In this episode of The Birchal Podcast, host Emily Macfarlane sits down with Anthony Femia, the visionary founder of Maker & Monger. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from a finance student at Macquarie University to becoming one of Melbourne’s most beloved cheesemongers. Discover how his family’s passion for food and a pivotal experience in Europe fueled his dream to create a unique cheese store that delights the taste buds of Melbourne's food lovers.

Anthony delves into the challenges and triumphs of building Maker & Monger, starting from humble beginnings in a small food cart to creating a renowned establishment at the heart of the city. Learn about his innovative approach to the cheese business, his dedication to quality, and the importance of building strong relationships with customers and suppliers.

Throughout the conversation, Anthony discusses the impact of economic changes on the hospitality industry, the strategies he employs to navigate these challenges, and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards for his products. He also shares his vision for the future of Maker & Monger and the significance of staying true to one’s passion and vision in the face of adversity.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the food industry, and the art of cheese making. Anthony’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

In this special episode of the Birchal podcast, CEO and Co-Founder Matt Vitale sits down with John Bertrand, the celebrated yachtsman who led Australia to victory in the 1983 America's Cup, and Andrew Ellett, the co-founder and Managing Director of Help Pay, a pioneering social fintech based in Melbourne.

In this episode of the Birchal Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Savic, the visionary founder of Savic Motorcycles, a company leading the charge in the development of high-performance electric motorcycles. Join us as Dennis shares his journey from engineering graduate to industry innovator, detailing the challenges and triumphs of building cutting-edge electric motorcycles. Discover how Savic Motorcycles differentiates itself through design, technology, and direct-to-customer sales, and learn about the future of sustainable transportation. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike.

Find out more about this upcoming campaign via: https://www.birchal.com/company/savicmotorcycles

Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing.

In this episode of The Birchal Podcast, we chat with James Young, the mastermind behind Old Young's, one of Australia's most inventive and successful gin distilleries. Join us as we explore James' captivating journey from a whimsical idea to a thriving gin empire.

James shares the fascinating origin story of Old Young's, where a playful notion of creating a gin from the town of Gingin quickly evolved into a serious business opportunity.

This initial spark of creativity led to the birth of a renowned gin brand, showcasing the power of innovation and determination.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of James' journey is the incredible support he received from the community. Raising funds from local supporters not only provided the financial boost needed to kickstart Old Young's but also instilled a profound sense of fulfillment and validation.

James reflects on the empowering experience of community-driven success and how it has been instrumental in the distillery's growth.

The episode also delves into the remarkable growth of the gin industry in Australia. James highlights the explosive increase in gin distilleries, from a mere 30 to an astounding 800, and discusses the factors driving this boom. This rapid expansion underscores the dynamic and vibrant nature of the local gin scene, making it an exciting time for both producers and enthusiasts.

Throughout the conversation, James opens up about the challenges he faced in establishing Old Young's. His stories of resilience and creative problem-solving offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the competitive world of distilling.

In this episode of The Birchal Podcast, host Emily Macfarlane sits down with Simi Rayat, a renowned leadership and emotional intelligence expert, business founder, and published author. Simi shares her journey from being an inquisitive child inspired by her entrepreneurial mother to becoming one of Australia's top leadership coaches. Through her experiences, Simi has developed a unique approach to leadership and personal growth, encapsulated in her upcoming book and the transformative "Five Qs Formula."

Join Emily and Simi for an inspiring conversation that delves deep into the nuances of leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. Discover how the right mindset and practices can transform not just your professional life but also your personal well-being.

Stay tuned for Simi Rayat’s upcoming book to learn more about the Five Qs Formula and how you can implement it in your daily life. Follow Simi on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on her work.

A Big Four Bank sounds like the perfect way to exit, but what’s it like in reality? 

Meet Sean O'Meara. His story serves as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and tenacity needed in the startup ecosystem. 

O'Meara takes us on a journey, narrating his experiences from bootstrapping his point-of-sale (PoS) software company, Impos, to Masterminding the sale of his highly technical platform, Doshi, to Commonwealth Bank. 

Navigating through the shift from founder to working for a major bank, he underscores the advantages of leveraging crowdsource funding for B2C enterprises, using his experience as an investor through Birchal. 

As a bonus, he lets us in on his future plans and ideas, revealing his interest in harnessing technology to facilitate managed share sales. 

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an investor, or simply someone fascinated by the nitty-gritty of startups and tech, this episode will give you the right dose of inspiration, insights, and intriguing stories. 

Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing

In this episode of the Birchal Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Wong, the innovative founder behind Koba Insurance. Andrew introduces us to the game-changing concept of 'pay as you drive' insurance, sharing the inspirations and technological advancements that have shaped his approach to vehicle coverage. We delve deep into Koba's latest venture into dedicated EV insurance, discussing the unique needs of electric vehicle owners and how Koba is tailoring its services to meet these demands.

With his wealth of experience in startups and corporate environments, Andrew offers invaluable insights into overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, leveraging technology for business growth, and anticipating future trends in the auto industry. Join us as we explore how Koba Insurance is not just changing how we insure our cars, but also how we think about mobility and technology's role in our daily lives.

In this episode of the Birchal Podcast, we are joined by Anna Weatherlake and Kate McDonald, the visionary founders behind Vahy, a fragrance brand that stands out for its commitment to transparency and the use of natural ingredients. The journey of Vahy began when Anna and Kate noticed a significant loophole in fragrance labelling that allowed harmful synthetic chemicals to be hidden under the guise of "fragrance." Motivated by a desire to foster change, they embarked on a rigorous four-year development phase, crafting scents that are not only luxurious but also 100% natural and ethically sourced.Throughout the episode, Anna and Kate discuss the challenges they faced in an industry rife with undisclosed ingredients and the pervasive health risks associated with synthetic fragrances. They highlight their efforts to educate consumers about these dangers and the importance of ingredient transparency. Vahy’s mission goes beyond creating exceptional fragrances; it is about initiating a movement towards more informed consumer choices and setting new standards for honesty and sustainability in the fragrance industry.The episode also delves into Vahy’s recent expansion into the U.S. market, their ongoing global outreach, and their unwavering commitment to ethical practices, including sourcing ingredients that do not compromise on quality or ethics. Anna and Kate’s story is not just about perfume; it's about pioneering a change that encourages both consumers and creators to prioritise health and transparency.

In this episode, we chat with Mason Bagios, the dynamic founder of Kommunity Brew. Mason recounts his fascinating journey from brewing kombucha on a Hawaiian commune to establishing a brand that’s synonymous with quality and sustainability. He shares the early challenges of perfecting the brew, choosing oolong tea as their secret ingredient, and the critical role of using Australian-made, eco-friendly materials.

Mason also touches on his experience on a reality TV show, emphasising the importance of clear communication with investors as Kommunity Brew gears up to expand its reach. The company aims to scale from one to 8,000 stores, broadening its line to include cold brew coffee, iced tea, and sparkling water.

Kommunity Brew is not just about beverages; it's about building community. Mason discusses the company’s focus on engaging young talent and supporting parents, reinforcing their commitment to social and environmental impact.

Stay tuned to hear how Mason Bagios is turning Kommunity Brew into a household name, one kombucha bottle at a time.

Find out more about this upcoming campaign via: https://www.birchal.com/company/kommunitybrew

----- Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing.

In this enlightening episode of The Birchal Podcast, join host Emily Macfarlane as she delves deep into the heart of ethical entrepreneurship with Vinita and Dushyant Baravkar, the founders of Bhumi. This couple's journey from the healthcare sector to spearheading a revolution in the textile industry is not just inspiring but a beacon for conscious consumerism.