From cooking in the Navy to running some of the country’s most iconic pubs, Jamie Gannon has carved out a career built on grit, integrity, and unshakable leadership. In this episode, Jamie reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his culinary journey — from the discipline of military kitchens to the heart and hustle of the Australian pub scene.

We delve into what it truly takes to lead a kitchen team, the challenges of shifting industry culture, and how Jamie has reinvented himself in the media space while staying true to his roots. This is a candid, inspiring conversation about mentorship, resilience, and the power of connection in and out of the kitchen.

Key Takeaways:

• Jamie’s culinary roots began in the Navy, where he built foundational skills under pressure.
• Transitioning from the structure of military kitchens to the chaos of hospitality was a defining challenge.
• Pubs are more than just venues — they’ve been Jamie’s training ground and sanctuary.
• Mentorship and leadership by example are at the heart of Jamie’s philosophy.
• The rise to “celebrity chef” status isn’t all glitz — it demands consistency, values, and authenticity.
• Tackling toxic kitchen culture starts with open conversations and leading with respect.
• Moving into media and brand partnerships has expanded Jamie’s impact without losing his culinary soul.

Standout Quotes:

"Pubs have been good to me."
"I'm always gonna be a chef."
"Respect goes both ways."

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
02:38 – Jamie’s Early Career and Life in the Navy
05:42 – The Transition to Civilian Kitchens
08:39 – Building His Name in the Pub Scene
11:36 – Mentorship, Leadership & Tough Lessons
14:36 – Navigating the ‘Celebrity Chef’ Space
17:32 – Alcohol Culture and Industry Evolution
20:23 – Leading with Integrity in the Kitchen
23:23 – Jamie’s Culinary Influences & Style
26:20 – Media, Branding & Reinvention
29:19 – Final Reflections 

Keywords (for SEO & platform tags):

Jamie Gannon, chef podcast, Navy chef, kitchen culture, leadership, pubs, celebrity chef, mentorship, food industry, Australian hospitality, toxic kitchen culture, media chef

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefgannon/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamie.gannon1 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefgannon

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jamiegannon-k9v 

This episode is proudly presented in partnership with UNOX Australia, leaders in smart oven innovation for commercial and residential kitchens. Learn more at www.unox.com and www.unoxcasa.com