagus and Ricotta Tart — A delicious recipe to dive into during our WA asparagus season.

 Find the recipe via - https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/recipes

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Damon Watling
Director, Quality Produce International | Owner, Heavenly Strawberries

Damon Watling has spent his career at the heart of Western Australia’s fresh produce industry, building strong connections between growers, markets, and consumers. As Director of Quality Produce International (QPI), Damon plays a pivotal role in ensuring WA families, restaurants, and retailers have access to the very best fruit and vegetables—sourced with care, handled with precision, and delivered with integrity.

More on Quality Produce International - qpi.net.au

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Stay curious and get involved!
 Follow us on Instagram → @curiouscookspodcast
 Reach out → thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
Discover more via our webpage → https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/thecuriouscooks

SPONSOR THANKS

This podcast is proudly supported by Urban Forager — Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate.
Shop the range and use code CURIOUS20 for 20% off aturbanforager.com.au

HOST INFORMATION

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect. 

Instagram @kateflowerfood  + Facebook @kateflowerfood 

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

 Part chef, part tour guide, and all-round fresh produce and cooking expert,

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

FOOD TRENDS  – How the Hype Shapes What We Eat

Kate and Tracey are joined by PR powerhouses Pim Pattanasuk and Hannah Campbell from Media Circus Creative who live and breathe the social buzz. Together, they unpack the rise (and fall) of food trends, from viral hits like whipped coffee to the cucumber salad craze.

They explore how social media fuels the hype and manipulates what's on our plates, why authenticity is winning over perfection, and how businesses can ride the wave without losing their values. Best of all Pim, Hannah, Kate and Tracey bond over their personal food values, culture and connection!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Viral Cucumber Salad — It’s popular for a reason. Easy to make, versatile to use and delicious.

 Find the recipe here (I'll pop the link through later today)

ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Pim Pattanasuk is the founder of Media Circus Creative, a Perth-based PR and marketing agency known for bold storytelling, standout campaigns, and big creative energy.

Hannah Campbell, Senior Account Manager at Media Circus and IGA Ambassador, brings a decade of PR experience — plus insights from her time on Big Brother and My Kitchen Rules.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Stay curious and get involved!
 Follow us on Instagram → @curiouscookspodcast
 Reach out → thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
Discover more via our webpage → https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/thecuriouscooks

SPONSOR THANKS
This podcast is proudly supported by Urban Forager — Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate.
Shop the range and use code CURIOUS20 for 20% off aturbanforager.com.au

HOST INFORMATION

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

 Part chef, part tour guide, and all-round fresh produce and cooking expert, she thrives on uncovering the people and stories behind great food—and sharing them with others in a relatable way.

 Instagram @mattersoftaste + Facebook @mattersoftaste

 Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

 Kate is the author of three printed cookbooks celebrating local producers under the banner A Local Table and is driven to discover the best ways we can eat for both enjoyment and health.

 Instagram @kateflowerfood  + Facebook @kateflowerfood

 #TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #FoodTrends #SocialMediaFood #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #MediaCircusCreative #UrbanForager

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

Meet the next generation shaping WA’s food future. From innovative young farmers to passionate advocates and creative producers, Kate and Tracey shine a light on emerging voices bringing new energy, ideas and resilience to our local food landscape.

Jake Ryan of Three Ryans Farm in Manjimup Western Australia, brings the passion, innovation, and deep-rooted values that make him essential listening for anybody curious about the future of Western Australia’s food. 

Jake’s approach has earned him recognition as a Climate Positive Leader and a finalist in the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards for excellence in diversification.

His story isn’t just about good farming—it’s about proving that you can farm wisely and sustainably, inspiring others across the state to follow suit.

Find Three Ryans Farm
https://www.instagram.com/three_ryans/?hl=en

Stay curious and get involved. We’d love to hear from you - feedback - comments - food stories - the lot! You can find us via all the links below.

Recipe of the week

Little Custard Berry Tarts - using Three Ryans eggs laid by pasture-raised hens

Follow this link to the full recipe - https://mattersoftaste.com.au/blogs/news-and-recipes/little-custard-berry-tarts

The Curious Cooks

Follow us on Instagram @curiouscookspodcast

Reach out and join the conversation thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com

Check out our Curious Cooks webpage Explore future and past conversations and guests.

SERIES ONE SPONSOR

Urban Forager - Discover Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate and shop the range today…

Use our Curious Cooks discount code  - CURIOUS20  - to receive 20% off at the checkout www.urbanforager.com.au

Host Information

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

Instagram @kateflowerfood Facebook @kateflowerfood

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

Part chef, part tour guide, and all-round fresh produce and cooking expert, she thrives on uncovering the p

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

What we choose to put in our shopping baskets today shapes the future of our food — from variety and quality to health and environmental outcomes.

Matthew Evans joins Kate and Tracey this week on The Curious Cooks, from Fat Pig Farm in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.

What happens when a chef trades stainless steel for soil? 🌿

Matthew Evans’ story is one of transformation: from city kitchens to a thriving farm, from critic to advocate. He’s now one of Australia’s most articulate voices for regenerative farming and food system change.

On The Curious Cooks, Kate and Tracey chat with Matthew about why we must reconnect with where our food comes from — before it’s too late.

Find Matthew Evans and Fat Pig Farm
https://fatpig.farm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fat_pig_farm/

Stay curious and get involved. We’d love to hear from you - feedback - comments - food stories - the lot! You can find us via all the links below.

