Food Origins Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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/

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Meet Nico Lechuga and his wife Lauren, the founders of Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce out of Brooklyn, NY. What started as a small-batch passion project turned into a bold brand with serious fire—earning collabs with Joe Rogan, Hot Ones, Half Face Blades, Café Unido, Huckberry, Cosmo/GQ gift guides and so much more.

Unable to find a clean hot sauce that delivered maximum heat without compromising flavor, Nico began crafting his own blends in the kitchen of his Williamsburg apartment. Like a mad scientist, he tinkered with ingredients and ratios until they were just right. At first, the sauces were for personal use—but after rooftop BBQs with friends and family who kept saying, “If you sold this, I’d buy it,” Nico decided to test the market. That first batch sold out instantly.

Together with his (then very pregnant) wife Lauren Cosenza—the creative force behind the brand—Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce was born. Now, with their two kids alongside them, Nico and Lauren continue to build an ever-growing, flavor-packed brand with purpose.

I’m incredibly honored to share their story. As a customer for over four years, their support in my journey means the world. This episode isn’t just about hot sauce—it’s about bold moves, authentic roots, and the kind of passion that truly inspires.

Tap in and taste the story. 

https://www.senorlechugahotsauce.com/

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-59

A Food Origins Podcast Production Original music by Ulisses Bella of Ozomatli

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Nate Kouhana is a former Green Beret turned entrepreneur. He brings the same discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence from his military service into the world of premium meat snacks. As the founder of Anthem Snacks, a veteran-owned company, Nate is dedicated to crafting high-quality, protein-packed snacks that fuel adventure and honor the spirit of service.  

With a deep love for the outdoors, Nate and his wife made their way to Montana, "The Last Best Place," where they continued to embrace a life of purpose and passion. His journey from the battlefield to the business world is driven by a mission to contribute to what makes America great—the freedom to pursue, the drive to be one’s best, and the commitment to serve with pride. Anthem Snacks proudly donates 10% of profits to veteran and first responder nonprofit organizations and supports American ranchers with beef sticks made with 100% American beef.

Join us as we dive into Nate’s incredible story—his military background, the inspiration behind Anthem Snacks, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and his unwavering dedication to quality, country, and community.  

I've been a proud customer of Anthem Snacks since 2020, and it was truly an honor to have its founder, Nate Kouhana on the podcast. His journey from serving as a Green Beret to building a premium, veteran-owned meat snack company is nothing short of inspiring. Can’t wait for you to hear his story! 

https://anthemsnacks.com/

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-58

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Ranga’s journey is one of adventure, passion, and resilience. From his upbringing across Sri Lanka, Oman, England, Southern California, and Montana to his deep connection with fishing, foraging, and open-fire cooking, he has always embraced the outdoors as both a lifestyle and a calling. Now a private chef, he curates immersive fishing and cooking experiences, blending his love for nature with his culinary craft.  

Now a private chef, Ranga curates unforgettable fishing and cooking experiences, blending his passion for the outdoors with his culinary artistry. Whether he's hiking upriver in pursuit of trout, foraging for mushrooms in his secret spots, or cooking over an open fire, he brings a unique touch to every dish—one that reflects his love for nature, adventure, and good company.

I’m honored to have Ranga on the podcast, especially after first seeing him in the Yeti Films Hungry Life Series with Eduardo Garcia seven years ago. It’s incredible to now have had both Ranga and Eduardo on the show, sharing their inspiring origin stories.  

But Ranga’s story goes beyond food and adventure—it’s one of strength and perseverance. After surviving a heart attack at just 36 years old, he’s emerged with an even deeper appreciation for life, connection, and the healing power of food and the wild.  

Tune in as we dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the experiences that continue to shape him. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

https://www.laurianstable.com/

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-57

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With a CrossFit Games championship title and eight consecutive appearances at the highest level of competition, Jason Khalipa’s record speaks for itself. His lifelong dedication to training hard and his relentless pursuit of excellence have propelled him to success—not just in fitness, but in business and life.  

As the author of “As Many Reps as Possible’”, founder of NC Fit gyms, Train Hard Fitness programming, and the Train Hard Men’s Club, Jason continues to lead and inspire athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. Beyond the gym, he is a devoted father, husband, and business leader, always pushing the limits to achieve more and help others do the same.

