Food Origins Podcast

Dave Sands
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Food
  • Updated Bimonthly

With my passion and experience with food, I talk to people about their origin stories. What they ate growing up, their culture, favorite foods, recipes, family traditions, awesome tools, best & worst restaurant experiences in the world and of course; their current projects, advice & businesses. Food connects us all, so let’s learn more about it together.

  1. 6d ago

    Inside the World of Tacos & Burritos | Mauricio Velázquez de León Food Origins Podcast 78

    Mauricio has spent more than 25 years in food media and publishing, writing for Saveur, Gourmet, Escala, and Lonely Planet. Born in Mexico City and living in the United States for nearly 30 years, he brings a unique perspective to conversations about food, culture, and identity. As founder of the award-winning independent publisher duopress, he has helped create innovative nonfiction and illustrated books for readers worldwide. Mauricio is the author of AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO TACOS AND BURRITOS: A Comic Book with Stories, Recipes, and More [August 11, 2026 | duopress/Sourcebooks], an innovative cookbook that combines authentic recipes, culinary history, and comic-style illustrations to explore two of the world's most beloved foods. As both a food journalist and publisher who has spent decades writing about Mexican food traditions, Mauricio brings a perspective that is both deeply informed and personal. He is the great-nephew of Josefina Velázquez de León, the "Julia Child of Mexico," whose pioneering work played a pivotal role in defining modern Mexican culinary traditions and helped shape how we understand Mexican food today. https://www.tacosandburritosbook.com Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    Inside the World of Tacos & Burritos | Mauricio Velázquez de León Food Origins Podcast 78

  2. Aug 10

    From Italy to Texas: Chef John Ferrando's Story of Family, Food & John’s Place I Food Origins Podcast 77

    Chef John's love of cooking started long before he ever opened a restaurant. Rooted in Genovese and Sicilian tradition, his lessons came from family tables in San Francisco, California, with Mamalee, his father John and from summers spent in Italy learning to make pasta by hand alongside his great aunt, Lala Mariuchia and cousins — the same way his family has for generations. That heritage carried him through one previous restaurant in Costa Rica, before bringing him home to Texas.  While building his culinary journey, Chef John also dedicated more than 20 years to the San Francisco Police Department, retiring as a Sergeant after a distinguished career. He spent the majority of those years working in plainclothes and undercover assignments, including serving as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Throughout his years in law enforcement, his passion for cooking never faded-it simply waited for the right time to become his full time calling.  Today, inside the historic Rogers Hotel in downtown Waxahachie, John's Place is Chef John's second concept and his most personal expression of everything he loves about food, family and hospitality. Family photos line the walls, and an open kitchen behind the bar offers guests a front-row seat to the teamwork and craftsmanship that brings each dish to life. Whether he's working the line or stopping by tables to great guests, Chef John’s genuine passion is unmistakable. Every plate tells a story, every meal honors his family’s legacy and every guest is welcome as if they were part of it. https://www.visitjohnsplace.com Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    From Italy to Texas: Chef John Ferrando's Story of Family, Food & John’s Place I Food Origins Podcast 77

  3. Jul 17

    The Godfather of Poke | Chef Sam Choy's Incredible Food Journey I Food Origins Podcast 76

    Sam Choy's years of cooking alongside his parents gave him the skills and inspiration to make Sam a Hawaiian celebrity chef. His exceptional creativity, love of good food, and aloha for guests propelled him to the status of an internationally recognized chef, Food Network personality, and James Beard award-winner.  Choy's colorful personality and welcoming smile have drawn customers to his multiple restaurants over the last 30 years, but it is his award-winning cooking that keeps them coming back! He characterizes his cuisine as a "melting pot of the freshest ingredients from ever culture on the Hawaiian islands...true Hawaiian heritage cooking."  Sam spent twenty plus years mastering his craft in the kitchens of noted hotels and resorts on the mainland and Hawai'i. Sam appears on his weekly cooking show, Cooking with Sam, on the Hawaiian Islands' NBC affiliate. He has authored 16 cookbooks and is often credited as the "Godfather of Poke" and the Culinary Ambassador of the Big Island.  Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    The Godfather of Poke | Chef Sam Choy's Incredible Food Journey I Food Origins Podcast 76

  4. May 22

    Food Innovation, Risk & Resilience with David Rabe I Food Origins Podcast 75

    David is the founder of Kairos, a premium seasonings and provisions company built around the belief that the best moments in life happen around food, fire, and good people. What started as a pursuit of adventure turned into a lifelong obsession with quality. From learning how to hunt and becoming successful in the field, to chasing surf around the world, getting lost deep in Mexico on dirt bikes, and spending countless days in the mountains, David’s life has always been driven by the search. The search for experience, challenge, and ultimately meaning. That pursuit eventually led him to the kitchen. After years of sourcing his own meat and developing a deep respect for the animals harvested, David became frustrated with the low quality ingredients and fillers found in most seasonings. He believed that good food, especially food that honors the hunt and the people gathered around the table, deserved better. That idea became the foundation for Kairos. Inspired by the Greek word “Kairos,” meaning a critical or meaningful moment in time, the brand was built on the idea that some of life’s most memorable experiences happen over shared meals with family and friends. Today, Kairos focuses on sourcing exceptional ingredients and creating thoughtful formulations designed to elevate the everyday moments people remember forever. Outside of Kairos, David works as an engineer, balancing technical problem solving with a life rooted in adventure, storytelling, and the outdoors. Whether he’s cooking over a fire, chasing swell, exploring backroads, or sharing a meal after a long day outside, the mission remains the same. Pursue the search and bring people together around something real. https://craftedbykairos.com https://bendsauce.com Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    Food Innovation, Risk & Resilience with David Rabe I Food Origins Podcast 75

