It’s 35 degrees in this industrial area of Moorabbin on Melbourne’s fringes. 6 Australian butchers are 3 hours into their final preparations before they head to France and we’ve got the privilege of seeing this closed session!

Oli sits down with Luke Leyson and Tom Bouchier, as they prepare to represent Australia at the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025 in Paris. Dubbed the "Olympics of Meat," this high-stakes competition sees teams from around the world showcase their butchery skills, creativity, and teamwork on a global stage.

Luke and Tom share their journeys into butchery, the camaraderie and rivalries in the competition, and their insights into the evolution of the butchery trade. They also discuss the unique challenges of the competition, from crafting intricate displays to keeping their apron spotless—all under the pressure of the ticking clock!

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The Journey to Paris: How Luke and Tom became part of Australia’s six-person team.
•  A Family Trade: Tom’s deep butchery roots and Luke’s unexpected path into the profession.
• The WBC: The energy, the pressure, and the electrifying crowd, with European countries turning the event into a soccer match-like spectacle.
• Rivalries: Australia vs. New Zealand—the friendly but fierce competition that has existed since the event’s origins.
• Industry Insights: How butchery is evolving, the connection between butchers and farmers, and why retail butchery is making a resurgence.

Chapters

00:00 - The Excitement of the World Butchers Challenge

01:50 - Backgrounds of the Butchers

06:06 - The Journey into Butchery

10:01 - The Evolution of Butchery Practices

16:07 - Connection with Farmers and Customers

19:56 - The World Butchers Challenge Explained

28:05 - Navigating Competition Day: The Build-Up

34:25 - Rivalries and Relationships: The Australia-New Zealand Dynamic

38:12 - Selection Process: Building the Australian Butcher Team

42:02 - Pride in Representation: The Significance of Butchery

48:18 - The Future of Butchery: Trends and Aspirations

54:10 - Connecting with Agriculture: The Role of Butchers

Follow the Australian Butchers’ Team:

📲 Instagram & Facebook: @AustralianButcherTeam – Stay updated with their journey to Paris!
👕 Support the team: Check out their merch to help fund their journey at www.theaustralianbutcherteam.au/

🎧 Listen now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

👉 Have a great team mascot idea? Send it in! The Aussie butchers are still searching for the perfect name.

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August!