Food Origins Podcast

Dave Sands

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. 1d ago

    The Truth About Fishing Alaska | Captain J of Crazy J’s Alaskan Guide I Food Origins Podcast 80

    Born and raised in Alaska, Captain J has always had a love for the outdoors, especially when it comes to fishing. What started as a passion for being on the water eventually turned into something much bigger—a business, a lifestyle, and a dream he gets to live out every day. But don't let the nickname Captain J fool you. There's a whole lot more to Josh than catching fish and driving boats! Josh is a hardworking husband, proud dad, entrepreneur, and a guy who isn't afraid to chase big dreams. He's the kind of person who gives 110% to whatever he sets his mind to, whether that's running his business, tackling a new fitness goal, growing in his faith, or finding a way to make something happen when the odds are stacked against him. With a whole lot of grit, determination, and probably a few questionable decisions along the way (because what entrepreneur hasn't made those?), Josh turned his passion for fishing into Crazy J's Guiding, a successful fishing guide business in South-central Alaska.And while spending your days fishing in Alaska might sound like the dream job, there's a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. Between early mornings, long days on the river, maintaining boats, juggling schedules, and keeping a business running, Josh knows that being your own boss doesn't necessarily mean working less. In fact, it usually means working a whole lot more! But for Josh, it's worth it. One of his favorite parts of guiding is getting to share the Alaska he grew up loving with people from all over. Whether it's helping someone catch their very first salmon, sharing a few laughs on the boat, or watching a family make memories they'll talk about for years, Josh wants his clients to leave with more than just fish. Outside of guiding, Josh has been putting that same determination into bettering himself. He's been working hard toward his fitness goals, pushing himself physically, and growing stronger in his faith. He's learning that success isn't just measured by how many fish you catch or how much your business grows, but also by the kind of husband, father, and man you're becoming along the way. His faith, family, and drive to keep improving are becoming just as important to his story as the business he's built. Josh isn't someone who sits around waiting for opportunities to come knocking. He's more likely to grab a cup of coffee, come up with another crazy idea, and figure out how to make it happen. And if you know Josh, you know there's probably never a shortage of those ideas! At the end of the day, Captain J's story isn't just about fishing.  https://www.crazyjsguiding.com It's about a born-and-raised Alaskan who took something he loved, bet on himself, worked his tail off, and turned it into a livelihood. It's about faith, family, personal growth, taking risks, and never being afraid to dream a little bigger. And knowing Josh, he's just getting started. 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 Truth About Fishing Alaska | Captain J of Crazy J’s Alaskan Guide I Food Origins Podcast 80
  2. Aug 14

    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
  3. 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
  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
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.

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