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

    4D AGO

    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 a text 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

    1h 36m
  2. The Modern Rural Civilian on Food and Self-Reliance I Mark Bonnalie Food Origins Podcast 70

    JAN 30

    The Modern Rural Civilian on Food and Self-Reliance I Mark Bonnalie Food Origins Podcast 70

    Mark is the creator of the Modern Rural Civilian channel, creating content about his ongoing DIY journey to design and build his dream "off grid" property and homestead. In the summer of 2021 Mark and his fiancé Heather sold everything they owned to buy bare, rural acreage in the mountains of Idaho. Many people talk about their desire to detach and build their own oasis, to become more self sufficient, but few actually take the required actions. Mark's channel shares the successes and failures quite openly, providing insight in to what the lifestyle actually requires. In this episode, Dave and Mark discuss the journey of homesteading, the importance of food in rural living, and the art of cooking. Mark shares his experiences growing up with food, his culinary career, and the transition to off-grid living. They explore food preservation techniques, the significance of community involvement in food production, and the role of hunting in modern life. Mark emphasizes the value of understanding food sources and the skills necessary for a sustainable lifestyle, while also highlighting the joy of cooking and the fulfillment that comes from growing and preparing one's own food. Send us a text 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

    2 hr
  3. McDojos Exposed: Rob Ingram Pulls No Punches I Food Origins Podcast 69

    JAN 8

    McDojos Exposed: Rob Ingram Pulls No Punches I Food Origins Podcast 69

    With over 28 years of experience in martial arts, Rob Ingram holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Lissajous-Do, and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His competitive career includes an impressive (6-0) record as an amateur boxer and a (4-2) record in amateur kickboxing. Rob was also a member of the prestigious international martial arts team, Full Circle, for two years, and ran his own successful martial arts school for four years. Rob’s passion for martial arts extends beyond the dojo.  For the past decade, he has worked as a business consultant, helping martial arts businesses improve their operations and grow. He is best known as the founder of McDojoLife, an online platform that has amassed over one million followers. McDojoLife’s mission is to expose frauds, scams, and unethical practices in the martial arts world, protecting students from exploitation and misinformation. Through his work, Rob has become a leading voice in advocating for integrity and accountability in martial arts. At Academy Safe, Rob plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission to ensure the safety and well-being of martial arts students nationwide. His extensive experience as a martial artist, instructor, and advocate uniquely positions him to drive the development of the national safety registry, setting higher standards for the martial arts community. https://mcdojolife.com In this episode, Rob from McDojo Life shares his journey in martial arts, starting from his childhood experiences of bullying to becoming a third-degree black belt. He discusses the importance of legitimacy in martial arts, the dark side of the industry, and the need for awareness regarding abuse and fraud. Rob also highlights the five rules of McDojo Life, emphasizing the importance of safety and integrity in martial arts schools.  The conversation touches on the evolution of martial arts, the significance of community, and concludes with a light-hearted discussion about food and comfort meals. In this engaging conversation, Rob From McDojoLife and Dave Sands explore a variety of culinary topics, from marination techniques and celebrity chefs to the cultural significance of food in martial arts. They share personal anecdotes about their favorite dishes, hidden culinary gems, and the challenges of finding quality dining experiences. The discussion also delves into Rob's documentary project, which aims to expose martial arts fraud and promote safety in the industry through the Academy Safe initiative. Send us a text 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

    1h 58m
  4. From Coast Guard to Crust: Jacob’s Journey with Fire & Dough I Food Origins Podcast 68

    12/12/2025

    From Coast Guard to Crust: Jacob’s Journey with Fire & Dough I Food Origins Podcast 68

    In this episode of the Food Origins podcast, Jacob Gonzalez shares his journey from the Coast Guard to running a successful pizza food truck, Fire and Dough, in the Flathead Valley. He discusses his culinary roots, the challenges of starting a food business, and the art of making Neapolitan pizza. Jacob emphasizes the importance of failure in the learning process and offers advice for veterans looking to start their own businesses. He also highlights his unique menu offerings and future aspirations for expanding his food truck business. https://fireanddoughmt.com/ Send us a text 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

    1h 15m
  5. The Shokunin Sessions: Sushi Origins with David Utterback I Food Origins Podcast 67

    11/26/2025

    The Shokunin Sessions: Sushi Origins with David Utterback I Food Origins Podcast 67