  5. Apr 17

    Fire, Family, and Food with Chef Joel Gil Food Origins Podcast 74

    Join us as Chef Joel Gil shares his inspiring journey from law enforcement to culinary success, highlighting his passion for open fire cooking, local sourcing, and the importance of resilience. Discover practical insights, memorable stories, and future plans that showcase his dedication to community and cuisine. Chef Joel Gil is a talented chef based in Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana. With a deep-rooted passion for cooking, Chef Gil blends his Mexican heritage with global culinary influences, creating innovative dishes that showcase his diverse expertise.  ​Chef Gil runs a popular food truck and catering business, offering creative, high-quality meals for both private events and large gatherings. He also hosts exclusive tasting events, where guests can experience multi-course menus crafted with seasonal ingredients and local produce. Chef Gil's commitment to exceptional flavors, artistic presentation, and personalized service has made him a standout in the region's vibrant food scene. https://www.eatbraza.com Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    Fire, Family, and Food with Chef Joel Gil Food Origins Podcast 74

  6. Apr 3

    From Orchard to Icon: The Ikeda’s Bakery Story I Derek Ikeda Food Origins Podcast 73

    Derek Ikeda is a third-generation Japanese American carrying forward a family legacy rooted in farming, resilience, and great food. He operates Ikeda's Bakery alongside his father Glen, uncle Steve, and brother Brendyn—continuing a business first started by his grandparents, Sam and Sally Ikeda. What began as a small orchard has grown into a Northern California staple: part bakery, part restaurant, part roadside market. Built on a true farm-to-fork foundation, Ikeda’s has become known for its fresh fruit, homemade goods, and especially its iconic pies—made from the same land and traditions that started it all. Today, Derek helps lead the evolution of the business while staying rooted in its origins—serving high-quality, honest food to generations of loyal customers and new travelers passing through the I-80 corridor. https://www.ikedas.com/ Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    From Orchard to Icon: The Ikeda’s Bakery Story I Derek Ikeda Food Origins Podcast 73

  7. Mar 20

    Frontier Food: Cooking Wild in Montana with Shelly Meyer I Food Origins Podcast Episode 72

    Entrepreneur, TV host, and Certified Chef, Shelly Meyer brings unique flavor to everything she takes on. Chef Shelly is the host of Shelly’s Game Kitchen where she treats viewers to her incredible homecooked recipes.  First airing on ROKU, Eat This TV Network in 2021, then transitioned to CarbonTV in 2023, available on multiple Streaming Platforms.  Beyond her work in front of the camera, Chef Shelly owns and operates the Montana Flavor spice company where she sells her signature blends. In 2022, her Espresso Rub won a respectable 2nd place in the International Flavor Awards. Followed by her Fish & Seafood seasoning winning in 2023.  Shelly started cooking professionally in 2000 through a catering business she ran with her husband.  As a couple, they went on to own and operate a steakhouse for a decade. When the restaurant closed she decided to further pursue her passion for cooking by attending culinary school, graduating at the top of her class at age 50.  Chef Shelly offers her services as a private chef, exclusively for guests of Chief Joseph Ranch, in Darby, Montana, where the popular show Yellowstone is filmed.  Great to have Chef Shelly on the podcast to talk about her origins and expansive experience in cooking a myriad of wild game recipes.   https://chefshellymeyer.com https://www.montanaflavor.com/ Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    Frontier Food: Cooking Wild in Montana with Shelly Meyer I Food Origins Podcast Episode 72

  8. Feb 13

    Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition Insights from Former Navy SEAL Jeff Nichols I Food Origins Podcast 71

    Jeff Nichols is a former U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six operator and exercise physiologist who brings real-world combat and human-performance science together to prepare the next generation of Navy SEAL, BUD/S, and Special Forces candidates. As the Department Head of Human Performance at SEAL Team Six, Jeff spent nearly a decade designing and implementing strength, conditioning, and recovery programs for the military’s most elite operators. His approach is not theory-based - it’s built on years of firsthand experience performing at, and coaching others to reach, the absolute peak of tactical and athletic capability. After leaving active duty, Jeff founded Performance First. In Banks, Alabama, the 28-acre training facility and 10,000-square-foot performance center is dedicated to special-operations preparation, BUD/S physical and mental readiness, and elite human performance. Jeff’s mission is to develop complete warriors - men and women capable of excelling under pressure, mastering stress, and performing with discipline and confidence in any environment. His programs combine tactical fitness, mental-toughness development, and evidence-based performance physiology to produce measurable results. From his years as a SEAL Team Six operator to his expertise in exercise physiology, Jeff Nichols stands apart as the only active BUD/S and Special Operations trainer with direct experience at the highest level of Naval Special Warfare. His work continues to influence the future of Navy SEAL preparation, tactical human performance, and elite-operator training worldwide. https://www.performancefirstus.com Send us Fan Mail Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition Insights from Former Navy SEAL Jeff Nichols I Food Origins Podcast 71
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

With my passion and experience with food, I talk to people about their origin stories. What they ate growing up, their culture, favorite foods, recipes, family traditions, awesome tools, best & worst restaurant experiences in the world and of course; their current projects, advice & businesses. Food connects us all, so let’s learn more about it together.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Sands
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Food Origins Podcast
  • Show Website
    Food Origins Podcast