When Hansen Shieh was eight years old, his obviously awesome (wait for it) mom took him out for lunch. As he bit into his first Sichuan pepper, his mouth exploded in flavor and heat. And his mom, the badass that she so clearly is, just laughed at him.

Now, some 30 years later, Hansen is on a mission to bring the kick of Sichuan and other flavors, including Chinese fermented black bean, tamarind and fish sauce to the mainstream with his company, One Culture Foods.

We talk shop about the lessons he's learned in the first year of business, including the most rewarding moment. And Hansen shares his guilty food pleasure, plus the Taiwanese food that he's confident will never catch on stateside.

Full show notes: wecouldmakethat.com/culture