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Sometimes the best stories start in the kitchen! Today’s guest is a beautiful family with a whopper of a story. Lila Smethurst’s path to the Food Network’s Kids’ Baking Championship started not just with a love for baking, but out of necessity. When Lila was only seven years old, her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because her mother’s treatment was so intense, she couldn’t be in the kitchen—so Lila had to learn to cook. That early spark grew into a passion, and that passion eventually led her to a national stage—bright lights, big bakes, and the courage to believe she belonged there. Lila’s story is a reminder that even in life’s most challenging moments, something beautiful can begin to rise. An added bonus, Lila didn’t stop with her Food Network win.  She’s giving back in other ways - and right now, she needs your help.  For more info: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/stx/svoysa26/lsmethurst photographs courtesy of Food Network

I like to think of faith as a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets! If you’re looking to stretch your faith a bit and see God with fresh, soulful eyes, you’ll really enjoy learning about breath prayers with author Margaret Feinberg. Her book, The God You Need to Know, took me on such a thoughtful journey about the Holy Spirit, especially when it comes to navigating stressful seasons of life. Margaret has a beautiful way of diving into Scripture that sparks curiosity and wonder, and she gently invites you to experience Him as personal, present, and faithful. It’s one of those conversations that just might stick with you awhile.  I am a big fan of breath prayers!

Let’s face it—everybody loves San Antonio. Wherever I travel, I hear it. In today’s episode, candid conversation with one of the city’s true media and sports icons—and a friend who has meant a great deal to me for many years. His sportscast and television show consistently lead the ratings, but what truly keeps viewers tuning in night after night is his big heart.  It’s on full display when he shares the impact a high school teacher has had on his life. Plus, he credits  legendary Dallas Cowboy’s coach Tom Landry for his belief in Christ, reflects  on the hypocrisy he says can sometimes follow religion, and explains how growing up as a pastor’s kid influences the way he approaches his work—and his calling.

If you love good food, do yourself a favor and get very—very—familiar with Houston’s dining scene. Every year, the Houston Chronicle releases its highly anticipated Top 100 Restaurants list, sparking lively conversation, friendly debate, and yes, a few strong opinions. Today, we’re sitting down with Bao Ong, restaurant critic for the Houston Chronicle and the person who leads the team tasked with the very hard work of finding the best restaurants in the city. Texas is filled with incredible food destinations—San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, even Marfa—but Houston consistently sets the bar high and delivers. We’ll talk about what it takes to make the list, which spots truly stand out, and how those coveted rankings are earned.  A road trip may be in your future.

So you’re thinking about fasting. Before you panic—or start counting hours—take a breath. This isn’t about extremes or earning points. Annette Reeder is here to walk us through what fasting actually is, what it isn’t, and why stepping back from food can sometimes move us forward in clarity, purpose, and peace. 📺 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for delicious new videos every week! https://www.youtube.com/@GoodTastewithTanji?sub_confirmation=1 🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji: https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/ 📧 Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Stay up to date with Tanji's wine finds, featured restaurants, easy recipes, and tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv/newsletter/ 🕛 Watch Goodtaste with Tanji on TV Find your local air times and channels: https://www.goodtaste.tv/goodtaste-tv/ 🎧 Listen to the Goodtaste for the Soul podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodtaste-for-the-soul/id1790780905 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0sa7IUq4VoxEm2yRK8a8Tq 📲 Follow Goodtaste with Tanji on social media: Instagram: @GoodtasteTV Facebook: Goodtaste with Tanji YouTube: @GoodTastewithTanji Pinterest: GoodtasteTV TikTok: @GoodtasteTV 👩‍🍳 Follow Tanji Patton personally: Instagram: @TanjiPatton Twitter/X: @TanjiPatton LinkedIn: Tanji Patton 🌐 Visit us online for more wine pairings, travel, and lifestyle tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv #GoodtasteWithTanji #TanjiPatton #TexasEats #WineFinds #FoodieLife #GoodtasteTV

New beginnings don’t always arrive neatly on January 1st. Sometimes they begin the moment we dare to believe God could use someone like us. In this episode of Goodtaste for the Soul, Tanji Patton sits down with Ed Newton, pastor of one of the largest megachurches in Texas, CBC, and author of the powerful new book Why Not You. Ed’s story is anything but typical—not someone you’d expect to lead a mega church. In Why Not You, Ed flips the script on insecurity, self-doubt, and the lies that keep so many of us stuck on the sidelines. This honest, hope-filled conversation explores calling, obedience, imposter syndrome, and what can happen when we stop disqualifying ourselves and start trusting God with the next step. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly called, qualified, or enough—this episode is for you.

