10,000 TACOS®

Isidro Salas
  • 4.7 (49)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Tacos are life and cilantro is a choice. This is a storytelling show about the taco life. Having grown up in a taco truck, I can't help but think of life events and tie them to the experiences and lessons learned from parents who made tacos for a living. Tacos are my life. Tacos are my culture. I am the Proud Son of a Taquero and I invite you to a taco with me (digitally) and hope your day can be made better with some of the stories we tell!

  1. 8H AGO ·  VIDEO

    The Math of Doing Something (Why I Choose to Believe)

    Día de los Taqueros has come and gone. Was it a massive economic windfall? Did it break the internet? Honestly, I don't have all the data yet—but if you ask me, it was a massive success. In this episode, I'm getting vulnerable about what it actually takes to build something from the ground up. Call me delusional if you want, but I truly believe we made a difference this year. Because here's the reality: if you do nothing, you guarantee a zero percent success rate. But if you just do something, you create momentum. I'm breaking down why I choose to believe in this movement, how my wife keeps that fire lit, and how this exact mindset got me through two brain surgeries last year. I also look back at my dad's journey—crossing the border, getting caught, falling down, but keeping his eyes on the taco truck business that gave me the life I have today. We're already building the buzz for next year. Because tacos are life, and everything else is a choice. 🎙️ What I'm Talking About Tonight: The Post-Día de los Taqueros Reality Check: Why I'm declaring this year a win, regardless of what the spreadsheets say. The "Something vs. Nothing" Philosophy: Why taking imperfect action will always beat sitting on the sidelines. My Support System: How my wife's belief in the big picture keeps me moving forward. Lessons from My Dad: Grit, immigration, and how a taco truck became the foundation of my life. Surviving the Scars: Looking back at my two brain surgeries and the undeniable power of a positive attitude. 📝 Words I Live By: "If you do nothing, then you know for sure it was nothing. Just doing something will result in something." TAQUOTE: "Tacos are life. Cilantro is a choice." 🌶️ Connect with me: Subscribe & Review: If you believe in what we're building here, hit that subscribe button and leave a review. It helps me build the buzz for next year! ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)  ·       YouTube

    10 min

  2. 3D AGO ·  VIDEO

    He Loved Making Tacos (Redefining Wealth)

    What does it actually mean to be "wealthy"? In this episode, we are throwing out the traditional playbook on success and digging into a different kind of riches: loving what you do. Our journey starts with a realization about my dad. He didn't just make tacos; he genuinely loved making them.   For him, that joy was a form of wealth that money simply couldn't buy. Years later, I found myself sitting back and realizing how much I love watching my wife dive into her own work with that same kind of passion. It's a beautiful, unexpected coincidence—I inherited a blueprint for happiness from my dad without even realizing he was passing it down. Today, my obsession with hitting up taco trucks and chasing down local spots across the country isn't just about food. It's a living legacy. I owe my love for the hustle, the flavor, and the community entirely to my pops and moms. We also tackle a major habit we all need to break: assuming we know how other people feel. Instead of guessing, let's start listening. This episode is a tribute to the people we look up to, the roots that shape us, and the daily reminder to appreciate the masters of their craft right in front of us. Grab a plate, pull up a chair, and let's redefine what it means to live a rich life. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Redefining Wealth: True success isn't a bank account; it's the alignment of your daily work and your happiness. The Accidental Legacy: How we absorb our parents' definitions of joy without even realizing it. Stop Assuming, Start Honoring: Why we need to give people their flowers while they can still smell them, rather than projecting our own assumptions onto their lives.     You can still find me on: ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)    _________________________________________________

    9 min

  3. MAY 11 ·  VIDEO

    This taquero was my dad.

