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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1:11:57
S3E3: The Rebel Chef of Africola with Duncan Welgemoed
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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38:32
S3E2: Tasting Australia with Karena Armstrong
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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40:18
S3E1: The Father of Fusion with Cheong Liew
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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1:03:59
S2E14: Season 2 Highlights
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.
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'!
Australia