Today, we’re going straight to the source of extra virgin olive oil. Host Tawnya Bahr sits down with two experts who know Australian extra virgin olive oil inside and out: Dr Joanna McMillan, a leading nutrition scientist, and Tom Hitchcock, Executive Chef at the iconic Spirit House.

From the science of polyphenols and why “extra virgin” matters, to bold culinary moves like wok frying and olive oil sorbet, Joanna and Tom take us on a journey from grove to plate. Along the way, they bust myths about cooking with olive oil, reveal what to look for on the label, and share why freshness and provenance make all the difference.

We explore:
The health benefits of EVOO and how to maximise them
Why Australian-grown olive oil leads the world in quality
Cooking tips that push EVOO beyond the salad bowl
Flavour profiles: from delicate to robust, and how to pair them
The sustainability story behind supporting local producers

This is an episode for chefs, food lovers, and anyone who wants to take their cooking, and their health, to the next level with one simple ingredient.

Proudly brought to you by the Olive Oil Wellness Institute, a science-driven resource dedicated to educating and inspiring people about the health benefits, culinary versatility and sustainability of extra virgin olive oil. Learn more at https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/  

Follow The Olive Oil Wellness Institute: https://www.instagram.com/olive_wellness_institute/ 

Follow Joanna McMillan: https://www.instagram.com/drjoannamcmillan/ 

Follow Tom Hitchcock: https://www.instagram.com/chef_hitchcock/


Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/stts_podcast 

Follow Straight To The Source: https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/ 

Connect with your hosts: 

Tawnya Bahr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/ 

Lucy Allon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/ 

Today, we&rsquo;re going straight to the source of extra virgin olive oil. Host Tawnya Bahr sits down with two experts who know Australian extra virgin olive oil inside and out: Dr Joanna McMillan, a leading nutrition scientist, and Tom Hitchcock, Executive Chef at the iconic Spirit House.
From the science of polyphenols and why &ldquo;extra virgin&rdquo; matters, to bold culinary moves like wok frying and olive oil sorbet, Joanna and Tom take us on a journey from grove to plate. Along the way, they bust myths about cooking with olive oil, reveal what to look for on the label, and share why freshness and provenance make all the difference.
We explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The health benefits of EVOO and how to maximise them</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why Australian-grown olive oil leads the world in quality</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cooking tips that push EVOO beyond the salad bowl</li>
<li aria-level="1">Flavour profiles: from delicate to robust, and how to pair them</li>
<li aria-level="1">The sustainability story behind supporting local producers</li>
</ul>
This is an episode for chefs, food lovers, and anyone who wants to take their cooking, and their health, to the next level with one simple ingredient.
Proudly brought to you by the Olive Oil Wellness Institute, a science-driven resource dedicated to educating and inspiring people about the health benefits, culinary versatility and sustainability of extra virgin olive oil. Learn more at https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/&nbsp;&nbsp;
Follow The Olive Oil Wellness Institute: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olive_wellness_institute/">https://www.instagram.com/olive_wellness_institute/</a>&nbsp;
Follow Joanna McMillan: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drjoannamcmillan/">https://www.instagram.com/drjoannamcmillan/</a>&nbsp;
Follow Tom Hitchcock: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chef_hitchcock/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/chef_hitchcock/</a>
 Follow Straight To The Source Food Podcast: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stts_podcast">https://www.instagram.com/stts_podcast</a>&nbsp;
Follow Straight To The Source: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/">https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/</a>&nbsp;
Connect with your hosts:&nbsp;
Tawnya Bahr: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/</a>&nbsp;
Lucy Allon: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/</a>&nbsp;

Welcome to the Straight To The Source podcast, where leadership meets the future of food.

Hosted by two of Australia’s most respected food industry voices, Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon, the Straight To The Source podcast connects you directly with the changemakers shaping how we grow, source, and experience food.

With decades of experience spanning the kitchen, dining room, and boardroom, as chef, restaurateur, consultants, and educators, Tawnya and Lucy bring an insider’s lens to the challenges and innovations driving the industry forward.

From producers pioneering regenerative practices to hospitality leaders reimagining what sustainability means on the plate, each episode explores the strategies, stories, and leadership mindsets transforming the global food landscape and ensuring a thriving, sustainable food future for generations to come.

Get ready for bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of insights that move industries forward.

Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more Straight To The Source episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.

To stay up to date, follow Straight To The Source on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Welcome to the Straight To The Source podcast, where leadership meets the future of food.
Hosted by two of Australia&rsquo;s most respected food industry voices, Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon, the Straight To The Source podcast connects you directly with the changemakers shaping how we grow, source, and experience food.
With decades of experience spanning the kitchen, dining room, and boardroom, as chef, restaurateur, consultants, and educators, Tawnya and Lucy bring an insider&rsquo;s lens to the challenges and innovations driving the industry forward.
From producers pioneering regenerative practices to hospitality leaders reimagining what sustainability means on the plate, each episode explores the strategies, stories, and leadership mindsets transforming the global food landscape and ensuring a thriving, sustainable food future for generations to come.
Get ready for bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of insights that move industries forward.
Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more Straight To The Source episodes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/straight-to-the-source/id1610058270">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1FwFeGJI0wp15O9KiDn28c?si=20a9b788479446c7">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@straighttothesource7730">YouTube</a>.
To stay up to date, follow Straight To The Source on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/straight.to.the.source/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/straighttothesourcefoodtours">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/straight-to-the-source/">LinkedIn</a>.