    With Día del Taquero coming up, I wanted to get personal for a minute. This day isn't just about finding the best al pastor or hitting up your favorite stand—for me, it's about my dad. My dad passed away on May 12th, 2020. I was already doing things to honor him while he was here, but after he died, something clicked. I realized that the profession of being a taquero doesn't get the respect it actually deserves. He never sat me down and told me to go on a mission for him, but I felt it. I felt like his legacy, and the legacy of people just like him, needed to be said out loud. What we're talking about: The 4:00 AM Reality: It's not just about the food; it's about the grind. It's the people waking up before the sun to prep. It's the moms who get the truck ready, get the kids to school, and then go work a double shift. The "Invisible" Hustle: For too long, people have looked at taqueros, gardeners, or housekeepers through a narrow lens. I want to challenge that. The Silicon Valley Connection: The hustle doesn't stop at the taco stand. Today, the children of those taqueros are in executive positions and working in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. That drive was passed down from the stand to the boardroom. This episode is for my dad, and for every person behind the counter who worked so their kids could be anywhere they wanted to be. Thanks for listening. If you have a story about your own family's hustle, I'd love to hear it.   🎯 Takeaway Día de Taquero isn't about going viral. It's not about creators, brands, or platforms. It's about showing up. _________________________________________________ You can still find me on: ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)  _________________________________________________

    8 min

  4. MAY 8 ·  VIDEO

    dia de taqueros - a simple Thank You

    This isn't a holiday. It's not marketing. And it's not tied to any app, platform, or trend. Día de Taquero is just a reminder— a simple one—to recognize the people who have been feeding our communities for generations. In this episode, we talk about what this day really means, why May 15th matters, and the moment the world finally gave attention to something that's always been there: taqueros doing their craft at the highest level—without recognition, without hype, just consistency and hard work. From long nights behind the grill to feeding entire communities day after day, this is about respect. Nothing more. Nothing less. ⏱️ Key Topics What Día de Taquero is—and what it's not The everyday role taqueros play in our lives Why their work often goes unnoticed The reality of the craft: heat, repetition, discipline Why May 15th was chosen The moment global recognition caught up Why support matters (even in small, practical ways) How word-of-mouth still drives taquerías 📅 Why May 15th On May 15, 2024, major news outlets reported that a small taquería in Mexico City earned a Michelin Star. For many, this was surprising. For communities who grew up around taqueros—it wasn't. This date marks a moment when global recognition finally aligned with what people had already known for decades.     🌮 What You Can Do Keep it simple: Go eat at a taquería Support the people who support you Tip well Learn their names Show respect If you post your meal, tag the taquería—not for clout, just to share the spot with your circle.   🎯 Takeaway Día de Taquero isn't about going viral. It's not about creators, brands, or platforms. It's about showing up for taqueros and small businesses.  _________________________________________________ You can still find me on: ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)  ·        comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________

    10 min

  5. MAY 6 ·  VIDEO

    3 Reasons why I'm Not a Taquero: Chaos, Craft, and Self-Awareness

    I'm Not a Taquero: Chaos, Craft, and Self-Awareness "I'm the proud son of a taquero, but I'd be a terrible one." In this episode of 10,000 Tacos, Isidro Salas dives deep into his personal connection to taco culture and why he's choosing to honor his family's legacy through storytelling rather than service. What we cover in this episode: •       Thriving in Chaos: Why Isidro only feels organized when the world is "on fire" and how that translates to the high-pressure environment of a taco truck. •       The Restless Creator: A look at the need to constantly rearrange, evolve, and learn—and why a "perfected" recipe is never truly finished. •       Self-Awareness & Legacy: The honest truth about growing up in the business, the hard work of the previous generations, and the decision to pursue a college degree to create new options. •       The "Other Taqueros": A heartfelt story about a recent experience in Redwood City that reminded Isidro why this profession deserves the highest economic and social respect. Join us for a vulnerable, funny, and insightful conversation about knowing who you are, respecting where you came from, and why taqueros deserve their own "Black Friday." TAQUOTE:     You can still find me on: ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)      ·        comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________

