Episodes
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...
Published 05/06/24
Published 05/06/24
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...
Published 04/29/24
***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...
Published 04/25/24
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...
Published 04/17/24
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...
Published 04/10/24
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...
Published 04/03/24
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...
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 03/20/24
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 [email protected], we'd...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/13/24
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...
Published 03/06/24
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...
Published 02/28/24
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 PLATED 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...
Published 06/27/23
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...
Published 06/22/23
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...
Published 12/05/22
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...
Published 11/08/22
Peace, love and mung beans (well, soy beans) – 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...
Published 09/04/22
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...
Published 08/21/22
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...
Published 08/08/22
ABC Classic Breakfast 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...
Published 07/31/22
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...
Published 06/20/22
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,...
Published 06/05/22
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...
Published 05/29/22
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...
Published 05/22/22