Food Radio Network

Steeping Around – Charitea

billschiffler — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:00:36 +0000

Manish’s birthday has got him thinking about the things he is thankful for, and among them, for the good that is done within the tea industry for the tea farmers themselves. There is perhaps no better example that Ajiri Tea, a company that we had the pleasure of interviewing at the World Tea Expo last June. Listen as Sara Holby describes the wonderful things that they are doing for employment and education in Kenya. And don’t miss the final segment, where Manish and Tere reveal some upcoming changes for Steeping Around.

Steeping Around – Celebrating With Tea Liqueurs

billschiffler — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:01:53 +0000

Manish’s birthday is fast approaching, and this week Tere has a surprise in store for him. She has concocted three tea-infused liquors of her own, using her favorites of the Maya Tea selection. Manish and Tere relate the history of liqueurs, and then they begin to taste their own. After the drinks have been drunk, Tere reveals her recipes to the audience, so that everyone can make delicious tea liqueurs from home.

Steeping Around – Catnip, Once Again!

billschiffler — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:01:37 +0000

Host Manish Shah is sick this week, so we’re running a repeat episode from last year. Get ready for a revisit of “Catnip: Calm or Crazy?”, in which Tere and Manish sip on cups of catnip tea as they talk about its history, health benefits, and effects on the mind. Will they feel any different after drinking this tea? Listen in to find out.

Steeping Around – Partying With Mom: Mother’s Sweet Tea Vodka

billschiffler — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:17 +0000

Manish and Tere are continuing their month-long celebration this week, in honor of Manish’s birthday and tea-infused spirits. It is 9:30 in the morning, and the two of them have cracked open a bottle of Mother’s Sweet Tea Vodka. Listen to the two spirited hosts as they describe the unique flavor of this vodka, as well as the fun recipes you can make with it. Cheers!

Steeping Around – Mead, Mead, Mead

billschiffler — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:01:35 +0000

Tere LaBaw enlightens both Manish and the audience this week with her extensive knowledge of mead, or honey wine. She shares a little history and describes what exactly mead is, and even gives listeners a home recipe for tea-infused mead. Then, she and Manish taste test the tea-infused mead made by the Volcano Winery, given so generously to Manish by Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii and Company.

Steeping Around – Elevational Varieties: Hawaiian Teas Pt. 2

billschiffler — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:01:26 +0000

Manish and Tere welcome Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co back to the show this week for our third show about “island tea”. Eva describes the four varieties that come from their gardens, as well as where we can find them for sale. But that’s not all–in addition to tea, Tea Hawaii & Co offers fine teaware, tours and even wines, much to Manish’s delight. In the final segment, Manish and Tere put Eva’s teas to the test… will they stand up to it?

Steeping Around – Island Hopping – Hawaiian Tea

billschiffler — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:01:08 +0000

Last week we visited the Azores Islands for a glimpse of Portuguese tea. This week, we are island-hopping. Manish introduces Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co, who grows tea on the island of Hawaii. The two discuss the history of tea in the Hawaiian islands. Eva explains what it is that makes the teas of Hawaii so special, and the unique connection between growers in the region.

Steeping Around – Tea Grown in Europe?

billschiffler — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:01:19 +0000

Manish and Tere continue their exploration of tea origins this week, shedding light on the places that we ordinarily don’t associate with tea plantations. A few weeks ago they spoke about Kenyan teas, and this week it’s off to Europe–Portugal, to be specific. Did you know that delicious teas are grown in Portugal? Neither did we, until Manish met David of Gorreana Tea at the World Tea Expo last June. In his interview, David talks about the history of Portuguese tea and what makes his family’s operation so special.

Steeping Around – Looking Back, and Looking Forward

billschiffler — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:01:16 +0000

Manish is back from India and returns as host this week to Steeping Around. As he muses on the changes that India has seen in the past fifteen years, he and Tere reflect on the past twelve months of Steeping Around and, specifically, on last year’s New Year’s resolutions. Were they met? In the final segment, Manish and Tere address some recent listener emails regarding children and colds, and they reveal some of their plans for the upcoming year.

