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Sensing Up

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Hello and welcome to Sensing Up, a podcast you need to listen to with your 5 senses!

My name is Valerie Henbest. I am French. I am Australian. I am on a mission to discover more about the senses and how they promote pleasure once you engage them and listen to them more carefully.

Each episode will give you a reason to listen, look, smell, touch and taste more effectively.

Special guests will share their own "Madeleine de Proust" moment - the memory they conjure up from a little cake, a special perfume, a piece of art or a particular piece of music.

Sharpen your tastebuds, fine tune your eardrums, clear your nose and throat, and keep your eyes wide open.

Join us for a journey through textures, flavours and aromas from our daily life.

Allow us to turn a mundane activity into a magical moment. Using your own senses AND many talented food and wine lovers from Australia and all over the world.

Sensing Up - a podcast on 'ideas worth tasting'!
34 Episodes
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Join Valerie Henbest as she chats with Mary Hamilton, the 6th-generation CEO of Hugh Hamilton Wines - one of Australia's oldest wine families. Mary shares the fascinating 185-year journey from her great, great, great grandfather, Richard Hamilton, who established the first vineyard in South Australia in 1837, to the modern, innovative brand it is today. Discover how Mary, with a fierce sense of legacy and an unshakeable drive to innovate, is leading Hugh Hamilton Wines into a bold new era where heritage meets creativity and tradition is reinvented. Learn about the brand's unique 'black sheep' moniker, their wines with personality and Mary's key to success: "Being real and true to yourself."
Join Valerie Henbest in this episode of Sensing Up as she chats with Sam Allison, Director of Global Sales & Marketing at Sartori Company. Valerie recounts her first encounter with Sartori cheeses at a Fancy Food Show in Washington DC back in 2011, where an initial hesitation turned into a decade-long love affair with their exceptional range. Sam elaborates on the unique and inspiring journey of the Sartori adventure - from its roots in 1939 with Italian immigrant Paolo Sartori in Wisconsin, to its current status as a thriving family-run business known for its commitment to crafting the best cheese in the world.
Valerie Henbest welcomes Dilhan Fernando, CEO of Sri Lanka's iconic Dilmah Tea, to reflect on 40 years of family-led innovation and integrity in the global tea industry. From his father's pioneering legacy to adapting for future generations, Dilhan shares the sensory journey of tea, the challenges of climate change and how ethical business can drive meaningful impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the art of blending cultures through food, and hear how Katherine found her calling in the kitchen.
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 offerings—from Ligurian bees to award-winning spirits.
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 Senses, and what makes their approach to coffee so unique.
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 starting multiple food businesses simultaneously, and the passion that drives the Leesongs' successful venture. 
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 future of cheese-making. 
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