    David Utterback is a multiple-time James Beard Award honoree and the first Nebraska-based chef to be named a finalist for Best Chef: Midwest (2023). As the chef and owner of Omaha’s acclaimed restaurants Yoshitomo, Ota, and Koji (his flagship Japanese restaurant, high-end omakase counter, and izakaya concept, respectively), he has earned national recognition for redefining Japanese cuisine in the American Midwest—with even The Washington Post declaring Ota as one of the country’s best sushi restaurants. A self-taught sushi chef, David is known for melding Midwestern ingredients with Japanese precision and technique, creating a style that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of what sushi can be. Born to a Japanese mother and American father, David’s path to sushi was unconventional. After years of being immersed in Omaha’s indie punk scene, a job at a local sushi restaurant shifted his focus and ultimately sparked a lifelong passion. In 2008, a formative trip to Japan – including a meal at Sukiyabashi Jiro and a rare apprenticeship offer from Jiro Ono himself – solidified his commitment to mastering the craft on his own terms. Guided by self-study, his mother’s translations of Japanese culinary texts, and countless omakase experiences across Japan and the U.S., David has forged a style that is both deeply personal and distinctly regional.He continues to challenge expectations of where exceptional sushi can be found – and what it can taste like. Send us a text 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

    1h 4m
  6. Thaan Charcoal: Built for Fire with Toby Roberts I Food Origins Podcast 66

    10/24/2025

    Thaan Charcoal: Built for Fire with Toby Roberts I Food Origins Podcast 66

    Toby Roberts is a restaurateur at heart with over two decades in the hospitality industry. He started Thaan while serving as President of the acclaimed Pok Pok, and kept the flame alive while launching James Beard–recognized restaurants Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway. Across all of his ventures, Toby has championed hospitality, human connection, and creating unforgettable experiences around the table. That same perspective fuels his work with Thaan Charcoal — building tools that make live-fire cooking safe, beautiful, and part of everyday life. https://thaangrill.com/foodorigins Send a text 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

    1h 9m
  7. The Truth About Honey: Inside Sonoran Honey Co. with Salvador Delgado I Food Origins Podcast 65

    10/10/2025

    The Truth About Honey: Inside Sonoran Honey Co. with Salvador Delgado I Food Origins Podcast 65

    In this episode of the Food Origins Podcast, host David Sands sits down with Salvador Delgado, founder of Sonoran Honey Co. in Blythe, California. Salvador shares his journey growing up around bees, learning the craft of beekeeping from his father, and building a company rooted in honesty and purity. We dive deep into the art of honey making, the hard realities of beekeeping, and expose the misconceptions and “dirty side” of the honey industry — from imported blends to misleading “pure honey” labels. Discover what it takes to produce real, small-batch American honey and how Sonoran Honey Co. keeps integrity at the heart of everything they do. https://sonoranhoneyco.com Send us a text 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

    1h 7m
  8. Arn’s BBQ | Bringing Central Texas Barbecue to Big Sky Country - Food Origins Podcast 64

    09/26/2025

    Arn’s BBQ | Bringing Central Texas Barbecue to Big Sky Country - Food Origins Podcast 64

    Arn’s BBQ is more than just a food trailer in Whitefish, Montana—it’s a taste of true Central Texas barbecue in the heart of Big Sky Country. Founded by Arn and Leigha Mendez, the couple took their Houston roots and passion for low-and-slow smoked meats and built something special in northwest Montana. From the very beginning, Arn’s goal was to keep it real: post oak wood imported from Texas, brisket smoked to perfection, house-made sausage, chicken, and ribs, all paired with scratch-made sides and that signature Texas hospitality. Even the details matter—the menu is tight, the quality is high, and nothing is served unless it meets Arn’s standards. Family is at the heart of the business. Arn and Leigha’s kids pitch in wherever needed—prepping sides, helping on service days, and being part of the welcoming atmosphere that locals and visitors have come to love. Though the trailer is only open a few days a week, lines form quickly, and the food sells out just as fast. In this episode we sit down with Arn to talk about the journey from Houston to Whitefish, the challenges of building a barbecue business in Montana, the culture of Central Texas barbecue, and the joy of creating a family-run spot that’s earned a loyal following. This is a story of food, family, and community—and how one pitmaster brought a taste of Texas smoke to the Montana mountains. https://www.arnsbbq.com/ Send us a text 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

    1 hr
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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
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Food Origins Podcast
  • Show Website
    Food Origins Podcast

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