

HUNGRY.
Dan Pope
HUNGRY is the podcast for Challenger Food and Drink brands wanting to pour gasoline on their growth. Fancy being kind? Want to feel warm inside? Please hit the Subscribe button. You’d really, really make my week.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
Espresso: Rory Sutherland's Favourite Dumb Questions to Unlock HUGE Growth
Join Rory Sutherland, a behavioral economist and advertising executive renowned for his insights on creativity and marketing, as he dives into the power of 'dumb questions' for unlocking growth. He discusses how organizations must look beyond mere metrics and focus on true goals. Rory highlights the importance of enjoyable experiences, contrasts conventional projects with Disney-style thinking, and offers innovative solutions for transport issues. His thoughts on psychological interventions as a cost-efficient alternative to engineering are particularly eye-opening.

9 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 42min
How ANY Restaurant Can Survive & Thrive in 2025? - Rosa's Thai, Black Bear Burger, Ole & Steen, Gordon's Wine Bar Operators
Join industry titans Stew Down of Black Bear Burger, Saiphin Moore from Rosa’s Thai Cafe, Graham Hollinshead of Ole & Steen, and Amanda Whiteside of Gordon’s Wine Bar as they share their insights on thriving in hospitality. Stew reveals his inventive adult Happy Meal to stand out without discounting. Graham discusses simplifying offerings while tackling supply waste. Saiphin highlights the struggle of sourcing from Thailand and training local chefs. Amanda tackles daily operational challenges with innovative pricing strategies, cementing the importance of staff culture and relationships.

6 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 7min
Espresso: Michel Roux Jr's London's Top 5 Hidden Gem Restaurants
Michel Roux Jr, a two-Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, shares his insights on London's hidden culinary gems. He highlights Clapham's Plusard, known for its unpretentious charm and delightful wine list. Michel reflects on his recent visits to standout Michelin-starred spots, discussing what the guide values most: great ingredients and consistency. He explores the tension between simplicity and complexity in fine dining, and the unique aura that a chef's soul brings to a restaurant experience.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 55min
I Worked In 9 Michelin Star Restaurants (these are my life-changing leadership lessons) - Jun Tanaka
Jun Tanaka, a British-Japanese Michelin-starred chef and owner of The Ninth, shares his insights on restaurant culture and team leadership. He emphasizes that a favorite restaurant should resonate emotionally, prioritizing guest relationships over mere culinary excellence. Jun discusses memorable experiences from elite kitchens, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and fostering a unified team culture. He also reveals his philosophy of calm correction in the kitchen and his commitment to continuous learning, setting The Ninth apart in London's dining scene.

Nov 13, 2025 • 5min
Espresso: Rory Sutherland - Why We Must STOP Taxing Pubs
Rory Sutherland, a behavioural economist and advertising executive, passionately argues against taxing pubs, dubbing them essential community assets akin to leisure centres. He suggests that removing VAT could enhance their role as multifunctional spaces, drawing in customers with everyday items and modern amenities. The conversation dives into the importance of customer experience and measuring entertainment value, as Rory introduces the innovative concept of 'cost per entertainment hour' to spotlight pubs' unique offerings compared to other leisure options.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 44min
Sir John Hegarty - Inside the Mind of Advertising G.O.A.T
Sir John Hegarty, the legendary UK advertising creative and co-founder of BBH, shares his insights on the art of storytelling in advertising. He discusses the importance of presentation under Saatchi, the power of clear brand identities, and converting print ideas into engaging narratives. John reflects on the essence of creativity as a personal expression while emphasizing the need for brands to adapt in a fast-changing world. He also warns about the pitfalls of conventional brainstorming and predicts a future where AI democratizes creativity.

Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
Espresso: The Truth Behind The History of Supermarkets - Franco Fubini, Natoora
In this discussion, Franco Fubini, the founder of Natoora and a fresh produce expert, dives into the compelling history of supermarkets. He reveals how Piggly Wiggly revolutionized grocery shopping by introducing self-service. Franco explores how postwar changes shaped consumer habits, emphasizing time-saving convenience and the shift towards ultra-processed foods. He also discusses Walmart's rapid growth and the business incentives driving mass retailing while linking these trends to our evolutionary preferences for calorie-dense foods. A fascinating look at how our shopping habits evolved!

Nov 3, 2025 • 2h 24min
Jeremy Lee: The Most Magical Conversation on London’s Restaurant History, Creativity, Art
Join renowned chef and food writer Jeremy Lee, celebrated as the face of Quo Vadis in Soho, as he takes you on a delightful journey through modern British cooking. He reflects on the influence of culinary icons like Elizabeth David and Alastair Little, sharing how they transformed postwar dining into a global phenomenon. With warmth and humor, Jeremy discusses the importance of hospitality, creativity, and the stories behind memorable meals, emphasizing that the best dining experiences are rooted in generosity and joy.

Oct 30, 2025 • 5min
Espresso: Rory Sutherland vs. The Devonshire Founder: 38 Secret Unique Selling Points of a Pub
Rory Sutherland, a savvy behavioral economist and advertising guru, joins the visionary founder of The Devonshire pub in Piccadilly. They dive into how the pub’s retro reopening sparked a surprising customer surge. The founder reveals 38 innovative features like on-site butchery and Ember Grill ovens designed to set them apart. Sutherland emphasizes that quirky elements boost perceived value and shares insights on the balance between creativity and operational challenges. Together, they showcase why unique differentiators matter in today’s competitive landscape.

Oct 27, 2025 • 3h 5min
41 Ways DIRTEA Built a Die Hard Cult: The Science of Status, Habit & Storytelling
Discover the fascinating world of functional mushrooms with DIRTEA's founders. They dive into ancient wisdom and modern health trends, exploring how mycelium networks inspire innovative leadership. The conversation spans from reclaiming community rituals post-2019 to the brain benefits of Lion's Mane. Personal burnout stories reveal the drive behind their mission to replace outdated habits. They discuss building a brand rooted in community and the balance of purpose in business, all while making mushrooms a daily ritual for wellness.


