Mark Moriarty launches a delicious new podcast

Award-winning chef and TV host Mark Moriarty has launched a food-filled new podcast, Roasted with Mark Moriarty.

Across this 12-part series, Moriarty will host a range of notable politicians, sporting heroes, Tik Tokers and legendary broadcasters, discussing all things food and life, from what they had in their fridge this morning to their dream dinner party guests.

The cookbook author will also prepare a personalised dish for each of his guests, inspired by one of their favourite ingredients or flavours, from something as simple as coriander or beetroot.

We had a quick catch up with Mark to find out more:

You've hosted TV shows and written cookbooks, what attracted you to podcasting?

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What have been the biggest learnings so far?

For me, the key is to listen. I do a fair amount of prep for each conversation but most of the time, the prepared questions go out the window. Just listening to what people are saying, like you would in a non-interview setting, seems to be the best way to have a natural flow.

You make a personalised dish for each of your guests - what kind of research and prep goes into that meal?

Prior to each guests interview date, we send on a document with all the boring info about the studio, parking, theme of the podcast and sample questions. We also ask them to name a particular ingredient or dish that they are enjoying at the moment.

The answers are a fascinating insight into the personality of the guest and it also allows me set a casual tone to the beginning of the episode. Often, I've never met the guest prior to spending an hour in a small soundproof room asking them questions about their life! So being able to walk in and have something cooked for them really breaks the formality and kicks off the chat on a great note.

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What did you make for Dermot Bannon and why?

Dermot got a very fancy stuffed Italian tomato, with creme fraiche, capers, olives and lemon. I could have done anything for him as he sent about 20 suggestions of foods he loves instead of the standard one! Even that was an insight into his mind and as you'll see in the episode, he goes a hundred miles and hour all the time!

What was your favourite part of your interview with Bannon?

Dermot describing how he made the jump from working for someone else to opening his own business and taking the shot at TV was my favourite. He speaks emotionally about Bernard Maloney, who I sensed was a mentor of sorts in his early professional years. He encouraged him to go it alone and jump at the opportunities for an 'up and coming' talent in the industry. Not always something you see, and something Dermot clearly values to this day.

Again, the podcast is not about asking these people about the things we already see them doing, it's about how they got there, why and what experiences they've had along the way.

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What do you think food preferences can reveal about a person?

Food is the common denominator, no matter who we are or what we do. Often, our food preferences are a unique insight into the people in our lives, the places we love, as well as our day-to-day routines and home life.

If someone was to make a personalised dish for you, what would you hope for it to be?

Something classic with great ingredients. No fuss, maximum flavour and served in a great location. I've learned through the years that if I haven't seen a combination of ingredients before, there's usually a reason! Classics stand the test of time.

Dead or alive, who is attending your dream dinner party?

Grainne, my wife; Anthony Bourdain for the stories; Padraig Harrington as my childhood hero. And do you know what let's stick Jamie Oliver on there; he seems like great craic and would bring the atmosphere to a new level.

Roasted with Mark Moriarty is available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.