Joy Curated

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