512 Degrees

In this flavorful episode, we're joined by Mando Rayo, a trailblazing taco journalist and cultural advocate who's redefining how we think—and talk—about food. As the author of The Tacos of Texas, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, and co-creator of United Tacos of America, Mando is on a mission to document the voices and stories behind Texas's diverse taco traditions.We explore:How Mando turned tacos into a storytelling platformThe cultural responsibility of food journalismWhy he says “tacos taste better when you know the story”What he's learned traveling the taco trail across TexasHis go to style of tacosThis isn't just about tacos—it's about identity, community, and the power of sharing our stories through food.

Get ready for a Bravo-fueled rollercoaster! In this special episode, Dom sits down with Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam — the beloved hosts of the award-winning Watch What Crappens podcast — to chat about their Mounting Hysteria tour, the latest scandals shaking up the Bravo-verse, and how they built a pop culture empire with over 3 million monthly listeners. From topping the iTunes charts to winning the 2024 iHeartPodcast Award for Best Pop Culture Podcast, Ben and Ronnie are unstoppable. Tune in for hilarious hot takes, insider gossip, and a backstage pass to the Crappens phenomenon. Bravo fans, this one's for you!

This week on 512 Degrees, we're turning up the heat with none other than comedian and actor Felipe Esparza. The LA-born funnyman returns to his “second home” of Texas as he takes the stage at Austin City Limits on April 26th as part of his At My Leisure World Tour.Known for his sharp wit, authentic storytelling, and hilarious takes on working-class life, Felipe chats with us about his new Netflix special Raging Fool, his early journey in comedy, how comedians push each other to do better, and how he connects with fans across cultures and generations. From overcoming addiction to building a comedy empire, Felipe is living proof that the hustle pays off.Whether you're an OG fan or just discovering his genius, you don't want to miss this one. Grab your tickets now!

Dallas-based, New Mexico-born Chicano artist Esteban Flores, also known as Slow Joy, joins us to talk about his first official U.S. headline tour, including a big stop in Austin on February 7th. We dive into his journey from supporting Real Friends on their massive fall tour to releasing Mi Amigo Slow Joy, an EP that's been making waves with its grungy shoegaze and alt-rock sound. Plus, Esteban shares insights into his upcoming debut album, due in early 2025, and what it's like working with producer Mike Sapone. Don't miss this deep dive into the rise of Slow Joy!

In this special episode of 512 Degrees we chat with Jeffery Hobbs of Slow Bone BBQ live from the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival. This is the final conversation in our series in collaboration with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan

In this special episode of 512 Degrees we chat with Travis of Mum Foods live from the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival. This is the third conversation in our series in collaboration with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan

Texas Football legend and co-host of the 3rd & Longhorn podcast Alex Okafor joins us. We talk Texas playoff football, what Alex has been up to since retiring, and so much more!

In this special episode of 512 Degrees we chat with Matt and Corey of LJ's BBQ live from the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival. This is the second conversation in our series in collaboration with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan

From the oil fields of Oklahoma to the country music stage, Logan Mac's journey is as heartfelt as his debut single, “Dance Under Stars.” In this episode, we chat with Logan about how his father's wisdom and encouragement inspired him to return to music after a life-changing loss. With nearly 50,000 followers on TikTok and a live performance that's gone viral, Logan is quickly becoming a rising star in the country and Red Dirt music scene. Tune in as we talk about his beginnings in music, stepping away, and how he's connecting with fans through his storytelling. Plus, hear what's next as he gears up for live performances and his debut album in 2025.

On today's episode, we sit down with Paris Heart—a musician, cultural trailblazer, and the creative force behind a clothing brand that's taking over the world. Paris takes us through his journey, from growing up on an Indian Reservation in Upstate New York and navigating the intersections of African American and Spanish heritage, to finding his identity through music. We dive into the importance of staying true to yourself, the universal language of music, and the creative empire he's building with his fashion brand. With over 370,000 Instagram followers and fans across the globe, Paris Heart's story is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation!

