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In this season finale, Cindy Peterson takes us inside a lively Olivelle tasting night, where unique bottles meet fresh, seasonal ingredients to create little moments of magic. 

Joined by Miriam Schultz of Berry & Basil, the episode is a sensory journey through olive oil and vinegar, exploring what makes one bottle stand out, uncovering the scientific secrets behind flavor, and celebrating the unexpected ways that joy arrives at the table.

From vibrant mocktails and creative caprese salads to a comforting wild mushroom gnocchi and inventive dessert pairings, this episode is all about sparking curiosity in your own kitchen. 

Plus, Cindy shares a special thank you — listen for a code at the end for 20% off Olivelle products online through the end of September — and a sneak peek at what’s next for the show. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts as we wrap up season one! Stay tuned for what's next on Facebook and Instagram. 

Products featured in this episode:

Olivelle collection 

Recipes in this episode:

Lemon Raspberry Spritz

Fill a large glass with ice. Add 2 oz. Seedlip Garden 108, 1 oz. Meyer Lemon Balsamic, 1/2 oz. Vine-Ripened Raspberry Balsamic, and 7 oz. club soda. Stir well and garnish with sliced lemon and basil/mint.

Summer Peach Spritz

Fill a large glass with ice. Add 2 oz. vodka, 1.5 oz. Summer Peach Balsamic, and 7 oz. club soda. Stir well and garnish with a slice of fresh peach. 

Peach Caprese Salad

Layer slices of fresh ripe peaches, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a plate. Generously drizzle Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Summer Peach Balsamic over top of the salad. Finish with Pacific Flake sea salt. 

Creamy Wild Mushroom & Sage Gnocchi

1 lb. dried gnocchi

2 Tbsp Wild Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil

1 Shallot, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp tomato paste 

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 Tbsp Roasted Garlic Balsamic

Butcher's Spice Blend, 2 tsp or to taste

2 tsp Mediterranean Rosemary Rub

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 c Parmesan cheese, to finish

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float, about 3 minutes. Remove gnocchi and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, then add garlic for 1 minute. Add tomato paste, balsamic, mushrooms, and seasonings, and cook about 3 minutes to soften mushrooms.

3. Add gnocchi and white wine and reduce white wine by half. Stir in cream and fresh Parmesan to finish. 

Chocolate Espresso Ice Cream

Top vanilla ice cream with Chocolate Espresso Balsamic and Vanilla Bean Sea Salt. 

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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In today’s episode, Cindy takes you inside the kitchen — and the story — of Olivelle, a Montana-based, mother-daughter business that’s transforming how we think about olive oil and vinegar. 

Cindy sits down with co-founder Brie Thompson in Bozeman to uncover the 20-year journey behind Olivelle. 

From humble beginnings as a tiny specialty food shop, through early challenges and an unexpected franchise bankruptcy, to becoming a trusted source for gourmet oils and vinegars across the U.S. and internationally, Brie shares how a passion for flavor, quality, and connection inspired everything and the skills she needed to keep it going for 20 years.

You’ll hear about: 

• the meticulous process behind sourcing and crafting Olivelle’s products
• practical ways to engage all of your taste buds
• the magic of layering flavors with olive oil and vinegars
• tips to choosing the right flavor for you
• and ways to make ordinary dishes like vegetables or even yogurt feel gourmet.

Products featured in this episode:

Olivelle collection 

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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Cindy and Jeni Bergan's conversation focused on the real-life journey of transitioning from an unlikely start in the kitchen to running a successful catering business. 

A key theme that emerged was the pervasive feeling of imposter syndrome — even after 25 years of professional experience — and how the pressure for perfection can keep people from enjoying cooking or believing they deserve nice things in their kitchens.

The discussion explored 

• the challenges of entering the world of food without classical training 
• the sometimes unnecessary competitiveness of the culinary world
• the belief that everyone deserves quality tools, regardless of their skill level
• redefining what it means to be a chef
• the joys and realities of family meals
• the importance of gathering with loved ones without letting perfectionism get in the way

Cindy offers a heartfelt challenge: bring back Sunday dinner in whatever form feels right, focusing on connection over perfection.

Follow Chef Jeni & Company

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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This episode pulls back the curtain at Berry & Basil to introduce a key figure behind the store’s unique energy: Miriam Schultz, the store manager whose diverse passions and talents help keep everything running beautifully. 

Cindy and Miriam dig into Miriam’s journey — from living across the country, to her deep connection with coffee and wine, to her stunning cake-decorating skills that have captivated the community. 

The discussion explored her 

• transition from preschool teaching to being part of the Berry & Basil team, 
• her expertise in coffee and wine (and why she loves the Austin Hope wines),
• her creative take on everything from baking to social media,
• and a slightly panic-inducing realization about nickel.

Get ready to meet the person who brings heart and artistry to Berry & Basil, and maybe discover a new love for cake decorating or small-batch coffee along the way.

Products featured in this episode:

Cake decorating products

South Dakota Roasted Coffee

Follow Berry & Basil's socials for Miriam's wine of the week picks! 

