Sensing Up
From actress to entrepreneur, Tori Dixon-Whittle has built a life defined by creativity, resilience and reinvention. In this episode of Sensing Up, she joins host Valerie Henbest to share her extraordinary journey—from the stage to hospitality, design and now writing. With honesty and energy, Tori reflects on motherhood, building businesses and the art of turning life’s chaos into purpose.
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Duncan Welgemoed is not your average chef. A rule-breaker with a passion for bold flavours, he’s worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, reinvented Adelaide’s dining scene and cooked for rockstars. In this episode, Valerie sits down with Duncan to uncover his journey from South Africa to the UK and ultimately, to Africola. From his early days in high-pressure kitchens to shaping South Australia’s food culture, this conversation is full of energy, insight and a little bit of chaos - just like his food.
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Award-winning chef and restaurateur Karena Armstrong has spent over a decade celebrating South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula through her food. As co-owner of The Salopian Inn and co-director of Tasting Australia, she champions the three Ps—place, produce and people—while crafting fiercely local, seasonal cuisine. In this episode, Valerie explores Karena’s food journey - from working with industry icons to shaping one of the state’s most respected dining experiences.
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Renowned as the Father of Fusion Cuisine, Cheong Liew has shaped contemporary Australian food with his bold flavours and cultural storytelling. In this episode, Valerie Henbest delves into Liew’s journey—from his Malaysian roots to pioneering fusion cuisine in Australia. Discover how a self-taught chef blended Greek, Malaysian, and European influences to redefine the culinary landscape.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
info_outlineJoin us for the season one finale of Sensing Up!
Valerie reflects on a remarkable journey featuring passionate artisans and their unique crafts - and shares many behind-the-scenes highlights of the season.
Enjoy this wrap of her sensory adventure, revisiting extraordinary experiences and inspiring stories. Perfect for lovers of cheese, wine, chocolate, culture, and so much more.