He’s the Aussie chef who’s made it in the US, popping up on shows like Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show.

We first met Dan Churchill on season five of Masterchef Australia when he was making ‘dude food’.

He’s since become a globally renowned chef, cookbook author, athlete, wellness coach and podcast host on The Epic Table podcast.

He also happens to be the chef and nutrition expert for Chris Hemsworth’s CENTR health advice app – and he’s joined Australian Eau De Vie grape spirit brand, Feels Botanical, as a partner and major investor.

At the time of recording this podcast, Dan was serving Aussie breakfasts and coffees to discerning New Yorkers at his impact-driven restaurant in Nolita, New York: Charley St (which has since closed).

Busy, but oh so chill. How does he do it? Dan shares his backstory with First Act hosts Cec Busby and Adam Bub.

KEY TOPICS

From athlete to chef

• Dan’s passion for food started in his childhood, fueled by his athletic lifestyle and a competitive drive to eat.    
• He pursued a professional cooking career after finishing high school, combining his love for food and sports.    
• He holds a Masters in Exercise Science, which informs his approach to creating healthy and flavourful recipes.    

Self-publishing and Dude Food

• Dan self-published his first cookbook, Dude Food, before appearing on MasterChef.    
• He created the book to teach young men how to cook healthy and delicious meals.    
• The book’s success taught him valuable lessons about marketing and identifying his target audience.    

MasterChef and building a brand

• Dan appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2013, viewing it as a unique learning experience.    
• He consciously decided to disassociate himself from the MasterChef brand to build his own identity as a healthy chef.    
• He emphasised authenticity and focused on his personal brand to create a long-term career.    

Embracing the American Dream

• Dan moved to the US six years ago, driven by his fascination with the country and its impact.    
• He secured a book deal and a TV deal, which helped him obtain a visa and establish his career in America.    
• He adapted to the American media landscape and learned to communicate confidently and directly.  

Charlie Street: Good food, good impact

• Dan co-founded Charlie Street, an Australian-style cafe in New York City, with a focus on healthy and sustainable food.    
• The cafe serves as a community hub and offers a taste of Aussie culture to both locals and expats.    
• The success of Charlie Street led to the development of a CPG product line, expanding the brand’s reach.   

Partnering with Chris Hemsworth

• Dan is the chef for Chris Hemsworth’s Centr health and fitness app.    
• He creates healthy and delicious recipes for the app, aligning with his passion for holistic wellness.    
• He enjoys working with the Centr team and connecting with the app’s users.    

Championing Australian Botanicals

• Dan recently partnered with Feels Botanical, an Australian OD grape spirit brand.    
• He is passionate about the brand’s sustainable practices and use of native Australian ingredients.    
• He sees this partnership as an opportunity to promote Australian culture and flavours to the world.    

Redefining the “Healthy Chef” image

• Dan challenges the traditional image of a “healthy chef” by embracing a balanced approach to food and lifestyle.    
• He believes in enjoying all types of food in moderation, including alcohol.    
• He emphasises the importance of overall well-being, which includes social connection and enjoyment of life’s pleasures.    

The power of passion and authenticity

• Throughout his career, Dan has followed his passions and remained true to his values.    
• He believes in the importance of authenticity and building a brand that reflects his genuine self.    
• His journey exemplifies the power of combining passion, hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact.