About this podcast
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.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 41 episodes
- The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: What It Means for the Spice Industry · 6 min · Season 1 Episode 41The Strait of Hormuz is making headlines, but what does a global oil and shipping disruption have to do with spice supplies? In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju breaks…
- Do Viral Food Hacks Actually Work? | Family Meal · 23 min · Season 1 Episode 40Following the deep-dive on the Science of Spice Blends, Jonathan Raju and food scientist Ali Bouzari sit down with the team to put viral food trends and internet food hacks to…
- Can Science Create the Perfect Spice Blend? with Ali Bouzari · 54 min · Season 1 Episode 39On this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju from High Quality Organics sits down with food scientist Ali Bouzari to break down the art and science of creating a spice blend…
- El Niño Is Back: Which Crops are in Trouble? · 7 min · Season 1 Episode 38In this October 2026 Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down everything you need to know about El Niño and its potential impact on global spice…
- Can New Mexico Replace China for Organic Bell Peppers? (ft Seco Spice) · 31 min · Season 1 Episode 37In this episode (featuring exclusive interviews from the road) OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, travels to New Mexico for an update on High Quality Organics’ partnership with Seco…
- Professional Coffee Tasting & Spice Industry Insights | Family Meal · 27 min · Season 1 Episode 36In this episode of Family Meal the OG Spice Guy crew sits down for a step-by-step coffee tasting and dives into everything from aroma and flavor to origin, processing, quality…
- Everything About Oregano: History, Types, & The Current Shortage · 24 min · Season 1 Episode 35In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics dives into oregano — from its pizza origin story and traditional uses to the differences between…
- Inside the Cyclospora & Salmonella Threats · 38 min · Season 1 Episode 34In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down two topics that currently have a grip on the food industry: Salmonella and Cyclospora…
- Oregano Supply Problems & Solving Spice Challenges | Spice Market Update · 6 min · Season 1 Episode 33In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of HIgh Quality Organics, takes a closer look at the current oregano market and the supply challenges impacting the industry. As…
- 30 Plants Challenge & Cardamom Taste Test | Family Meal · 16 min · Season 1 Episode 32After wrapping up our conversation with Dr. Shawn Talbott, the OG Spice Guy team gathers around the table for another Family Meal—this time with a challenge. Inspired by the…
- Spices & Wellness: What the Science Says with Dr. Shawn Talbott · 49 min · Season 1 Episode 31In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, is joined by PsychoNutritionist & best-selling author, Dr. Shawn Talbott, for an insightful…
- Spice Market Updates: Ginger Disease, El Niño & Black Pepper Pressures · 7 min · Season 1 Episode 30In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down major developments shaping the global spice trade. First, a widespread fungal disease…
- Spice Market Updates: El Niño Is Coming, What Spice Buyers Should Know · 13 min · Season 1 Episode 29In 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…
- Inside Turmeric: How India's Golden Spice Is Grown & Made · 37 min · Season 1 Episode 28In 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…
- Growing Flavor, Spice Harvest & the Pepper Process | Family Meal · 18 min · Season 1 Episode 27This 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…
- How New Mexico Chiles Are Grown & Sold · 50 min · Season 1 Episode 26In 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…
- Spice Market Updates: Substance Bans, Making America Healthy Again & ASTA · 18 min · Season 1 Episode 25In 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…
- Dog Haus Stories, Hot Dog Prep & Dress Codes | Family Meal · 27 min · Season 1 Episode 24This 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…
- The Spices Inside Your Hot Dog (& Why They Matter) · 27 min · Season 1 Episode 23In 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…
- Spice Market Updates: How War & Gas Prices Affect Your Spice Rack · 6 min · Season 1 Episode 22Jonathan 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…
