Episodes

Join host Valerie Henbest, renowned cheese expert and owner of the Smelly Cheese Shop - in the famous Adelaide Central Market - for a curated selection of Season 2's most compelling moments. A recipient of the French National Order of Agricultural Merit Award, Valerie brings her extensive expertise in cheese importation and aging to these insightful discussions with industry pioneers and artisanal producers.

Join Valerie Henbest as she explores the Adelaide Hills with renowned chef Kane Pollard. From foraging unique botanicals to mastering century-old cooking methods, Kane shares his journey in sustainability and seasonal cooking at Ondeen and Tasting Australia.

Step into a world of wine, cheese and culture with Pierre-André Imbert - French Ambassador to Australia. The episode today, toasts the 100th anniversary of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and the unique ties between French and Australian terroirs and traditions.

Travel back to the origins of Paris's legendary Berthillon ice cream with Muriel Delpuech. Discover the secrets behind the family business that's been enchanting taste buds since 1954. From creamy classics to vibrant fruit sorbets, learn how Berthillon continues to craft some of the world's best ice creams.

Join Valerie Henbest in New York City for an inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Chubbuck, Chief Strategy Officer at Murray's Cheese. From her rural Illinois roots to shaping strategies for one of NYC's most iconic cheese institutions, Elizabeth shares her unique journey and passion for food, language, and culture.

Step into Parisian paradise with Virginie Boularouah, a third-generation cheesemonger. Learn how Virginie's dedication to raw milk, seasonal production, and animal welfare shapes her two beloved shops in Montmartre. Dive into a conversation that celebrates tradition, craftsmanship, and the timeless art of cheese making in France.

Today, Valerie transports us to the Australian Embassy in Paris for a captivating conversation with Katherine Witbreuk. Katherine, a Tasmania-born chef with Dutch heritage, shares her journey - from growing up with Dutch comfort food to her international experiences in Thai, Middle Eastern, and modern Australian cuisine. Katherine also provides a rare glimpse into her life at the embassy, where she enjoys views of the Eiffel Tower while cooking for dignitaries and diplomats. Tune in to explore...

In this episode of Sensing Up, Valerie takes us to the breathtaking Kangaroo Island - a haven for food lovers and home to fascinating history and pristine wildlife. Valerie chats with Karin Greenslade, owner of Sea Dragon Lodge, about her journey from Germany to owning a stunning property near the island's lighthouse. Discover how Karin's hospitality background and love for food - including the unique Flammekueche - bring a fresh touch to the island. Plus, dive into the island's unique offering...

Valerie travels to Melbourne to meet with Josefin Zernell, the co-founder of Mörk Chocolate. Together, they dive into their journey creating Australia's first specialty hot chocolate brand - blending Swedish heritage with Melbourne's vibrant coffee culture. From Josefin's passion for chocolate to the brand's emphasis on traceability and unique origins, discover how Mörk Chocolate is shaping Australia's chocolate scene.

In this episode, Valerie Henbest sits down with Jeremy Hulsdunk, one of the key figures behind Five Senses Coffee. Fresh from the Good Food and Wine Show in Perth, Jeremy shares the inspiring journey of how Five Senses was born out of a passion for coffee and a commitment to positively impacting the people it touches. From his beginnings in WA to becoming a certified Q Grader and multi-award-winning barista, Jeremy discusses the evolution of coffee culture in Australia, the story behind Five Se...

In the episode today, Valerie travels to Tasmania - a food lover's paradise - to chat with Daniel Leesong. Discover how Daniel, originally from Adelaide and with a corporate career in Canberra, made a bold leap into the world of artisanal cheese, chocolate, and wine with his wife Melanie. From planting strawberries to winning prestigious cheese awards, Daniel shares the highs and lows of transforming a dream into reality. Tune in to explore the unique flavors of Tasmania, the challenges of star...

This week, Valerie chats with Rose Kentish, a renowned South Australian distiller and winemaker. Discover Rose's journey from her upbringing on a farm near Mount Gambier to becoming a celebrated winemaker in McLaren Vale. Learn about her adventures in France, her passion for premium produce, and the fusion of creativity and chemistry in her craft. Tune in for an engaging conversation about life, family, and the art of distilling.

Today, Valerie interviews Gaëtan Chapon, General Manager at Long Paddock Cheese. Gaetan shares his journey from France to Australia and dives into the contrasts between French and Australian cheese-making. He reflects on his childhood food experiences, the evolution of Australia's food culture and the significance of tradition in food. Discover insights on raw milk, cheese awards and the Australian palate's adaptation to diverse flavors. Join us as Gaetan reveals his unique perspective on the ...

In this episode, Valerie sits down with award-winning author, journalist and Food Safari host, Maeve O'Meara. They explore Maeve's lifelong passion for food, rooted in her Irish-Australian heritage and enriched by her global adventures. Maeve shares some of her early food memories, the evolution of Australian cuisine and her experiences as a journalist traveling the world. Listen to heartwarming stories of family, tradition and the unifying power of food that bridges cultures and generations.