In this special episode of 512 Degrees we chat with Russell Roegels of Roegels Barbecue Co live from the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival. This is the first conversation in our series in collaboration with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan

In this special episode of 512 Degrees, we're joined by Barry Kerch, drummer for the chart-topping rock band Shinedown, to talk about his latest venture off the stage and into the kitchen. Barry shares the story of his early days in music, the integral role drums play in the heartbeat of a band, and the journey behind creating Shinedown's brand-new line of hot sauces. From Symptom, a chipotle garlic blend that just took home first place at the NYC Hot Sauce Expo, to the sweet, savory, and award-winning Devour, to the tropical kick of Attention Attention, Barry's sauces bring the same passion as his music. This episode is full of inspiration, flavor, and of course, heat!

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of American Latino cuisine with Marisel Salazar, the creative force behind the acclaimed cookbook Latin-ish. In this episode, we talk about Marisel's culinary journey, from her beginnings to becoming a respected James Beard Award judge, Michelin Guide columnist, and Latina restaurant critic. We discuss the inspiration behind Latin-ish, a cookbook that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors shaped by migration and diaspora across Latin America. Marisel shares insights into her creative process, research for the book, and how her time in San Antonio influenced her take on Tex-Mex and CalMex flavors. Tune in to learn more about her upcoming appearance at the Texas Book Festival, where she'll be discussing Hispanic food culture alongside renowned taco writer José Ralat. Whether you're a foodie or a lover of rich storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired and hungry for more. Marisel IG

In this episode, we're thrilled to chat with Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Beranek of St. Lucia, the synth-pop powerhouse taking ACL Weekend 2 by storm! Led by this talented husband-and-wife duo, St. Lucia has returned with a fresh sound and a bold aesthetic, pushing their signature style into new territory. Their recent single, “Falling Asleep,” set the stage, and with the release of “Fear of Falling” on October 11th, they're giving us an even closer look at their new direction. We dig into their creative process, social media style, and their artistic vision for what's to come.

In this episode, we sit down with the lead singer of Wilderado, Max Rainer, to discuss their journey from small jam sessions to major streaming success, with over 200 million streams and counting. The band shares insights into their DIY beginnings, how they developed their signature sound, and the experiences that shaped them along the way. We'll also get to hear tracks from their latest album, Talker, and learn about their recent projects, including a cover of 'Wall of Death' for the Twisters soundtrack. Tune in for an inside look at Wilderado's rise to fame, the power of staying true to their roots, and what's next on the horizon!

In this episode, we chat with Brad Tursi of Old Dominion about his first-ever solo album, Parallel Love. Brad opens up about the personal experiences that inspired the album, from back porch melodies to love stories that never quite happened. We'll hear about his songwriting process, collaborations with artists like Stephen Wilson Jr. and Jessi Alexander, and how stepping out of Old Dominion's democratic structure gave him a new creative outlet. Tune in for an intimate conversation about the songs that only Brad could sing and the stories that make them unforgettable.

In this short episode, we catch up with That Mexican OT to hear what's new in his life. He talks about getting his dream car, how his tour is going, the meaning behind his Instagram posts, performing at the Houston Rodeo, his growing jewelry collection, why sports aren't a priority for him, his new comedy collaborations, and much more.

In this episode, we sit down with The Ringer's Senior Staff Writer and New York Times best-selling author, Mirin Fader. Known for Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion, Mirin discusses her approach to storytelling that goes beyond the game, focusing on the person behind the player. We also dive into her upcoming book, Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon, releasing on October 15th. She shares insights into Olajuwon's journey as the first international NBA MVP and his lasting impact on basketball. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

Join us for a sizzling episode as we grill up a conversation with Kareem El-Ghayesh, the mastermind behind KG BBQ, Austin's hottest barbecue spot. From Wall Street suits to smoky aprons, Kareem's culinary journey is nothing short of inspiring. Kareem shares insights into his menu, his Netflix Barbecue Showdown experience, and how following his passion paid off. Discover how a chance visit to Austin sparked a passion for barbecue that would change his life forever. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of turning a dream into a reality, and get a taste of KG BBQ's mouthwatering creations.  This episode is packed with flavor, inspiration, and a whole lot of barbecue. Don't miss it! This episode is sponsored by American Lamb @fanoflamb.

