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Food Origins Podcast

Food Origins Podcast

Written by: Dave Sands
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About this listen

With my passion and experience with food, I talk to people about their origin stories. What they ate growing up, their culture, favorite foods, recipes, family traditions, awesome tools, best & worst restaurant experiences in the world and of course; their current projects, advice & businesses. Food connects us all, so let’s learn more about it together.

© 2026 Food Origins Podcast
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Episodes
  • Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition Insights from Former Navy SEAL Jeff Nichols I Food Origins Podcast 71
    Feb 13 2026

    Jeff Nichols is a former U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six operator and exercise
    physiologist who brings real-world combat and human-performance science
    together to prepare the next generation of Navy SEAL, BUD/S, and Special
    Forces candidates.

    As the Department Head of Human Performance at SEAL Team Six, Jeff spent
    nearly a decade designing and implementing strength, conditioning, and recovery programs for the military’s most elite operators. His approach is not theory-based - it’s built on years of firsthand experience
    performing at, and coaching others to reach, the absolute peak of tactical and athletic capability.

    After leaving active duty, Jeff founded Performance First. In Banks,
    Alabama, the 28-acre training facility and 10,000-square-foot performance
    center is dedicated to special-operations preparation, BUD/S physical and
    mental readiness, and elite human performance.

    Jeff’s mission is to develop complete warriors - men and women capable of
    excelling under pressure, mastering stress, and performing with discipline and confidence in any environment. His programs combine tactical fitness, mental-toughness development, and evidence-based
    performance physiology to produce measurable results.

    From his years as a SEAL Team Six operator to his expertise in exercise physiology, Jeff Nichols stands apart as the only active BUD/S and Special Operations trainer with direct experience at the highest level of Naval Special Warfare. His work continues to influence the future of Navy SEAL preparation, tactical human performance, and elite-operator
    training worldwide.

    https://www.performancefirstus.com

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    Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt
    Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • The Modern Rural Civilian on Food and Self-Reliance I Mark Bonnalie Food Origins Podcast 70
    Jan 30 2026

    Mark is the creator of the Modern Rural Civilian channel, creating content about his ongoing DIY journey to design and build his dream "off grid" property and homestead. In the summer of 2021 Mark and his fiancé Heather sold everything they owned to buy bare, rural acreage in the mountains of Idaho. Many people talk about their desire to detach and build their own oasis, to become more self sufficient, but few actually take the required actions. Mark's channel shares the successes and failures quite openly, providing insight in to what the lifestyle actually requires.


    In this episode, Dave and Mark discuss the journey of homesteading, the importance of food in rural living, and the art of cooking. Mark shares his experiences growing up with food, his culinary career, and the transition to off-grid living. They explore food preservation techniques, the significance of community involvement in food production, and the role of hunting in modern life. Mark emphasizes the value of understanding food sources and the skills necessary for a sustainable lifestyle, while also highlighting the joy of cooking and the fulfillment that comes from growing and preparing one's own food.


    Send us a text

    Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt
    Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

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    2 hrs
  • McDojos Exposed: Rob Ingram Pulls No Punches I Food Origins Podcast 69
    Jan 8 2026

    With over 28 years of experience in martial arts, Rob Ingram holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Lissajous-Do, and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His competitive career includes an impressive (6-0) record as an amateur boxer and a (4-2) record in amateur kickboxing.

    Rob was also a member of the prestigious international martial arts team, Full Circle, for two years, and ran his own successful martial arts school for four years. Rob’s passion for martial arts extends beyond the dojo.

    For the past decade, he has worked as a business consultant, helping martial arts businesses improve their operations and grow. He is best known as the founder of McDojoLife, an online platform that has amassed over one million followers. McDojoLife’s mission is to expose frauds, scams, and unethical practices in the martial arts world, protecting students from exploitation and misinformation. Through his work, Rob has become a leading voice in advocating for integrity and accountability in martial arts.

    At Academy Safe, Rob plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission to ensure the safety and well-being of martial arts students nationwide. His extensive experience as a martial artist, instructor, and advocate uniquely positions him to drive the development of the national safety registry, setting higher standards for the martial arts community.

    https://mcdojolife.com


    In this episode, Rob from McDojo Life shares his journey in martial arts, starting from his childhood experiences of bullying to becoming a third-degree black belt. He discusses the importance of legitimacy in martial arts, the dark side of the industry, and the need for awareness regarding abuse and fraud. Rob also highlights the five rules of McDojo Life, emphasizing the importance of safety and integrity in martial arts schools.

    The conversation touches on the evolution of martial arts, the significance of community, and concludes with a light-hearted discussion about food and comfort meals. In this engaging conversation, Rob From McDojoLife and Dave Sands explore a variety of culinary topics, from marination techniques and celebrity chefs to the cultural significance of food in martial arts. They share personal anecdotes about their favorite dishes, hidden culinary gems, and the challenges of finding quality dining experiences. The discussion also delves into Rob's documentary project, which aims to expose martial arts fraud and promote safety in the industry through the Academy Safe initiative.

    Send us a text

    Firecracker Farm Small-batch Spicy Salt
    Family farm with a secret blend of Carolina Reaper, Ghost, and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 58 mins
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