Podcast Episodes

Hospitality is at the heart of what makes London the greatest city in the world, and in this episode, we're diving deep into that very idea! Jason shares his unforgettable encounter with Bill Clinton, who declared London the best city, sparking an inspiration that led to the creation of the London Lifestyle Awards. We chat about how these awards celebrate all the amazing experiences outside of work that make London shine, from top-notch restaurants to cozy coffee shops. With over 15 years of ...

In this episode, Timothy and Joe are joined by the brilliant Akashia Carswell, CEO of London Talent and founder of Hive Cru, a new platform aiming to revolutionise temp recruitment in the hospitality sector. They dig into: Why the current recruitment model is broken The invisible cost of poor training and high turnover How Hive could reduce recruitment timelines from four months to four hours The impact of government legislation on young workers and apprenticeships Why employe...

What does real allyship look like in hospitality — and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience, Talking Hospitality host Timothy R Andrews is joined by Tris Reid-Smith, founder of Pride Wide, for an urgent and inspiring conversation on LGBTQIA+ rights, representation, and the power of storytelling. We explore how toxic narratives are being weaponised against the queer community and why hospitality businesses have a unique role to play — ...

What happens when hospitality businesses keep saying “we support mental health” — but don’t back it up with action? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rachel Kerr-Lapsley, Managing Director of Kelly’s Cause, the mental health charity changing how the industry supports its people — from the ground up. Rachel shares hard truths about performative wellbeing, what really makes a difference to staff, and why the most effective mental health support doesn’t have to cost the earth. ...

In this special 50th episode of Talking Hospitality, we celebrate a major milestone — and pull back the curtain on the real story of starting (and sustaining) a podcast in our industry. Joined by a line-up of fellow hospitality podcasters, we talk candidly about the lessons we’ve learnt, the mistakes we made, the kit we’ve loved and hated, and the very human reasons that keep us hitting "record" week after week. Featuring: Mark McCulloch (Supersonic Marketing) Shell Righini (We Recover...

In this powerful and personal episode, we speak with Matt Cameron, founder of TMC People Agency and co-founder of WellJam, who shares the story behind his mission to transform toxic hospitality workplaces into thriving ones. Matt opens up about his early years in hospitality, the pressure-cooker environments that almost cost him everything — and the moment that changed his life. Now, he's on a mission to help employers build people-first cultures that don't just retain staff, but genuinely he...

In this vibrant episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Zest Quest Asia 2024, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid meet Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, the passionate founders behind Zest Quest Asia. This exciting conversation uncovers the story behind their mission to elevate Asian cuisine within the UK hospitality industry. Cyrus and Pervin explain their dedication to getting Asian culinary training onto the British curriculum, promoting authentic Asian cooking beyond stereotypes,...

This week, we’re joined by Bruce and Paramjit Nagra, the brilliant minds behind Crazy Gin — the world’s first British-Asian gin. What started as a late-night idea over a bottle of wine (and a sink full of dishes) turned into a bold, exciting spirits brand that’s now featured in the likes of Harvey Nichols and Tamarind. In this episode, we talk about: Why starting a business is all about small steps, not giant leaps The danger of perfectionism and how it can keep your idea stuck in y...

This episode is in an examination of the evolving nature of professional relationships and the significance of mentorship as a means of preserving institutional knowledge. With thanks to brand partners Graphic Kitchen and Leisurejobs for their support in this episode. This episodes guest, Kieron Bailey suggests that the hospitality industry must recognise the intrinsic value of older employees—not merely as relics of a bygone era but as vital contributors to the ongoing narrative of servic...

The biggest challenge in the hospitality industry today is delivering a memorable experience for guests, as discussed by the hosts in this engaging podcast episode and the first of season 5. New host Joe McDonnell highlights that while the industry excels at opening new venues and crafting enticing menus, it often struggles with the execution and follow-through necessary to create truly unforgettable moments. This episode also introduces Joe, bringing a wealth of experience from his global...

Summary In the first ever unedited episode since episode 1, join us for the finale of Season Four. Tracy Rashid and Timothy R. Andrews reflect on the amazing journey they've had recording the season. They express their gratitude to the guests and listeners who have supported them. The hosts discuss the filming of Zest Quest Asia and the evolution of the podcast, from online interviews to future Vox Pox formats. They also share their favourite episodes and highlight the impact the podcast has h...

Women leadership in the hospitality industry remains a significant issue, with women holding less than 40% of managerial positions despite making up a large portion of the workforce. This podcast dives deep into the challenges faced by women in hospitality leadership roles and explores actionable solutions to empower them. Hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracy Rashid are joined by industry leaders Monica Orr, Marcia Bennett, Michelle Raghini, and Michelle Moreno, who share their personal journeys a...