Steeping Around – Surviving to Thriving in the Tea World

billschiffler — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:02:26 +0000

This week guest host Tere Clark shares the final portion of her interview with Manish. In the decade that Maya Tea has been in business, both the company and Manish, its owner, have experienced exponential growth. Learn how Maya Tea went from survival mode to the stable, thriving company that it is today, and how Manish in turn went from a novice to an expert on tea in ten short years.

Steeping Around – A Minute with the Man

billschiffler — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:01:37 +0000

Tere hosts the show
again this week, in continuation of last week’s interview with Manish.
Find out exactly how many jobs Manish juggles day to day, and how he manages to
make it all look so easy. Then, in the second segment, Tere digs a little
deeper into Manish’s personal life. His last trip to India, fifteen years
ago, was to meet and marry his wife. Find out how all that went down and
what has happened since, this week on Steeping Around.

Steeping Around – Origins: From India to Tucson

billschiffler — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:01:41 +0000

While Manish is in India, Tere is hosting the show, and this week we’re talking origins. But rather than discussing the origins of tea, we are exploring Manish’s own origins. Tere interviews Manish about his journey from India to Tucson, from a young entrepreneur to the owner of a successful tea company and the manager of four local farmers’ markets.

Steeping Around – Tasting Kenyan Teas

billschiffler — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:01:14 +0000

Joy Njuguna of Royal Teas of Kenya joins
Manish and Tere once again in an exploration of Kenyan tea. This week,
Joy introduces us to her company and her line of teas, which Manish and Tere
were given the opportunity to try at the World Tea Expo. Manish relates
the results of their tasting, and each reveals their favorite.

Steeping Around – Family, Friends, and Kenyan Tea

billschiffler — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:01:46 +0000

What does Kenyan tea
and family have in common? Everything. Manish’s own family joins
him on the show this week to talk about their Thanksgiving, and in keeping with
the theme, Manish and Tere revisit an interview with Joy Njuna of Royal Tea of
Kenya. Joy’s family was one of the first to grow tea in Kenya, and has
fought for the rights of the growers ever since.

Steeping Around – Giving Thanks for Good Health and Good Business

billschiffler — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:01:38 +0000

This Thanksgiving,
Manish and Tere welcome G.T. Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show. Manish
and G.T. discover how much they have in common as they reminisce about the
early days of business and the paths they have followed. Each began with
a vision that sustains them today, something surely to be thankful for.

Steeping Around – Healthy Cultures: The Benefit of Kombucha

billschiffler — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:13 +0000

Manish and Tere welcome GT Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show to discuss the various health benefits of Kombucha tea. GT tells the story of Kombucha and his own family, the way that it helped his mother in dealing with cancer, and the general health effects of the fermented tea. In the third segment, GT gives personal advice to first-time drinkers, like Tere and Manish.

Steeping Around – Costumes, Kombucha, and G.T. Dave

billschiffler — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:01:12 +0000

Manish and Tere butt heads this week, and they talk about their preferences for both Halloween festivities and Kombucha, a fermented tea that neither had tried before. Never heard of Kombucha? Well don’t worry–Manish welcomes G.T. Dave, owner of Synergy Drinks, to the show to introduce listeners to the mysterious tea drink.

Steeping Around – Variety, Health, and Sustainability: Listener Emails

billschiffler — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:01:22 +0000

Manish and Tere respond to four listener emails this week: Why are there vast differences in Yunnan varieties? Is there actually less caffeine in white tea? How long do the effects of L-theanine last? The third email is not a question, but a comment, and causes Manish and Tere to reflect on the things that sustain them. Thank you for your emails, and thank you for listening!

Steeping Around – Tea Cures for Cold Season

billschiffler — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:01:48 +0000

Manish and Tere have both just recovered from colds, and this week they’re going to tell us how they’ve done it. Tea of all types can be helpful in both preventing colds and alleviating their symptoms. With winter approaching and the cold season coming on, this is a show you don’t want to miss!

