Podcast
OG Spice Guy
Hosted by Jonathan Raju · EN
The OG Spice Guy Show is a flavorful blend of insights on spices, seasonings, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the "OG Spice Guy" - Jonathan Raju, a second-generation leader in a family-owned organic herb and spice business, this podcast explores the rich stories behind the world of organic ingredients, trends in the industry, and tips for sourcing the best products. With his father as CEO and a legacy of expertise to draw from, the show also dives into the unique dynamics of running a family business, sharing lessons on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. Perfect for chefs, foodies, and business enthusiasts alike, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with passion and purpose.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Spice Market Updates: El Niño Is Coming, What Spice Buyers Should Know
1w ago00:13:13Tap to summarizeIn this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, takes a deep dive into El Niño and explains why spice industry professionals should be paying close attention. From changing rainfall patterns and drought conditions to harvest disruptions and shifting crop quality, El Niño has the potential to impact all avenues of the global spice supply chain.Jonathan breaks down how this climate phenomenon can influence spice production across key growing regions, affecting supply, quality, availability, and ultimately market pricing. The discussion also looks ahead at what a developing El Niño event in 2026 could mean for upcoming harvests, inventory planning, and pricing trends across the spice industry.Whether you're sourcing raw materials, managing inventory, forecasting costs, or keeping an eye on the weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, this episode offers insights into the factors affecting the spice trade today.
Transcribe →Inside Turmeric: How India's Golden Spice Is Grown & Made
2w ago00:36:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OG Spice Guy, High Quality Organic COO, Jonathan Raju, sits with with turmeric supplier and expert, Ram Soundararajan, to explain that actually happens to turmeric before it reaches your kitchen. Turmeric is one of the world's most recognizable spices, known for its vibrant golden color, culinary versatility, and growing reputation for health and wellness benefits.We discuss what gives turmeric its signature color, how growing conditions impact quality, and the challenges producers face in today's global spice market. Jonathan and Ram also take a closer look at the processing methods, dehydration process, and devotion required that goes into the turmeric powder used around the world. Whether you're a chef, food enthusiast, spice professional, or simply curious about where your ingredients come from, this conversation offers a look inside the turmeric supply chain.
Transcribe →Growing Flavor, Spice Harvest & the Pepper Process | Family Meal
May 2600:18:14Tap to summarizeThis week, the team behind OG Spice Guy & Seco Spice follow up the New Mexico chile deep dive to talk about the harvest season. From the excitement of this year’s bell pepper crop to the relationships behind the spice industry, the conversation dives into what’s happening behind the scenes before the next big harvest arrives. The team also explores the role organic greenhouses play in producing high-quality peppers, the challenges growers are facing this season, and what customers can expect from the upcoming harvest.
Transcribe →How New Mexico Chiles Are Grown & Sold
May 1900:49:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, sits down with special guest Michael Barnes, Directing Manager of Seco Spice, for a deep dive into the realities of growing chiles in New Mexico. We discuss why water is gold in chile country, how climate and irrigation shape flavor, and the surprising science behind some of the world’s most iconic peppers. Michael shares insider stories from Seco Spice’s fields, breaks down chile facts you’ve probably never heard (Hatch is a town!), why organic takes more to grow, and explains how farming technique show up in the final product.The conversation also highlights an exciting collaboration between High Quality Organics and Seco Spice to begin growing peppers right here in the United States—bringing more transparency, sustainability, and control to the spice supply chain.
Transcribe →Spice Market Updates: Substance Bans, Making America Healthy Again & ASTA
Apr 3000:17:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jonathan Raju, the OG Spice Guy, offers a market update from the ASTA (American Spice Trade Association) conference, breaking down the key conversations shaping today’s spice trade.We cover emerging regulatory pressures—including substance bans and evolving compliance expectations—and what they mean for importers, processors, and bulk buyers. Jonathan shares insights from direct conversations with farmers and suppliers across key growing regions, touching on crop conditions, pricing dynamics, quality challenges, and supply chain realities heading into the next cycle - and what to expect in the coming episodes of the podcast with special guests. If you’re a grower, supplier, or bulk spice buyer navigating shifting regulations and market volatility, this is a timely recap on where things are headed in the spice industry.
Transcribe →Dog Haus Stories, Hot Dog Prep & Dress Codes | Family Meal
Apr 2800:26:52Tap to summarizeThis week, the crew behind OG Spice Guy keeps the mics on after the Hot Dog Deep Dive—veering into everything from how to cook the perfect hot dog (microwave? boil?) to tasting Dog Haus staples and debating restaurant dress codes.The team samples Dog Haus menu items while discussing Hot Dog prep techniques, condiment preferences, and how different styles stack up when it comes to flavor, texture, and spice. We also dive into the Ruth’s Chris Steak House dress code debate, and social media comments.From simple cooking tips to flavor ideas and real, unfiltered conversation, this episode gives you a few things to think about next time you’re cooking or heading out to eat.Be sure to check out the full deep dive on hot dogs and spices for even more!
Transcribe →The Spices Inside Your Hot Dog (& Why They Matter)
Apr 2100:27:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju breaks down the true origins of the hot dog—from its roots in old-world sausage making to how it became one of the most iconic street foods in America. Jonathan and Rob discuss the latest hot dog trends - Costco, Los Angeles street dogs & controversial toppings - while gearing up to taste the iconic Dog Haus cuisine. We also take a deep dive into food history and how immigration, butchers, and ballparks helped shape the hot dog we know today.And of course… we’re getting into the SPICE. What’s actually inside a hot dog spice blend? Why does it taste so distinct from plain meat? And how can you recreate or elevate that classic flavor at home? Jonathan shares the seasoning secrets behind what makes a hot dog taste like a hot dog.If you love food history, sausage craft, bold flavor, and a little myth-busting—you won’t want to miss this episode.
Transcribe →Spice Market Updates: How War & Gas Prices Affect Your Spice Rack
Apr 700:05:30Tap to summarizeJonathan Raju from High Quality Organics breaks down how conflict and rising fuel costs are quietly disrupting the spice supply chain. Even when crops aren’t grown in war zones, they’re still affected because spices move in low-margin, high-logistics formats that depend heavily on stable shipping routes and affordable fuel. Let's talk about what this means for your business or your spice rack at home.
Transcribe →Taco Bell Taste Test & Hot Sauce Truths | Family Meal
Mar 3100:20:44Tap to summarizeThis week, the crew behind OG Spice Guy follows up the Taco Deep Dive with Taco Bell and Superbowl Halftime Star, Villas Tacos. The table becomes a hot sauce testing ground (bottle vs packets!) and a masterclass in what really makes a great taco.Jonathan Raju and the team compare fast-food fire to street-taco flavor, rank hot sauces, and break down the spice principles you can use to level up your tacos at home. From heat vs. flavor, to layering spices, to choosing the right sauce for the right bite, this “family meal” is a practical guide to better taco making.
Transcribe →Taco Truths: Origin Story & Seasoning Secrets
Mar 2400:25:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju breaks down the true origins of tacos—from their roots of being sold on the streets of Mexico to how they evolved into the global obsession we know today. Then we take a turn into fast food history and how Taco Bell changed the game in America.And of course… we’re getting into the SPICE. What’s actually inside taco seasoning? Why does it taste so addictive? And how can you level it up at home? Jonathan shares his kitchen secrets for how Taco Tuesday can be taken to the next level.If you love food history, bold flavor, and a little myth-busting—this one’s for you.
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