Tacos of Texas

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October 4, 2022

Decolonizing Maíz

By: Mando Rayo

Corn is the most important crop of the Americas. It sustained the Western Hemisphere for centuries, and with the colonization of its lands, came the colonization of corn. In the past century, corn went from maíz production to mass production, with companies modifying it and depleting it of its natural riches. In this episode we rally with masa makers on a journey to reconnect our comunidades with the nutrients and flavors of the superfood in a more pure form than the mass-produced maseca, with which many of us are familiar. We talk to Andres Garza, now Nixta Taqueria’s Director of Masa Development and Fermentation, Olivia Lopez, chef and co-owner of Molino Olōyō in Dallas, Texas, and Julian Maltby of Mercado Sin Nombre in Austin, TX about decolonizing the once magical maiz and the many shapes of tacos being made with their corn tortillas.


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May 5, 2026

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April 28, 2026

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April 21, 2026

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Mando Rayo talks to Texas Standard host David Brown about the fallout from the sexual assault allegations against labor leader Cesar Chavez.

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April 14, 2026

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Tamal or Tamale? Corn husk or banana leaf? Taco Journalist Mando Rayo weighs in on the great Texas debate…Or is it Tejas?

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April 8, 2026

Healthy Without Breaking Up (with Tacos)

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 […]

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March 31, 2026

Tacos of Texas wraps fifth season delving into politics, new Michelin honorees and more

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 […]

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