Tacos

Taco Identity

Latino culture isn’t exactly known to be LGTBQia+ friendly. We’ve seen this through some of our biggest cultural icons, who remained closeted their entire lives. Much of the intolerance is driven by machismo in our culture, which can be prevalent in spaces like taquerias. We connect with Angel Cabrera, owner of Tacos Doña Lena in Houston, and Kristen Martinez, owner of MB Foodhouse in Minneapolis, about their experience in the taco community. They share with us how they have persevered and risen above the odds… even during a pandemic.

Taco Beats

What goes better with tacos than with a little Screwmbia? That’s cumbia chopped and screwed. We’ll talk with los mero meros de screwmbia, including Principe Q (Corpus Christi DJ, chef, and nephew of Selena, yes that Selena) and Gracie Chavez (co-founder of Houston’s Bombón collective) to understand how the music genre took off. We’ll also take a deep dive into creating taco beats with music producer Adrian Graniel who helped IDENTITY Productions create their own taco beats that go perfect with tacos al pastor and a bien sazonada carne asada.

Trailer: Tacos of Texas Season Dos

Let’s talk tacos with Mando Rayo, Taco Journalist and the co-creator of United Tacos of America TV Show & Tacos of Texas book and PBS digital series.

As an avid taco ambassador, food explorer and street ethnographer, Mando has traveled across the U.S. to uncover the tastiest tacos, from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to L.A. and New Orleans to New York City. And we’re keeping the conversation front and center through the Tacos of Texas podcast Season Two.

Keeping it true to our TacoJournalist roots, we’ll talk to Texas taqueros, tortilleras & makers; we’ll also explore food cultures & people while exploring issues like Taco Beats, Taco Identity, Smoked Beef Barbacoa, Taco Gentrification and of course, we’ll keep it muy caliente with our “sound of tacos” and “where taqueros eat” segments by people across the great state of Texas.

How to Run a Modern Day Taqueria

Learn from two Chingonas making it in the taco world including Lis Mariscal, Veracruz All Natural and Victoria Elizondo, Chef/Owner of Cochinita & co. Moderated by Taco Journalist, Mando Rayo. Recorded live on the podcast stage at Austin City Limits Festival 2021.

Building a Taco Empire

Learn from Taco Journalist, Mando Rayo and Director Dennis Burnett on how they’re building platforms for people of color, from the tacos of Texas Podcast, United Tacos of America tv show and cooking shows, Tex-Mex Queen and ATE (ah-teh). Recorded live on the podcast stage at Austin City Limits Festival 2021.

The Rise of Tex-Mex BBQ

If you asked any natural born Texan what food they most associate with their home state, chances are you’ll get one of two answers: BBQ and Tacos. In this episode we examine how these two disparate food traditions collided to to create the Lone Star sensation that is Tex-Mex BBQ. We’ll get a comprehensive look at this trend’s history, uncovering what exactly is Tex-Mex BBQ? How far do the style’s roots go? And most importantly, where are the best BBQ Tacos in Texas found? Guests include Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Company in Seguin, Joel Garcia of Teddy’s BBQ in Weslaco, and Eliana Gutierrez of Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ In Austin. Check out this Tex-Mex BBQ map we made with all the spots we mention in this episode.

Trailer: Tacos of Texas

Have you ever wondered why Birria tacos are so popular? Or how tacos are saving Texas, even during the pandemic? Or which Texas city has the tastiest tacos? If you find yourself dreaming of tacos, this is the podcast for you.

Texas Standard: April 27, 2021

A pickup of 2 seats in congress and the electoral college. A missed opportunity for Texas? A top demographer over the state’s population boom and why estimates for a bigger gain didn’t materialize. Also, a special election in Texas that may offer a window on the state of state politics at large. And Texas leading the nation in the rate of hospital closures…a look at who’s hardest hit and what’s being done to turn things around. Plus a new culinary piece de resistance: French Tacos? for real? All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: April 16, 2020

As many jobs lost in the past month as all those created since the great recession, now Texas hospitals struggling to make ends meet, we’ll have the latest. Other stories were tracking: the oil and gas industry asking for more state regulation? More on an historic hearing aimed at trying to stop a downward spiral. Also, one place where business is good? Check in with some factories on the Texas Mexico border. And the Texas governor set to talk about plans aimed at getting back to business. A top pandemic expert at Texas A&M has a warning. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 9, 2017

A Texas senator says there’s bipartisan support for a bill some are calling gun control. This in the wake of the attack at Sutherland Springs. Four days after the church shooting, nearby communities lock arms for the largest public gathering there since the tragedy. And after election day, time to get ready for, election day? Two different takes on the sprint to November 2018. Also, a week or so into signups, a surprise for those who might have written off the Affordable Care Act. And trouble in the virtual space as Snapchat and Twitter face some real world considerations, like revenue. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 12, 2017

