Cindy 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 knives

Kitchen shear set of 4

Brownie bowl pan

Billionaire Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Rewined Market Candle Collection

Riedel Wine Glass Seminar Tickets

For 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 (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.

There 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 @robhomecooks

For 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 (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.

In 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 products

Finamill Stackable Trays

For 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 (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.