Steeping Around – Tea for the Mind and Spirit

billschiffler — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:01 +0000

We’ve spent several weeks talking about the ways that tea can benefit your health, but until now it has all been about the physical body. The mind and spirit are two crucial aspects of overall health, and fortunately tea targets them as much as our organs and tissues. Speaking of tissues–Manish and Tere talk a little more about Tere’s wedding in the third segment, specifically the gratitude and appreciation felt afterward and what, if any, is the difference between the two.

Steeping Around – Tea and the Big Four: Weight Loss, Cholesterol, Diabetes, and Cancer

billschiffler — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:53:10 +0000

The majority of questions that we get about tea and health involve four specific ailments, and this week Manish and Tere answer them. Dr. LowDog visits the show once again to share her wealth of knowledge about tea and its effects on weight loss, diabetes, and cholesterol. Then, in the final segment, Manish talks about tea and “the big c”: cancer.

Steeping Around – Teeth and Tea: Surprising Old-Time Remedies

billschiffler — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:01:25 +0000

Manish and Tere are diving back into tea and health this week, specifically tea’s old-time uses. Did you know that tea has been traditionally used for loose bowels, burns, and dental care? Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to discuss these surprising remedies.

Steeping Around – Monkeys, Dragons, and More: Emails From You

billschiffler — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:55 +0000

After four grueling (but fun!) weeks of tea and its healthy constituents, Manish and Tere take a break to answer a stack of emails from listeners. Among this week’s questions: What is Monkey-Picked oolong? How about Dragon Pearls? How does “fair-trade” relate to tea? And finally, how many antioxidants do I need, and can I get them all from tea? We’re truly talking all things tea this week.

Steeping Around – That Groovy Theanine

billschiffler — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:01:19 +0000

This week, Manish and Tere discuss an amazingly groovy amino acid. What’s so groovy about theanine? Just ask your doctor. Better yet, we’ve got one for you: Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to describe exactly what makes L-theanine so spectacular.

Steeping Around – Theo-what? A Medical Perspective on Xanthines in Tea

billschiffler — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:01:28 +0000

Manish and the new Tere LaBaw dive into a stimulating discussions on tea and health: stimulants. In addition to caffeine, two specific xanthines in tea help to keep us alert and healthy. As a special guest, Manish welcomes Dr. Tieraona LowDog to the show.

Steeping Around – EGCG and German Shepherds: Man’s Best Friends

billschiffler — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:01:13 +0000

We’ve all heard of antioxidants, but what are they? Why are they so important? What is the best way to get them? Manish answers these questions and more as he talks about EGCG: the powerhouse of health in tea.

Steeping Around – The Historic History of Tea and Health

billschiffler — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:01:47 +0000

This week marks the first in a series of shows on tea and health. Manish Shah takes you back to the good ol’ days of tea, in fact the good very old days of tea, when it was first discovered and its many health benefits were first noted. Speaking of the good ol’ days, Tere Clark is getting married this week, leaving Manish to host the show all alone… just like old times.

Steeping Around – Happily Ever After: A Tea Toast to Tere

billschiffler — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:01:57 +0000

It is one week before producer Tere Clark becomes Mrs. Tere Lebaw, and in celebration Manish has taken her to tea. Manish and Tere record this week from the Chantilly Tea Room, where they delight in tasty treats and “Wedding Tea” as they discuss wedding traditions and upcoming nuptials. Congratulations, Tere!

California Chef Radio – Making Mango Salsa With a Protein Pro

billschiffler — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:01:23 +0000

Chef Denise and Lori discuss the important role that lean proteins play in a healthy diet with Dr. Amy Lee—a highly respected Los Angeles-based physician and dietician—while making a delicious mango salsa that’s a wonderful accompaniment for almost any protein you can think of.

Steeping Around – Strong Women and Stupendous Tea-Making

billschiffler — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:01:16 +0000

It is good, strong women that make Maya Tea the smooth-running and vibrant company that it is, so owner and host Manish Shah appreciates such women when he comes across them. Just such an example is Suzan Sculatti of the Tea Time Trading Company, whose brilliant One-Touch Teapot is turning heads across the world.