    11 min

  6. 08/28/2024

    The Last Taco

    As I wrap up this podcast, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout our episodes. This podcast has been a reflection of my life, my family, and the lessons learned in our taco truck days.  A special thanks goes to Stanford Florence (Flobama), Patrick Owen, and José Ralat, as they all helped me on pivotal paths to achieve many of these episodes. My siblings, Martha, Jose, Victor and Mike have not only contributed to the richness of our podcast but also profoundly shaped my identity as the proud son of taqueros. Though my parents no longer run the taco truck, their legacy and passion fueled my voice and creativity. Their sacrifices inspired me to explore my own path, one that has led me to my amazing wife and without her, there is simply no podcast.  With over 60,000 downloads and 97 episodes, every return visit from you echoed the loyalty of my parents' taco truck customers, a testament to the love and connection we've built.  Thank you for joining me on this adventure. This may be the end of the podcast, but the journey continues in new forms. TAQUOTE: "May you all keep flipping tortillas with your bare hands" My sister's restaurant - Cantaritos Restaurant & Bar                                             1530 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539 American Tacos: A History and Guide  by  José R. Ralat You can still find me on: ·       Instagram (12k followers)   ·       TikTok (29K followers)   ·       Facebook  (25k followers)  ·       twitter (mamadas followers) ·       If you wish to send us a good bye, we'll be honored - comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________ It has been an honor to be part of your speakers and or headphones!

    17 min

  7. 08/12/2024

    Inappropriate Motivation

    Recently, when I heard some white girl call her salsa 'restaurant style home-made' I was triggered to make a reaction video to call her out on her use of 'catchy' words to attract an audience. When I think about social media's influence, I wonder if I would have taken to promoting our food like so many do today, claiming we had the best tacos.  On today's episode, I tell you about what I call inappropriate motivations – when guided by bad intentions, you will likely yield negative results. I often reflect on the role my mother's fiery salsa played in our taco truck. Late-night customers, often a drunk off their assess, would line up for tacos, and we kept the extra spicy salsa separate to enhance their experience and possibly sober them back to reality. While there was no concrete evidence that the salsa sobered them up, their reactions—sweating and cursing yet still enjoying their food—indicated it was doing something right. My parents operated with humility, believing in the power of our food to speak for itself. They taught us that confidence doesn't require boastfulness, and I realize now how effective true sincerity can be in attracting customers. Ultimately, I appreciate how my parents ran our taco business with a focus on genuine connections and continuously improving our offerings. They instilled in us the importance of gratitude and respect, which forged lasting relationships with our customers and helped build our reputation. This understanding of authenticity in business continues to resonate with me today as I honor their legacy. TAQUOTE: "A tortilla has two sides"   Connect with Us ·       subscribe www.tenthousandtacos.com or www.tacopodcast.com [Website Link] ·       Instagram  TikTok twitter Facebook ·       Please let us know what you think of the show by sending us a note - comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________

    19 min

  8. 07/24/2024

    Five Dollar Crisis - REPLAY

    Episode Summary   Thinking back four years to when the pandemic began is like rewatching a tough episode because it reminds us of how hard things were. Many people lost loved ones during that time. But it's also important to see that we made it through and are moving forward.   Even though we still face challenges from the pandemic, if we stop and ask ourselves, "Are things better now than during the pandemic?" I believe a lot of people would say yes.   It's like looking at how much we've improved since then and feeling hopeful about the future. We went through some really tough stuff, but we're getting stronger and making progress every day.   This episode speaks about the questions we ask that serve us no real purpose. And it stems, for me, at least, from a time I'd been robbed while working in the taco truck.   "Questions that Waste Time"   What are the lessons I learned from the day someone took 5 dollars from my hand and ran away?   Call to Action If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends. Let's spread the love for peace, tacos, and everything in between! Connect with Us ·       subscribe www.tenthousandtacos.com or www.tacopodcast.com ·       Instagram  TikTok twitter Facebook ·       Please let us know what you think of the show by sending us a note - comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________     TAQUOTE: "Reflection without actions is like a taco without a tortilla!"

    15 min
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About

Tacos are life and cilantro is a choice. This is a storytelling show about the taco life. Having grown up in a taco truck, I can't help but think of life events and tie them to the experiences and lessons learned from parents who made tacos for a living. Tacos are my life. Tacos are my culture. I am the Proud Son of a Taquero and I invite you to a taco with me (digitally) and hope your day can be made better with some of the stories we tell!

Information

  • Creator
    Isidro Salas
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 - 10K Tacos
  • Show Website
    10,000 TACOS®