Jesse’s LinkedIn profile aptly describes him as a man of many jobs and children. As one of New Zealand’s most respected broadcasters, he has been across all three main forms of media: television (former presenter and writer for 7Days and The Project) radio (Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ) and print (restaurant reviewer for Viva).
He’s known for his wit and intelligence and is a popular MC where he crafts his script to suit both industry and audience.
Jesse grew up in Hamilton and originally studied law. He now lives in Ponsonby with his equally accomplished wife Victoria and four children.
Describe an early food memory that has stayed with you.
Jesse: My mum used to run a bakery in Hamilton so on special occasions she would let me get up with her at 4am and go into work – taste test the chocolate chip cookie dough and wait for the world to wake up. I’m sure it was just a small operation but I remember it was like visiting the Wonka factory.
What sort of food did you eat growing up?
My mum and dad were grown-up hippies so they were big on vegetarian food – nut loaf! – and ingredients that took a bit of finding in Hamilton in the early 80s. At some point Dad turned from a hippy to a yuppie and started drinking filter coffee (sounds flash but he used to reuse the filters)
