In this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Savva sits down with the incomparable Stephanie Alexander AO, at her home in inner-city Melbourne.

Stephanie's impact on Australian cooking is nothing short of legendary. Her books read like culinary poetry, enticing readers with every page turn, but her influence extends far beyond the kitchen. From professional chefs to home cooks, her work has woven itself into the fabric of Australian culture and into shaping today's youth with her Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.

Share the moments that shaped Stephanie’s passion for food; from her formative years in the kitchen with her mum, to the UK, France and back again, her experiences are second to none. 

Stephanie has lots to be grateful for, but as she says “be prepared to listen and to compromise”. 

Please enjoy listening as much as Savva enjoyed spending time with Stephanie. 


(p.s. there was an incident of sorts where Savva's microphone didn't work, so he was speaking into his phone and so he sounds a bit funnier than usual. Please excuse him, it will never happen again.) 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

The name Jo Malone is synonymous with posh fragrances and fancy candles.

But there’s so much more to Joanne Lesley Malone CBE than meets the nose! 

In this episode of Three Food Memories recorded in Sydney, Savva chats with Jo about her formative years, becoming a global name in perfume (not once, but twice), surviving breast cancer after a nine-month diagnosis, how food and scent are intertwined through her life, and how she was once asked to leave a fancy restaurant for being too tipsy! 

Jo’s positivity and love for life breathe through this conversation, because as she says “I’ve got to live my best life, otherwise what did I fight for?” 

Her social cause is Magic Breakfast who make a difference to over 200,000 young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland. 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Three Food Memories Savva chats with brilliant author and journalist Johann Hari. 

Johann’s books Chasing the Scream, Lost Connections and Stolen Focus have transcended borders, languages, and bestseller lists. His latest book, Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs is out May 7th.

Unsurprisingly, Johann’s food memories are life-defining and themed (hello KFC) and they link his issues with food and weight from childhood through to adulthood as he discusses the fascinating insights from his research into obesity and the science behind weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. 

This conversation deals with some heavy topics, but also his love for Gabor Maté and Guy Pearce, and as you’ll know if you listened to the teaser - there’s some swearing. So listen with headphones (or other people who drop the f-bomb on the reg). 

Johann’s social cause is getting processed food out of our diets, as he remarks after telling the story of dancing with a 102-year-old woman “This is what you win when you sort out the obesity crisis. You get to live so much longer!”

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

***WARNING: Johann says the c-word five times in a minute, probs best not to play at work (unless you work with people like us who swear a lot), or around children***

Context to this story:
At the beginning of our conversation, producer Loz mentioned to Johann that her husband had been listening to an episode of The Imperfects podcast where Johann was a guest. Loz's husband came home from work just before they were about to record with Johann and said "Just so you know - Johann swears a lot, he even says the c-word".

Loz told this to Johann, and this anecdote ensued...

You can catch the FULL episode with Johann Hari first thing Tuesday morning the 30th of April. 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

We're taking a short break before returning with season four on Tuesday the 30th of April with New York Times bestseller Johann Hari. 

Put it in your diary because we’ll back it up with Tim Ross, Ken Done, Jo Malone, and Australia’s most adored cook, Stephanie Alexander too.  

In the meantime don’t forget to check out the back episodes - sing along with Natalie Imbruglia and Jessie Ware, get your paint on with Sally Scales and Michael Zavros, and laugh your head off with Kathy Lette, Melanie Tait and so many more. 

P.S.  You’ve still got time to vote for Three Food Memories to be included in the SXSW Sydney festival this October – sxswsydney.com 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

For more than twenty-five years, Pia Miranda has been a household name, gracing screens big and small with her talent. From her iconic role in Looking for Alibrandi, she’s also won Survivor, sung in a mask, danced with the stars, had two children with a husband she adores, and released her memoir Finding My Bella Vita.  

