goodtaste for the Soul

When life feels uncertain, fear creeps in, or the future looks nothing like we expected, where do we find the courage to keep going? In this episode, we sit down with New York Times bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to talk about his book Unbreakable Courage and how the biblical story of Elijah offers a powerful, timeless lesson in facing life's challenges with faith and trust in God.

Fascinating to see how Elija's struggles are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago. Our lives may look different on the outside, and our circumstances...

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This isn’t an easy conversation, but after hearing stories recently that truly touched my heart, I felt compelled to explore a side of abortion we don’t talk about nearly enough.

We’re not here to debate whether abortion is right or wrong. We’re asking a different question: What happens next?

What emotions surface? What questions linger? And what happens when the experience brings unexpected feelings, struggles, or questions that are difficult to share?

Whether you’re a woman or a man, abortion may have touched yo...

If you haven’t been to Chef’s Table in Houston, you’ll want to add it to your must-do list! This award-winning restaurant, known for its bold South African flavors and creative cuisine, has just opened a second location in River Oaks.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Chef’s Table — the food is exceptional, and executive chef Paul Friedman is a one-of-a-kind talent. His creativity has earned him plenty of accolades, but what has always impressed me most is the man behind the food. Paul has a big heart, an incredible drive and a determinat...

Receiving a cancer diagnosis and going down that road of healing is full of ups and downs.  Today, Tanji shares where things stand, what’s ahead, and what God is teaching her in the waiting.  


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Imagine beginning life as an orphan and going on to build a family legacy that would span 5 generations. One built on faith, family and quite frankly, an American dream.

For more than 50 years, the Hernandez family has been quietly building a Houston legacy at Martin Tailors—one stitch, one customer and one generation at a time.

They’ve dressed some names you’ll definitely recognize, including Houston sports stars like the Rockets and Astros. Take a walk with me inside this iconic tailoring business and see what keeps Johnny Hernandez engaged after all these years. He say...

Francesca Montillo, better known as The Lazy Italian, is living a little bit of the “Under the Tuscan Sun” dream. After years of working, saving and planning in Boston, she finally made her dream of owning a home in Tuscany a reality.  

And along the way, she discovered something Italians call “the sweetness of doing nothing.” It’s more than simply slowing down—it’s about savoring life, enjoying good food, lingering around the table, and making time for the things that matter.

Francesca takes us inside that Italian way of life through simple recipes, authentic food...

Www.Hopeforheroestx.org

They’re the people we count on when something goes terribly wrong—the police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders who run toward situations most of us would run from.

But what happens after the sirens stop? What does carrying those experiences day after day do to the mind and the heart?

Behind the badge, the uniform, and the calm exterior are human beings who can face extraordinary levels of stress, trauma and emotional pressure. Today, we’re talking about the mental challenges first responders face, the importance of asking...

If you or someone you love has ever been given a tough medical diagnosis, you know what a rollercoaster ride the journey to getting help and healing can be.

Tanji received a diagnosis of a malignant tumor in her breast this summer and has been receiving treatment at the wonderful MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. There have been some unexpected bumps along the way—including three surgeries in one month.

In today’s update, she shares some of those ups and downs, along with some of your inspiring comments and personal stories of “Godwinks” and mila...

Amid the ancient ruins, iconic landmarks, and layers of history that make Rome so captivating, it's easy to miss some of the city's most significant sites—especially if you don't know where to look.

I've been to Rome a handful of times, but never before had I traced the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and St. Peter. This time, I saw the Eternal City through a completely different lens.

Our guide, Araceli Cardenas, is a very special longtime friend who now lives in Rome. Araceli works at the United Nations, but she also leads faith-based ex...

BUY HIS BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Pencil-Sketches-Devotionals-Favorite/dp/B0H7YZXMX4

What can a pencil teach us about Jesus?  

Quite a lot, as you’re about to see through the work of my guest today, Bill Nichols.

Bill is a very gifted Texas artist, pastor, even the cofounder of a major cable network.  These days, he creates in a beautiful—and surprisingly simple—way to bring the timeless parables of Jesus to life. His medium? A pencil.

In his new book, Parables in Pencil, Bill uses pencil drawings to help us see t...

Today's interview is with a Texas winemaker who's producing some notable red wines in California's beautiful Paso Robles wine region.
I first discovered Brady Vineyards after spotting their Zinfandel on the shelf at H-E-B. Truth be told, I don't usually reach for Zinfandel, but there was something different about Brady's. It wasn't the typical fruit bomb. Instead, it was beautifully balanced, with nuance and layers of flavor that kept me coming back for another sip.
While I enjoy the Brady Zinfandel, Don Brady says the true stars of his portfolio are his Old World-inspired reds, including Cabernet...

We don't talk much about spiritual warfare anymore, but maybe we should. What if some of the greatest battles we face aren't the obvious ones—or even come disguised as something good?

To dive deeper into what can be a heavy topic, I reached out to Community Bible Church Pastor Ed Newton in San Antonio, TX, a guy who isn’t your ordinary pastor – a man who has the ability to connect with just about anybody on any level. 

My interest in the subject really grew after reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis a coupl...

Have you ever stopped to think about what toxins you're exposed to every day—and what it might be doing to your brain?

Most of us don't think twice about the air we breathe, the chemicals used on our lawns or crops, or the environmental toxins we encounter throughout our lives. But what if those everyday exposures are having a bigger impact on our brain health than we realize, especially for people in states like Texas?

Researchers are taking a closer look at why neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease are becoming more common and appearing in...

Some people can read a room. Today's guest can read the people in it.

Jan Hargrave has spent decades teaching everyone from Fortune 500 executives and law enforcement professionals to television personalities how to understand the messages we send without saying a single word. She's one of the country's leading experts in body language and nonverbal communication, and after today's conversation, you'll probably never watch a conversation—or have one—the same way again.

But before Jan became an internationally recognized behavioral authority, she was a proud Cajun girl from the bayous of South Louisiana, where fami...

A year after the historic flooding that forever changed the Guadalupe River and parts of the Texas Hill Country, the signs of recovery are impossible to miss.

The floodwaters are said to have swept away more than half of the natural vegetation along portions of the river in Kerr County, dramatically reshaping the landscape. But nature has a remarkable way of bouncing back. Fresh growth is appearing where devastation once stood, and in many ways, an entirely new river is beginning to emerge.

In this episode, we sit down with an environmental expert who has...

There’s so much more to the story of Officer Antonio Richardson, the Florida police officer who spent nearly 40 minutes on a bridge talking a man out of taking his own life. It's an extraordinary encounter, and the bodycam footage from that night is nothing short of riveting.

But there's so much more to the story.

What I didn't expect was to discover Officer Richardson's own remarkable journey—a life shaped by faith, perseverance, purpose, and the extraordinary ways God prepares ordinary people for extraordinary moments.

On this episode of Goodtaste for the Soul...

HOUSTON KNOWS GREAT FOOD, AND FOR 30 YEARS, MAMBO'S SEAFOOD HAS BEEN SERVING UP THE BOLD FLAVORS THAT KEEP FANS COMING BACK FOR MORE. BUT THERE'S ONE DISH THAT'S REACHED ICON STATUS ALL ON ITS OWN—MAMBO RICE.

LOADED WITH FLAVOR AND CRAVED BY LOCALS, THIS HOUSTON FAVORITE HAS EARNED A REPUTATION AS A DISH WORTH CHEERING FOR. AND WITH THE FIFA WORLD CUP SET TO TAKE OVER THE CITY, MAMBO'S IS READY TO WELCOME SOCCER FANS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.

SO WHETHER YOU'RE CELEBRATING A GOAL, A VICTORY, OR JUST YOUR LOVE OF GREAT FOOD, TH...

Some of our most treasured moments in life come from simply “wasting time” with friends and loved ones. But what if we spent more time “wasting time” with God—praying outside the box, in ways and at times we may have never considered?

According to Ryan Skoog, co-author of the powerful book Lead with Prayer, that's exactly what many effective leaders are doing. Ryan shares that some Fortune 500 executives regularly pray with their teams at work. Most of us never hear about it because corporate policies and legal concerns keep those practices behind the scenes.

But this c...

Food has a way of tying itself to the moments we never forget — family gatherings, celebrations, hard conversations, even the ordinary nights around the table. Long before we remember the recipe, we remember how it made us feel.

If you watch Goodtaste with Tanji, you know Chef Fernando Desa, the guy I’ve cooked with in the Goya Foods kitchens for nearly 10 years.  But there’s a lot more to his story than what happens in the kitchen.

Before food, Fernando was actually headed toward a career in medicine. Somewhere along the way, life took a very...

If you’re taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you already know they can dramatically reduce your appetite. But while eating less may help with weight loss, it can also create a new challenge—getting enough protein to protect your muscle, energy, and overall health.

The amount of protein experts now recommend while taking these medications may actually surprise you.   

We recently spoke to an endocrinologist about the risks and benefits of GLP-1’s, today, we’re talking with the corporate chef for Sysco Foods who has some easy ways to get more than 100+...

An interesting conversation today with a truly unique man whose 35-year career in high-risk military operations included serving as a Delta Force operator, Green Beret medic, Marine Infantry/Recon officer, and CIA officer. Quite a resume!
Gary Harrington is soft-spoken and humble. His life experiences are extraordinary,  but what he devotes much of his time to now is embracing his Christian faith..

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...

About our episode on homelessness—did you hear it?

A few weeks ago on this podcast, I shared the story of a remarkable woman who connects with people experiencing homelessness in a way I hadn’t seen before. She has this rare ability to look past what’s on the surface and truly see the person underneath. Instead of judging, she meets people with dignity and presence.

That conversation stayed with me and led me to reach out to another voice doing similar work at Communities Under the Bridge in the Alamo City. He once experi...

Most of us have thought about what comes next—what happens when this life ends.
But what if some people have already caught a glimpse of it?
Today, we’re talking with an expert  on near-death experiences, New York Times bestselling author John Burke, who has spent years studying hundreds of stories from those who say they’ve seen beyond this life—and returned to tell about it.  His findings are fascinating—so much so that even doctors and researchers who once dismissed the topic are now leaning in.  So what are people really seeing… and what might God be tr...

The lure of easy weight loss is hard to resist. With the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, shedding pounds can seem almost effortless.

But one endocrinologist says—not so fast.

While these medications can be life-changing, even life-saving, for some, they may also carry risks that could lead to unwanted health issues down the road.

Dr. Joe Becker, Head of Endocrinology at the University of Texas San Antonio Medical School breaks down the real story behind rapid weight loss drugs—the benefits, the potential downsides, and what you need to know...

It started like so many things do these days—with a scroll.

Just another post in a crowded feed. Easy to pass by. Easy to forget.

But this one stopped her.

A girl was in desperate need of a kidney.  A family waiting, hoping, praying that someone—anyone—would step forward.

And in a moment most of us would hesitate… she didn’t.

She said yes.

Today, we’re talking to brave woman who turned compassion into action and the girl who received that beautiful gift.

This is a...

The Truth About Homelessness | Tanji Patton's Goodtaste for the Soul e66

This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life’s blessings and...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Hair loss affects millions of men and women, yet it’s something many people deal with quietly. While it’s often seen as cosmetic, it can impact confidence, identity, and how we show up in the world.

Today on Goodtaste for the Soul, we’re talking about the science behind hair loss — what causes it, why it affects both men and women, and the real options available for treatment and regrowth.

Joining me is physician Manny Lopez, who has spent years helping patients understand the root causes of hair loss and the medical advancements changing the conv...

Sometimes the most powerful journeys begin with a choice — a choice that costs you everything
you’ve worked for.
My guest today knows that feeling well.
Denise Mazal grew up behind the Iron Curtain in what was then Czechoslovakia, where freedom
was limited and opportunity was tightly controlled. Denise was a talented athlete, a member of
the Czech national rowing team, with a real chance to compete in the 1976 Olympic Games in
Montreal.
But she made a remarkable decision.
In pursuit of freedom, Denise walked away from that Olympic dream — and from t...

Great careers rarely begin where you expect.

For Harvey P. Hartenstine, the journey started in a community college classroom — a simple beginning that would eventually lead him to a pinnacle of banking in Texas.

Along the way, he’s helped guide businesses, mentor future leaders, and play a role in the growth of the Alamo City itself. But his story is about more than banking. It’s about perseverance, recognizing opportunity, and the people who help shape our path—Harvey is very grateful to the family who made this journey possible.

In today’s episode...

I just want to take a moment and say thank you.

Because of you, Goodtaste for the Soul has reached 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. And that number means so much more to me than you probably realize.

When I started this podcast, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It felt vulnerable. It felt personal. It felt different from anything I’ve done in my 30-plus years in television. There were moments of excitement — and moments of doubt.

But you showed up.

You watched. You listened. You commented. You shared episodes with f...

There is breaking news in the fight against breast cancer—and it’s bringing new hope to millions of families.

A groundbreaking breast cancer vaccine is now in development, and some of the most important research is happening right here in Texas. Scientists are making remarkable progress in clinical trials, working toward a future where breast cancer could not only be treated—but potentially prevented.

Joining us is Dr. Virginia Kaklamani, one of the nation’s leading breast cancer experts, who is on the front lines of this historic work. She’s sharing what these new vaccin...

There’s a sacred space here in the Texas Hill Country. It’s easy to miss — just a simple building about fifty yards from the Guadalupe River. But inside, a few quiet rooms are holding things that mean everything to someone.

Since the July 4 flood that took so many lives, thousands of personal belongings have been recovered from the river — photographs, keepsakes, pieces of everyday life. Each one tells a story. Each one belonged to someone who mattered.

In today’s episode, you’ll meet the remarkable woman who’s taken on the heavy but sacred respons...

Whether it’s Galentine’s or Valentine’s, today’s episode is about discovering love and purpose in the most unexpected places—sometimes right when you least expect it. Our guests are New York Times bestselling authors of the Godwinks books, SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. From a seemingly ordinary moment in the grocery store to Jelly Roll’s recent declaration of a “Godwink” at a live performance, life’s so-called coincidences often turn out to be something far more meaningful than we ever imagined. And maybe those moments aren’t coincidences at all—maybe they’re gentle reminders that God is close and ac...

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 sta...

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 pers...

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 h...

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...

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.

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🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji:
https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/

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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...

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 p...