goodtaste for the Soul

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 me...

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 o...

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 f...

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...

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 peo...

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, disc...

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 t...

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 chol...

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 b...

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...

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the wine aisle at H-E-B—staring at rows and rows of bottles—wondering where to even start, you’re not alone! And with the holidays coming up, the pressure’s on to pick just the right wines for parties, gifts, and family get togethers. Today, I’m chatting with Charles Rivas from H-E-B, who knows this department inside and out. He’s sharing how the wines are...

Fall in Texas is a season of wonder. Our skies become part of a great migratory route—millions of birds winging their way south, filling the air with color and song. Spending time outside with Mother Nature always brightens my day. I see God’s fingerprints everywhere. There are thousands of species of birds, and if you stop and look, you’ll spot an amazing variety right in your own backyard. Each...

Standing up for what you believe is right can come at a cost—just take a look at the headlines from the past few weeks. In this week’s episode, you’ll meet a remarkable woman who did exactly that. She took a stand for her convictions and paid a steep price—she nearly died. But she didn’t back down. She kept going, kept fighting. In the end, she came out a winner—not because she crossed the finish...

Today’s episode is not an easy one—but it’s one of the most important we’ve ever shared. I’ve wrestled for months on how to share what I’ve learned about child trafficking. We’re joined by personal friends of mine whose world was forever changed when their daughter was trafficked. It’s the kind of story most parents think could never happen to their family, but their experience is a sobering remin...

Wouldn’t it be great if eating vegetables felt less like a chore and more like unlocking a secret to better living? Dr. Michael Compton’s new book, Veggie Smarts, does exactly that. It’s not another guilt-trip about kale or a dry nutrition manual—it’s a guide that reveals the surprising power of vegetables in ways that are practical, inspiring, and, yes, even fun. From simple science-backed tips t...

Wouldn’t it be reassuring if your doctor actually prayed for you? It’s becoming more common than you might think. Traditional medicine is changing—and Texas is right at the forefront. More and more doctors are turning to integrative medicine, blending science with soul. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just bodies to be fixed—we’re whole beings. And true healing means caring for both body...

Get out of yourself! Looking for way to express yourself, to release pent up emotion…even grief? Painting can do just that. Psychologists say it provides a safe, nonverbal way to express emotions—from grief and anxiety to anger and even joy. Turning your feelings into color and shape can be surprisingly cathartic, helping to release tension and find balance. In today’s episode, Texas Hill Country...

Having a beautiful mind isn’t always as easy as it sounds—and sometimes, positive thinking alone won’t get you there. Today’s guest knows this firsthand. Pastor Ed Newton, the dynamic leader of a thriving mega church, opened up in a way I didn’t expect. He shared a deeply personal story about a recent and very dark season in his life, and the path he took to regain clarity and rediscover his purpo...

 Even if you don’t live in Texas, you’ve likely heard about the state’s favorite grocery store -- H-E-B.  But, did you know that H-E-B is also the state’s largest retailer of wine?  In today’s episode, meet the man in charge of selecting all the wines that appear on all those shelves.  We talk about his ‘famous’ TV commercial, the affects of tariffs on wine prices and what it’s like to travel the...

A month after the devastating Kerr County floods, headlines have shifted to controversy over the county’s response—but the real stories of survival and rebuilding are far from over. This week, we traveled to the Guadalupe River in Kerrville.  I sat down with Angel Poorman, founder of United Rescue Alliance, a Texas-based organization with boots on the ground helping residents clean up and rebuild....

Did you know food is mentioned more than 1,000 times in the Bible? Clearly, it plays a powerful role in God’s story—and in ours. I recently read (and then re-read) a fascinating book called Taste and See, which explores the deep connection between our physical hunger and our spiritual hunger. If you love food, this is a journey you won’t want to miss. God uses food not only to nourish us, but also...

We Texans are known for our self-reliance, our unshakable sense of independence, and our faith in God.  But when the July 4th flooding disaster struck, we were reminded of another side of that Texas spirit: the deep, unwavering drive to show up for each other. For many here, these are the worst of times -- but they’ll get better, according to a man who has lived the horror many are going through r...

Here in Texas, we’re hurting—but we’ll be okay. The sadness, the anger, and the struggle to make sense of the devastating floods weigh heavily on our hearts.  This week, I’m sitting down with New York Times bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to get his perspective on the tragic flooding in the Hill Country.  How should we pray at a time like this? Is it okay to be angry, even to yell at God?...

Ever wonder what it’s like to get paid to eat at some of the best restaurants around? Today’s guest knows that world inside and out—because he lives it. Bao Ong is the food critic for the Houston Chronicle, and he spends his days exploring what many call the most exciting food city in America. In this episode, Bao shares how he landed the job, the reviews he wishes he could take back, and his advi...

On a hill high above Kerrville,TX sits a beautiful, controversial, giant cross. The idea for the cross was born more than 20 years ago when a gifted wildlife artist named Max Greiner listened to a still, small voice.  His journey since then is anything but small, and it’s a far cry from still.  The prayer gardens where the massive cross sits are visited by hundreds of thousands of people from all...