85. “I Lost 3 Kids In 18 Months To Mental Health… How Cooking Healed My Grief!” - Zach Green

Join us for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Zach Green, also known as the Storyteller Chef. In this episode, Zach shares his incredible journey of resilience—navigating childhood trauma, profound grief, and rediscovering purpose through food and storytelling. From losing three children in just 18 months to stepping into a blended family, Zach offers a raw and honest account of healing, identity, and men’s mental health. Discover how cooking became his therapy and why authentic conversations around grief and resilience are crucial for healing.

This episode is a powerful reminder that we all have a story to tell—and sometimes, sharing that story can change a life.

About our guest:

Zach Green is an Indigenous Australian chef and mental health advocate known as the Storyteller Chef. With a background marked by personal loss and cultural discovery, Zach uses food as a way to celebrate Indigenous culture, foster connection, and inspire healing. His pop-up dining experiences not only showcase traditional Aboriginal ingredients but also spark important conversations about men’s mental health, grief, and identity. Zach’s mission is to bridge cultural understanding through the universal language of food.

Follow our Guest On:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellerchef/?hl=en

Follow Us On:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

01:19 - Zach’s diagnosis with autism and ADHD, and how the kitchen became his sanctuary

03:20 - Losing three children in 18 months: Zach’s personal story of grief and survival

07:15 - Discovering his Indigenous heritage and navigating identity challenges

12:19 - The role of racism and bullying in shaping his mental health journey

17:06 - Hitting rock bottom and the destructive cycle of unprocessed grief

19:13 - Suicide attempts and the struggle to ask for help

24:18 - Finding the courage to reach out and get support

27:10 - Advice for parents grieving the loss of a child

29:59 - How to support someone through grief: just listen

31:34 - Becoming a stepfather and navigating blended family dynamics

34:10 - Gratitude and finding purpose after loss

40:51 - Healing through food: how cooking became Zach’s therapy

44:19 - Modern Australian cuisine and celebrating Indigenous culture through food

50:21 - Managing grief triggers and honoring his children’s memories

52:01 - Redefining success: happiness, healing, and cultural pride

54:31 - Everyone has a story to tell—Zach’s message of hope and connection

55:14 - How to connect with Zach and attend his pop-up dining experiences