Facebook

Instagram

Find Miriam's baking creations: 

Facebook

Instagram

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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Have you ever found yourself in a lunch line, only to end up deep in conversation with a complete stranger and walk away inspired? 

That’s exactly how today’s episode of Joy Curated begins, with a chance encounter at an Atlanta market with Jodi Kostelnik, the creative force behind The Neighborgoods. 

Jodi’s vibrant, food-themed dish towels and gifts now brighten kitchens worldwide — and she’s just opened her own flagship store inside D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

In our conversation, we explore how following a curious creative spark led Jodi from designing holiday gifts for friends to building an international business around playful and beautiful kitchen essentials. 

You’ll hear about her journey from graphic design burnout to embracing hands-on creativity, and why she believes the beautiful tools you surround yourself with matter so much in your home. 

Products featured in this episode:

Neighborgoods products at Berry & Basil

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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Cindy sits down with Bryn Wilson, a former attorney who transformed a simple, real-life frustration into a thriving business. After years of bringing wilted salads and cold casseroles to potlucks, Bryn invented Served, a line of beautifully designed, insulated serveware that keeps food hot or cold, and has even landed a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.

Join Cindy and Bryn as they dive into:

• the realities of entrepreneurship, 
• discuss the importance of functional design, 
• advice on following through on product ideas, 
• a killer mojito recipe, and 
• how simple solutions can make gathering with friends and family more joyful and stress-free. 

Products featured in this episode:

Served products at Berry & Basil

Check out Bryn's mojito and mac& cheese recipes! 

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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Cindy sits down with Lauren Maloney, director of merchandising at Hestan, for an honest and lively conversation about quality cookware and building kitchen confidence. 

From growing up in entertaining families to careers at Williams Sonoma and beyond, Cindy and Lauren share stories of learning curves, favorite kitchen memories, and the passions that drive their work. Discover the innovation behind Hestan’s cookware, the story of its family founders, and why investing in the right tools can transform everyday cooking. 

Plus, get inspired by pro tips — for everything from flipping eggs in stainless steel to caring for your pans — and learn why the things we choose for our kitchens matter, now more than ever. 

Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a seasoned home cook, or just love a good story, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to embrace the joy of cooking with confidence.

Products featured in this episode:

Hestan products at Berry & Basil

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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What do you get when two small-town independent kitchen owners sit down to talk shop? A wonderful, heartfelt conversation with some truly excellent stories! 

Join Cindy Peterson, co-founder of Berry and Basil, as she sits down with Nate Whited, co-owner of The Brick Kitchen in Independence, Iowa. In this lively conversation, they dive into the unique journey of building a family-run kitchen store in a small Midwestern town, the importance of quality tools in everyday life, and the special sense of community that comes from serving rural customers. 

From renovating a historic opera house into a bustling retail space to creating meaningful connections with customers and industry friends, Nate and his wife Shelly prove that small-town businesses can offer just as much — if not more — than the big-box stores. 

Tune in for stories about kitchen gadgets, lessons learned from retail, creative marketing strategies (like sponsoring a college marching band’s mellophone section!), and plenty of laughs along the way. 

Stay tuned for bloopers at the end of this episode! 

Products featured in this episode:

Dreamfarm Flapple slicer

Messermeister Chef’s Knife

Jura coffee products

Follow The Brick Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram.  

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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One of the most frequent questions that Cindy Peterson, co-founder of Berry and Basil, gets is how to choose the right knife. So she sat down with Ed Bartush, an industry veteran from Cangshan Cutlery with nearly four decades of cutlery experience, to explore the surprisingly complex world of kitchen knives.

From the basics of stamped vs. forged blades, to the allure of layered Damascus steel, we’ll break down what actually matters when shopping for a knife. 

• Which steel should you look for? 
• Why does handle design matter? 
• Is a block set really better than customizing your own collection? 
• What will help you make your decision?

Ed demystifies these questions and offers practical, confidence-boosting advice for every home cook — reminding us all that the best knife is the one that feels right in your hand and fits the way you cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, get ready to rethink how you choose the most essential tool in your kitchen.

Products featured in this episode:

Cangshan collection

*Note: Items will be restocked soon, plus new items will be added! 

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love. 

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Cindy Peterson sits down with Molly Hauge from Talisman Designs to explore the story behind one of the kitchen industry’s most joyful and innovative brands. 

Together, they discuss how Talisman Designs has spent the last 25 years bringing happiness into the kitchen through colorful, practical, and thoughtfully crafted tools — many inspired by everyday family moments. 

From crowd-favorite gadgets like Butter Boy and the adjustable pie shield, to creative solutions for bacon lovers and apple spiralizers, you’ll hear how these products are designed not just to make life easier, but to encourage families to cook, laugh, and create memories around the table. 

Tune in for heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a celebration of the small things that bring us joy in the kitchen.

Products featured in this episode:

Talisman Designs collection

For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasil

Follow the show at @joycuratedpodcast (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and make sure to subscribe to us on the podcast app of your choice. It helps us grow and share the story of all the brands we love.