I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have a conversation with about the night Jesus was born than Max Lucado.  The New York Times bestselling author and pastor has such a gentle, beautiful way of sharing his thoughts and insights.  In this very special episode of Goodtaste for the Soul, Max Lucado reflects on the night God came near, stepping into our world to dwell with us. He describes the birth of a King in a dusty, humble stable, born to ordinary parents, reminding us that God often chooses simplicity—and unexpected people—to reveal His greatest gifts. I pray hearing Max Lucado’s gentle spirit share the story of Jesus will touch your heart as much as it did mine. Merry Christmas. 📺 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for delicious new videos every week! https://www.youtube.com/@GoodTastewithTanji?sub_confirmation=1 🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji: https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/ 📧 Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Stay up to date with Tanji's wine finds, featured restaurants, easy recipes, and tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv/newsletter/ 🕛 Watch Goodtaste with Tanji on TV Find your local air times and channels: https://www.goodtaste.tv/goodtaste-tv/ 🎧 Listen to the Goodtaste for the Soul podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodtaste-for-the-soul/id1790780905 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0sa7IUq4VoxEm2yRK8a8Tq 📲 Follow Goodtaste with Tanji on social media: Instagram: @GoodtasteTV Facebook: Goodtaste with Tanji YouTube: @GoodTastewithTanji Pinterest: GoodtasteTV TikTok: @GoodtasteTV 👩‍🍳 Follow Tanji Patton personally: Instagram: @TanjiPatton Twitter/X: @TanjiPatton LinkedIn: Tanji Patton 🌐 Visit us online for more wine pairings, travel, and lifestyle tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv #GoodtasteWithTanji #TanjiPatton #TexasEats #WineFinds #FoodieLife #GoodtasteTV

During this Christmas season, when so many people are searching for meaning, hope, or answers for themselves or someone they love, a book written by a former atheist may seem like an unlikely source of comfort. Best-selling author Lee Strobel’s own search for truth transformed his life and saved his marriage — and he’s helped countless others begin their own journeys. That search led to The Case for Christ, a book that has sold millions of copies worldwide, in which Strobel used his investigative journalism skills to tackle the biggest question of all: Who is Jesus — was He really the Son of God? I had heard about his book for years and never bothered to read it, because I felt like, as a Christian, I didn’t need to.  I was wrong.  It’s a fascinating read. 📺 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for delicious new videos every week! https://www.youtube.com/@GoodTastewithTanji?sub_confirmation=1 🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji: https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/ 📧 Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Stay up to date with Tanji's wine finds, featured restaurants, easy recipes, and tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv/newsletter/ 🕛 Watch Goodtaste with Tanji on TV Find your local air times and channels: https://www.goodtaste.tv/goodtaste-tv/ 🎧 Listen to the Goodtaste for the Soul podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodtaste-for-the-soul/id1790780905 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0sa7IUq4VoxEm2yRK8a8Tq 📲 Follow Goodtaste with Tanji on social media: Instagram: @GoodtasteTV Facebook: Goodtaste with Tanji YouTube: @GoodTastewithTanji Pinterest: GoodtasteTV TikTok: @GoodtasteTV 👩‍🍳 Follow Tanji Patton personally: Instagram: @TanjiPatton Twitter/X: @TanjiPatton LinkedIn: Tanji Patton 🌐 Visit us online for more wine pairings, travel, and lifestyle tips: https://www.goodtaste.tv #GoodtasteWithTanji #TanjiPatton #TexasEats #WineFinds #FoodieLife #GoodtasteTV

Pasta, pasta, pasta — straight from one of the greats. Italian celebrity chef and PBS television icon Lidia Bastianich joins me to share all about her new cookbook. As you might guess, it’s devoted entirely to pasta, filled with gorgeous stories and mouthwatering photos that will leave you hungry for more. Lidia walks us through some of the delicious recipes featured in the book, what to look for when choosing store-bought pasta, and her favorite types of tomatoes for the perfect sauce. She also opens up about her journey as an immigrant to this country and the inspiring work she’s doing to help build schools for children in refugee camps.