Episode 43, Season 4 of Talking Hospitality marks a significant transition as we bid a heartfelt farewell to Sarah Kettel, the original host and founder, who has been an integral part of the podcast for 32 episodes across four seasons. Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid take us on a reflective journey through Sarah's impactful tenure, her beginnings in the hospitality industry, and her motivations behind the podcast. As Sarah steps down, she shares her current endeavours and leaves us with va...

Dive into the heart of sustainability with Andrea Zick, a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, as she unveils the intricate dance of creating a sustainable future without sacrificing the essence of luxury dining. This episode is a journey through the lens of a former chef turned sustainability champion, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of embedding sustainability into the fabric of the hospitality industry. Why Listen: If you're passionate about the future of hosp...

Introduction: In this episode of Talking Hospitality, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid engage in a captivating conversation with Nick Clover, a seasoned entrepreneur in the hospitality sector. The episode delves into Nick's journey from starting as a 14-year-old working in a pub to establishing several successful companies in the hospitality industry. Why Listen to This Episode: This episode is a treasure trove of insights for hospitality professionals, especially those in leadership ...

In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we delve into the fascinating world of drag and what lessons the hospitality industry can learn from them. Summary The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the drag queen community, with performers losing their primary source of income. Many drag queens turned to digital platforms to perform for their fans, but it wasn't always enough to make ends meet. As the pandemic continued, drag queens found new ways to adapt, such as starting their own b...

Join Tracey Rashid and Timothy R. Andrews for a festive celebration of Christmas in a special episode featuring a host of Santas from around the world. The holiday spirit shines brightly in this special Christmas episode of Talking Hospitality, where hosts Tracey and Timothy engage in heartwarming and humorous discussions about the meaning of Christmas. The episode opens with a fun fact about the Statue of Liberty, the largest Christmas gift ever given, symbolizing friendship—setting a nostalg...

Recorded at Café Spice Namaste, chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala shares the story of his journey from Bombay to London and the challenges of building a life and business in the UK. He discusses the resilience required to establish Café Spice Namaste, challenge British perceptions of Indian food and navigate a ten-year battle to remain in the country. Cyrus also reflects on education, creating opportunities for young people and the responsibility successful hospitality leaders have to support those following behind them. It is a thoughtful conversation about migration, determination and the legacy one person can leave across an industry.

MasterChef Special with Daksha Mistry, Pookie Tredell, Mike Bartley and Mikes Khan Hosts: Timothy R. Andrews, Tracey Rashid, and Sarah Kettel Dive into a captivating conversation with MasterChef stars and discover the heart of culinary passion and innovation. Join us in this special episode where we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of these culinary artists. Why Listen to This Episode:This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and insights from...

In an enlightening discussion on the empowerment of women in the hospitality sector, this episode of Talking Hospitality features a live recording from Lakefield Hospitality College in North West London, where we engage with Frankie Strinati. The college, founded in 1962 with the explicit aim of promoting female participation in hospitality, stands as a testament to the evolution of gender roles within this industry. Frankie shares her insights on the strategies employed at Lakefield, which em...

Ever wondered how storytelling can transform the hospitality industry? Join us in this enlightening episode with Phil Street, where we explore the art of narrative in shaping careers and changing perceptions. Dive into the world of hospitality through the lens of stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. Introduction: Welcome to a captivating episode of the Talking Hospitality podcast, where we delve into the integral role of storytelling in the hospitality industry. I'm Timothy R. Andrews,...

Why Men in Hospitality Don’t Talk About Mental Health — and How We Change That Men’s mental health in hospitality is still a taboo topic. In this honest episode, industry leaders share why that needs to change — and how we make it happen. In this hard-hitting episode of Talking Hospitality, we tackle an issue that’s long been overlooked — men’s mental health in our industry. The statistics are stark: male hospitality workers are significantly more at risk of anxiety, burnout, and even suicide...

In this special episode, we’re joined by Dawn Burton — speaker, entrepreneur, founder of Carol Burton Caterers, co-founder of the Caribbean Food Collective, and creator of the UK Caribbean Food Awards. Dawn shares her story of moving from a hotel career into catering, the challenges of setting up her own business, and why she’s committed to making sure Caribbean food and entrepreneurs get the recognition they deserve. From cooking thousands of meals for children during school holidays to handin...

Is Hospitality Racist?In our season 3 finale, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Sarah Kettel partner up with our third, special guest host Tracey Rashid.Together they take a deep dive into the 2023 Be Inclusive Hospitality report about equality, diversity and inclusion within the Hospitality industry.They are joined by CEO and Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, Lorraine Copes and her story, how Be Inclusive Hospitality came about and what is it.They discuss some surprising results from the report and what can be done to make the findings in the report become the catalyst for changeThere is still work to be done. This episode shares what you can do about it.***More information on Lorraine Copes and Be Inclusive Hospitality can be found at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-copes-ab614820/ (Lorraine Copes)https://bihospitality.co.uk/ (Be Inclusive Hospitality)https://bihospitality.co.uk/research-and-insights/ (To Download The 2023 Report)***For more information on equality, diversity and…