Mat Kearney has been crafting music for years, but it wasn't until his seventh album that he felt truly connected to his work. In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind his self-titled album. Hear about the journey of self-discovery, the importance of independence, and the role of his home studio, traveling at Oregon, in shaping his sound. https://www.matkearney.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Bun B, renowned rapper and co-founder of Trill Burgers. Join us as Bun B explores the rich cultural tapestry of Houston, discusses the essence of Southern hospitality at Trill Burgers, and shares his journey from food enthusiast to culinary entrepreneur. Discover what makes a Trill Burger special, the challenges of building a food brand, and Bun B's exciting new projects in Japan. Plus, get his valuable advice on consistency and perseverance in achieving your goals. Bun B IG Trill Burgers Website

Get ready for a "Guster" of musical delight as we welcome the enigmatic frontman and guitarist, Ryan Miller, to our "Texas Tasty's 512 Degrees" podcast! In this captivating conversation, we delve into the whimsical world of Ryan Miller and his band, Guster. From his enchanting childhood to the serendipitous formation of Guster in college, Ryan shares the intimate stories that have shaped his musical journey. We'll dive into the creation process behind their latest album, "Ooh La La," and get the inside scoop on their electrifying upcoming shows in Los Angeles. Ryan also spills the beans on his culinary adventures, including his secret recipe for "Gustard" (Guster Mustard). So, sit back, relax, or hit the road with us as we engage in a candid and heartwarming chat with the extraordinary Ryan Miller. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and serenaded by the irresistible sounds of Guster!

In this episode of 512 Degrees, we sit down with Anthony Thomas, a professional rodeo cowboy and the founder of Thomas Cattle & Catering in Houston. Anthony shares his journey of cowboying across 13 states and working with ranchers in Australia and Canada, all while honing the craft of raising top-quality cattle. Discover his passion for providing chemical-free, home-raised beef and the importance of preserving Texas traditions. Whether you're feeding a large family or dining solo, learn how you can enjoy the best local beef with Thomas Cattle & Catering's custom packages. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about food, family, and the cowboy way of life.

Texas music legend Patrick Davis is back for a solo encore! We'll be digging into his music engulfed childhood, humble beginnings, and new album: Carolina When I Die, a genre-blending gumbo of soul, folk-rock, country, and big band flair.  Hear about Patrick's journey from hit songwriter for icons to reclaiming the spotlight. So grab a plate of your favorite Texas comfort food and get ready for a musical journey you won't forget! https://www.patrickdavismusic.com/

Congressman Colin Allred joins us to discuss his journey from NFL player to civil rights lawyer and now, Senate hopeful! This conversation is packed with Texas-sized wisdom from Colin Allred. We chat about the ups and downs of campaigning, the best BBQ in Texas, and his vision for the future, including healthcare, AI, and empowering the younger generation.

This episode dives into the world of healthy living and delicious taste with a light beer that doesn't compromise on flavor. Troy Aikman shares the inspiration behind Eight Beer, what makes it unique in the market, and his personal philosophy of "No Shortcuts, No Excuses." We also get some insider info on Troy's favorite pizza topping (it's a surprise!) and his go-to restaurants in Dallas (including his own!) Tune in to hear Troy's story and learn why Eight Beer is the beer "made for people who put in the work and enjoy the rewards.

Baseball star Alex Bregman swings for the fences in a new venture – Wild Sol, a Southwestern food brand infused with Flecha Azul tequila! In this episode, Alex talks about his love for good food, his entrepreneurial spirit, and how he teamed up with Mark Wahlberg to create a unique line of salsas and spices. Hear how Wild Sol came to be, the surprising secret ingredient, and why Alex might leave the cooking to his wife.

