The Chef JKP Podcast

• Season 9 -Episode 8 - Troy Payne - Crafting Culinary Memories !

  What happens when comfort food meets the desert? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the inspiring and outspoken Chef Troy Payne for a deep, personal, and unfiltered conversation. From his Melbourne food roots to launching Craft by Side Hustle, the first brewery concept in the MENA region, Troy opens up about the highs and lows of his culinary career. The episode touches on mentorship, his powerful connection with the late Chef Greg Malouf, the mental health challenges of the industry, and finding identity in the Dubai food scene. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 How Troy’s journey from Australia shaped his food philosophy 👩‍🍳 The emotional toll and importance of mental health in kitchens 👩‍🍳 What it’s like to launch a brewery-meets-comfort food concept in the Middle East 👩‍🍳 How innovation, failure, and purpose intersect in modern hospitality 00:00 Chef JKP Podcast Live Announcement 03:58 Meet Chef Troy Payne 04:29 Growing Up in Melbourne & First Taste of Cooking 06:50 Childhood Food Memories & Influences 11:13 The Path to Professional Cooking 15:34 Mentorship and Growth in the Culinary World 22:47 Finding Confidence and Voice as a Young Chef 30:24 The Influence of Greg Malouf & Their Bond 42:30 A New Adventure: Opening a Restaurant in the Middle East 47:27 Returning to Dubai: A New Beginning 54:38 Innovating Mobile Kitchens 01:00:07 Craft by Side Hustle: The First Brewery in MENA 01:05:22 The Reality of Entrepreneurship in F&B 01:10:56 The Importance of Mental Health in the Culinary Industry 01:17:55 Family, Food, and Balancing Personal Life 01:22:12 Lessons from Failure and Reinvention 01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions & Final Reflections Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trotskie/ A huge thank you to our partners Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com 🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience! Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 - Episode 7 - Hospitality & Headspace with Scott Armstrong !

  Can hospitality thrive without mental wellness? In this very special live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Scott Armstrong, journalist-turned-mental-health-advocate and founder of MENTL, to have an unfiltered, honest conversation about the state of mental health in the workplace - particularly in high-pressure industries like hospitality. This episode dives deep into psychological safety, breaking down stigma, and how investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s good for business.  Scott shares his journey from global editorial roles to launching a platform that challenges cultures of silence and burnout. We also explore how leadership, open dialogue, and structural changes can drive well-being at every level of the team. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 The critical link between mental health and team performance 👩‍🍳  Scott’s personal journey from journalism to wellness advocacy 👩‍🍳 The red flags of anxiety, burnout, and toxic leadership 👩‍🍳  How businesses can create a culture of psychological safety 👩‍🍳  What the upcoming Mental Health Awards mean for the industry 00:00 Live Podcast Announcement 03:02 Meet Scott Armstrong & His Journey 21:20 Global Journalism to Leadership Challenges 36:03 Shifting from Media to Mental Health Advocacy 46:36 Why Mental Health is a Business Imperative 01:04:09 Addressing Toxic Cultures & Workplace Stress 01:10:08 Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments 01:16:52 The Mental Health Awards & How to Nominate 01:23:34 The Power of Open, Honest Conversations 01:29:52 Quick Fire Round with Scott Armstrong 01:40:26 Final Thoughts & Farewell You can learn everything about Scott's organisation by heading to - https://mentl.space/ A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com 🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 20th and 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience! Please leave us a review, it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 - Episode 6 - Health Hacks for Hospitality with Michael Canas!

  Is your lifestyle helping or hurting your performance in the kitchen? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Michael Canas, a transformation coach with a passion for helping people in demanding careers - like hospitality - take back control of their health. From sleep and cravings to nutrition, alcohol, stress, and the power of small, consistent habits, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice for anyone struggling to stay healthy in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Whether you're a chef, restaurant owner, or just someone trying to juggle long hours with better habits, this is your blueprint for sustainable health and wellness. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 The real impact of nutrition vs. exercise - and where to focus first 👩‍🍳 What alcohol really does to your body, and how to drink smarter 👩‍🍳 How mental health, movement, and discipline all go hand in hand 👩‍🍳 The coaching mindset: how accountability and self-awareness lead to long-term results 01:00 Chef JKP Podcast Announcement 02:47 Meet Michael Canas: Transformation Coach 07:40 From Pub Chef to Fitness Professional 22:12 Nutrition vs. Exercise: Which Matters More? 33:21 The Sleep–Cravings Connection 41:38 Breaking Habits & Coaching Real Talk 48:15 Health Struggles in Hospitality 59:51 Common Health Myths and Missteps 01:08:57 Alcohol & Long-Term Health 01:18:43 Longevity, Habits & Healthspan 01:22:29 Accountability & Self-Improvement 01:34:46 Quick Fire Round 01:42:54 Final Thoughts & Takeaways Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcanasmc/ A huge thank you to our partners: Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Westholme – westholme.com 🚨 The Chef JKP Podcast is going LIVE! 🚨 Join us for unfiltered, real conversations on April 13th, 20th, and 27th at Timeout Market Dubai. Expect deep insights, audience Q&As, and a chance to connect with industry leaders. Want to support the show? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefJKP Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 - Episode 5 - Natasha Sideris ! CEO and Founder of Tashas Group !

