Episode 99: Mentoring the Next Generation of Chefs with Isaiah Gerrard & German Lam

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Raphaël Reynard, co-founder of Chaleur, a socially engaged restaurant in Marseille. With 15 years of experience working in professional kitchens and a passion for serving people in precarious situations, Raphaël co-founded Chaleur, officially opening its doors in June 2025. The restaurant builds its menus around rescued and unsold ingredients from local producers and distributes roughly 15% of its meals free of charge through a trust-based model. By welcoming people from vastly different backgrounds at shared tables, Chaleur uses food as a powerful tool for community connection. Tune in to hear Raphaël's perspective on socially engaged gastronomy, building creative menus from rescued ingredients, breaking away from toxic kitchen culture, and how restaurants can evolve to become spaces for social change. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Morgaine Gaye, a food futurologist, trend forecaster, researcher, and author whose work sits at the intersection of culture, behavior, geopolitics, and the human relationship to food. Morgaine has built a career on identifying the subtle cultural signals that shape how and why we eat. She advises major food companies, technology brands, governments, and organizations, helping them understand long-term shifts in society and anticipate what consumers will desire years into the future. Featured across international media from BBC News to Al Jazeera and Netflix, Morgaine is known for her ability to connect dots across disciplines, map disruption before it happens, and translate complex social change into meaningful insights for the culinary world. Tune in to explore how Morgaine sees the next decade of food unfolding, and discover how chefs can use future thinking to stay ahead. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Christine Tobin, a food stylist and culinary creative with over 30 years of industry experience telling powerful stories through food. With a background in fine arts, a family of passionate cooks, and years spent working in restaurants before transitioning into food styling, Christine has brought her expertise to projects including Julia on Max, Don't Look Up, The Holdovers, Challengers, Little Women, and the upcoming Anthony Bourdain biopic TONY. Across her work, Christine sources ingredients, manages logistics, and designs beautiful and delicious dishes that enrich narratives. Tune in to hear more about food styling and discover how Christine builds food scenes from script to camera. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Dr. Yana Steudel, a scientist, culinary innovator, and founder of Dr. Steudel AG. After an international career in chemistry, Yana followed her passion for gastronomy, transforming scientific precision into culinary innovation. Her Germany-based company develops award-winning and all-natural flavor pearls that enhance dishes while preserving the pure essence of taste. As Vice President of the Académie Nationale de Cuisine, Yana also champions culinary diplomacy, using flavor to connect cultures around the world. Tune in to discover how Yana's pearls bring flavor, precision, scalability, and consistency to chefs across the globe. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Andy Cuthbert, Worldchefs President and long-time leader in the global culinary community. From his early beginnings in Melbourne to his role as President of the Emirates Culinary Guild and now Worldchefs President, Andy has dedicated his career to elevating chefs and hospitality professionals worldwide. With one year of his presidency now complete, he reflects on the milestones achieved, the importance of education and communication, and his vision for sustaining Worldchefs for the next 100 years. Tune in to hear about the importance of networking and discover how Andy aims to secure Worldchefs' future and strengthen its global presence. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales and the driving force behind bringing the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 to the UK for the first time in its 98-year history. Arwyn has played a significant role in Wales' culinary scene, from coaching their junior team to a gold medal at the Culinary Olympics in 2004 to leading the successful bid to host Worldchefs' landmark event. Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 promises to be an unforgettable showcase of the country's culinary identity, with networking, educational sessions, competitions, a world-class expo, and more. Tune in to hear Arwyn share the vision for the 2026 Congress, including the theme "Pasture, Passion, Plate," immersive experiences for young chefs, and how Wales' unique food, culture, and heritage will shape this global gathering. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Chef Noreen Mira, whose journey from healthcare to the kitchen has shaped her ambitions to address nutrition, food security, and sustainability through food. With a background in psychology and years of experience in emergency and primary care, Noreen witnessed firsthand how access to quality food impacts health outcomes, inspiring her to pivot her career during the COVID pandemic. Today, she brings her medical insight to the culinary world as a line cook at The Boca Raton in Florida, advocating for better nutrition, reduced food waste, and chef-led community change. Tune in to hear Noreen's perspective on the role of chefs in driving positive change, the simple steps kitchens can take to cut waste, and why culinary leadership is essential in shaping a healthier, more equitable food system. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with Chef Chris Wilmoth to talk about his work with Daesung and explore how global flavors and spices are growing in popularity in the US.

On this episode, Ragnar speaks with French physical chemist Hervé This, founder of molecular gastronomy, molecular cooking, and Note by Note cooking, three distinct approaches that apply scientific understanding to study, improve, and reimagine the culinary arts. A visionary in culinary innovation, Hervé was recently awarded the prestigious Sonning Prize for his work to renew and scientifically question the foundations of culinary knowledge and gastronomy. Tune in to explore how Note by Note cooking is reshaping culinary creativity and sustainability, and discover the possibilities for chefs to take full control over flavor, color, nutrition, consistency, and texture—one compound at a time. World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.