Joy Curated

Send us Fan MailIn 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 productspractical ways to engage all of your taste budsthe magic of layering flavors with olive oil and vinegarstips to choosing the right flavor for youand 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 @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailCindy 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 worldthe belief that everyone deserves quality tools, regardless of their skill levelredefining what it means to be a chefthe joys and realities of family mealsthe importance of gathering with loved ones without letting perfectionism get in the wayCindy offers a heartfelt challenge: bring back Sunday dinner in whatever form feels right, focusing on connection over perfection.Follow Chef Jeni & CompanyFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailThis 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 productsSouth Dakota Roasted CoffeeFollow Berry & Basil's socials for Miriam's wine of the week picks! FacebookInstagramFind Miriam's baking creations: FacebookInstagramFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailHave 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 & BasilFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailCindy 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 & BasilCheck 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 @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailCindy 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 & BasilFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 slicerMessermeister Chef’s KnifeJura coffee productsFollow 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 @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailOne 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 @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailCindy 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 collectionFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailHost Cindy Peterson and Darian Tomas, co-founder of a unique knife-sharpening solution, dig into the real-life frustrations home cooks face with their kitchen tools — and learn some new vocabulary while they're at it! From the dilemma of never using prized chef’s knives out of fear of ruining them, to common mistakes we make when storing and sharpening knives, Darian shares his journey from a small Canadian town to developing an accessible product designed for busy families. Together, they cover everything from the science of blade angles and the pitfalls of glass and stainless steel cutting boards, to the “relationship” we each have with our favorite kitchen knives. Whether you’re a pro or just trying to slice a tomato without frustration, this episode is full of practical tips to help you feel more confident — and a little more joyful — in the kitchen.Products featured in this episode:CINQ Rolling Knife SharpenerFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Cindy Peterson is joined by Ashley Mccord, a longtime expert and advocate for the Ankarsrum mixer — a Swedish heritage kitchen appliance with a rich history dating back to 1940, and so versatile that it’s been called “the assistant” for decades. From its unique bottom-motor design and versatile attachments to its reputation as an heirloom-quality appliance, they discuss why investing in quality tools transforms both your confidence and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you're baking bread, making (smoked!) butter, or tackling monster cookies, a quality stand mixer is truly is an assistant for real life — empowering you to take control of your ingredients and enjoy the process.Together, they discuss the roots of the machine, its enduring quality and design, the evolution of its use in kitchens across the world, and how thoughtful choices and the right tools can empower creativity, wellness, and convenience at home. Products featured in this episode:Ankarsrum Assistant mixerAnkarsrum attachmentsFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailCindy shares her first solo adventure at the Inspired Home Show (IHA) in Chicago, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how this event stands apart from typical markets — and why it’s such a big deal for kitchen store owners. You’ll hear about her favorite discoveries, chats with the actual makers behind beloved kitchen brands, and some exciting product trends coming soon to Berry + Basil.But the true gold in this episode is just how relatable Cindy’s dream is and her response. Who hasn’t had a vivid dream where your partner did something terribly wrong (and so often out of character) and experienced the visceral emotions that follow? Lucky for you — and her husband — she found the perfect apology gifts. From gorgeous knives and kitchen shears to brownie bowl pans, candles, and tickets to a wine glass tasting, she offers plenty of thoughtful ideas for just-because gestures — or to get ahead of terrible dream actions, because that never hurts. Whether you’re curious about the latest in kitchenware or simply need a laugh and a bit of encouragement for everyday life, tune in and share with someone else who relates! Products featured in this episode:Helena Cangshun knivesKitchen shear set of 4Brownie bowl panBillionaire Chocolate Chip Cookie MixRewined Market Candle CollectionRiedel Wine Glass Seminar TicketsFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailThere is a fascinating intersection of independent kitchen stores and the whirlwind of viral product trends shaping what we use in our kitchens every day. Cindy’s joined by Robert McGinnis, COO of the HTI Buying Group and the popular face behind @robhomecook on TikTok and Instagram — a guest who truly sees both sides of the kitchen product world, from industry insiders to online sensation.In this episode, Cindy and Robert open up about the realities of curating products for independent stores — why quality, utility and customer trust always come before following every online craze. Robert shares candid stories from his years in the industry, including his accidental rise to TikTok fame with tinned fish reviews and what that experience revealed about the power and pitfalls of viral trends.They dig into why independent retailers have a unique advantage: the freedom to thoughtfully test products, educate their community, and build real relationships — not just follow what’s hot on TikTok. You’ll get insights into the behind-the-scenes process of vetting products, avoiding the trap of fear-driven marketing, and balancing value with longevity in what ends up on store shelves. The episode also touches on how social media can distort perceptions of quality, the risks of buying unvetted products online, and how trusted kitchen stores navigate these challenges.Check out Rob’s videos and food reviews by following him on TikTok and Instagram at @robhomecooksFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Cindy brings on David Nelson from Finamill — a company that's aiming to change not just how we grind pepper, but how we experience all spices.Together, they share the inspiration behind Finamill’s unique spice mill, from overcoming the frustrations of manual grinders to enabling home cooks to easily experiment with flavors. Dave opens up about the engineering journey that led to a simple, one-handed, pod-based system for fresh spices, making it easier than ever to switch between flavors — even for those with busy hands or mobility challenges.The episode explores how Finamill solves common kitchen dilemmas, like messy grilling and lumpy spice shakers, while giving permission to play confidently with new spices and blends. Cindy shares her own evolution from seasoning with just salt and pepper to discovering a creative world of flavor, inspired by Finamill’s versatility.Listeners will gain insights on the importance of fresh-ground spices, learn about happy discoveries when grinding unexpected ingredients, and hear how innovation and passion can make a kitchen tool into a staple for both professionals and hobbyists. If you’ve ever wanted to bring restaurant-level creativity to your home kitchen, or simply make cooking a more enjoyable part of your day, you’ll find encouragement and practical tips in this conversation.Products featured in this episode:Finamill productsFinamill Stackable TraysFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first episode of Joy Curated! Join Cindy Peterson, co-founder of Berry + Basil in Chamberlain, South Dakota, as she sits down with her longtime friend and business partner Angi Hanzlik for an honest, lighthearted conversation. They discuss the origins of their thoughtfully curated kitchen store, and the joyful, sometimes wild, journey of launching a small business in the heart of rural America.In this episode, Cindy and Angi reminisce about dreaming big, taking risks and following their mission to inspire people to cook, entertain and gather — no perfection required. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories about bringing quality products to their community, adapting during the pandemic, and the special moments and products that have shaped their shop (including hilarious towel stories, custom-made goods, and the unexpected adventures of retail life).Whether you're a kitchen enthusiast, a small business dreamer, or just someone who loves the idea of connecting over food, this episode is filled with warmth, laughter and plenty of inspiration. Products mentioned in this episode:Whitty Floursack TowelsHedley & Bennett ApronsZassenhaus Bread Slicer Olivelle B + B Signature Collection of Soap, Lotion, Cleaner and Room SprayNo Paper Paper Plates + Tiny TumblersSmithey Cast IronFor more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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. 

Send us Fan MailWhat if confidence in the kitchen didn't come from perfection, but from curiosity? Welcome to Joy Curated. I'm Cindy Peterson, co-founder of Berry and Basil, a gourmet kitchen store in downtown Chamberlain, South Dakota. Our store and this podcast share the same beliefs: good food and well-made tools bring people together. Each episode features relaxed, honest conversations with designers, makers, and food experts about how products are made, how they perform in real kitchens, and how to choose tools that genuinely support the way you cook. No trends, no gimmicks, just thoughtful perspective, practical insight, and permission to do things your own way. Because when you understand your tools and cook with confidence, you create more than meals — you create connection.For more thoughtfully curated joy, check out berryandbasil.com and follow the store for all the latest products, events and sales at @theberrybasilFollow 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.