Best Splendid Group Podcasts (2025)

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I Need a Dinner Party Menu 36:18

5m ago36:18

36:18

We get messages in our inbox ALL the time from listeners who have planned dinner parties, picnics, and other gatherings... but want our advice on what to serve. So this week, Chris is joined by hostess-with-the-mostess Kendra Vaculin to tackle a bevy of listener questions and menu-plan for strawberry-picking lunches, murder mystery dinner parties, …

1
The Weekly Crumb #10 - What a Splendid Anniversary! [S3 Pt 1 Retrospective & S4 News] 1:43:26

5d ago1:43:26

1:43:26

Happy anniversary, dearest listeners! Join us as we raise a catch and toast to Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 and reminisce over twelve splendid months of flyaway balloons, scandalous journals and the most remarkable shade of blue. We’ll be taking a celebratory carriage ride to the library to meet with a Regency king, a rugged pair of boots and a very …

1
Joan Baum Book Review: Insectopolis: A Natural History 4:20

4d ago4:20

4:20

Consider the humble insect. These tiny, multi-legged creatures of infinite variety are all around us. They’re also more vital to life on Earth than we humans realize. Author Peter Kuper explores the world of insects and the scientists who study them in his new illustrated book, Insectopolis. Book critic Joan Baum has this review.…

1
Would you have the courage to fire yourself? 20 Great Answers with Stephanie Challinor, General Manager of Customer Experience and Alliances for AC3.  51:17

5d ago51:17

51:17

Join your host and Executive Creative Director Barrie Seppings as he asks Stephanie our famous ‘20 Questions’ on the podcast. We get to discover what makes her brain explode, why she took up power lifting and all about that time she decided it was time for her to ‘just go’. Welcome back to this month’s “Plugged In, Switched On” podcast from Splendi…

1
I Need Leafy Greens 34:54

6d ago34:54

34:54

Natalie and her husband are capable, adventurous cooks, but they can't seem to get leafy greens on the menu outside of a salad. So Chris and Kendra Vaculin team up to sell Natalie on their favorite greens and techniques. Recipes & Links: Lemony Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Dill Salmon Rice Bowl with Green Curry Creamed Spinach Mostly Chard Tiny…

1
Episode 69 - What a Conversation with Mitchell Kohen! [Bridgerton Foley Artist] 1:41:07

13d ago1:41:07

1:41:07

Grab your Very Important Props and crunchiest snacks, dearest listeners! Join us as we step into the studio to meet the man behind the sound, Mitchell Kohen, to discuss his work as the ton’s finest Foley Artist. We’ll be learning how Mitchell made a splash in the industry, from his time curating airplane playlists, to working shifts at the Grey Slo…

1
BA Bake Club: Millionaire's Shortbread 38:32

13d ago38:32

38:32

Join Jesse and Shilpa to dive into each layer of Jesse's decadent, pantry-friendly Millionaire's Shortbread and answer questions from bake clubbers. Starting with the key differences that make this shortbread extra-toasty and tender, this episode travels through Jesse's caramel-studded past and obsession with the perfect, aesthetic slice. Recipes &…

1
Book Review: After The Ocean 4:33

18d ago4:33

4:33

A groom goes missing. A bride goes into hiding. Years later, the past seeps into the present and upends the lives of three women. That’s just the beginning of the new novel, After The Ocean, by WSHU’s classical music host Lauren Rico.By Joan Baum

1
Is Spring Produce Actually Good? 39:53

27d ago39:53

39:53

Spring has sprung, but Chris isn’t sure spring produce is actually worth the hype. So noted asparagus enthusiast Shilpa Uskokovic joins him to gush about the joys of the season. They’ll also answer listener questions about ramps, managing the first few weeks of CSA season, and more. Recipes & Links: Crispy Miso-Butter Fish With Asparagus Grilled As…

1
Episode 68 - What a Feeling That is Like Torture! [S3E4 Rewatch, Part 3] 2:04:41

1M ago2:04:41

2:04:41

Wait! Let us in, dearest listeners. We’ve reached the climax of our S3E4 rewatch and it is everything we have been wanting to say to you for weeks. As Pen’s disastrous evening comes to a close, we’ll be waving down her carriage, slipping down our sleeves and proofreading Colin’s list of reasons as to why Lord Alfred Debling is just not right for hi…

1
Book Review: Permission 4:33

1M ago4:33

4:33

Writing a memoir is not easy. Dredging up traumatic moments from your past can be painful. For some, it’s downright destructive. In her new book, Permission, Connecticut-based writer Elissa Altman shares her insights into the art of writing memoirs and how revealing a hushed-up family incident tore her family apart. WSHU’s Culture Critic Joan Baum …

1
I Need a Weeknight-Friendly Pantry (rerun) 31:24

1M ago31:24

31:24

Gillian has found herself working from home permanently and finds getting to the grocery store just isn't what it used to be. So, she's turned to Chris and Shilpa to help her stock her pantry and get her out of her weeknight rut. Recipes featured in the episode: Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta Creamy Tahini and Harissa Beef Hummus Bowls with Merguez-Spi…

1
I Need Matzo Ball Soup 34:20

1M ago34:20

34:20

Janae has been struggling to make the perfect matzo balls for 6 Passovers now. What's worse, even though everything else on Janae's seder table is delicious, her mother-in-law won't let her forget her matzo ball fails. So Janae turns to Chris & Kate Kassin for help making tender, fluffy dumplings that won't fall apart in her soup. Recipes & Links: …

1
What’s it like to be in competition with yourself? 20 Great Answers with Rushenka Perera, VP of Marketing for SAP, ANZ 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Join your host and Executive Creative Director Barrie Seppings as he asks Rushenka our ‘20 Questions’ and discovers why managers need to ‘walk the talk’, how to use your superpower at work and why you should care what your agency thinks. Welcome back to this month’s “Plugged In, Switched On” podcast from Splendid Group. The interview format at Plug…

1
Episode 67 - What a Gesture! [S3E4 Rewatch, Part 2] 2:16:14

2M ago2:16:14

2:16:14

Dance cards at the ready, dear listener. This little love play is about to begin. As Colin arrives fashionably late to the Queen’s Ball, we’ll be chasséing our way past the Lord Squad and lurking behind broken columns for the next part of our S3E4 rewatch. After a danceus interruptus sends Debling’s proposal plans waltzing out the window, we’ll be …

1
Book Review: Enough is Enuph, Eenuff, Enuf 4:34

2M ago4:34

4:34

Spelling words in English can be confusing. Many have been baffled by it. And many have tried to simplify the process. In his new book, author Gabe Henry shares a brief 500 year history of those attempts to make spelling easier. Book critic Joan Baum has this review.By Joan Baum

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BA Bake Club: Pistachio Bundt Cake 40:26

2M ago40:26

40:26

Pistachios are Having A Moment. And Shilpa LOVES cake. Enter: the tender, flavorful Pistachio Bundt Cake. Jesse and Shilpa break down why this blender cake (and other nut-based cakes) work and address listener questions, including the one on everyone's mind this month: how to properly grease a bundt pan so your cake comes out in one piece, every ti…

1
I Need Elevated Weeknight Meals (Rerun) 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

Cait often devotes her weekends to involved kitchen projects that yield restaurant-quality results. But she's looking to bring that feeling into her weeknights, when time is harder to come by. Chris enlists Kendra Vaculin's help to give Cait's weeknight cooking that chefy quality she's been missing. Recipes & Links: Meatball Soup with Beef Stew Vib…

1
I Need Plant-Based Protein 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

George has heard that quinoa is a high-protein superfood, but he's never been able to cook it right. Chris and Shilpa step up to help answer the question behind his SOS. See, while quinoa is higher-protein than other grains, there are better options when it comes to plant-based protein. So Chris and Shilpa try to get George on board with lentils an…