In this episode of Three Food Memories, Pia opens up about her experiences on set, from being pushed as a young actor to creating a safe space for those fresh to the industry. She also shares an “interesting” two-ingredient salad recipe, the origins of her surprising love of Melbourne Bitter, and fond memories of lining up with cousins à la Oliver Twist for her Nanna’s lamb shank soup. 

Pia’s social cause is Dolly’s Dream, because as she says “Not everyone has the capacity to be resilient, what we should do is change our behaviour so everyone can feel included.”

Find out more about Dolly’s Dream and Do it for Dolly Day here: dollysdream.org.au

Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Music by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Three Food Memories, Savva dives into the life and times of the incredible Yumi Stynes.

From Yumi’s upbringing in regional Victoria to adventures in the wilderness, she shares her love of boarding school (but not the jelly, Linda!), the secret ingredient in her homemade granola (trust us, it's a game-changer), as well as the family recipe that’s not quite as exotic as she originally thought.

Yumi’s a passionate advocate for sex and health education for young people; in this episode, we hear Yumi's social cause first and the reasons behind creating the Welcome To series of books. 

Jump in and explore the multifaceted world of Yumi Stynes and her reflections on how living life in and out of the hotpot has helped her build strength, resilience, and a mindful approach to dialogue.

Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Comedian, writer, broadcaster, and self-professed food enthusiast, Jennifer Wong is Savva’s guest on this episode of Three Food Memories.

Jennifer is so enthusiastic about food she’s visited every state and territory of Australia to hunt down the best Chinese restaurants.

But let it be known that the “food thing” didn’t come naturally to her. The making part of it anyway. As you’ll discover, the pressure of delivering a tasty snack to her school-yard cohort didn’t quite cut the mustard.

Jennifer’s social cause is Welcome Merchant, a social enterprise with a mission to champion the voices of entrepreneurs & artists who identify as a refugee or as a person seeking asylum in Australia. 

You can find out more about Jennifer, upcoming shows, books, and all the things here - jenniferwong.com.au

Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original music by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Sean Szeps is a fascinating American with the most excellent hair.

Don't be put off by the accent, Sean has hosted Aussie podcasts such as Come Out Wherever You Are and boasts a legion of followers on his Instagram account @SeanSzeps. If you’re a parent, you’ll want to follow this for some guaranteed laughs.

Sean is also the author of Not Like Other Dads, his memoir about reinventing the rules of parenting. Settle in as he shares how Thai cuisine blew his mind, the hilarious trials of dining out with kids, and how he honed his kitchen skills from the tender age of three. 

Surrogacy is Sean’s social cause, and he’d like the Australian government to understand the importance of surrogacy for those struggling to conceive from all walks of life.

This episode was recorded on January 25th, in Sean's kitchen. 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

It’s a bonus mini episode! Huzzah!
 
Sam Simmons wanted to ask Savva a few questions, so here they are. 

Find out what’s in Savva’s bag of shame, how he gets the kids in the kitchen, why eating alone is worse than not eating and the objects you should never swallow, ever.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Self-described as talky, writery, clowny, actory, you may know Sam Simmons from his award-winning comedy, being a regular on triple j back in the day, and his podcast Niche as Quiche. 

Quite the enigma, hear Sam postulate on the idea of a vegan meat eater, and why when he travels all he’s concerned about is “How the f*ck do I cross the road? And can I eat that?”

Oh and because he’s such a crazy cat,  in this episode, you’ll hear five food memories, including - but not limited to; his love of offal, how a cardamon pod blew his mind as a kid, and how the memory of microwaving chops will forever make him gag.

Sam’s social cause is Indigenous recognition in Australia and believes The Voice to Parliament was a missed opportunity. 

**Swear warning: if you’re offended by the f-bomb, please squint your ears**


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Owner of more than 1500 cookbooks, all of which she uses, celebrated chef Christine Manfield says to be literate gives you power and gives you a place, and she’s certainly got one right at the top of the culinary world.

Author of eleven books herself, Christine has been pushing boundaries with her recipes and cooking since she and a cohort of disruptives from Adelaide radicalised the Sydney dining scene in the 80s when she followed Philip Searle to work with him at Oasis Seros.

