In this episode of the Food Origins Podcast, I sit down with my friend Russell Savage, founder and pitmaster of Pico's BBQ. Russell’s culinary journey started in the kitchen long before he ever lit a smoker — attending Johnson & Wales University and training under acclaimed chef Guillaume Bienaime (a fellow podcast guest EP. 20).

From fine dining to fire and smoke, Russell later spent nearly five years in Texas, learning the art of barbecue at legendary spots like Terry Black’s BBQ, before returning home to build Picos BBQ from the ground up.

We talk about the evolution of his craft, what it takes to run a serious barbecue operation, and how honoring both classical training and Texas tradition helped him find his unique voice in the culinary world. This episode is packed with heart, heat, and real food talk — don't miss it.

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In this episode, we sit down with Master Butcher Noriaki Numamoto, a true craftsman in the world of wagyu and whole animal butchery. With decades of experience across Japan and the U.S., Noriaki has become a leading figure in the art of Japanese-style meat preparation — known for his precision, philosophy, and deep respect for the animal.

This special conversation was recorded on-site at Niku Butcher Shop in San Francisco, with Mark Melnick generously providing Japanese translation. Numamoto traveled all the way from Japan for this rare gathering, which also included respected figures like Guy Crims , Jared Montarbo and Justin from Team Trex. From wagyu grading to the soul of the craft, we dive deep into the mindset and mastery behind elite butchery.

Note: Be patient — this episode is a mix of Japanese and English, offering a raw and authentic look into the world of Japanese butchery and its cultural depth.

このエピソードでは、和牛と丸鶏の世界で真の職人、マスターブッチャー沼本憲明氏にインタビューします。日本とアメリカで数十年にわたる経験を積んだ沼本氏は、日本式食肉処理の第一人者であり、その緻密さ、哲学、そして動物への深い敬意で知られています。

この特別な対談はサンフランシスコのNiku Butcher Shopで収録され、マーク・メルニック氏が日本語通訳を担当しました。沼本氏はこの貴重な会合のために日本から遠路はるばるやって来ました。この会合には、ガイ・クリムズ、ジャレッド・モンターボ、チーム・トレックスのジャスティンといった著名人も参加していました。和牛の格付けから職人技の魂まで、一流の食肉職人の精神と熟練の技に深く迫ります。

注：このエピソードは日本語と英語が混在しており、日本の食肉の世界とその文化の奥深さをありのままに、そして真摯に捉えています。

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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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