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 Trailer01:19 - Zach’s diagnosis with autism and ADHD, and how the kitchen became his sanctuary03:20 - Losing three children in 18 months: Zach’s personal story of grief and survival07:15 - Discovering his Indigenous heritage and navigating identity challenges12:19 - The role of racism and bullying in shaping his mental health journey17:06 - Hitting rock bottom and the destructive cycle of unprocessed grief19:13 - Suicide attempts and the struggle to ask for help24:18 - Finding the courage to reach out and get support27:10 - Advice for parents grieving the loss of a child29:59 - How to support someone through grief: just listen31:34 - Becoming a stepfather and navigating blended family dynamics34:10 - Gratitude and finding purpose after loss40:51 - Healing through food: how cooking became Zach’s therapy44:19 - Modern Australian cuisine and celebrating Indigenous culture through food50:21 - Managing grief triggers and honoring his children’s memories52:01 - Redefining success: happiness, healing, and cultural pride54:31 - Everyone has a story to tell—Zach’s message of hope and connection55:14 - How to connect with Zach and attend his pop-up dining experiences