Best Filipino Local Stories Podcasts (2025)

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Brains Behind the Breakthrough: The Women Powering BrainRx PH 48:53

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5d ago48:53

48:53

Meet Joy Go and Mel Sua, sister-in-laws turned co-founders of BrainRx Philippines—a passion project turned purpose-driven business that’s transforming young lives through cutting-edge brain training. 🧠✨ From overcoming challenges to building a thriving center for cognitive development, their story is all about perseverance, purpose, and the power o…

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What's Brewing in Memphis? 17:14

7d ago17:14

17:14

In “What's Brewing in Memphis?” Gravy producer and reporterBrandi Hunter takes listeners to Memphis to explore what it takes to build acraft beer brand in an industry where less than one percent of breweries areBlack-owned, and systemic barriers continue to limit growth. Kelvin Kolheim, founder of Beale Street Brewing Company, isat the center of th…

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Sinulat N’ya ang Buong Libro Tungkol sa pagiging Bogan… TAPOS SUMABOG ang Kwento! 🤘📚🔥 6:43

10d ago6:43

6:43

Naranasan mo na bang pumasok sa isang kwarto at alam mong… ikaw lang ang metalhead? 😅 Yung tipong ikaw lang ang naka-black shirt, tapos pakiramdam mo may invisible wall sa pagitan mo at ng mga normie? Well… kilalanin si Dave Snell – ang lalaking sinulat ang buong thesis niya tungkol sa bogans 🧠🤘 (Yes, legit na thesis. With footnotes. And metal.) 🎓 …

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BATA PA LANG, MUSICAL PRODIGY NA?! Ang Kakaibang Kwento ni Sam Leamy! 7:48

21d ago7:48

7:48

🎸🔥 ISANG AUTISTIC NA GENIUS SA MUNDO NG HEAVY METAL?!Kilalanin si Sam Leamy, isang musikero mula sa New Zealand na may autism—pero hindi ito naging hadlang para tuparin ang kanyang mga pangarap sa mundo ng musika! 🎶Sa podcast na ito, ikinuwento ni Sam ang kanyang buhay: mula pagkabata sa UK at New Zealand, ang pagkahilig sa musika, hanggang sa pagt…

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There’s No Business Like Hansen’s Sno Bliz-ness 22:52

21d ago22:52

22:52

In “There’s No Business Like Hansen’s Sno Bliz-ness,” Gravy producer Eve Troeh takes us to New Orleans, home of the sno-ball. In the South you need strategies to beat the summer heat, and ice plays a big role. Street vendors used to shave big blocks of ice by hand and add flavored syrup—a treat that became known as a sno-ball in the Big Easy. In th…

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Paano Naging Rock Star si Engineer na 'To?! 🤘🔥 5:38

24d ago5:38

5:38

Si Mark Mundell ay isang kilalang heavy metal singer sa New Zealand. Siya ang frontman ng dalawang mabibigat at kakaibang banda—FVKVSHIMA at Planet of the Dead! Sa isang sikat na podcast interview, ibinahagi ni Mark ang pagmamahal niya sa heavy metal music, ang solid at suportadong eksena sa New Zealand, at kung ano ang nagpapasikat sa kanyang mga …

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From Stuckey's to Buc-ee's 26:16

1M ago26:16

26:16

Few companies have inspired more fanatical devotion among Texans than the convenience chain Buc-ee’s. Described by the New York Times as both a “Disneyland of roadside capitalism” and the “through line of America’s second most sprawling state,” its iconic, buck-toothed beaver mascot has been spotted not just on billboards, but on wedding cakes and …

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From Electrical Grids to Global Real Estate: Ronnie Siasoyco, a Local Entrepreneur Who Thinks Globally 1:09:38

1M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

In this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Ronnie Siasoyco—the brilliant mind behind Trion Group and Verity Trust Properties—to talk about his inspiring journey from building businesses in the Philippines to launching bold ventures on the global stage. Ronnie is not just a serial entrepreneur—he’s a Master Entrepreneur Awardee at th…

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From Textiles to Toys: The Mahesh Mirpuri Story 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

On this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Mahesh Mirpuri—President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Philippines and past President of Entrepreneurs’ Organization Philippines. From leading a legacy garment business to turning his childhood love for toys into a booming distribution company, Mahesh’s story is a masterc…

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Oh, Snapper! Mislabeled Mississippi Seafood 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

In “Oh, Snapper! Mislabeled Mississippi Seafood,” Gravy producer Boyce Upholt takes listeners to Biloxi, Mississippi—a town that haslong called itself the Seafood Capital of the World. But in May 2024, shocking news hit the community: Mary Mahoney's Old French House, an iconic restaurant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to misbrand fish and wire fraud…

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From Side Hustle to Beauty Empire: Anna Magkawas' Inspiring Journey 38:05

2M ago38:05

38:05

Ever wondered how a former engineer transformed into a powerhouse in the beauty and wellness industry? Meet Anna Magkawas, the dynamic CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, whose entrepreneurial spirit and resilience have redefined success. For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. H…

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Buzzkill: Save which bees? 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

Gravy podcast is excited to share a special episode of a new podcast called Buzzkill, from our friends at FERN, the Food and Environmental Reporting Network. Buzzkill explores the dramatic decline of pollinators, including the American bumblebee, whose numbers have plummeted by 90% in just two decades. The series, hosted by Teresa Cotsilos, delves …

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From Megawatts to Mindsets: Powering the Philippines' Renewable Future 44:41

2M ago44:41

44:41

In the latest episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Oliver Tan, President and CEO of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC). Under his visionary leadership, CREC is spearheading the country's transition to sustainable energy, aiming to achieve 5 gigawatts of renewable capacity within five years.. Tune in to discover: How advancem…

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From Avocados to Accolades: The Flavorful Journey of Chef Cza Sevilla 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

What does it take to turn a single fruit into a nationwide sensation? Find out how award-winning chef and foodpreneur Cza Sevilla transformed Avocadoria into a wildly successful dessert empire. In this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, we dive into: Her winning recipe for building a beloved brand The sweet (and bitter) realities of growing a franc…

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The Southern Genius of the Cuban Sandwich 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

The Cuban sandwich. If it’s made with ingredients different from someone else’s recipe, you might find yourself in an hours-long argument in the middle of Little Havana. In Miami and Tampa, Florida, restaurant owners, historians, and Cuban Americans recount their own memories of the Cuban sandwich, as well as the story of its origins. In this episo…

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From Millions in Debt to Millions in Deals: How Steve Sy Built a P20B E-Commerce Empire 41:39

3M ago41:39

41:39

What does it take to rise from overwhelming debt to building one of the Philippines’ most successful e-commerce enablers? On the latest episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Steve Sy, Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-Commerce, as he shares powerful lessons from his new book From Great Debt to Great Deals. From sleeping on floors to sig…

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From BPO Employee to Master of Content Creation: The Real Talk Darbs Story 54:56

3M ago54:56

54:56

I had the pleasure of sitting down with someone whose journey is as raw, real, and inspiring as the content he creates — Darbie Kim Estrebilla, better known as Real Talk Darbs. Before he became one of the most influential voices in the digital space, he was just like many of us — grinding in a 9-to-5 job, searching for purpose, and trying to make s…

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A Muddy Future for Louisiana Crawfish 23:17

3M ago23:17

23:17

In “A Muddy Future for Louisiana Crawfish,” Gravy producer Eva Tesfaye traces the aftermath of the summer of 2023, when a severe drought in Louisiana devastated the 2024 crawfish season. The dry soil and extreme heat killed the crawfish while they were still burrowed underground, meaning when farmers flooded their fields in the fall, they found the…

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From Globe-Trotting Executive to Award-Winning Startup Founder Meet Maria Sucgang of Remotify 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

After 17 years in the corporate world, Maria Sucgang took a bold leap and founded Remotify—a fully remote, purpose-driven Employer of Record that’s putting Filipino talent on the global map. Since launching in 2021, Remotify has grown over 2,100% in revenue, maintained a 92% client retention rate. Maria herself was recognized as one of the Top 10 W…

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Fruitcake in Space 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

In “Fruitcake in Space,” Gravy producer Bronwen Wyatt explores a bizarre footnote in the annals of human space travel. In 1968, a scientist at a military research facility developed a very unusual recipe: a nutritionally-fortified fruitcake designed as an emergency ration for astronauts. It might be easy to dismiss this fruitcake, but we’re here to…

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Humble Beginnings To a Prominent Mentor in The Philippine Real Estate Industry - The Story of Carl Dy 32:41

4M ago32:41

32:41

As the President of Spectrum Investments, Carl has over two decades of experience, including a pivotal role as Sales Director at Ayala Land Premier. His story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of embracing challenges. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's best. Tune in to The RJ Ledesma Podca…

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Got (Raw) Milk? The Small Family Dairy Farms Behind a Big Controversy 31:29

4M ago31:29

31:29

In “Got (Raw) Milk? The Small Family Dairy Farms Behind a Big Controversy,” Gravy producer Bianca Garcia takes listeners to Milky Way Farm, the last dairy in Anderson County, South Carolina, where raw milk sales are keeping the Peeler family afloat. Their neighbors have succumbed to the pressures that have defined a generation of farmers. Between 2…

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From Balloon Vendor to Multi-Million Serial Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Joey Espiritu 32:23

4M ago32:23

32:23

What does it take to turn a humble balloon vending gig into a multi-million peso business empire? Find out in this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast as I sit down with Joey Espiritu, founder of Tent King and FoodChow (among other businesses), and an Agora Awardee for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. Joey’s journey is a masterclass in grit, hustle, a…

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What Weddings Taught Me About Business – A Masterclass from Teena Barretto! 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

I’ve always believed that business is about creating unforgettable experiences—and no one does it better than Teena Barretto. From orchestrating celebrity weddings to building a powerhouse brand in the events industry, Teena has mastered the art of turning high-pressure moments into picture-perfect success stories. But beyond the glitz and glamour,…

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What’s in Store for the Pawpaw Patch? 29:04

4M ago29:04

29:04

In “What’s in Store for the Pawpaw Patch?” Gravy producer Anya Groner examines the pawpaw, a long-overlooked fruit that’s now being domesticated, making its way into farmers’ markets, restaurants, and even beer. What plant has leaves that smell like green pepper, fruit that can taste like pineapple or turpentine, and bark that can be woven into bas…

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From Humble Beginnings to Real Estate Titan 36:40

5M ago36:40

36:40

What does it take to build a real estate empire from the ground up? Eddie Santos, founder of RE/MAX Regent and master franchise holder of RE/MAX Philippines, knows the answer—hustle, vision, and relentless perseverance. In my latest episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Eddie to uncover his inspiring journey in real estate entrepreneur…

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How David Sison Grew a Cozy Eatery into a 22-Branch Restaurant Empire! 49:34

5M ago49:34

49:34

How do you turn a small, homey restaurant into a food empire with 22+ branches? Find out as I chat with David Sison, Co-Founder & CEO of Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen and President of the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines! We’ll talk about his recipe for success, the secret sauce behind scaling a restaurant, and what it really takes to thrive in th…

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Flambéed! The Art & Theater of Bananas Foster 22:55

5M ago22:55

22:55

In “Flambéed! The Art & Theater of Bananas Foster,” Gravy producer Eve Troeh takes listeners to Brennan’s, the iconic restaurant in New Orleans’ French Quarter, where skilled servers pull off one sensational culinary feat, table after table and day after day—Bananas Foster, flambéed tableside. Brennan’s opened its doors more than seventy years ago,…

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Ikalawang Araw - Opinyon - Nick Clark Electric Tapestry 9:59

5M ago9:59

9:59

Mula sa unang kalituhan sa isang paaralang Hudyo hanggang sa magulong mga taon sa isang institusyong istilong Ingles sa Auckland na puno ng pang-aabuso, ibinabahagi ni Nick ang mga mahahalagang sandali na humubog sa kanyang landas. Ang kanyang paglipat sa isang liberal na paaralan ay nagbukas ng bagong mundo ng malikhaing pagpapahayag, na nagtulak …

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The Business of Creativity: Gary Dacanay’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Event Styling 33:25

5M ago33:25

33:25

In this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, we sit down with Gary Dacanay, a visionary wedding and event stylist who has mastered the art of transforming dreams into reality while growing a successful enterprise. From curating the stunning wedding of Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna to styling grand celebrations for high-profile clients, Gary has built…

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Unang Araw - Ang unang pangako 1:08

5M ago1:08

1:08

Walang magawa ang dami kong iniisip... di mo magawa yung episode 1 so nag decide ako na gagawing ko and intro ng walang eklat... eto na!

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Conch: Queen of the Florida Keys 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

In “Conch: Queen of the Florida Keys,” Gravy producer Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong takes listeners to the Keys, where queen conch is plastered across menus: conch fritters, conch salad, even conch chowder. The shells are a visual icon in Key West, even gracing its (semi-joking) flag as a sovereign nation: The Conch Republic. Which is fascinating… because …

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From Photo Print Shop to the Photo/Video Studio of the Stars: The Inspiring Journey of Charisse Tinio of NicePrint Photography 51:10

6M ago51:10

51:10

On this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with the visionary Charisse Tinio, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind **NicePrint Photography**—the go-to photo and video studio for the country’s biggest celebrities and society icons! Charisse’s story is the perfect example of how passion, resilience, and innovation ca…

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From I/T Manager to world class wedding shoe designer. DOREEN ODVINA of Doreen Odvina Custom Shoes 23:45

6M ago23:45

23:45

👞 From IT to Iconic Shoes: The Inspiring Journey of Doreen Odvina 👠 What happens when you take a leap of faith and step into the unknown? Doreen Odvina started her career in the structured world of IT, but destiny had other plans—leading her to carve out a name as one of the country’s most sought-after shoe designers. On this episode of The RJ Lede…

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South Asian Food Makes Northwest Arkansas Taste Like Home 24:45

6M ago24:45

24:45

In “South Asian Food Makes Northwest Arkansas Taste Like Home,” Gravy producer Mackenzie Martin heads back to Northwest Arkansas (NWA), where Walmart began, to look at the retail giant’s influence on the region’s demographics and culinary landscape—specifically, spurring a boom of South Asian restaurants and food shops. Walmart is seen by some as t…

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Ano ang Kaibahan ng Crab Mentality at ng Schadenfreude 8:56

6M ago8:56

8:56

Ano ang Kaibahan ng Crab Mentality at ng Schadenfreude?

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Cultivating Mexico in Northwest Arkansas 28:37

6M ago28:37

28:37

In “Cultivating Mexico in Northwest Arkansas,” Gravy producer Mackenzie Martin digs into the story of Yeyo’s, a vibrant family-run Mexican restaurant in Northwest Arkansas. Here, the once-rural Ozarks are now one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. That’s partly thanks to major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hun…

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A Pea for the Past, a Pea for the Future 27:12

7M ago27:12

27:12

The black-eyed pea is not your average bean. Like many staple foods of the African Diaspora, it’s become a powerful symbol of food sovereignty and survival. With the migration of the black-eyed pea from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade came a superstition about good luck. This belief combines folklore from West Africa and Western Eu…

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What Makes Gumbo...Gumbo? 26:43

7M ago26:43

26:43

In “What Makes Gumbo...Gumbo?” Gravy producer Katie Carter King takes us all the way to Northern California to understand what folklorist John Lauden meant when he said, “Gumbo is not a word, it’s a syntax, a way of putting something together.” Cooks and culinarians have long argued about gumbo. Is it Creole or Cajun in its roots and history? Is it…

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Ika 48 Guys pakinggan nyo to 10:09

8M ago10:09

10:09

Just another day Ika 48 Guys pakinggan nyo to

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The Joyful Black History of the Sweet Potato 30:32

8M ago30:32

30:32

In “The Joyful Black History of the Sweet Potato,” Kayla Stewart reports for Gravy on sweet potatoes, which Southern-born Black Americans have baked, roasted, fried, distilled—and long revered. Stewart takes listeners across the United States to learn how African Americans are finding new, interesting ways to enjoy sweet potatoes. Harvey and Donna …

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Ep. 158: Health is Stealth 41:57

8M ago41:57

41:57

Discover the Secret Wonders of Malunggay and the Business Savvy behind M2 Malunggay’s Success as RJ Ledesma interviews Ms. Zonito Tamase - President of M2 Malunggay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ep. 157: Michael Cordoviz M-Commerce Corporation Founder/President 44:18

8M ago44:18

44:18

Join us for a special episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcastfeaturing Michael Cordoviz, the entrepreneurial force behind Supcart Trading Corporation and M-Commerce Corporation! Michael, alongside his wife and co-founder Zhiara Lynch Go Cordoviz, has transformed their ventures into thriving pillars of the e-commerce and logistics industry. Supcart specia…

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Eating at the End of the World 26:33

8M ago26:33

26:33

In “Eating at the End of the World,” Gravy producer Katie Jane Fernelius takes a close look at the culture of disaster prep, especially how people eat when disaster strikes. As it turns out, how people provision for disaster can differ wildly from how they actually feed themselves, and each other, once a storm blows through. After living without po…

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Ika 48 Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago Part 2 27:56

8M ago27:56

27:56

Ito and pangalawang pagbabalik...Walang tatalo sa mga pangakong nawaldas. :P 🍿 Watch/Listen and Subscribe:Hades X | Chronicles:📼 YouTube: https://bit.ly/HadesXchronicles🎙 Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3VTHOvH🎙 Apple : https://apple.co/3LuXgIeHades X's Kultura:📼 YouTube: https://bit.ly/KulturaIncident🎙 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3K3BxqF 🎙 Apple: https:/…

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Where There's (Southern) Smoke, There's Help for Restaurant Workers 27:13

9M ago27:13

27:13

In “Where There's (Southern) Smoke, There's Help for Restaurant Workers,” Gravy producer Evan Stern introduces listeners to the Southern Smoke Foundation, a relief organization dedicated to providing a safety net for food and beverage workers. As the pandemic reminded us, restaurants aren’t just places where people go to satisfy hunger. The best on…

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Ep. 156: Ma Jonalyn Sison - Ramos Ceo, Dear Face PH President, New Moon PH 45:36

9M ago45:36

45:36

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Jonalyn Ramos, the powerhouse behind Dear Face and Skin Potions! Starting from humble beginnings, Jonalyn transformed her passion for skincare into one of the Philippines' leading beauty brands. Dear Face, known for its gentle yet effective skincare products, empowers individuals…

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Catch of the Day: Why Alabama Loves Red Snapper 26:18

9M ago26:18

26:18

In the episode “Catch of the Day: Why Alabama Loves Red Snapper,” Gravy producer Irina Zhorov takes listeners to the fisherman’s paradise of the Gulf of Mexico, where you’ll find tuna, amberjacks, mahi mahi, swordfish, and more. There’s a commercial fishery worth nearly $1 billion annually and the Gulf has the highest level of spending by recreatio…

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Ep. 155: Meet the Philippines’ Mango King - Mr. Justin Sy Uy 50:52

9M ago50:52

50:52

RJ Ledesma talks to the Chairman and President of Profood international and JPark Hotel and Condotel - Mr Justin Sy Uy about his humble beginnings and his journey to becoming known as the “Mango King” of the Philippines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Deli Diaspora 25:52

10M ago25:52

25:52

Order a hot pastrami on rye at any delicatessen and you’ll taste the briny terroir of the Jewish Diaspora. Pastrami is an iconic cured meat that migrated with Eastern European Jews to America and became synonymous with the deli, a beloved third place for Jewish communities across the country. In Jackson, Mississippi, that place was the Olde Tyme De…