The World Almanac 2026

On Today's Show: Sarah Janssen, Executive Editor of The World Almanac and Book of Facts, breaks down the biggest headlines and cultural shifts from 2025—from historic political change to sports milestones and global stories that shaped the year. Our new stories of the day cover how to safely mail cookies without breaking them in transit, why Americans are tipping less often amid inflation and digital tip fatigue, and important holiday-season pet safety reminders from veterinarians.

Wines Under $20 & the Gift of Pie

On Today’s show: Larry Lipson from The Affordable Wine Report shares his top wines under $20, perfect for gifting or enjoying this season. James Beard finalist and “Pie Whisperer” Kate McDermott talks about The Gift of Pie. We also cover wild news from a globe-trotting rat on a KLM flight, the top Christmas songs to fuel your workouts and Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year: “slop” — AI-generated digital content at its messy best. 

Dangers of Seed Oils, Hottest Toys of the Season

On Today’s Show America’s Doctor, Dr. Jeff Barke dives into the hidden dangers of industrial seed oils and why choosing animal fats may be a healthier option. Plus, get the inside scoop from Elizabeth Werner, the toy industry’s top expert, on the hottest picks for any holiday wish list. We also explore why prime rib and horseradish are a classic pairing, highlight the U.S. cities most likely to face winter travel delays, and cover crucial health alerts including the nationwide ReBoost Nasal Spray recall and a shocking DoorDash food safety incident.

Holiday Travel Tips & Wine Pairings

On today’s show: Travel expert Laura Begley Bloom shares her top tips and hacks for stress-free holiday travel, helping you dodge delays, traffic, and airport chaos. Then, culinary educator and chef Sally James joins us to pair the perfect wines with classic holiday dishes—from roast turkey and prime rib to lighter seafood and vegetarian options—while sharing her secrets for staying healthy during the festive season.  We’ll also cover out news stories of the day, from the FDA’s lead cookware warning and top warm-weather destinations to holiday traffic tips and a simple dishwasher hack for sparkling glassware.

The Future of Shopping & Holiday Wines from St. Supery Estate Vineyards

On today’s show: Shira Lazar breaks down 2026 consumer trends and the future of shopping, and Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards, talks wines for the holidays. Then we dive into our news stories of the day—from a black bear crashing a Tennessee Christmas parade and a toddler swallowing an AirPod, to holiday flight tips, new U.S. border rules requiring selfies and social media history, and whether there are really health benefits to smelling your farts.

Winter Produce & Holiday Hosting Trends

On today’s Show: Produce expert Robert Schueller from Melissa’s Produce talks winter fruits and vegetables and holiday fruit baskets. Then Ana Fitzgibbons and Fernando Sousa share ideas for modern holiday hosting. Plus, the latest news: why cheaper beef prices may be a long way off, In-N-Out removing number 67 after a viral trend, the printer vs. ink pricing scramble and a Disneyland superfan hitting 15,000 rides on Radiator Springs Racers.

Wines Under $20, Holiday Gift Guide & Respiratory Illness During the Holidays

On today’s Show: Larry Lipson brings us his top wine picks under $20. Then Jennifer Jolly joins us with a second installment of her Holiday Gift Guide. Samantha Picking shares tips on staying healthy during the season, while our News of the Day covers USPS Christmas mailing deadlines, a passenger who ordered 10 pizzas for a stranded flight, how AI is reshaping seasonal workforces, and a neighbor who freeloaded Wi-Fi for a year and then tried to split the bill.

CDC’s infant hep B vaccine policy, holiday gift guide

On today’s show: Dr. Jeff Barke joins us to break down the CDC advisers’ move to reverse the long-standing infant hepatitis B vaccine policy and what it means for parents. Then, Jennifer Jolly shares her holiday gift guide picks. News stories of the day include California’s deadly mushroom poisoning outbreak, Michelin’s new global wine rating system, and why EV adoption is slowing. Plus how fans can now stay overnight in A Christmas Story house.

Holiday Budgeting & Disease-Fighting Foods

On today's show: Money expert Mary Hines Droesch shares simple, practical ways to stretch your holiday budget without sacrificing joy. Then world-renowned physician and nutritionist Dr. Michael Greger—founder of NutritionFacts.org and bestselling author of the How Not to Die series—breaks down the foods scientifically shown to prevent and even reverse disease. We also cover the News of the Day—from Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery in a $72B deal, to the real reason crown roasts wear those little paper 'hats,' and a new warning about what morning dizziness could signal.

Los Angeles Dodger Stories & California Retirement Deadlines

On today's show: Former Los Angeles Dodgers sportscaster Ross Porter joins us to share behind-the-scenes stories from his new book, The Ross Porter Chronicles, Book 1 – The Dodgers. We also talk with retirement expert Kevin Busque about California’s looming retirement plan deadline for small businesses and what employers need to know to stay compliant. Plus, get the latest quirky and eye-opening news—from holiday songs that could distract you on the road to wild chimpanzees drinking alcohol, America’s favorite airport snacks, and a bizarre landlord attempting to charge rent for a newborn.