Talking Hospitality podcast

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Talking Hospitality, where we’re all about real conversations, fresh insights, and actionable solutions for today’s hospitality leaders. Whether you’re managing a restaurant, running a hotel, or leading a team in hospitality, this podcast brings together industry pros with one goal: to help you tackle challenges, stay ahead of trends, and lead with confidence. Hosted by Timothy R Andrews, Tracey Rashid, and Joe McDonnell, each episode dives into hot topics—think recruitment strategies, mental health, sustainability, tech innovations, and more. But we don’t stop at identifying issues; we’re all about finding solutions that work. Our guests aren’t here to vent—they’re here to provide practical advice, tips, and strategies that you can put into practice immediately. With a mix of industry insights, real-life examples, and solutions-focused discussions, Talking Hospitality is here to support and empower hospitality professionals who are looking to make a positive impact. Perfect for those with packed schedules, each episode is designed to offer maximum insight in a short, engaging format. Support the podcast by purchasing hospitality e-learning courses from Educating Hospitality or by buying us a coffee—every little helps us keep the valuable content coming! So, if you’re ready to boost your hospitality skills and gain fresh perspectives from industry experts, hit play and join the conversation.

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April 30, 202629 min

Can Businesses Really Be A Force For Good?

What if hospitality businesses could do more than just make profit?In this season finale of Talking Hospitality, we’re joined by Michael Tingsager, founder of Hospitality Mavericks, to explore a bigger question facing the industry — can businesses genuinely be a force for good, or is that just talk?Drawing on real examples and his “seven tenets” framework, Michael breaks down how the most progressive hospitality brands are building strong cultures, making better decisions, and creating long-term impact — not just short-term success.This conversation goes beyond trends. It challenges how you think about leadership, culture, and responsibility in hospitality today.Because if we’re honest… the industry doesn’t just need better operators. It needs better thinking.And that starts here.🔥 Key TakeawaysProfit and purpose aren’t opposites — they rely on each otherCulture isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s the engine of performanceYou can’t copy great businesses — you have to build your own modelClarity of purpose is the foundation of every successful organisationFrontline empowerment drives better customer experienceLong-term thinking beats short-term wins every timeContact Us: hey@talkinghospitality.comLinks to References in Episode:Talking Hospitality BlogsTalking Hospitality CoursesTalking Hospitality podcast Episode 46: How You Can Find PurposeTalking Hospitality podcast Episode 50: How Do You Make A Podcast?Hospitality Mavericks podcast Episode 29: Nisha KatonaHospitality Mavericks podcast Episode 287: Ari WeinzweigHospitality Mavericks podcast series: Living The SIX Tenets Of Agile Hospitality EpisodesAri Weinzweig's Four BooksCompanies Mentioned:DishoomPizza PilgrimsPaddy & ScottsZingerman’sMowgli's

April 23, 202619 min

How To Write Your First Book

How do you actually write your first book — and more importantly, finish it?In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we explore what it really takes to move from idea to a completed book. This isn’t about waiting for inspiration or having the perfect concept. It’s about structure, discipline and doing the work.Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Monica Or, who shares her experience of writing alongside her work in hospitality consultancy. The conversation breaks down how to start writing, how to organise your thinking, and why so many people never get past the first few pages.What becomes clear is that writing a book isn’t that different from building a business. It requires clarity, consistency and the ability to keep going when motivation drops.If you’ve ever thought about writing a book — or starting something you keep putting off — this episode offers a practical and honest perspective on what it actually takes.In This EpisodeHow to write your first bookHow to start writing when you don’t know where to beginTurning ideas into structure and chaptersWhy most people never finish writing a bookThe role of discipline and consistencyOvercoming overthinking and self-doubtApplying business thinking to creative work📌 Key TakeawaysWriting a book starts with structure, not inspirationMost people struggle to finish because they overthink the processDiscipline and consistency matter more than talentBreaking ideas into smaller parts makes writing manageableThe same mindset used in business applies to writingProgress comes from doing the work, not waiting for the right momentTo find out more about Star Quality Hospitality visit starqualityhospitality.co.uk

April 16, 202620 min

What Makes People Stay in Their Jobs

This episode of Talking Hospitality explores one of the most important topics in the industry today: how we treat people at work.Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by John Herity, Operations Manager at the Caledonian Club, to discuss leadership, mentoring and creating environments where people can genuinely succeed.John shares his journey through hospitality, from early roles in London to working in some of the most prestigious environments, before returning to the Caledonian Club — a place known for its long-serving team and strong culture.The conversation focuses on how the industry has changed, particularly in how younger generations view work. John explains why treating young people with respect, giving them responsibility and allowing them to make mistakes is essential if businesses want to retain and develop talent.There is also a deeper discussion around mentoring, leadership and the role managers play in shaping careers. Rather than simply giving answers, John shares why guiding people to find their own solutions leads to stronger confidence and long-term growth.This episode is a practical reflection on leadership in hospitality — and a reminder that great businesses are built on how people are treated every day.Show NotesIn this episode we discuss:John Herity’s career journey in hospitalityLife inside a private members’ clubHow hospitality has changed over the yearsAttracting and retaining younger talentWhy respect and autonomy matter at workLearning through mistakes and real experienceThe difference between good and bad managersMentoring and developing future leadersCreating a genuine “home from home” cultureWhy small behaviours (like saying hello) matter💡 Key Takeaways1. Young people want respect and autonomyThey respond to how they are treated — and expect to be trusted and supported.2. Mistakes are part of learningCreating safe environments where people can learn without fear leads to better teams.3. Leadership is shown in small momentsSimple behaviours like saying hello or thank you shape culture more than policies.4. Mentoring is about guidance, not answersHelping people find their own solutions builds confidence and long-term capability.5. Culture drives retentionEnvironments where people feel valued lead to long-serving teams and stronger businesses.6. You can learn from bad managers tooNegative experiences often shape better leadership behaviours later on.Companies mentioned in this episode:Caledonian ClubPwCClose BrothersCredit SuisseBarclaysState StreetContact John on: jh@caledonianclub.com

April 9, 202619 min

Can Hospitality Recruitment Survive Another Crisis?

In this episode of Talking Hospitality, Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell sit down with Gary King, owner of Collins King & Associates, to explore what hospitality recruitment looks like after decades of disruption, change and survival. Gary shares his journey from chef to recruiter, his early work with football clubs including Tottenham and Arsenal, and how those experiences shaped his ability to recognise talent and understand hospitality from the inside.The conversation moves through the realities of building and sustaining a recruitment business through multiple downturns, including the financial crash, Brexit, the pandemic and the challenges currently facing hospitality operators. Gary reflects on resilience, optimism and why hard work, relationships and real industry knowledge still matter.Timothy, Joe and Gary also unpack how recruitment has changed over the years, from print advertising and fax machines to LinkedIn and AI. While technology has transformed the speed and tools of recruitment, the discussion makes a strong case that human judgement, cultural understanding and long-term relationships still sit at the heart of finding the right people.This is a practical and reflective episode about careers, change, optimism and the enduring value of hospitality people who really know the industry.Key takeawaysHospitality recruitment is built on relationshipsTechnology helps, but strong networks and real industry knowledge still drive the best hiring decisions.Resilience matters more than everGary’s story shows that recruitment and hospitality both go through hard cycles, but determined people find ways through them.AI will change recruitment, not replace it completelyTools evolve, but judgement, nuance and understanding people remain human strengths.Specialist recruiters still have a placeAt senior and difficult-to-fill levels, expertise, trust and deep market knowledge still carry real value.Culture fit needs careful handlingIt is less about vague “fit” and more about understanding team dynamics, personalities and how people will work together.Hospitality keeps movingThe industry has taken repeated hits, but its adaptability and people-first nature continue to make recovery possible.Companies mentioned in this episode:ArsenalTottenham HotspurSmart GroupAngela HartnettBlue ArrowReidReed Catering RecruitmentEvolve HospitalityCollins, King and AssociatesKevin Campbell FoundationSpringboardEverton

April 2, 202623 min

How Do You Make Learning Accessible?

This episode of Talking Hospitality explores a fundamental question: how do people actually learn at work?Regular host Timothy R Andrews takes a back seat on this one, with Tracey Rashid and Joe McDonnell taking the lead.They are joined by Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal, to challenge traditional approaches to training and development — particularly in fast-paced industries like hospitality.Steve shares how his early experience as a technical trainer led him to question why so much workplace learning fails to engage people. He explains why long-form, compliance-led training often misses the mark, and why modern learning needs to reflect how people behave outside of work.The conversation introduces the concept of “learning at the point of need” — accessing knowledge in the moment it’s required — and explores how platforms like YouTube and ChatGPT have reshaped expectations around learning.Steve also highlights the importance of capturing knowledge from the best people within an organisation and making it accessible to everyone. Combined with strong leadership and the right culture, this approach can improve onboarding, build confidence and ultimately support retention.This episode offers a practical perspective on how hospitality businesses can rethink learning to better support their teams and performance.📌 Show NotesIn this episode we discuss:Why traditional workplace training often failsThe concept of “point of need” learningBite-sized vs long-form learningLearning behaviours influenced by YouTube and ChatGPTCapturing knowledge from top performersImproving onboarding and reducing time to competenceThe link between learning, confidence and retentionThe role of leadership in driving engagementAI and inclusivity in learning design💡 Key Takeaways1. Most training fails because it doesn’t fit realityFrontline teams don’t have time or patience for long, rigid courses.2. Learning should happen when it’s needed“Point of need” learning is more effective than trying to store knowledge in advance.3. People learn like consumers nowYouTube, Google and ChatGPT have reset expectations for speed and accessibility.4. Knowledge already exists inside your businessThe challenge is capturing it and making it accessible to everyone.5. Leadership drives learning cultureEngagement increases when managers actively participate and promote learning.6. Confidence is the real outcomeWhen people feel capable in their role, performance and retention improve.Links referenced in this episode:www.fuseuniversal.comSteve Dineen on LinkedIn

March 19, 202612 min

What Does HR Really Do?

This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Confex 2026, explores one of the most misunderstood roles in the industry: human resources.Timothy R Andrews speaks with Jonathan Napier, HR Director at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and a volunteer advocate for HR in Hospitality, a non-profit network dedicated to championing people professionals across the sector.Jonathan shares what HR actually does inside hospitality businesses — and why the function is far more than hiring, payroll or policies. At its heart, HR is about supporting people, developing talent and ensuring teams have the guidance and structure they need to succeed.The conversation also explores the work of HR in Hospitality, a volunteer-led organisation that has spent three decades bringing HR professionals together through events, education and networking. Jonathan explains why advocacy for HR as a career matters, why operational experience is invaluable for future HR leaders, and how hospitality offers career progression without the traditional academic route.The episode also tackles one of the most talked-about topics in business today: AI. Jonathan shares why technology won’t replace HR, but why professionals who understand AI will have a powerful advantage in the future.At its core, this episode is about people — and the individuals working behind the scenes to support the teams that keep hospitality running.Show NotesIn this episode we discuss:What HR actually does in hospitality businessesWhy HR is often misunderstood within organisationsThe role of HR in Hospitality, a volunteer advocacy networkSupporting HR professionals through education, networking and industry eventsWhy operational experience makes better HR leadersHospitality as a career without traditional academic barriersThe future of HR in a world influenced by AIWhy technology should support HR — not replace itKey Takeaways1. HR is fundamentally about peopleAt its core, the role is to guide, support and protect employees while helping organisations operate effectively.2. HR has evolved significantlyWhat once focused mainly on payroll and administration has become a strategic function that supports culture, development and business performance.3. HR in Hospitality advocates for the professionThe volunteer-led organisation brings HR professionals together through learning events, industry collaboration and recognition programmes.4. Operational experience strengthens HR leadersJonathan argues that HR professionals who have worked in frontline hospitality roles often communicate more effectively with operational teams.5. Hospitality offers real career progressionUnlike many industries, hospitality allows people to build senior careers without traditional academic pathways.6. AI will change HR — but not replace itTechnology will streamline administrative tasks, allowing HR professionals to spend more time supporting people.Companies mentioned in this episode:MMG EventsJumeirah Cotton TowerHR in HospitalityGraphic KitchenHJ UK Hospitality Jobs UKNMG Events

March 10, 202611 min

Why Is Hospitality Fighting Itself?

This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality is recorded live at Confex in London and shines a light on an unusual but powerful initiative bringing the industry together.Timothy R Andrews sits down with Paul Gilley, founder of the London Hospitality Festival, to discuss Hospitality Fight Night — an event that takes hospitality professionals with no boxing experience and puts them through a 12-week training journey before stepping into the ring in front of hundreds of industry peers.But this event isn’t really about boxing.It’s about resilience, wellbeing, confidence and community. Participants train together, build friendships and challenge themselves in ways many never expected. The evening itself becomes a celebration of the industry, with leaders and colleagues gathering to support the fighters and raise funds for Hospitality Action, the charity that supports hospitality workers in times of crisis.Paul also shares the wider story behind the London Hospitality Festival — an event that has grown over nearly two decades to bring thousands of hospitality professionals together through sport, connection and shared purpose.This episode is a reminder that hospitality is at its best when people come together, support one another and invest in the wellbeing of the industry.Show Notes:In this episode we discuss:The idea behind Hospitality Fight NightWhy hospitality professionals are stepping into the boxing ringThe 12-week training journey participants go throughConfidence, fitness and personal development through sportThe role of community and camaraderie in hospitalityRaising funds for Hospitality ActionThe story behind the London Hospitality FestivalWhy wellbeing and looking after people matters more than ever in hospitalityKey Takeaways:1. Hospitality Fight Night is about the journey, not the boxingParticipants train for twelve weeks, building confidence, resilience and friendships along the way.2. Community is one of hospitality’s greatest strengthsEvents like this remind people that the sector works best when it comes together.3. Personal growth can come from unexpected placesMany participants start with no boxing experience but finish with new skills and confidence.4. Charity remains at the heart of the industryFunds raised from the event support Hospitality Action, helping hospitality workers when they need it most.5. Sport has long been a connector in hospitalityThe event builds on the legacy of the London Hospitality Festival, which brings thousands of professionals together each year.6. Wellbeing is now central to leadership in hospitalityPaul reflects on how the industry has shifted towards caring more about people, culture and mental health.Paul Gilley explains Hospitality Fight Night, where hospitality professionals train for 12 weeks to step into the ring and raise money for Hospitality Action.Links referenced in this episode:hospitalityactionhospitalityfightnightpaulgillyhospitalityjobsukhjukgraphickitchenmmgevents

February 11, 202633 min

Fighting For Hospitality's Future

In this episode, Timothy R Andrews sits down with operator and campaigner Andy Lennox in the Old Thatch pub in Dorset to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in hospitality right now. Andy shares his journey from building Co-Tai into a multi-site business (and the reality of private equity ownership), to launching Nusara, and growing a pub portfolio in a market that keeps getting tougher.The conversation moves quickly from business story to industry survival. Andy explains why the sector is “busy but broke”: rising utilities, rent pressure, business rates shocks, and margins shrinking to the point where reinvestment becomes impossible. He unpacks the Wonky Table campaign, why the “no Labour MPs” sticker spread, and how press, trade bodies and political pressure combine when an industry finally decides it’s had enough.It’s a practical, blunt, and sometimes controversial discussion about tax reform, VAT, business rates, and why hospitality needs to get better at explaining its economic importance — and the consequences when it isn’t heard.

January 29, 202623 min

How Do You Make Apprenticeships Successful?

This episode explores what actually makes apprenticeships successful in hospitality — and why commitment from employers matters more than funding or frameworks.Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Neil Gander and Lucy Grant-Evans from Electric Mayonnaise, who share their experience of delivering apprenticeships as part of a wider learning and development approach.The conversation looks at why apprenticeships fail when they’re treated as a tick-box exercise, how over-promotion creates leadership gaps, and why many managers are expected to lead teams without ever being taught how. Neil and Lucy explain why taking training into the business, using project-based learning, and genuinely supporting learners leads to better outcomes for both people and organisations.This is a practical episode for hospitality employers who want apprenticeships to improve retention, build stronger leaders, and protect their employer brand.In this episode, we discuss:What makes apprenticeships succeed in hospitalityWhy employer commitment is the deciding factorApprenticeships as part of a wider L&D strategyOver-promotion and leadership without trainingSupporting learners beyond “free training”Project-based learning that adds real business valueApprenticeships for managers, not just new startersReducing stigma around the word “apprenticeship”TakeawaysApprenticeships succeed when employers stay involved Learners need support, not just enrolment.Funding doesn’t replace leadership Even fully funded programmes fail without day-to-day encouragement.Many hospitality managers are promoted without training Apprenticeships help close critical leadership gaps.Learning works best inside the business On-site workshops and real projects drive better results.A failed apprenticeship damages employer brand Broken promises lead to disengagement and turnover.Reframing apprenticeships removes resistance Positioning them as development programmes increases buy-in.Links referenced in this episode:electricmayonnaise.co.uk

January 16, 202625 min

How Can You Use the Growth & Skills Levy Properly?

This episode explores why hospitality continues to lose people, skills and funding — and what can actually be done about it. Timothy R Andrews is joined by Vicky Glover, Founder of Appetite 4 Apprenticeships, for a clear, practical conversation about apprenticeships, retention and the realities facing hospitality employers.Vicky explains how the apprenticeship levy works, why billions of pounds go unused every year, and how large organisations can legally gift funding to SMEs that desperately need training support. The discussion covers why 43% of hospitality workers leave within their first three months, how poor onboarding damages the industry’s reputation, and why apprenticeships are often misunderstood or badly implemented.The episode also looks at social mobility, diversity and long-term career progression — challenging the idea that apprenticeships are only for entry-level roles. From sole traders to multi-site operators, this conversation breaks down how apprenticeships can be used to retain people, reduce costs, and build stronger teams when budgets are under pressure.This is a practical episode for owners, operators and leaders who want their people to stay — but aren’t sure where to start.In this episode, we discuss:Why £3.3bn in apprenticeship funding goes back to government unusedHow the apprenticeship levy actually worksWhy 43% of hospitality workers leave within three monthsApprenticeships as a retention and engagement toolGifting levy funding from large businesses to SMEsChoosing the right training provider for your operationApprenticeships for existing staff, not just new startersCost savings, National Insurance relief and funding benefitsSocial mobility and widening access to hospitality careersWhy onboarding is as important as guest experienceTakeaways:Hospitality is losing people early — and fast43% of workers leave within three months, often due to poor onboarding and lack of development.Billions in training funding go unusedApprenticeship levy money expires if it isn’t spent — and most businesses don’t realise it.Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leaversThey work for supervisors, managers and existing team members at every level.SMEs can access levy funding they don’t pay intoLarge organisations can gift unused levy to smaller operators.Retention improves when people feel invested inApprenticeships create structure, progression and loyalty.Hospitality needs to sell itself betterThe industry offers real careers, but fails the “parent test” far too often.Organisations & Links MentionedUKs Largest Hospitality Survey 2025Appetite 4 ApprenticeshipsHospitality Jobs UKGraphic KitchenOnly A Pavement AwayRio Ferdinand FoundationCrisisMarstonsHMRCPeopleTimothy R AndrewsVicky GloverTracey RashidJoe McDonnellDawn LawrencePaul FellowsNick CloverHosts:Timothy R AndrewsTracey RashidJoe McDonnellGuest:Vicky Glover – Founder, Appetite for Apprenticeshipshospitality apprenticeships, apprenticeship levy hospitality, hospitality staff retention, hospitality training funding, apprenticeships SMEs hospitality, hospitality onboarding, hospitality careers, Talking Hospitality podcast