We chat with rising star in the world of off-road racing, Mia Chapman. Mia is carving a track of her own, showing her determination is a force to be reckoned with. She began racing competitively at age six, she was one of only a few females who entered each race. But that never intimidated Mia and surely hasn't impacted her career in the sport. 2020 was when Mia launched into her toughest challenge yet: SXS (side by side) Off-Road racing. Mia's transition from a short-course race, which is complete in a matter of minutes, to a SXS desert race, where races regularly last 5-plus hours and hundreds of miles, have posed challenges that are not for the faint of heart. Mia trains constantly to meet the physical demands of the sport to find her pace that's efficient, but faster. Join us as we dig deep into Mia's journey - from family support to the thrill of the race. We'll hear about her relentless drive to improve, her ambitious goals for the UTV Desert Championship, and what it takes to be a champion in the unforgiving world of off-road racing. Mia Chapman's IG Mia Chapman's Website Red Bull Scramble Series

In this smokin' episode of Texas Tasty's 512 Degrees, we turn up the heat with Texas music legend Pat Green! We'll delve into his unique blend of country twang, rock and roll rebellion, and poetic lyrics that brought true Texas style to the mainstream.  Pat opens up about the challenges of navigating the music industry, staying true to himself, and handling the pressures of fame.  We'll also get the scoop on his latest album, "Miles and Miles of You," and hear some teasers about even more new music on the horizon.  Saddle up for a good time with a Texas original! www.patgreen.com

We chat with Drew Holcomb from Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. These Nashville, Tennessee natives have been weaving their magic for over two decades, blending storytelling with modern folk and heartland rock to create a sound that's both timeless and fresh. We'll dive deep into their impressive career, exploring their chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and collaborations with Americana heavyweights. Plus, get the inside scoop on their upcoming Texas date headlining the Scoot Inn in Austin on April 25th! But wait, there's more! Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors are gearing up for the release of Volume Two of their latest album, "Strangers No More," dropping on September 12th. Get ready for a record packed with their signature sound and including their #1 Americana single, "Find Your People." Don't miss this chance to discover – or rediscover – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors!

We chat with pro golfer, Boo Weekley, and dive into his transition back into the game, being himself while competing, and advice for the average golfer. Boo also mentioned that he will be playing at the 2024 Insperity Invitational in The Woodlands May 3–5, 2024. The Insperity Invitational is a free admission event courtesy of sponsors and has other fun events around it like John Daly's long drive competition and Folds of Honor Greats of Golf Competition.

We chat with the power couple taking charge on bringing Woodway, Texas a new culinary experience called, The Butcher's Cellar. Chef Alyssa Osinga and Chef Alejandro Najar are working in collaboration with Matt & Tiffany Fatheree (owners of The Findery), to complete the vision of this restaurant becoming one of the region's top dining destinations. We discuss their journey from Hell's Kitchen to Texas and what it's like being in a new state opening a restaurant, menu development, learning about the Texas bounty of ingredients, and more. For all the date news and more information please visit The Butcher's Cellar IG. Chef Alyssa Osinga IG Chef Alejandro Najar IG

We dive into the incredible journey of country music star Corey Kent. We'll explore his small-town roots, early musical milestones opening for legends, and the smash hit "Wild As Her" that launched him to Nashville stardom. Corey will also be a part of, Big as Texas Country Music Festival, happening May 10th to 12th, 2024! There will be a star-studded lineup featuring icons like Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, and Dwight Yoakam, alongside rising stars like Alana Springsteen and local favorites Caleb Young and Garrison Nunn. It's not just about the music - get ready for delicious Texas food, live art experiences, a carnival, car show, and more! Follow the links below for all the details you need to plan your trip to the Big as Texas Country Music Festival, the biggest lineup outside of the CMA Fest! https://bigastexasfest.com/ https://www.coreykentofficial.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coreykent/

We chat Keith Jeffery from Atlas Genius. We dive into the 11th anniversary of their debut album "When It Was Now," featuring smash singles like "Trojans" and "If So." Plus, get the details on their upcoming California shows, including Live 105 Soundcheck Nite and the BeachLife Festival. We also explore their inspiring journey from the pandemic to continuously creating music, nerves before shows, the pros and cons of social media, and more! For all up to date news and tour information please visit atlasgenius.com.