As Congress gets ready to approve hurricane aid money, governor Abbot sends a message to the Texas delegation: get a spine! We’ll hear why the governors so angry over the hurricane relief package set to a vote in the house. Plus, why lots of folks in hard hit Victoria are feeling left high and dry by relief efforts so far. And a win for opponents of solitary confinement in Texas and why some say it doesn’t go far enough. Plus outside a rural Texas town perhaps best known for kolaches: the first legal cannabis dispensary in the Lone Star state… not quite like those in California. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 1, 2017

Stuck and frustrated. Several immigrant families are being held in Texas Detention Centers far longer than law allows, we’ll explore. Also, Texas Lawmakers left Austin without making real changes to the state’s barely constitutional school finance system. Coming up: what they did do this session when it comes to education. And a Supreme Court ruling over printer cartridges affects every American consumer. We’ll explain. Plus, did political infighting just leave several Texas agencies in limbo? We’ll hear from an insider. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: May 4, 2017

Show me your papers: Governor abbott set to sign into law a measure requiring Texas police to enforce federal immigration law, we’ll explore. Also murder charges mulled for the North Texas police officer who fired the shots killing 15 year old Jordan Edwards. Some wonder why it seems so few officers suspected of such crime ever wind up doing time. We’ll explore. Plus one of Texas’ best known investors buys one of the world’s best known social media platforms. But does Mark Cuban really want Twitter, or something smarter? All of that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: April 6, 2017

Marathon: more than a city in west Texas, a description of a drama unfolding at the capitol right now. Also the number of people apprehended at the border hits a 17 year low. History says they’re supposed to be on the rise. What’s up? Some answers from the front lines. And as fears escalate over deportation in Spanish speaking communities, some Texas businesses try adaptation: the new rules of engagement with customers. Also a spike in disability claims in rural America has researchers asking how ya gonna keep em down on the farm, or the ranch. And if internet companies are gonna share your info, what can you do to keep it to yourself? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 5, 2016

He once called him a buffoon with the fear mongering arguments of a child. Now, a top Hispanic leader is joining the Trump team. Our conversation today. Also massive protests and reports of looting in cities all across Mexico as parts of the country come to a virtual standstill. We’ll hear what’s behind it. And a closer to home a tightening job market. How some Texas companies are trying to win over the best and brightest with coffee bars, free college courses and other perks. Plus how much does it really cost to educate Texas kids? The state rethinks the numbers. And the promise of 2017, from high tech to tacos. All that and then some today on the Texas Standard:

Tortillas

Any Texpat can give you a list of things they miss about the Lone Star State. The weather, the football, the music – and near the top of many of these homesick lists: the food. Specifically, a good tortilla. Whether you prefer tacos, fajitas or burritos, there’s just nothing like a great tortilla.

Texas Standard: August 18, 2016

In a year of deadly storms, and torrential downpours, one south Texas sheriff is wishing for a hurricane. His radical call for relief near the border, we’ll explore. Also he’s accused of being a deserter but new evidence suggests Bowe Bergdahl wanted to be something else: a Russian mob hitman. We’ll hear the latest on the eve of a potential turning point in his court martial. And if its good enough for kids, why not for schools? A plan to give Texas educators grades of A to F. And when it comes to the unofficial state entree, one town must be crowned as most improved. We’ll taco all about that and much more in just a moment, on todays Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 7, 2016

Texas versus New York. There’s clearly a bit of a rivalry there and it may just have heated up over a hot-button issue. Plus Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been quieter since suspending his campaign for president… but his political machine hasn’t slowed down… it may just be re-tooling. Also… 1.4 million Texas public education employees and retirees could be affected by Brexit… we’ll explain. And it’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s a… problem. How one Texas Air Force base is trying to co-exist with wildlife… while at the same time protect human lives. And Topo Chico… how the bubbly brand has changed over recent years. That and more on today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 16, 2016

More than 170 arrested, 9 killed, more than 12 months later…not a single trial. But now: no more gag order. A waco biker tells his story today on the Texas Standard. Also: after Orlando, more demands for gun control, blocked by the NRA what some call the most powerful lobby in the country. But is it really? And the Alamo city prepares for a yuge political rally, and a yuge pushback from protesters…how the police chief hopes to keep the peace. Also disaster on the half shell…as the fishing industry feels the after-effects of Texas floods. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: April 14, 2016

A Texas high school student wears blackface to a party. From the high school there’s silence, until it becomes national news. We’ll explore. Also there’s a coal mine in south Texas. Environmentalists have fought it for years, unsuccessfully…but now, Native Americans are stepping in. We’ll hear why. And a first of its kind statewide hotline for sexual abuse survivors. And who needs basements? The self storage phenomenon made in Texas reaches critical mass. Also is that a grasshopper in your tortilla? Taking taco’s to the extreme.. All that and more today on the Texas Standard: