Bean There, Done That!
Welcome to ”Bean There, Done That!” your essential podcast for mastering the world of hospitality. Hosted by industry expert, Phillip Di Bella, we cut through the noise to deliver straightforward, actionable insights and strategies. Each episode explores the powerful interplay of knowledge and connections, presenting real-life case studies from Australia’s thriving hospitality scene. We feature thought leaders who share their experiences, ensuring you have the answers you need when facing a business challenge. Whether you’re a budding cafe owner or a seasoned hospitality professional, ”Bean There, Done That!” is your hub for insights, inspiration, and industry connections. We’re here to help you turn hurdles into opportunities for growth and success. Join our growing community with the hashtags #BeanThereDoneThat, #HospitalityHub, #CafeInsights, and #CoffeeCommune. With ”Bean There and Done That,” your roadmap to hospitality success is just a listen away.
Episodes
2025 was not a “business as usual” year for cafés. It was a year of adjustment.
In this final episode of Bean There, Done That for 2025, Phil Di Bella is joined by long-time collaborator and one of Australia’s top coffee minds, Raihaan Esat, General Manager of International Coffee Traders. Together, they unpack a relentless year for café owners: rising costs across the board, shifting con...
In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella is joined by marketing expert Natalie Shaw, co-founder of Yom Connect, to explore how hospitality businesses can use seasonal moments like Christmas to build emotional connections and drive real results. With over 25 years of marketing experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the US, Natalie shares how strategy, storytelling, and smart activations make all the diffe...
In this high-energy and insight-packed episode of Bean There, Done That, Phil Di Bella is joined by renowned guest experience expert Mark Shaw. With decades of leadership in Australia’s top theme parks, Mark unpacks what makes a truly unforgettable guest experience and how emotional engagement is the secret sauce to sustainable business growth.
From building five-star teams to redefining recognition and reward systems, Mark shares ...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Larry Prosser, Executive Director of Beyond Payments, to unpack the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposed ban on card surcharges. They break down what this policy really means for consumers, merchants, and banks—and why the supposed “savings” for customers might actually backfire.
Larry explains how surcharges evolved, why compliance matters, and the hidden c...
In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Vince Konig
and Jodie Castle from Link Business Brokers to unpack the realities of selling a hospitality business. From legal pitfalls to boosting your business’s value, they share candid insights, real-life stories, and a step-by-step approach to becoming exit ready. Listeners will learn why selling a business is not just about finding a buyer, but about...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Barry Wilkinson of SW Brokerage for an eye-opening discussion about finance, business strategy, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. Together, they dig into the current financial climate, the practicalities of buying and selling hospitality businesses, and the real challenges faced by café owners today. Barry shares war stories from decad...
In this essential episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Karla Vosloo, Account Manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers, to demystify the world of insurance for small business owners—especially those in hospitality. Karla shares invaluable insights on how insurance has changed since COVID, the hidden pitfalls of underinsurance, and why every café or restaurant owner needs to rethink their risk exposure i...
In this thought-provoking discussion, hospitality veterans Phil Di Bella and Raihaan Esat dive deep into the evolution—and possible extinction—of the traditional café. They trace the journey from café culture’s golden age to today’s high-cost, low-margin reality, uncovering the harsh truths behind shrinking profits, rising expectations, and the impact of automation. This is a must-listen for café owners, coffee lovers...
In this timely episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Tim Dive, founder of the HR Cartel and host of the HR Cartel Podcast, to unpack the complex and fast-changing world of industrial relations (IR) and human resources (HR) in Australia. With wage theft now a criminal offence and IR reforms disproportionately impacting small and micro businesses, this no-fluff conversation is a must-lis...
In this episode of Bean There, Done That, guest host Shari Wilding sits down with Raihaan Esat, coffee trader at International Coffee Traders (ICT), to explore the current state of the global coffee market. They discuss the rising cost of green beans, the impact of climate change and logistics disruptions, and the emerging coffee markets that could shape the future of the industry. Raihaan shares insights on how roast...
In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Justin Swayn, founder of Brew Box Collective, an award-winning café in Baringa, Sunshine Coast. Justin shares his deeply personal journey—from overcoming life’s toughest challenges to building a café that’s more than just a place to grab a coffee. His story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and purpose-driven business.
From a past fil...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil DiBella sits down with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini, the ambitious young duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. They share their journey from different professional backgrounds—Mikella with her creative and entrepreneurial roots, and Laurence with a law degree—to becoming passionate restaurateurs.
They discuss the highs and lows of running a restaurant, including making...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella chats with Matt Jefferis, co-owner of Savour Café and Franc in Brisbane, to explore his extensive journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher alongside his twin brother, Dan, Matt shares the evolution of their careers, the key lessons they've learned, and how they built successful businesses by implementing strategic systems and staying focused on custome...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Simon Gloftis, a leading figure in Australia's hospitality industry. Simon shares his remarkable journey, from his early days in flea markets to creating iconic dining destinations like Hellenika, SK Steak and Oyster, Sushi Room, and Sunshine. They delve into the intricacies of restaurant management, the significance of staying true to one's vision, and the ...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Todd Biggs, owner of L’Espresso cafes, to discuss his remarkable journey in the hospitality industry. Todd, with over 20 years of experience, has managed to grow his business by 33% during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From his early days at McDonald's to roles in luxury hotels and now managing multiple café locations, Todd shares valuable insights...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Nicholas Mitrossilis, the founder and managing director of The Yiros Shop, a beloved fast-food chain in Brisbane. Nick shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days growing up in a family-owned fish and chip shop to building a thriving business with over 16 stores. They discuss the lessons learned from working in hospitality and construction, th...
In this inspiring episode of Bean There Done That, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Giorgina Venzin, a dynamic hospitality entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from washing dishes at age 13 to owning multiple successful cafes by her early 30s. Giorgina shares valuable insights into the hard work, sacrifices, and creative vision that fuel her success. From her first venture, Pawpaw Café, to her innovative approach of flipping cafes l...
In this episode, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Matthew Rollo, the founder of Hashtag Burgers and Waffles, to explore his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher at 14, Matthew’s career grew from washing dishes to managing his own multi-location burger business. The conversation covers the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, his strategic approach to growing the business, and his insights on leaders...
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella is joined by Michael McFarlane, Head of Sales and Marketing at Huskee, to discuss sustainability in the cafe industry. They explore the role of reusable cups, misconceptions about sustainability, and how cafes can implement environmentally friendly practices. Michael shares insights from his 14 years in hospitality, offering practical tips on everything from menu creation ...
In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella welcomes Marija Hall, Director of Momentous Australia, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership. Marija shares her passion for developing great leaders and helping teams thrive in the digital age. The conversation covers the shift from traditional leadership styles to more inclusive, coaching-focused approaches, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!