But before conquering kitchens, Christine was a primary school teacher. In this episode, you’ll discover the roots of her insatiable passion for travel, food, and literacy, and how all three have seasoned her remarkable journey.

Christine’s social cause is Two Good Co., and this March she’s the Two Gooder Chef of the Month, because as Christine says ‘when you cook, you cook from a place of love. You cook from your heart. It doesn't matter who you're cooking for.’’ Find out more by clicking the links!


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Recorded at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Studio at Walsh Bay on February 22nd, Savva sat down with the one and only Nat’s What I Reckon - the young, male, tatted, pierced version of Stephanie Alexander, who has changed the eating habits of a generation.

As Nat shared his three food memories; quarantine sauce, lasagna, and a Sustagen popper - delicious versions of the memories were served to the audience, so please excuse the sounds of cutlery and drooling in the background. 

Nat is as vulnerable as he is funny, and this episode is full of laughs, tears, and yes, lots of cussing. If you’re not a fan of the f-word, you might have to squint your ears a bit. 

Nat’s social cause is Beyond Blue’s Big Blue Table initiative - bigbluetable.com.au. Because, as Nat says “if you don’t have conversations around mental health, you’re f*cked”. 


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

There's not much Benjamin Law doesn't succeed at...writing world-wide smash hit TV comedies (hello, Wellmania!), hosting radio and podcast programs, ordering dim sum, and making an epic pavlova. 

Hop in the wok with Benjamin as TFM host Savva Savas laughs and grimaces his way around salted plums, yum cha, and the wonders of lactose-free dairy. 

Ben's social cause is the Environmental Defenders' Office as he believes the climate crisis can be significantly actioned in the courts.  Find out more at edo.org.au


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Michael Zavros is a leading Australian artist whose photorealism aesthetic moves through almost every medium you can imagine. 

Be that flick of paint on the wall as Michael shares his hyper-real musings on art, food, and life with host Savva Savas - as they explore Michael's artistic beginnings sketching his plastic animal collection, experimenting with the local produce in Catalonia, his Hellenic family ties, through fatherhood and beyond, alongside his retrospective at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

Michael chooses Second Chance as his cause, an organisation his wife Alison Kubler is deeply involved in. Second Chance supports women in times of difficulty or uncertainty.

This live audience recording is with thanks to our friends, Space Furniture.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Host Savva Savas recently spent two evenings in conversation with writer, broadcaster and cookbook creator Alice Zaslavsky, in front of live audiences in Melbourne and Sydney (so please excuse the sound of plates and cutlery in the background).

This episode is a mash-up of the two events, offering a taste of the good stuff: Alice’s three food memories from Melbourne, Georgia and beyond, as well as her social cause – food literacy.

You’ll also hear about Alice's MasterChef masterpiece in Italy and her hot tip for parents struggling with kids around the dinner table.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

You know Natalie Imbruglia as the famous Aussie who took the song “Torn” and made it forever her own; off the back of it, her debut album – Left of the Middle – sold more than seven million copies worldwide. But host Savva Savas knew her when she was giving away her mum’s homemade sandwiches and getting in trouble for talking too loudly on the train. 

Discover the joy of their teenage years together and the meals that have shaped Natalie through her life – from her nan’s pasta in Sydney’s Lakemba to the creamy pistachio granita made on the island of Lipari, off the coast of Sicily, where her dad grew up And then there’s her hack on how to incorporate a breakfast cereal into meat dishes…

Natalie lends her voice to the charities supported by Flackstock Festival in the UK – the Charlie Waller Trust, Mind, Samaritans and Choose Love – and she feels incredibly honoured to have been able to perform at the festival, in celebration of the life of Caroline Flack.

 

Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Peace, love and mung beans (well, soybeans) – the incomparable Dr Karl covers it all in his chat with Savva Savas on this episode of Three Food Memories. 