We chat with the Founder and CEO of The Mentor Method, Janice Omadeke. We discuss how The Mentor Method was created, why aligning your career with company goals without losing your identity is important, the different type of mentors you need in your life, and the benefits of mentorship. We also highlight the importance of growing society's diversity in seed funding for non-white owned companies. Go to her website for more information, www.janiceomadeke.com. Pre-order your copy of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success here! You'll find practical steps you can take to build your own plan for finding the right mentor for you, or for becoming someone else's trusted advisor.

We chat with Houston's Head Chocolatier of Mostly Chocolate & Catering, Dany Kamkhagi. We explore his journey from intern to award-winning head chocolatier, and discover the creative drive and dedication that has led him to win prestigious national and international accolades. Check out his IG @ danykamkhagi and their website, https://mostlyhtx.com/.

We chat with violinist, singer, producer, and DJ who's shattering glass ceilings, Esther Anaya. Wel explore her creative journey, from classical training to genre-bending performances. Get ready for inspiring stories about breaking barriers, philanthropic endeavors, and electrifying live shows that combine EDM, classical, and vocals. Check out her IG @ estheranaya and her website, https://estheranaya.com/.

We chat with Chef Eduardo Garcia, who remarkably survived a near-death accident taking his left hand but learned how to thrive afterwards and more! He will be speaking at the ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival to share his incredible story of perseverance and staying curious to not let his accident hold him down. The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival is a month-long festival of art, film, speaker, and music events that showcase the talents of creatives who live with disabilities. He's best known for his show "Big Sky Kitchen" and Montana Mex brand, and his message of resilience and recovery will inspire Houstonians on February 15th. Check out Chef Eduardo Garcia's IG @ chefeduardogarcia and his website, https://www.chefeduardo.com/.

We chat with the talented Seattle-born, Central Texas-based musician, 2023 ACL Fest Performer, Gus Clark. At the tender age of eighteen, Gus Clark hit out to explore the United States with a backpack and a mandolin, cutting his teeth playing on the street and traveling by freight train or the kindness of those still bold enough to pick up a hitchhiker. He's now an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (guitar, accordion, mandolin, and more), he now pays beautiful homage to an ultra-deep well of golden-era American music traditions, ranging from pre-WWII blues to 1960s Nashville honky tonk. We jump into his upbringing, his creative process, and the intentionality he wants to share. Check out his IG @ gusclarkmusic and his website, www.gusclarkmusic.com.

We chat with the talented outlaw country queen, Bonnie Montgomery. Raised on southern gospel, Texas swing, Delta blues, and Ozark bluegrass, Bonnie has created her own musical magic. We jump into her origins, the creative process, and most importantly her new electrifying album, River. Bonnie's southern charm invades this conversation only to leave you wanting more. Check out her IG @ bonniemontgomery and her website, www.bonniemontgomerymusic.com.

We chat with Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, Eric Greenspan. New School American Cheese, is a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022 that is taking over the cheese field! This convo dives into Eric's achievements thus far, the mindset to get yourself to the top, and most importantly the American Cheese done right. Check out Eric Greenspan's IG @ chefgreeny and the New School website, https://www.eatnewschool.com/.

We chat with Mexican food lover and wellness pusher who follows a plant-based diet, Alejandra Graf. Ale began her career in the art world and decided to take that passion to food. She is the voice behind Piloncillo&Vainilla, a blog dedicated to sharing her experiences, food philosophy, and healthy and tasty recipes – with a touch of simple direction for anyone to follow along. Join our conversation as we dive into Ale's blogs, why she switched to a plant based diet, and what's to come next! Check out her IG @ piloncilloyvainilla and her website, https://www.alecooks.com/.

We chat with science adventurer, travel specialist, and renowned television host of Mythbusters, Kari Byron. Kari is the co-director of the National STEM Challenge/Festival, a chance for kids to unleash their creativity and innovative thinking! The mission is to craft a STEM project that tackles a real-world challenge and to use the scientific method or engineering design process. The Festival is co-presented by the U.S. Department of Education and EXPLR. Join us in this fun, genuine, and exciting conversation about celebrating our kids and the future of innovation. nationalstemchallenge.com

We chat with Houston's FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURATEUR, AUTHOR, TV HOST, and James Beard Award-winning Chef, Chris Shepherd. Chris is launching a new series called Table to Stage. Table to Stage will bring a celebrated selection of the top names in food and beverage to Stages for an exclusive series while providing you the “Why.” Get to know the people behind the food: what inspires them, what drives them, and how they got to where they are now. Tune in for more juicy information about this tender series. https://stageshouston.com/table-to-stage/

We chat with Ambassador of Life & Sport, Professional Photographer and full-time traveler based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Matt Cardis. Matt is the Founder of Cardis Creative, LLC, which illuminates the culture of American Golf and the "Modern Golfer" with Golf In Your State. This Golf Nomad travels the country in his converted Sprinter van while photographing the beautiful sport of golf and executing cost-effective, branded content strategy. IG: @golfinyourstate

We chat with American mixed martial artist, Bellator MMA Bantamweight division contender, and 2x NCAA wrestling Champ, Raufeon Stots. Originally hailing from Houston, TX, Stots' is here to share his take on the vicious profession along with what it takes to truly thrive in the cage. We discuss his climb from wrestling to mixed martial arts, the rigorous training schedule, and his new Youtube series/podcast Pound for Pound that will be touching on the bountiful culture and food of Houston.

We linked up with @thatmexicanot at @redbullbatalla last weekend to chat about his chart topping album Lonestar Luchador, his bring up in Texas, and all things Texas food and culture. Check out our conversation with the voice of Texas rap today.

We chat with Hawai'i native and home cook, Relle Lum. Relle is an online sensation who invites you into her personal kitchen to whip up some ‘ono (delicious) foods of Hawai'i. Her recipes represent the melting pot of which Hawai'i is, including everything from Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino, and more. Please enjoy her recipes and feel free to share it with your family and friends. Share them on social media and tag her in it! You can follow Relle Lum on all her socials in the links below IG: keeping.it.relle - https://keepingitrelle.com/

We chat with TikTok and YouTube superstar Angelo Bahu, aka YoAngelolo about the celebrated, social media famous, three-time winner of Dessert Wars, donut and ice cream concept, Yonutz. Yonutz offers a range of fantastical desserts from specialty donuts and Yonutz SMASHED™Donuts, to Yonutz SMASHED™Milkshakes, gourmet ice cream and ice cream pints. Join us as we discuss the history of how Yonutz was started, new and upcoming locations, and exciting new flavors. https://www.yonutz.com/

We chat with Oahu native and creator of Pica Pica, Nadia Agsen. Nadia created Pica Pica as a way to tell her own story. Pica Pica is a pop-up, a supper club, and an intimate gathering place based in Brooklyn, New York striving to become a brick and mortar bistro. Our conversation covers Nadia's journey into the culinary world, her Filipino heritage, Pica Pica's campaign with NuMarket, and exciting upcoming events. IG: picapicabk - https://numarket.co/fund/pica-pica

We chat with mom, author, Great American Recipe judge, and chef and owner of the acclaimed New York City restaurants Pig & Khao and Piggyback, Leah Cohen. Leah brought authentic Southeast Asian flavors to NYC while incorporating classical western techniques. In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration of Pig and Khao as well as Piggyback, the importance of authentic non-fusion dishes, Pig and Khao #2 (coming 2024), and more. Check out @leahscohen, @pigandkhao, and @piggybacknewyork on instagram for more delicious content!