Stories Worth Passing Down

The first lessons we learn in life rarely come from classrooms.

They come from kitchens.

For author and publisher Mauricio Velázquez de León, the aroma of simmering beans, handmade tortillas, and family recipes became a bridge between generations.

Inspired by his relative, legendary Mexican culinary pioneer Josefina Velázquez de León, Mauricio has spent his career preserving culture through storytelling—first as the founder of the award-winning children's publisher Duopress, and now through food writing that celebrates the people, traditions, and memories behind every meal.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mauricio shares his journey from Mexico City to New York, explains how homesickness led him to rediscover authentic Mexican cooking, and reflects on why food has the remarkable ability to transport us back to the people and places we love most.

We also explore the philosophy behind Duopress, the importance of making books fun for children, and how scientific research, curiosity, and creativity shaped one of the most successful children's publishing imprints in America.

Finally, Mauricio introduces his delightful new cookbook, An Illustrated Guide to Tacos and Burritos: A Comic Book with Stories, Recipes, and More—an inventive blend of culinary history, authentic recipes, and graphic storytelling that makes Mexican cooking approachable for everyone.

Whether you're passionate about food, publishing, travel, or family traditions, this episode is a reminder that the best stories are often shared around the table.

THE MUSIC SOUNDTRACK FOR THIS EPISODE INCLUDES:

Get Wild - HOUZEWORKZ & Quentin Hartz

Drive It Into The Ground - The Fuses

I’m Not Going Anywhere - The Golden Gaytimes

Guetta - Some Sprouts

Spotify Playlist SN22Ep11

In this episode:

• The extraordinary legacy of Josefina Velázquez de León, Mexico's first celebrity chef
• Growing up in Mexico City and finding home through food
• Building Duopress into one of America's most innovative children's publishers
• Why books should be educational—and fun
• Immigration, identity, and preserving culture through cooking
• The inspiration behind An Illustrated Guide to Tacos and Burritos
• How recipes become family heirlooms passed from one generation to the next

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Mauricio Velazquez de Leon and his work
02:12 The legacy of Josefina Velazquez de León in Mexican cuisine
04:02 Food as a connection to family and cultural memory
07:02 Mauricio's discovery of Josefina's true impact and influence
09:48 How Mauricio's career path was inspired by his family and Josefina
12:04 Breaking into American media with a story about Mexican food
15:46 The significance of traditional Mexican dishes and culinary techniques
20:07 The role of food in preserving cultural identity abroad
25:04 The founding and growth of Duo Press and its mission
30:05 The principles guiding Mauricio's publishing and storytelling
37:10 Introduction to the illustrated guide to tacos and burritos
39:54 The creative decision to illustrate the cookbook as a comic book
44:45 Design choices inspired by Mexican graphic art and street culture
50:03 Making food fun and accessible for a global audience
55:11 The scientific research behind infant visual development
01:00:06 How the book reflects Mexican culture and regional diversity
01:04:47 Mauricio's hopes for how readers will connect with Mexican culture
01:08:56 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects