Fourth of July Fun, Pet Picks & Backyard BBQ

On today’s show: Wendy Ly joins us to highlight the Purrfect Choice Awards and celebrate the products, innovations, and trends making life better for pets and their owners, while Food Network star and pitmaster Michelle Wallace shares the hottest summer grilling trends, crowd-pleasing recipes, and expert tips for the ultimate backyard barbecue. Plus, today’s headlines include Joey Chestnut’s quest for another Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest title, fun facts from the competition’s century-old history, Simple ways to stay hydrated during the Fourth of July weekend, and the annual wave of fireworks being mistaken for UFOs and other mysterious sightings.

Affordable Wine Report & Summer Cooking Tips

On today’s show: wine expert Larry Lipson shares his latest “Affordable Wine Report,” highlighting standout wines under $20 that deliver big flavor without the big price tag, and Antoni Porowski offers easy ways to elevate summer cooking with simple, fresh ingredients and approachable techniques. Plus today’s headlines include the accidental invention and sweet history of the Popsicle by an 11-year-old boy, Texas wines earning historic gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, top Fourth of July fireworks destinations across the U.S., and the AFI naming Blazing Saddles the funniest movie of all time in honor of Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday.

The Pill-First Mentality in Modern Healthcare & PBS’s A Capitol Fourth celebration

On today’s show: Dr. Jeff Barke challenges the pill-first mentality in modern healthcare and shares practical strategies for taking control of your health, while Alfonso Ribeiro previews PBS’s A Capitol Fourth celebration and what viewers can expect from America’s biggest Independence Day concert. Plus, today’s headlines include LAUSD’s new classroom screen time limits, how to freeze fresh summer corn for year-round flavor, why Costco’s legendary $1.50 hot dog remains one of America’s best bargains, AAA’s record-breaking Fourth of July travel forecast, and expert tips for making summer flights with kids less stressful.

The Future of Napa Wine, Japanese Food Wisdom

On Today’s show: Michael Honig of Honig Vineyard & Winery shares insights on Napa Valley winemaking, sustainability, and carrying forward a family wine legacy into the future, and Eric Rath & Rhyan Geiger explore Japanese food culture and the secrets of balanced eating rooted in tradition and modern wellness. Plus today’s headlines include state fairs reinventing classic fair food with air-conditioned food halls and updated menus, canned cocktails surging in popularity and reshaping the beverage aisle, and a viral penguin “security scare” at a Japanese airport that’s charming the internet.

Summer Trends & Distracted Driving Dangers

On today’s show: Nick Burns from Google shares the biggest trends shaping Summer 2026, from food and travel to entertainment and lifestyle searches. Plus, Julie Garner discusses the dangers of distracted driving and how Project Yellow Light is helping young drivers stay focused behind the wheel. In the news, cottage cheese shortages spread nationwide as demand explodes, a DoorDash robot wanders into an active SWAT scene, and an Australian man earns the title of the world’s loudest person.

Google Trends, summer trends, distracted driving, Julie Garner, sugary drinks, cottage cheese shortage, DoorDash robot, skateboard record, loudest man

Affordable Wine Report & The Sweet History of Chocolate

On today’s show: Larry Lipson shares outstanding wines under $20 in this week’s Affordable Wine Report, and Dave Borghesani and Marcus Smith explore the fascinating history of chocolate in early America and the stories behind the History Tellers Award. Plus, McDonald’s revives its iconic Fried Apple Pie after 34 years, Korean barbecue continues to surge in popularity, and America’s dirtiest cities are revealed.

Healthy Fats & Water Wisdom

On today's show: Dr. Jeff Barke separates fact from fiction about cooking oils and healthy fats, while the world's leading certified water sommelier, Martin Riese, explains why the water you drink matters more than you think. Plus, today's headlines include how hydration can boost brain performance, Waymo's robotaxi recall, and a scientist weighs in on the great toilet paper "over vs. under" debate.

National Geographic National Parks Cookbook & Prime Day Deals

On today's show: Melissa Knific shares recipes and stories from the National Geographic National Parks Cookbook, inspired by America's 63 national parks, and Claudia Lombana helps shoppers prepare for Christmas in July with the best Prime Day deals and smart shopping strategies. Plus, today's headlines include America's favorite cheeses, what your food cravings may really mean, and carry-on packing hacks to avoid airline baggage fees.

Summer Bedroom Refresh, Fathers & Daughters Cellars

On Today’s show: Justine Santaniello shares simple ways to refresh your bedroom for summer, and Guy Pacurar of Fathers & Daughters Cellars tells the story behind his family winery. Plus, today’s headlines include Five Guys being named America’s favorite burger chain, the surprising science behind why dad jokes are good for you, the TSA’s warning to World Cup travelers about packing ranch dressing, and important sun safety tips for summer. 

Kids Online Safety & AI-Driven Scams

On today’s show, Dr. Garth Graham shares expert advice on keeping kids safe online this summer and how new tools and parental controls can help families manage screen time and build healthier digital habits. Then Jeff Lunghofer joins to break down the latest AI-driven scams and what consumers should watch for as fraud tactics become more sophisticated. Plus today’s headlines include Jersey Mike’s officially dethroned Chick-fil-A as America’s top-rated fast-food chain, a Michigan gold scam foiled thanks to an undercover chocolate coin sting, and the U.K. considers a nationwide airline ban list to crack down on disruptive passengers.