Step into San Antonio’s La Panadería and your whole mood lifts. The air is filled with the smell of fresh bread, trays of conchas and pan dulce sparkle on the counter, and yes—the long line is absolutely worth it. Because at the end are the items everyone talks about: those tequila-spiked almond croissants, deli-fresh sandwiches, and rich, house-brewed drinks. But the real magic comes from the people behind it all—brothers José and David Cáceres. Their journey from selling bread on the streets of Mexico City to creating one of Texas’ most beloved bakeries is a story of family, hard work, and the belief that great food brings people together.

If you have kids or grandkids, chances are you’ve heard of the beloved Elf on the Shelf — maybe you even have one in your home! Now, make room for Finding Jesus, a heartwarming twist on that holiday tradition, invented by a mom who wanted to bring the Christmas story to life for all children. Instead of searching for an elf, kids will follow this special doll each day leading up to Christmas, discovering the story of Jesus through Bible verses and engaging daily devotionals. Creator Lillian Richey says the entire project was inspired by God from start to finish. In fact, the production process gave her an unexpected opportunity to share Jesus’ story with people in China — many of whom had never heard of Him before. Websites:  SeekHimFirst.com      SeekHimFirstTikTok Shop

We’re once again diving into a tough but critical issue: child trafficking — an issue that’s far more widespread than most people realize. My guest, Bazzel Baz, is a former CIA Intelligence Special Operations Group officer who’s now using that same courage and training to rescue kids from unthinkable situations. You may also recognize him from his work on television, where he’s brought attention to real-life rescue missions and the people fighting this crisis every day. Baz has seen the darkest side of this issue up close, and he shares what those missions are really like, what his team is up against, and why this problem hits so close to home. He also talks about what we can all do — how to stay aware, hold leaders accountable, and support the organizations doing this life-saving work. He’s real, passionate, and full of heart — and this conversation will stay with you. It’s a powerful reminder that awareness is just the beginning… and that we all have a role to play in protecting our kids.

Don’t give up on losing weight and feeling better. Today, we talk to Annette Reeder, a biblical nutritionist and author who helps you take simple, practical steps toward boosting your energy — all while staying rooted in faith. Food plays a BIG role in the Bible.  Remember the fast of Daniel? Annette shares her weight loss journey along with actionable tips for dropping a few pounds, lowering cholesterol, and improving overall health.  If you’ve been looking for realistic guidance to feel and look your best without hopping onto an expensive weight loss drug,  Annette has some great insights.

Whether you call them miracles or divine coincidences, they happen more often than you might think — those moments that defy explanation and remind us something greater is at work. My guest today is Dr. Marc Siegel — a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and trusted medical voice you’ve seen on TV making sense of all things health and wellness.  Dr. Siegel talks about the powerful link between prayer and healing and how he hopes his new book from Fox News Book’s "The Miracles Among Us" https://www.foxnews.com/books , will inspire not only everyday patients like you and me but also our doctors to see beyond the science.  This episode is all about the power of faith, the beauty of healing, and the reminder that sometimes the impossible really does happen.

Nearly four months ago, record flooding devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country. Today, the meandering Guadalupe River looks different — and so do many of the lives along its banks. But amidst the rebuilding, there are some truly beautiful souls helping restore hope. We’re back along the Guadalupe near Hunt, Texas, to meet a man whose modest organization is doing remarkable work for local flood victims. As it turns out, this incredible group — based in Houston — has been quietly making a real difference in people’s lives for decades.  Doug Stringer’s inspiring story is a testament to the power and impact of one person’s willingness to serve.