He’s been a taxi driver, a hippie (his description), a steel worker and a roadie for rock and roll bands, but it’s his knack for making science and the wonderous world we live in seem accessible and exciting that has set Dr Karl apart.

Today an author of 47 books (yes, you read that right), Dr Karl grew up in Wollongong, NSW, the only child of Polish immigrants, with a huge garden that grew potatoes and had a chicken coup. 

His food memories connect to both the family he grew up in (he’s a lover of pierogi) and the family he has had. But there's also the throwback to the eight years he spent eating on the cheap while living in a squat in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Glebe. 

Dr Karl cares deeply about education. He's a vocal critic of the privatisation of education and the federal government's subsidies to private schools. Every Wednesday, he hosts a Q&A with a public school and has sent more than four tonnes of books and New Scientist magazines to public schools around Australia.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

It started as a nickname - 'Fruit Nerd' - given to him by his friends, but his love of fresh fruit made sure it would stick. The son of a fruiterer, Thanh Truong is now a produce expert and a big believer that eating with our eyes is a mistake.Thanh reckons "food is an adventure" and he's committed to getting people to, quite simply, eat more produce. Which seems like an easy enough sell...until you hear that one of his favourite fruits is the very controversial Durian. Thanh's three food memories connect to family and heritage – and are guaranteed to make your mouth water (hello, mango and rice). Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is Thanh's chosen social impact organisation, helping children understand where food comes from and develop a lifelong appreciation for seasonal, fresh and delicious food.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance 

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Melanie Tait joins host Savva Savas as they discuss life, creativity, and her complicated relationship with food.

A feast of talent, Melanie is an award-winning journalist, author, radio broadcaster and playwright, and “one rip-snorter of a story teller”. 

She shares her journey from growing up in rural NSW in the shadow of “The Big Potato”, her life in London, travels in Portugal and her love of nostalgia. 

Through her poignant reflections, Melanie lends empowerment to those who may feel “different” and she does so with an abundance of wit and wisdom. 

As a playwright and broadcaster, Melanie knows the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. This is why she is a keen supporter of Actors Benevolent Fund which lends much-needed support to all those employed in the arts who have fallen on hard times through career lows.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

ABC Classic host Russell Torrance joins Savva Savas for a chat from his home in the Adelaide Hills. 

Russell had a hard time choosing just three food memories. He's the guy who asks "what do you want for dinner?" while eating breakfast. The Scotsman and tuba player is not only obsessed with food, but also with his mission to make classical music a 'friendlier place to be'.

Find out why he believes soggy chips are superior, why both his late Gran's baked goods are the best in the world, how France features in so many food memories (to the annoyance of his Australian wife) and his weird 'hot-cheese' phobia. 

Open about his mental health challenges with depression and anxiety, Russell shares Lifeline (Call 13 11 14), as his social impact cause of note. He encourages people to remember that there's always something to look forward to and that talking through your worries to a kind ear will always help you feel better.


Produced and edited by Lauren McWhirter
Original score by Russell Torrance (yep, the same guy!)

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Robyn Matthews, the Principal of Inner Sydney High School, shares her deep passion for seeing students grow, education and teaching, along with her three food memories with host Savva Savas.

Originally a 'food tech/home economics' teacher, Robyn takes us through memories growing up of baking, Sunday barbecues and a prawn cocktail; along with two unforgettable trips abroad to Vietnam and Italy. 

Robyn gives details on her early years of teaching and how sharing experiences of food from diverse backgrounds allows for connection and knowledge exchange among students.

Robyn's social cause is for more research and possible treatments of Mesothelioma. 

Three cheers for all of the awesome teachers!

This episode is produced by Weld Stories.

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Deborah Frances-White joins host Savva Savas to talk about the fun side of feminism, her passion for the perfect pizza, and the cause that is dear to her heart.

Deborah Frances-White’s podcast – The Guilty Feminist – has 90 million downloads and a fan base – celebrites and lesser mortals - that just keeps on growing. The Oxford scholar has cut a career in stand-up comedy, writing, public speaking and podcasting.