Recipe of the week

Super delicious Brown Butter Chunky Almond Biscuits

Follow this link to the full recipe - https://mattersoftaste.com.au/blogs/news-and-recipes/brown-butter-chunky-almond-biscuits

Follow us on Instagram @curiouscookspodcast

Reach out and join the conversation thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com

Peruse our Curious Cooks webpage and explore future conversations and guests.

SERIES ONE SPONSOR

Urban Forager - Discover Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate and shop the range today…

Use our Curious Cooks discount code  - CURIOUS20  - to receive 20% off at the checkout www.urbanforager.com.au

Host Information

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

Part chef, part tour guide, and all-round fresh produce and cooking expert, she thrives on uncovering the people and stories behind great food—and sharing them with others in a relatable way.

Instagram @mattersoftaste + Facebook @mattersoftaste

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

Kate is the author of three printed cookbooks celebrating local producers under the banner A Local Table and is driven to discover the best ways we can eat for both enjoyment and health.

Instagram @kateflowerfood Facebook @kateflowerfood

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

What does food security really mean for WA — and why should we care where our milk comes from?
This week on The Curious Cooks, Kate and Tracey sit down with Sue Daubney, Managing Director of Bannister Downs Dairy, to unpack the challenges and triumphs of WA’s dairy industry.

From the realities of running a family farm, to the pressures of imports from the Eastern states, Sue shares her candid thoughts on keeping milk local, sustainable and accessible. We also dive into WA’s broader food supply story — and the small choices we make every day that impact our food future.

Find Sue Daubney and BANNISTER DOWNS DAIRY
https://bannisterdowns.com.au
Instagram: @bannisterdownsdairy

CURIOUS COOKS 

Stay curious and get involved. We’d love to hear from you - feedback - comments - food stories - the lot! You can find us via all the links below.

Follow us on Instagram @curiouscookspodcast
Reach out and join the conversation thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
Find recipes on our Curious Cooks webpage and explore future conversations and guests.

SERIES ONE SPONSORS

URBAN FORAGER - Discover Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate and shop the range today…

Use our Curious Cooks discount code  - CURIOUS20  - to receive 20% off at the checkout www.urbanforager.com.au

KATE FLOWER FOOD delivers strategically planned and expertly styled visual content designed to elevate food, product, and lifestyle brands. Smart, beautiful, marketing, sparking real customer connection and long term results.

Explore the creative services at kateflowerfood.com.au

MATTERS OF TASTE Food Discovery Tours are all about connection. From city streets to country backroads, they take you behind the scenes across WA to meet the people growing and making your food. Taste incredible produce, share stories, and join a community of food lovers on one-of-a-kind adventures you’ll never forget.

Explore upcoming tours at mattersoftaste.com.au

Host Information

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

Instagram @kateflowerfood Facebook @kateflowerfood

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

 Instagram @mattersoftaste + Facebook @mattersoftaste

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

Drowning in mixed messages about food?

Dr Kyla Ringrose helps us find the joy — not the stress — in what we eat.

In this episode, we chat with Dr Kyla Ringrose, paediatric dietitian and founder of Mealtime Building Blocks and Baby Mealtimes. Together we unpack the confusing world of food marketing, mixed messaging, and wellness spin. Kyla shares grounded, practical tools to help you make food choices you can feel good about — and reminds us that food should bring joy, not stress. Tune in for a conversation full of clarity, laughter and pure gold moments with something for everyone of every age.

GUEST INFORMATION

Instagram @dr_kyla
Facebook - www.facebook.com/drkyladietitian
Website - Mealtimes.com.au
Podcast - Mealtimes With Dr Kyla - www.greataustralianpods.com/mealtimes-with-dr-kyla/

THE CURIOUS COOKS INFORMATION

Follow us on Instagram @curiouscookspodcast
Reach out and join the conversation thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
Find recipes on our Curious Cooks webpage and explore future conversations and guests.

SERIES ONE MAJOR SPONSOR

Thanks to our proud sponsor Urban Forager
Discover Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate and shop the range today… Use our Curious Cooks discount code  - CURIOUS20  - to receive 20% off at the checkout www.urbanforager.com.au

Host Information

Kate Flower

Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect.

Instagram @kateflowerfood Facebook @kateflowerfood

Tracey Cotterell

A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours.

Instagram @mattersoftaste + Facebook @mattersoftaste

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager

From supermarket checkouts to farm gates, food trends to marketing spin, Kate and Tracey serve up the food conversation you didn’t know you were hungry for — honest, curious, and full of flavour.

In episode one, pull up a chair and meet your hosts — two food lovers who live and breathe the industry, and can’t wait to share their passion for talking, cooking and eating with you.

Kate and Tracey share their career highlights, death row meals, childhood food experiences, passion for eating and food education in this rollicking kitchen bench chat. Learn and laugh along with them.

CONNECT WITH THE CURIOUS COOKS 

Stay curious and get involved. We’d love to hear from you - feedback - comments - food stories - the lot! You can find us via all the links below.

Follow us on Instagram @curiouscookspodcast
Reach out and join the conversation thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com
Find recipes on our Curious Cooks webpage and explore future conversations and guests.

SPONSORS

This podcast is produced and supported by the following sponsors:

Kate Flower Food delivers strategically planned and expertly styled visual content designed to elevate food, product, and lifestyle brands. Smart, beautiful, marketing, sparking real customer connection and long term results.  

Explore all creative services at kateflowerfood.com.au

Matters of Taste Food Discovery Tours are all about connection. From city streets to country backroads, they take you behind the scenes across WA to meet the people growing and making your food. Taste incredible produce, share stories, and join a community of food lovers on one-of-a-kind adventures you’ll never forget. Explore upcoming tours at mattersoftaste.com.au

#TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager