All Episodes

July 15, 2024 40 mins

In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, Chris Spear welcomes Steve Sando, the founder of Rancho Gordo, a company known for its heirloom beans. Steve shares his unconventional journey from a diverse range of careers, to becoming a renowned bean entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of preserving heirloom varieties, the benefits of cooking with beans, and the growing interest in sustainable agriculture.

Topics Discussed:

  • Steve's Journey: Steve recounts his eclectic career path, including his time as a web designer, leading up to his discovery and passion for heirloom beans.
  • Heirloom Beans: The unique qualities of heirloom beans, their flavors, and the significance of preserving these varieties.
  • Entrepreneurial Insights: Steve and Chris discuss the challenges and rewards of starting a business later in life, emphasizing that success can come at any age.
  • Cooking Tips: Steve provides practical advice on cooking beans, including soaking methods, using pressure cookers, and the benefits of cooking with clay pots.
  • Health and Nutrition: The nutritional benefits of beans and tips for those who may experience digestive discomfort.
  • Bean Club: An inside look at Rancho Gordo's popular Bean Club, which boasts a waitlist of 30,000 people eager to join.


STEVE SANDO & RANCHO GORDO
Rancho Gordo Website
Racho Gordo Instagram and Threads
Order The Bean Book
The Cooking with Clay Facebook Group

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).
Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter
Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

Get in touch

Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.