Tacos of Texas

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October 11, 2022

Las Jefecitas: using comida to sustain immigrant households.

By: Mando Rayo

Many immigrants have leveraged the delicious cuisines of their países as a means of income and work when they first arrive in the United States. Even before setting up a taco truck or even a brick and mortar, we see vendedoras earning their income by selling tacos out of their hieleritas in grocery store parking lots or wherever they know they’ll find foot traffic. In this episode we explore what motivates these women to leave their kitchens and go out into these parking lots. We discuss these informal economies and how they look in today’s digital age. We also spend time at La Mujer Obrera and Cafe Mayapán to see how the organization supports immigrant and indigenous women by training and employing them.


Episodes

April 14, 2026

Tamal or tamale?

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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March 24, 2026

Street vendors in Texas feeling the pinch among heightened immigration anxiety

“They are doing it by selling what they know. They know their food. They know their culture.”

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March 17, 2026

New year, new do’s – and dont’s – of tacos

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 […]

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March 10, 2026

Behind the Tacos of Texas Podcast with story producer, Louise Van Assche and Mando Rayo

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 […]

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December 9, 2025

Flipping the Tortilla: One on One with Mando Rayo

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!)

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December 2, 2025

Paprika ATX: When a Taquero stands up for his communities

In this bonus episode we talk to Margarito “Mago” Perez, owner of the Paprika about turning a taco truck to a brick and mortar and standing up for community during ICE and immigration raids.

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