The interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in December, 2017 . The following is an excerpt from the original article that was published on the Texas Standard website. “The words used to describe taco-making techniques, many of them in Spanish, tell the heritage of the people in the kitchen.” Tacos of Texas is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org The full transcript o...
May 19, 2026•7 min
This interview in this episode of TOT originally aired on the Texas Standard in June, 2015. The following excerpt comes from the Texas Standard article that originally featured the interview heard in this episode. You’ve seen the headlines this month: “America’s Egg Shortage Threatens Austin’s Breakfast Taco Supply”,“Austin Restaurants Respond To National Egg Crisis”. But – wait a minute. We need to think through this clearly. Deep breaths. Not having eggs in your tacos isn’t a tragedy; this is ...
May 12, 2026•5 min
This episode of TOT features a 2024 interview with Laura Rice on the Texas Standard. The holiday is celebrated more in the U.S. than south of the border. Cinco de Mayo is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day – that’s in September. The holiday coming up on Sunday is the celebration of Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla against the French in the mid-1800s. But really, it isn’t actually a national Mexican holiday. It’s more so celebrated in the U.S. than across the border, and tha...
May 05, 2026•6 min
The interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas aired on the Austin Signal in April, 2026. Miles Bloxon speaks with students from Travis Early College High School and Jayma Vaughn about the unique hospitality program that is shaping their futures. Through partnerships with local organizations and hands-on experiences working alongside top Austin chefs, the program opens doors for the next generation of culinary students that once required leaving the city. Get your tickets for Giv...
Apr 28, 2026•7 min
Mando Rayo talks to Texas Standard host David Brown about the fallout from the sexual assault allegations against labor leader Cesar Chavez. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps...
Apr 21, 2026•9 min
It’s the ongoing tamale debate – although for some, there may be no debate at all. Mando Rayo shares his take on the Texas ( tamal? ) debate with Angela Kocherga of the Texas Standard . The audio interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired live on the Texas Standard in December, 2025. The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast app...
Apr 14, 2026•11 min
From cauliflower to nopales, swap in some different fillings – but make sure you keep the seasonings. The interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in February 2025. Tacos of Texas is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles ...
Apr 08, 2026•7 min
The Michelin Guide ranking top places to eat was announced in October, 2025 . In this bonus episode, Mando Rayo sits down with the Texas Standard to discuss the new Michelin luminaries, as well as details on how he plans to celebrate the podcast’s fifth season. The interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in November, 2025. Some of the nominees mentioned in this episode have been featured guests on earlier episodes of the Tacos of Texas po...
Mar 31, 2026•8 min
The interview featured on this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in March, 2026. The interview featured on this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in March, 2026. “They are doing it by selling what they know. They know their food. They know their culture.” If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here . Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT...
Mar 24, 2026•6 min
Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares how he feels diners can be more intentional with how they engage with the cuisine we all love. The interview in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas was originally aired on the Texas Standard in January, 2026. Tacos of Texas is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here . Your gift helps pay for everyth...
Mar 17, 2026•9 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Get to know our story producer, Louise Van Assche! You can find Louise on Instagram at @whereareyoureallyfrom . This interview was originally aired on Austin Signal in November 2025. Special thanks to Jerry Quijano and Kristen Cabrera of the Austin Signal for having us on the show! From the Austin Signal on KUT 90.5, : Tacos of Texas podcast is nearing the completion of its fifth season – “El Cinco.” The team behind the podcast join us to talk about the work that’s gone into this season and thei...
Mar 10, 2026•14 min•Season 5Ep. 15
In today’s episode we’re flipping the tortilla. I’m actually the one being interviewed by El Mero Mero and Jr. Taco Correspondent Samuel Franco. So sit back and relax and get to know a little more about El Taco Journalist Mando Rayo (me!) The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Bonus: Flipping the Tortilla: One on One with Mando Rayo appeared f...
Dec 09, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Today we’re live at Paprika ATX for the Tacos of Texas Wrap Party in Austin. In this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas, we talk to Margarito “Mago” Perez, owner of the Paprika on what it takes to go from a taco truck to a full on brick and mortar taquería. We’ll also dig into what it means to stand up for your own community because of the ICE and immigration raids. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthis...
Dec 02, 2025•36 min
Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast talks to Daniela & Rosa De Lima Hernandez from La Santa Barbacha about how they started one of the best barbacoa places in Austin, what it felt like to get a nod from the Michelin guide and what’s involved in bringing tacos to the people at ACLfest. The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Bonus...
Nov 25, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas Podcast talks with award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa as they discuss the intersection of tacos, culture, and community resilience. Together, they’ll dig into how food tells our stories, how taquerias serve as cultural anchors, and the harsh realities immigrant communities face when ICE raids threaten not just businesses, but livelihoods and traditions. From the flavor of carne asada to the fight for dignity, this conversation will go ...
Nov 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Get in on the barbacoa craze that hit Grandpa’s Barbacoa. Find out how that slow cooked lamb barbacoa hits differently in an outdoor, above-ground Pozo. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some ...
Nov 11, 2025•Season 5Ep. 12
Let’s take a class on whole hog butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths, co-owner of Dai Due and learn the essentials of cutting a wild hog to prep for your favorite dish, from the shoulder to the tenderloin. From cabeza to colita, we’re getting real hands-on con estos maranitos. This is a two part episode, the first part is a one-on-one interview with Jesse Griffiths and in this 2nd episode, we’re gonna let Jesse get to butchering in the whole hog class. Let’s dig in. If you’d like to support the ...
Nov 04, 2025•38 min
Whole Hog Butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths (Part 1) Let’s take a class on whole hog butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths, co-owner of Dai Due and learn the essentials of cutting a wild hog to prep for your favorite dish, from the shoulder to the tenderloin. From cabeza to colita, we’re getting real hands-on con estos maranitos. This is a two part episode, in part 1, we are doing a one-on-one interview with Jesse Griffiths and in part 2, we’re gonna let Jesse get to butchering in the whole ho...
Oct 28, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Let’s take a deep dive into the history of tacos and Mexican restaurants in Austin, from the early 1900s to the effects of the 1928 Master Plan and the Tejano establishments still standing to the next generation of taqueros and taqueras. Guest is Alan Garcia, the creator of the instagram page ATX Barrio Archive. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full t...
Oct 21, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Let’s get a pulse of the community and how tacos play a role in identity and politics in 2025; how taquerías are being impacted by ICE raids and explore how some Latinos or people of Mexican heritage can feel deeply connected to their culture – through food, traditions, or family – while also supporting political views that might seem at odds with their identity; and ultimately ask a Maga Latino, how he feels about undocumented immigrants picking and making his food. Guests include Chef Victoria...
Oct 14, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Join us for a conversation with Esme Tejeda from El Dorado Cafe and what it takes to run the back of the kitchen as well as how cocineras play a major role in a restaurant’s success. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as ...
Oct 07, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Standing out in Texas BBQ is not easy. Let’s find out how Pitmaster Chuck Charnichart and the team from Barbs-B-Que are making a name for themselves in the Barbecue Capital of the World.” If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also availabl...
Sep 30, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Join Chef Kirk (Jesse Kuykendall) and Mando as they break down the major components of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The post Tex-Mex vs Mexican appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Sep 23, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 6
A deep dive into the intersection of tacos and tequila with agave expert and photographer Joel Salcido. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Tacos and (mostly) Tequila...
Sep 16, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Take one part Mexican, add Japanese sabores, what you’ll get is an incredible combination at Ramen Del Barrio. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Ramen Del Barrio ap...
Sep 09, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 4
A primer into the Michelin guide and how tacos took over the list in Texas with Chef Edgar Rico from Nixta Taqueria. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Tacos y El Mi...
Sep 02, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Let’s dip our way into Mexican Cooking and salsas with Chef Rick Martinez, author of Salsa Daddy: Dip your way into Mexican cooking. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The po...
Aug 26, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Let’s talk salsa with the Ojeda Middle School Salsa Club and learn how these young entrepreneurs are making and selling their own salsas. Guests include instructor Efrain Garza and his students. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org . Thank you for your support! The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also a...
Aug 19, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 1
The fifth season of The Tacos of Texas podcast premieres on August 19. In Season Cinco, taco journalist Mando Rayo explores whole-hog butchering, the difference between Mexican food and Tex-Mex, how ICE raids are affecting taquerias, Texas’ Latinx Michelin-star honorees, women in BBQ, and kids making their own salsas. Find it on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please vi...
Aug 05, 2025•2 min
The programming in this bonus episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard in July, 2025 . Tacos of Texas host Mando Ray discusses the search and rescue group who came from Mexico to help find victims of the July 4th floods. In the weeks since the Fourth of July floods hit Central Texas, help has come in many forms. From relief concerts to restaurants donating profits, volunteers have been a huge part of relief efforts – including one trained rescue group...
Jul 31, 2025•7 min•Season 4Ep. 9
