Knives Down is where butchers speak - and we listen. Hosted by Alana Empson in collaboration with the World Butchers' Challenge, this podcast goes beyond competition cuts and surface-level shop talk to explore the stories, ideas, and people shaping the future of butchery. From the block to the world stage, these are raw, reflective conversations with those who live and breathe the trade. Whether you're deep in it or looking in from the edge, this is your access to the full story - no trim, no filter.
Backing Yourself & Finding Your Place - Taryn Barker
What happens when you say yes before you feel ready?
In this episode of Knives Down, Alana Empson sits down with Taryn Barker, owner of The Little Butcher in Port Moody and Team Canada’s captain for the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge.
From starting behind the counter as a teenager to owning a business and representing her country on the world stage, Taryn shares an honest perspective on self-doubt, finding confidence and stepping into leadership.
They explore the international experiences that expanded her ambitions, the supportive culture she’s built in her shop, and how bringing butchers together through competition is helping grow the community in Canada.
A conversation about backing yourself, staying curious and finding your place in the trade.
24 Jun 2026
Game on - the launch of the 2028 WBC
The World Butchers' Challenge is coming to Australia, and the countdown is officially underway.
In this episode of Knives Down, host Alana Empson is joined by Australian Meat Industry Council CEO Tim Ryan and Australian Butcher Team Captain Luke Leyson to discuss what it means to host the world's biggest butchery event, the opportunity it presents for the industry, and the work that lies ahead.
From the journey to secure hosting rights, to growing the profile of butchery and creating a legacy that extends well beyond competition day, this conversation explores the ambition, collaboration and belief driving the next chapter of the WBC.
The announcement may have been made, but this is only the beginning.
10 Apr 2026
Discipline, Mentorship & the Athletes of the Meat Industry - Gordon Newlands
In this episode of Knives Down, Alana Empson sits down with Gordon Newlands to explore a career built on discipline, standards, and lifelong learning.
From representing Scotland as a champion sprinter to shaping the future of the meat industry through his role at Quality Meat Scotland, Gordon shares the lessons that have guided him across more than 40 years in the trade.
This conversation covers:
Discipline and time management
Mentorship and leadership
The importance of learning from others
Building a long-term career in butchery
The global impact of the World Butchers Challenge
And why today’s competitors are truly:
“Athletes of the meat industry.”
23 Jan 2026
What Cancer Taught an All Star About Life - Simon Taylor
Simon Taylor shares his journey from aspiring butcher to global leader in the trade. He reflects on mentorship, competition at the World Butchers Challenge, his cancer battle, and how these moments reshaped his views on leadership, community, and legacy.
26 Nov 2025
The Butcher Behind the Mic - Alana Empson
You know her as the host, but today the spotlight is on her.
In this episode, Alana Empson steps out from behind the mic to share her own story, from her early days in the cutting room to becoming a leading voice in modern butchery. She talks about the craft that shaped her, the years of practice behind true skill, and why creativity matters just as much as technique. Alana opens up about the shift she’s seeing in the industry, the rise of apprentices who are changing the game and the global competitions pushing everyone to sharpen their craft.
A genuine, behind the scenes look at the passion, grit and artistry that turned a butcher into a storyteller.
3 Nov 2025
The Mindset Behind Butchery Excellence - Martin Jäntschke
What does it take to think like a world champion butcher?
In this episode, performance coach Martin Jäntschke pulls back the curtain on the mental game behind the Butcher Wolf Pack’s global success. From the locker room to the cutting table, Martin breaks down how systems thinking, engineering precision and elite teamwork turn good butchers into world-class competitors.
We get into what really happens after you win the World Butchers Challenge, how to keep that fire alive, and why the same high-performance principles that drive butchers can transform any team, in any field.
30 Sept 2025
Foundations and Legacy - Rod Slater
Knives Down is here. Episode 1 takes us back to where it all began, with World Butchers’ Challenge founder Rod Slater. From the first spark of an idea to letting go of the reins, Rod shares the story of building something bigger than a competition and what it means to step aside but never really leave the room.
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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