Podcast
10,000 TACOS®
Hosted by Isidro Salas · EN
Tacos are life and cilantro is a choice. This is a storytelling show about the taco life. Having grown up in a taco truck, I can't help but think of life events and tie them to the experiences and lessons learned from parents who made tacos for a living. Tacos are my life. Tacos are my culture. I am the Proud Son of a Taquero and I invite you to a taco with me (digitally) and hope your day can be made better with some of the stories we tell!
20episodes
Episodes
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Who are you and what's up with that Mexican burger?
3w ago00:09:54Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary What does a stacked Mexican street burger have to do with deep identity reflection? Turns out, a lot. This week, we're hitting up the La Comarca taco truck for a culinary masterpiece, sharing bites with strangers, and diving into a bittersweet question from my late father that completely changed how I view myself and my work. Key Moments & Takeaways The Mexican Burger Breakdown: If you've never had one, you're missing out. This beast from La Comarca came loaded with a seeded bun, avocado, a perfectly smashed patty, a hot dog, and ham. It is pure, fabulous chaos in the best way. The Mission: I firmly believe my dad put me on this earth to promote these local trucks. I don't charge them a dime—it's pure passion for the food and the community. A Heartbreaking, Healing Question: Toward the end of his life, my dad battled dementia. He would often look at me with total bewilderment and ask, "Who are you?" While it hurt deeply in the moment, that question became a unintended gift. He was still being a dad, forcing me to reflect on exactly who I am. Owning the Title: For a long time, I was uncomfortable promoting myself. But thanks to him, I've found my confidence. Today, I am proud to look in the mirror and say, "I am a content creator." I'm taking my craft seriously, and I have my dad to thank for that push. Featured in this Episode Food Truck: La Comarca A Note to the Listeners: Who are you? It's a question we all struggle with. If you're hiding your talents or feel uncomfortable promoting your passion, consider this your sign to step into the spotlight and own your title. TAQUOTE: "Life, much like a Mexican burger, can get messy and full of unexpected ingredients—but it's the layer of family that ultimately shapes who we are." You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →TACO BREAKUP
4w ago00:09:46Tap to summarizeEpisode Description: What happens when greatness just… stops? In this episode, a chance encounter with a young taquero in San Jose sparks a deeper conversation about endings, expectations, and the subtle entitlement of being a consumer. From the legendary culinary staples of San Jose to the abrupt retirement of NFL icon Barry Sanders, we dive into why it's so hard to say goodbye to the things we love. It's a candid reminder that instead of being bitter when things end, we owe it to the creators (and ourselves) to just say "thank you." 📋 In This Episode, We Discuss: · The San Jose Encounter: Running into a local taquero and the heartbreak of learning a favorite truck has closed its windows for good. · The Anatomy of the taco I'll miss: Reminiscing on freshly pressed tortillas, meats cooked to order, and the infamous San Jose orange sauce debate. · The Entitlement of Fans: Looking back at the ugly backlash surrounding Barry Sanders' retirement and unpacking why we feel "owed" forever-service from our favorite icons. · Gratitude Over Grievance: Why we need to do better when we don't get our way, and the art of gracefully letting go. TAQUOTE "Though tacos have been around for what seems like forever, at one point, they'll stop existing too…… I just hope it's not today." You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →Tortillas Don't Puff
Jun 200:09:13Tap to summarizeWe've all had those moments where our best intentions meet a harsh reality. You finally get the perfect ingredient ratio down, you visualize the fluffy tortillas you're about to enjoy, and then… a mishap with the oven timer and a blazing temperature leaves you with a tray of burnt sopes instead. 440°F for 40 minutes is a recipe for a kitchen disaster, but it's also a masterclass in resilience. This episode is dedicated to the beauty of the attempt. Join us as we talk about the messy, frustrating, and entirely necessary process of trial and error. Because whether you are standing over a hot stove or navigating the complexities of life, the magic doesn't happen instantly. It takes patience, adjustment, and the willingness to burn a few batches along the way. Like the perfect tortilla, one day you'll catch that steam, and you will puff up. In This Episode, We Cover: The Kitchen Reality Check: The exact moment a tortilla experiment turned into burnt sopes, and why 440°F for 40 minutes is just too hot and too long. The Power of Trying: Shifting your perspective from "I failed this recipe" to "I'm still learning, growing, and showing up." Finding the Bubble: A poetic look at resilience—how to keep believing in the good and waiting for your moment to rise, even when you're currently surrounded by the "bad" (or the burnt). Key Takeaways & Quotes: "But the important thing is that I'm trying. I'm still learning. I'm still growing. And like the tortilla, one day I'll puff up… That is the bubble." The Pivot: You might set out to make one thing and accidentally create another. Even when it burns, the fact that you stepped into the kitchen and tried is what matters. Watch Your Temperature: Sometimes we push ourselves too hard and too fast (metaphorically living at 440°F). True growth requires the right environment, not just maximum heat. Taquote: Faith is believing in good when surrounded by bad……" You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →Digital vs Real Hustle
May 2900:09:42Tap to summarizeEpisode Overview The floor keeps shifting, but the grind stays the same. In this episode, we dive into the exhausting tension between running a traditional physical business and maintaining a modern digital presence. Reflecting on a time 30 years ago when marketing tools didn't exist, we ask a tough generational question: Would our parents have used social media to promote their business? From "ghost town" Instagram feeds to the discomfort of "showing off," we break down why the algorithm will never replace the soul of a taquero, why a dead social media page is often a sign of a thriving kitchen, and how the younger generation serves as the ultimate bridge between legacy and tech. Key Takeaways · The Unreplaceable Taquero: Why AI and automation can change the landscape, but can never replicate the soul, flavor, and grit of a master at the grill. · The Generational Divide: A deep dive into the humility of older business owners. Why "showing off" on camera feels unnatural to the generation that let the food do the talking. · The Truth Behind "Dead" Social Feeds: Empathy for the business owners juggling two worlds. Why no address or a month of silence on Instagram isn't a failure—it's a sign of survival. · The Invisible Work: Honoring the 4 AM prep, the lime juice, and the grease. A reminder that your community will always smell the smoke from the grill before they see the post on the feed. · Being the Bridge: The crucial role of the next generation—the sons, daughters, and grandkids—in carrying the digital weight so the masters can focus on their craft. TAQUOTE "A shifting floor doesn't matter if your foundation is solid. Keep your flavor authentic, because you can always buy a better camera, but you can't buy a better recipe." 🌶️ Join the Movement: Subscribe & Review: If you believe in what we're building here, hit that subscribe button and leave a review. It helps me build the buzz for next year! You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →Real Talk, Real Taste (Why I'm Not a Reviewer)
May 2400:09:29Tap to summarizeReal Talk, Real Taste (Why I'm Not a Reviewer) Episode Summary Let's set the record straight right from the jump: I am not a food reviewer. In this episode, I'm breaking down the two main reasons why I absolutely hate that label. First, unfair negative reviews can genuinely destroy a small business that's just trying to get by. A packed parking lot doesn't change how the tacos taste, and a language barrier with your waitress is no excuse to drop a one-star review. That's bull shit, plain and simple. Second, taste is entirely subjective, and I'm the first to admit I still have a lot to learn about different regional styles and cooking techniques. I'm not here to be a critic; I'm just here for the journey. Key Takeaways The Impact of Critic Culture: Why petty, untrained negative reviews do real-world damage to mom-and-pop shops. Subjectivity vs. Authority: Food is personal. No one should comfortably dictate what is "good" or "bad" for everyone else. Always Learning: Staying humble, keeping an open mind, and admitting when there is still more to learn about culture, region, and flavor. 🌮 TAQUOTE "Don't judge a taco by its parking lot, and never let a bitter critic ruin a perfectly good blend of cilantro and onions." 🌶️ Join the Movement: Subscribe & Review: If you believe in what we're building here, hit that subscribe button and leave a review. It helps me build the buzz for next year! You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →The Math of Doing Something (Why I Choose to Believe)
May 2000:09:46Tap to summarizeDía de los Taqueros has come and gone. Was it a massive economic windfall? Did it break the internet? Honestly, I don't have all the data yet—but if you ask me, it was a massive success. In this episode, I'm getting vulnerable about what it actually takes to build something from the ground up. Call me delusional if you want, but I truly believe we made a difference this year. Because here's the reality: if you do nothing, you guarantee a zero percent success rate. But if you just do something, you create momentum. I'm breaking down why I choose to believe in this movement, how my wife keeps that fire lit, and how this exact mindset got me through two brain surgeries last year. I also look back at my dad's journey—crossing the border, getting caught, falling down, but keeping his eyes on the taco truck business that gave me the life I have today. We're already building the buzz for next year. Because tacos are life, and everything else is a choice. 🎙️ What I'm Talking About Tonight: The Post-Día de los Taqueros Reality Check: Why I'm declaring this year a win, regardless of what the spreadsheets say. The "Something vs. Nothing" Philosophy: Why taking imperfect action will always beat sitting on the sidelines. My Support System: How my wife's belief in the big picture keeps me moving forward. Lessons from My Dad: Grit, immigration, and how a taco truck became the foundation of my life. Surviving the Scars: Looking back at my two brain surgeries and the undeniable power of a positive attitude. 📝 Words I Live By: "If you do nothing, then you know for sure it was nothing. Just doing something will result in something." TAQUOTE: "Tacos are life. Cilantro is a choice." 🌶️ Connect with me: Subscribe & Review: If you believe in what we're building here, hit that subscribe button and leave a review. It helps me build the buzz for next year! · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) · YouTube
Transcribe →He Loved Making Tacos (Redefining Wealth)
May 1800:09:08Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually mean to be "wealthy"? In this episode, we are throwing out the traditional playbook on success and digging into a different kind of riches: loving what you do. Our journey starts with a realization about my dad. He didn't just make tacos; he genuinely loved making them. For him, that joy was a form of wealth that money simply couldn't buy. Years later, I found myself sitting back and realizing how much I love watching my wife dive into her own work with that same kind of passion. It's a beautiful, unexpected coincidence—I inherited a blueprint for happiness from my dad without even realizing he was passing it down. Today, my obsession with hitting up taco trucks and chasing down local spots across the country isn't just about food. It's a living legacy. I owe my love for the hustle, the flavor, and the community entirely to my pops and moms. We also tackle a major habit we all need to break: assuming we know how other people feel. Instead of guessing, let's start listening. This episode is a tribute to the people we look up to, the roots that shape us, and the daily reminder to appreciate the masters of their craft right in front of us. Grab a plate, pull up a chair, and let's redefine what it means to live a rich life. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Redefining Wealth: True success isn't a bank account; it's the alignment of your daily work and your happiness. The Accidental Legacy: How we absorb our parents' definitions of joy without even realizing it. Stop Assuming, Start Honoring: Why we need to give people their flowers while they can still smell them, rather than projecting our own assumptions onto their lives. You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →This taquero was my dad.
May 1100:08:22Tap to summarizeWith Día del Taquero coming up, I wanted to get personal for a minute. This day isn't just about finding the best al pastor or hitting up your favorite stand—for me, it's about my dad. My dad passed away on May 12th, 2020. I was already doing things to honor him while he was here, but after he died, something clicked. I realized that the profession of being a taquero doesn't get the respect it actually deserves. He never sat me down and told me to go on a mission for him, but I felt it. I felt like his legacy, and the legacy of people just like him, needed to be said out loud. What we're talking about: The 4:00 AM Reality: It's not just about the food; it's about the grind. It's the people waking up before the sun to prep. It's the moms who get the truck ready, get the kids to school, and then go work a double shift. The "Invisible" Hustle: For too long, people have looked at taqueros, gardeners, or housekeepers through a narrow lens. I want to challenge that. The Silicon Valley Connection: The hustle doesn't stop at the taco stand. Today, the children of those taqueros are in executive positions and working in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. That drive was passed down from the stand to the boardroom. This episode is for my dad, and for every person behind the counter who worked so their kids could be anywhere they wanted to be. Thanks for listening. If you have a story about your own family's hustle, I'd love to hear it. 🎯 Takeaway Día de Taquero isn't about going viral. It's not about creators, brands, or platforms. It's about showing up. _________________________________________________ You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) _________________________________________________
Transcribe →dia de taqueros - a simple Thank You
May 800:09:33Tap to summarizeThis isn't a holiday. It's not marketing. And it's not tied to any app, platform, or trend. Día de Taquero is just a reminder— a simple one—to recognize the people who have been feeding our communities for generations. In this episode, we talk about what this day really means, why May 15th matters, and the moment the world finally gave attention to something that's always been there: taqueros doing their craft at the highest level—without recognition, without hype, just consistency and hard work. From long nights behind the grill to feeding entire communities day after day, this is about respect. Nothing more. Nothing less. ⏱️ Key Topics What Día de Taquero is—and what it's not The everyday role taqueros play in our lives Why their work often goes unnoticed The reality of the craft: heat, repetition, discipline Why May 15th was chosen The moment global recognition caught up Why support matters (even in small, practical ways) How word-of-mouth still drives taquerías 📅 Why May 15th On May 15, 2024, major news outlets reported that a small taquería in Mexico City earned a Michelin Star. For many, this was surprising. For communities who grew up around taqueros—it wasn't. This date marks a moment when global recognition finally aligned with what people had already known for decades. 🌮 What You Can Do Keep it simple: Go eat at a taquería Support the people who support you Tip well Learn their names Show respect If you post your meal, tag the taquería—not for clout, just to share the spot with your circle. 🎯 Takeaway Día de Taquero isn't about going viral. It's not about creators, brands, or platforms. It's about showing up for taqueros and small businesses. _________________________________________________ You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) · comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________
Transcribe →3 Reasons why I'm Not a Taquero: Chaos, Craft, and Self-Awareness
May 600:11:02Tap to summarizeI'm Not a Taquero: Chaos, Craft, and Self-Awareness "I'm the proud son of a taquero, but I'd be a terrible one." In this episode of 10,000 Tacos, Isidro Salas dives deep into his personal connection to taco culture and why he's choosing to honor his family's legacy through storytelling rather than service. What we cover in this episode: • Thriving in Chaos: Why Isidro only feels organized when the world is "on fire" and how that translates to the high-pressure environment of a taco truck. • The Restless Creator: A look at the need to constantly rearrange, evolve, and learn—and why a "perfected" recipe is never truly finished. • Self-Awareness & Legacy: The honest truth about growing up in the business, the hard work of the previous generations, and the decision to pursue a college degree to create new options. • The "Other Taqueros": A heartfelt story about a recent experience in Redwood City that reminded Isidro why this profession deserves the highest economic and social respect. Join us for a vulnerable, funny, and insightful conversation about knowing who you are, respecting where you came from, and why taqueros deserve their own "Black Friday." TAQUOTE: You can still find me on: · Instagram (12k followers) · TikTok (29K followers) · Facebook (25k followers) · comments@10ktacos.com _________________________________________________
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