California Chef Radio – Getting Sauced With Pomegranates

billschiffler — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:01:55 +0000

Denise and Lori invite their newest friend onto the show—Erin from Skylake Ranch. Erin introduced the ladies to Skylake’s wonderful pomegranate syrup when the pair visited the Northridge Farmers’ Market for a recent show. Together, the trio talk pomegranates and share how to use the syrup to whip up a mouth-watering sauce that’s perfect for grilled lamb kebabs.

Steeping Around – A Better Way to Squeeze

billschiffler — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:01:30 +0000

Peering into products and people reveals great use and great potential. This week, Manish and Tere take a deeper look at the gadget that won “best accessory” at the 2010 World Tea Expo. What is the Squeezmo, and why do you need one? On a similar note, Manish describes one of his family friends and helpers, Brian, who also deserves a deeper look.

Steeping Around – Aftermath: The World Tea Expo

billschiffler — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:01:45 +0000

George Jage of the World Tea Expo returns this week to recap June’s spectacular event. He and Manish look forward to World Tea East, premiering in six weeks’ time in Philadelphia. In the third and final segment, Manish attempts to restore confidence with one of our listeners. Can he do it??

California Chef Radio – When Life Gives You Lemons . . .

billschiffler — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:01:17 +0000

Denise and Lori have a special guest on the show this week—James Carling—who knew exactly what to do when life gave him wonderful lemons from Ventura County, California: he started making delicious Ventura Limoncello. The tasty lemon liqueur is a special treat to cook with, and on this show Chef Denise gets a little nutty as she introduces a recipe she crafted to spotlight the drink’s potential in the kitchen.

Steeping Around – Iced Tea: Three Methods, One Maker!

billschiffler — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:01:06 +0000

We’ve gone from extravagance to efficiency in this episode, as Manish and Tere introduce another incredible iced tea maker. John Lown of Takeya Tea Company joins Manish at the World Tea Expo to tell the story and inspiration behind one of the most complete, well thought out iced tea makers we’ve ever seen. Don’t miss your opportunity to bring one of these beauties home–Manish reveals the details in the final segment.

Steeping Around – Cool Gadgets For Cold Tea

billschiffler — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:01:09 +0000

As the hot summer months settle in, we turn our attention once again to iced tea. Around this time last year, Manish explained the many ways that you could make cold-brewed iced tea from home. This week, he introduces listeners to one of the most dramatic devices for that cold-brew on the market. Manish interviews Trudy Dickinson of Northwest Glass Designs about their exquisite brewer, and afterward, he and Tere Clark discuss their impressions.

California Chef Radio – California Chef Radio – Exploring the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market

billschiffler — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:01:44 +0000

Denise and Lori take a road trip to their neighborhood farmers’ market this week to check out the latest products and harvest some ideas for new taste combinations. In the process, they become inspired to create a healthy version of a summertime snack favorite—kettle corn.

Steeping Around – Tuff Stuff – Today’s Best Tea Gadgets

billschiffler — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:01:17 +0000

Manish and Tere reflect on their findings at the World Tea Expo, and introduce you to some of the best new tea gadgets of 2011. For those who love loose leaf tea but need a better way to enjoy it on-the-go, this episode is for you – Manish interviews Bo Olson of The Tea Spot, a Boulder-based company bringing the best of earth-friendly, traveling tea products to the market.

Steeping Around – A Year of Steeping Around

billschiffler — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:01:45 +0000

Who ever thought that Manish Shah could continue Steeping Around for fifty-two consecutive weeks? Certainly not us, and you may astounded as well as we revisit some of our earlier material. Join Manish, Tere, and the crew of Steeping Around in celebration as we travel through some of our most memorable moments of our first year: introductions, interviews, and intensely funny moments. Enjoy- we sure have.