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Jason through multiple Train Hard Men’s Club (THMC) workouts in the Bay Area, CA. In this episode, Jason shares his wealth of knowledge on nutrition, fitness, mindset, business, and overcoming challenges. We also dive into the role of Jiu-Jitsu in law enforcement and the principles that drive his success in and out of the gym.

https://www.jasonkhalipa.com

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-56

Original music by Ulisses Bella

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Jared began his love for the culinary experience in his grandmother's kitchen. Jared attended the California Culinary Academy and started his externship with Wolfang Puck and has been working for him for over 20 years along with his mentor Erick Klein . At 17 years old he started working at Spago in Palo Alto and from there he went on to work at several locations including Las Vegas and becoming the Executive Chef in Colorado. After returning to the Bay Area Jared took the Helm of Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino where he became interested in butchery. To hone his butcher skills further he went on to work with Guy Crims at Pape Meat in Millbrae and joined Guy in opening the Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse where the focus is on Japanese Wagyu and dry aged beef. Jared is currently doing consulting work for Wolfgang Puck and as a private chef. 

Excited to share this long awaited podcast about Jared’s origins and we talked about his wonderful culinary journey, kitchen challenges , bringing Japanese Wagyu to the US, his new job and favorite recipes. 

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-55

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Taku Kondo, a sushi chef with a passion for outdoor cooking, brings the art of cooking in nature’s kitchen to your ears. From grilling over campfires to creating gourmet meals in the wild, Taku shares his knowledge, tips, and stories about food, adventure, and the joy of cooking outdoors. An amazing fisherman, Taku has caught or foraged for halibut, salmon, crab, uni, wild mushrooms, and so much more. The best part is the dishes Taku creates after the catch! Whether you're an experienced outdoor chef or just starting your culinary journey under the open sky, Outdoor Chef Life offers inspiration, techniques, and a fresh perspective on food made in the great outdoors. With 300+ videos and 750k subscribers on YouTube , Taku has amassed a large following for his adventures which range from Alaska to Japan. 

In this episode, Taku is excited to announce his latest project: his brand-new cookbook, Coastal Harvest, which is packed with mouth-watering recipes, expert foraging tips, Gyotaku art, and stories from his years of cooking in nature’s most beautiful settings. Tune in for exclusive sneak peeks and a great conversation about his journey.

Outdoorcheflife.com

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Greg Putnam, President of Little Belt Cattle Co., is a former Navy SEAL and now a rancher in Montana. His transition from elite military service to cattle ranching is both inspiring and unique. After serving in the Navy as a SEAL, Greg sought a new chapter in life that aligned with his values of hard work, discipline, and connection to the land.

Greg co founded Little Belt Cattle Co. with his partner Tim Sheehy, where they operate a sustainable cattle ranch, focusing on regenerative agriculture practices. This reflects a commitment not just to ranching but to the health of the land and the future of farming. Greg’s experience as a Navy SEAL informs his approach to both business and life—structured, disciplined, and always looking for ways to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Greg shares insights from both his military background and his journey in ranching, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of working in agriculture. We go over some of his culinary experiences in his childhood, being stationed in Hawaii and abroad then leading to Montana. Greg explains in great detail the undertaking of raising cattle in all aspects of the phases from ranch to plate. 

In this episode with Greg, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what it truly takes to raise cattle at Little Belt Cattle Co. From rotational grazing to livestock health management, Greg walks you through every step of the ranching process, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and techniques he uses to ensure both the land and the cattle thrive. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture or just curious about the realities of ranch life, Greg offers us an inside look at the dedication and hard work that goes into running a successful cattle operation.

https://littlebeltcattleco.com

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Mike Glover is the CEO and founder of FieldCraft Survival, a leading company dedicated to teaching practical skills for everyday survival, self-reliance, and preparedness. With an extensive background as a former U.S. Army Green Beret and a seasoned survival expert, Mike has dedicated his life to training individuals, families, and organizations to stay safe in challenging environments.

In this episode, I’m honored to have my friend Mike on the show, who not only helped me get this podcast off the ground but also shares a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from military deployments to global cuisine. We dive into everything from Korean food and world cuisine experienced during deployments, to the challenges of supply chain issues and the importance of staying prepared. We also explore how to maintain a wellness-focused mindset in both everyday life and during times of adversity.

Mike’s insights and experiences offer a unique perspective on navigating the world with resilience, and I’m excited to share this conversation with you!

In addition to his work with FieldCraft, Mike is also the founder of Wolf21, a company focused on creating natural plant-based products to help you recover and be ready for anything.

A passionate advocate for personal responsibility and resilience, Mike blends military experience, real-world survival knowledge, and cutting-edge tactical expertise to equip people with the skills they need to thrive in any situation. When he's not leading FieldCraft or Wolf21, you can find Mike speaking at events, sharing insights on his podcast Mike Glover Show, or working on projects that enhance personal safety and security.

https://fieldcraftsurvival.com

https://thewolf21.com

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