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.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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.
Transcribe →Spice Market Updates: Paprika Prices & Oregano Supply Explained
Mar 1000:05:48Tap to summarizeOG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, breaks down two things happening in the spice world right now.First: organic paprika. Pesticide detection issues continue to cause headaches for suppliers and are starting to affect pricing and availability. We’ll explain what’s going on (what drones have to do with it) and why the organic paprika market has been so unstable lately.Then we tackle one of the biggest spice mix-ups out there: Mediterranean oregano vs Mexican oregano. They share a name, but they’re actually completely different plants with different flavors and best uses.If you buy spices, cook professionally, or just like understanding the ingredient supply chain, this spice market update is for you.
Transcribe →A Chef's Origin Story & Kitchen Adventures | Family Meal
Mar 300:16:17Tap to summarizeThis week, the crew behind OG Spice Guy pulls up with plates full of BBQ and a side of strong opinions. We recap the latest full-length episode, with California Rub's Chef Brian to discuss his origin story and successful kitchen secrets. Jonathan Raju, Chef Brian, and the rest of the team offer a deep-dive on deep fried turkeys (yes, you CAN do it safely), food safety, brisket behaviours, multi-tasking during meal prep, and spices you can actually use to spice up your desserts. This episode will hopefully inspire your next BBQ adventure.
Transcribe →Breaking Down BBQ: Culture, Craftsmanship & Commitment
Feb 2400:43:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jonathan Raju sits down with Guest Chef Brian from CaliforniaRubs for a real conversation about BBQ.From the cultural roots of barbecue and how it’s evolved across different states, to the difference between grilling and true low-and-slow BBQ, this episode dives deep into what makes barbecue more than just food — it’s tradition, identity, and craft.Chef Brian shares how BBQ changes from region to region, why simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to rubs, and how understanding your spices is just as important as understanding your fire. Together, they break down the origins of BBQ, the power of simple ingredients, and why mastering flavor starts with restraint, respect, and technique.
Transcribe →Spice Market Updates: Bell Pepper Price Surge & Turmeric Troubles
Feb 1000:04:43Tap to summarizeOG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju (VP of HQO), breaks down why the cost of bell peppers have more than doubled, from supply chain pressures to uncontrollable conditions, and explains how High Quality Organics is taking action with a domestic approach to lower costs without sacrificing quality. We'll also get into what's really going on with turmeric: heavy rainfall in major producing regions have triggered crop disease and shortage in a time of rising demand. If you want the inside scoop of the recent developments of two very popular spices in the organic market - this one is for you!
Transcribe →Poisoned Cinnamon, Recalled Shrimp & Chaotic Spice Racks | Family Meal
Feb 300:19:03Tap to summarizeIt’s family meal… but make it questionable. 🍤 This week, the crew sits down for poke bowls stuffed with shrimp that may or may not have been recalled (don’t worry—we talk about it). The team behind OGSpice Guy recap the new full-length episode where things got spicy in a different way: lead in cinnamon, contaminated spices, and why your spice rack might be more unhinged than you think. From food safety scares to the beautiful mess that is a well-used kitchen, this meal is equal parts laugh, learning, and “should we be eating this?” energy.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream.#podcast #food #shrimp #cinnamon #hqo #ogspiceguy #entrepreneur #spicefacts
Transcribe →Spice Testing: Heavy Metals, Gluten-Free Spices & Pesticide Protections
Jan 2700:46:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The OG Spice Guy, HQO VP Jonathan Raju sits down with Alec Garcia, Founder and Managing Partner of New Wave Scientific, to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes of the spice industry. From heavy metals in cinnamon and the truth about gluten-free spices to evolving industry standards and cutting-edge food safety testing, this conversation uncovers the realities of what’s on your spice rack. Jonathan and Alec pull back the curtain on spice adulteration, pantry staple shortages, and the problem with overtesting, while explaining how High Quality Organics goes above and beyond to ensure every ingredient on your plate meets the highest standards of safety, transparency, and trust. We Explore: 🔬How are Spices Tested? 🫚 Heavy Metals in Spices (?!) ✅ How HQO Ensures Safety First for Customers 🧄 Gluten in Spices 🌶️ Organic Paprika Prices 🧂 Pesticide Protections 🫑 What's Next for Spice Testing ➡️ New Wave Scientific: https://newwavescientific.com/ 💬 Connect with Us 🌿 OG Spice Guy📸 Instagram: / ogspiceguy 🎵 TikTok: / ogspiceguy 🌱 High Quality Organics (HQO) 📸 Instagram: / highqualityorganics 💼 LinkedIn: high-quality-organics 🌐 Website: https://hqorganics.com 💬 Ready to source premium, transparent, responsibly grown herbs and spices? Visit our website or reach out to the HQO team today.
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