Steeping Around – A Woman’s Touch – Blooming Things

billschiffler — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:01:15 +0000

Let’s face it– looks do matter. While the most important thing is that a tea tastes good, often it is our eyes that first draws us to a particular variety. This week, Manish and Tere explore the eye-pleasing ingredients in our tea blends: flowers. Tune in to learn about roses, sunflowers, cornflowers and malva flowers. Then, in the final segment, some popular guests return to talk about the upcoming anniversary of Steeping Around.

California Chef Radio – Tap into Tapenade

billschiffler — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:01:01 +0000

Chef Denise just can’t get Italy off her mind—or her palette. So, in this show, she and Lori mix up an incredibly healthy, tasty, and versatile tapenade using two of Italy’s most treasured ingredients: olives and sundried tomatoes.

Steeping Around – Lavishing Lavender

billschiffler — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:01:40 +0000

Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark step into the fabulously fragrant world of lavender flowers. The distinct aroma of this flower has earned its place in history, which spans several continents and time periods, each lavishing in one or another of its multitudes of uses. Among these uses, of course, is tea– both for drinking and soaking in. In the final segment, Manish reveals some of his bathtime secrets.

Steeping Around – Calm and Collected Chamomile

billschiffler — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:01:37 +0000

Manish and Tere jump back into the vast world of herbal teas this week, departing from green colored herbals and opening a new chapter: florals. Up first is chamomile, renowned across the globe for its delicate flavor and soothing effects (among a slew of other less-known health benefits). Tune in for the history, origin, and benefits of chamomile, and don’t miss Manish’s own recipe for “Knock-Out Tea!”

California Chef Radio – Pasta de Parma: A healthy twist on Parma tradition

billschiffler — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:01:29 +0000

Denise just returned from Italy and talks about the great flavors of Parma. Listen and learn why Japanese soba noodles get used a her recipe for Pasta de Parma.

Steeping Around – Welcome to the World Tea Expo!

billschiffler — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:01:36 +0000

This week Manish Shah is joined by George Jage, founding father of the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. George and Manish discuss today’s tea trends, from the baby boomers to generation Y, from first-class celebrities to first-time shop owners. Join them as they peek behind the scenes of one of the fastest growing industries in America.

Steeping Around – Catnip: Calm or Crazy?

billschiffler — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:19 +0000

Host Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark launch an exploration into an herb that is usually left to felines: Catnip. In response to a listener email, Manish and Tere sip on large cups of catnip as they discuss the herb’s history, uses, brewing techniques, and most importantly, its effects on human consumers.

Steeping Around – Yerba Maté – The Herb With a Buzz!

billschiffler — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:40:11 +0000

This week, Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark discuss the green herbal tea, Yerba Maté. One of the favorites of the Maya Tea Company staff, Yerba Maté holds a very special place in the hearts of drinkers, and for good reason: it pumps them up! Join Manish and Tere, as well as two guests from Maya Tea, as they discuss this incredible herb.

Steeping Around – Fenugreek – The “Healthy Hay”

billschiffler — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:55 +0000

Manish and Tere leap back into their discussion of herbal teas this week, focusing on fresh and healthful Fenugreek. Tere tastes this maple-like herb for the first time as they discuss its history, health benefits, and unique flavor.

Steeping Around – A Day In the Life: Physical, Mental, and Personal Pushing

billschiffler — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:01:39 +0000

In continuation of last week’s episode, we return to Monday- a day full of pushing. From back-breaking yoga to mind-bending meetings, Manish recaps the happenings of one of the busiest days at Maya Tea Company, revealing within his stories the reason for all of this pushing. Join Manish and Tere for a glimpse into the heart of their work!

Steeping Around – A Day In the Life: Nick, Newbies, and Nicknames

billschiffler — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:01:50 +0000

Manish Shah takes you deeper than ever into the daily life of Maya Tea, and on the wildest of days: Monday. Join he and Tere Clark as they talk about all things Mayan- the place, the people, and the particulars- from tying an employee to the roof of a car to solving problems with spiritual insight. Welcome to the Maya Tea Company, you’ll love Steeping Around with us!