She has been described by The Guardian newspaper as, “Hilarious, irreverent, eternally surprising, classy as hell, genius.” So it’s been quite a journey for a girl from suburban Brisbane. 

Deborah’s husband, Tom Salinsky, who produces the podcast, is the one who takes centre stage in the family kitchen. But it was Deborah, whose role in the kitchen is more “bit part”, won Tom’s heart by sleight of hand. The crispy-crusted pies in ceramic pots she served when she invited him to dinner were a winner. But it was only later she revealed that they came from the local deli famed for its mouth-watering offerings guaranteed to please. Definitely a food lover, Deborah has been known to set out on an adventure trail to satisfy a craving – including two-and-a-half hours for a pizza. This particular offering has no toppings – just pizza dough and sauce. But what a mama mia! “It’s like angels are crying on my tongue,” she says.

But away from the laughter and fabulous food, there is an important cause that has her devotion. Choose Love is a global organisation that does whatever it can to provide essential support for refugees and displaced people. It provides everything from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice – and Deborah, who is set to tour Australia and New Zealand in July – hopes you will support it, too.

This episode is produced by Weld Stories.

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

The truly fabulous diva Jessie Ware joins host Savva Savas to talk about her life, music and, of course, fabulous food!

London has spawned a cornucopia of talent and another on its legendary list is Jessie Ware, the singer, songwriter and award-winning podcaster, whose slices of life delight millions of admirers.

Her deep love of family and sense of connection emanate from her Jewish roots – and that background supplies an extensive menu of physical and emotional nourishment. Like the bowls of ice-cream topped with cream her mother would tempt her with if she was upset as a child. And the traditional chicken soup, that traditional food for the soul, which takes centre stage on the Jewish table.

Alongside her witty and wonderful mother, Lennie, cooking for and eating with an A-list of celebrities through their hit podcast Table Manners has become yet another career milestone for Jessie.

But Jessie’s busy life also includes a cause that is dear to her heart. She is a patron of Apples Honey Nightingale House, a unique childcare centre that it offers “intergenerational” experiences where the children interact with the residents of an aged care home. This is an environment of nurturing and learning through the warmth of human empathy and has inspired other childcare and aged care centres to do the same, bringing hope for a better, kinder world.

This episode is produced by Weld Stories.

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!

Daniel and Luke Mancuso join host Savva Savas to talk about the three women who have made them who they are today, their food memories and “Yiayia” – the Greek neighbour who shone light at a time of unfathomable darkness.

When domestic violence took the life of their mother, Theresa, the lives of Daniel and Luke Mancuso were left in turmoil. But their Greek neighbour, Nina, known as Yiayia (meaning Grandmother), helped ease the agony with an abundance of love and comforting home-cooked meals. The boys’ relationship with Yiayia grew as they shared meals, memories and hope for a brighter future.

Daniel and Luke have three women who have influenced their lives and inspired them to always be empathetic and deliver acts of kindness. They are grateful to them, too, for the food memories they gave and continue to give. Their mother, a devoted and unselfish woman, whose delicious rack of lamb with jam and lunchbox treats brought joy. Their mother’s mother, Nonna Rosa – the strongest woman they know – who makes pizzas from scratch, epic crowd-pleasing lasagnes – and even her own salamis. And, of course, the unforgettable Yiayia, whose “plates of glory” became a social media sensation when the brothers set up an Instagram page displaying her delicious acts of kindness.

Now Daniel and Luke have launched Yiayia Next Door, a social enterprise aimed at encouraging people to “love thy neighbour” just as Yiayia did, and to inspire people to create safe communities and put an end to domestic violence.

But that’s not all. With Yiayia, they have compiled a book of her much-loved recipes, a full menu of food from the heart and soul.

This episode is produced by Weld Stories.

To find out more about the project and Savva - head to threefoodmemories.com
Insta - @savvasavas
Email us at threefoodmemories@plated.com.au, we'd love to hear from you!