  How do you turn a single restaurant into a globally recognised dining group? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Natasha Sideris, founder and CEO of the Tashas Group, for an inspiring and candid conversation about her journey from family-run kitchens to launching standout brands like Flamingo Room, Galaxy Bar, and her latest concept, Nala. Natasha opens up about her childhood food memories, growing up in her father’s restaurant business, and how those early experiences shaped her passion for hospitality. She also dives into the realities of running a restaurant empire, the importance of work-life balance, and what it takes to scale without sacrificing quality. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 How Natasha launched and scaled Tashas across multiple markets 👩‍🍳 The strategy behind choosing Dubai and navigating the London restaurant scene 👩‍🍳 Lessons in wellness, resilience, and sustainability in hospitality 👩‍🍳 What makes a strong hospitality brand stand out in a competitive market 👩‍🍳 Key advice for aspiring restaurateurs from one of the region’s leading visionaries 01:00 Chef JKP Live Announcement 02:39 Meet Natasha Sideris: Her Culinary Journey 08:09 Entering the World of Hospitality 21:21 Launching Tashas and Defining a Brand 42:51 Expanding with Flamingo Room & Galaxy Bar 57:17 DIFC and New Market Challenges 01:07:20 Wellness, Balance & Industry Realities 01:13:35 Global Expansion & Cookbook Creation 01:21:43 Fast Casual Concepts & Scaling Smart 01:30:03 The Future of Dining in MENA 01:33:13 Quick Fire Questions 01:39:57 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs Learn more about Tasha's Group: https://www.tashasgroup.com/ You can see what Natasha is up to on LinkedIN A huge thank you to our partners: Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Westholme – westholme.com 🚨 The Chef JKP Podcast is going LIVE! 🚨 Join us for unfiltered, real conversations on April 13th, 20th, and 27th at Timeout Market Dubai. Expect deep insights, audience Q&As, and a chance to connect with industry leaders. Please leave us a review on Apple, Spotify or any podcasting site - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 - Episode 4 - Pallavi Sangtani! The Complex World of Food Writing !

  What does it take to write about food in one of the world’s most dynamic culinary cities? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Pallavi Sangtani, acclaimed food and travel writer, to explore the ever-evolving dining landscape of Dubai and beyond. From fine dining to street eats, Pallavi shares her unique perspective on what makes the city’s food scene so exciting - and what still needs work. This episode goes beyond the plate to discuss the cultural layers of dining, the impact of international awards, and how chef personality shows up in every dish. Pallavi also opens up about her journey from events and tech to becoming one of the region’s most respected food voices, along with her thoughts on wellness, feedback culture, and the future of MENA’s gastronomic scene. Tune In To Learn: 👨‍🍳 How Dubai’s food scene has evolved - and where it’s headed 👨‍🍳 Global awards and their effect on local restaurants 👨‍🍳 The role of wellness and work-life balance in hospitality 👩‍🍳 What chefs and food writers really think of each other 00:00 Chef JKP Live Announcement 02:51 Meet Pallavi Sangtani: Her Culinary Journey 09:22 Exploring Dubai's Food Scene 14:36 Early Career, Food Tech & Writing Beginnings 34:34 Expansion and Growth of Restaurant Listings 41:41 Exploring the Art of Food Writing 53:59 Awards, Recognition & Menu Evolution in Dubai 01:10:54 Wellness & Working Conditions in Hospitality 01:18:25 Dubai’s Dining Scene: Personal Perspectives 01:33:35 Predictions for MENA’s Culinary Future 01:35:28 Quick Fire Questions & Final Reflections Follow Pallavi on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pallavisangtani/ A huge thank you to our partners: Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Westholme – westholme.com 🚨 The Chef JKP Podcast is going LIVE! 🚨 Join us for unfiltered, real conversations on April 13th, 20th, and 27th at Timeout Market Dubai. Expect deep insights, audience Q&As, and a chance to connect with industry leaders. Please leave us a review - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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