1
Episode 66 - What a Leafy Fern! [S3E4 Rewatch, Part 1] 2:16:33

2M ago2:16:33

2:16:33

Clear your bottle-weary heads and step away from the windowsill, dearest listeners – we are in pursuit of some revelry. Join us as we embark on the first part of our S3E4 rewatch, where we’ll be pulling out our Fuller Library cards to read up on the tragedy of a spinster, the fabled Northwest Passage and dropsy of a Featherington’s pancreas. As Pen…

1
Back to Basics: The Cooking Mindset 43:17

2M ago43:17

43:17

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook. In this final installment, Chris and Shilpa talk about the intangibles of cooking— how to get into the right mindset, manage your time efficiently, and course correct…

1
Book Review: From Ted To Tom - The illustrated envelopes of Edward Gorey 4:44

2M ago4:44

4:44

Edward Gorey was famous for his signature black and white illustrations that are often steeped in humor with a sinister twist. Gorey also drew his whimsical images on envelopes for letters he sent to a close friend. And that friend has just published a collection of their correspondence in a new book. WSHU’s Book Critic Joan Baum read it and has th…

1
Back to Basics: Mastering Sauces 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook. Today, Chris and sauce king Jesse Szewczyk stir up a discussion on the wide world of sauces, dressings, glazes, and more. They dive in to aromatics, making the case f…

1
Back to Basics: The Perfect Pot of Rice (Or Any Other Grain You Can Think Of) 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook. Why is making stovetop rice so dang hard?! Today, Chris and Kendra Vaculin address the world of grains, including how to make the perfect pot of rice and why the pack…

1
Back to Basics: Conquer Protein 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook. Animal proteins can be the most expensive part of your dish, and that's a lot of pressure. So today, Chris and Amiel Stanek are here to make perfection attainable, fr…

1
Back to Basics: Get Your Head (and Kitchen) in the Game 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook. Today, Chris and Shilpa Uskokovic break down how to really read a recipe — and what some common recipe language means. Then, they'll talk about the basic equipment th…

1
Is it better to be the underdog? 20 Great Answers with Kimberley Marlay, Head of Alliances and Strategic Partnerships, Kyndryl ANZ 54:09

2M ago54:09

54:09

Join your host and Executive Creative Director, Barrie Seppings as he takes Kimberly through our patented ‘20 Questions’ interview, where they questioned performance media, called out “the colouring in department’ and revealed the discipline needed to coach kids’ netball. Welcome back to this month’s “Plugged In, Switched On” podcast from Splendid …

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MORE Ageless Podcasters on the MIC, Part 2: Fierce Women from Podfest 2025 35:05

3M ago35:05

35:05

Send us a text And ... we're back - with more amazing voices - Ageless Women on the MIC, whom I met earlier this year, at Podfest 2025 in Orlando! Their shows cover so many good subjects that will help you better navigate your ageless-aging journey and more! Enjoy! Dr. Catrise Austin “Let’s Talk Smiles Podcast” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…

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Ageless Podcasters on the MIC, Part 1- Meet the Fierce Women I Met at Podfest 2025 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

Send us a text Statistics find that women host 50% of the top-rated podcasts, and listeners prefer female voices when tuning in. I met fascinating women Podcasters at Podfest in Orlando, including some Ageless Glamour Girls Rising. The result? Two podcasts. Part 1: Ande Lyons “Don’t Be Caged by Your Age” https://tinyurl.com/zy5jedjp Adinah Johnson …

1
BA Bake Club: Tiramisu Basque Cheesecake 36:09

3M ago36:09

36:09

Join Shilpa and Jesse as they dig into Shilpa's Tiramisu Basque Cheesecake—a delicious, shockingly easy, and decadent bake. They'll discuss the ins and outs of ingredient choices and the recipe development process, plus end with an Ask a Baker segment all about the perfect chocolate chip cookie. You can find instructions for joining the Club at bon…

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Book Review: Rhino's Run 4:36

3M ago4:36

4:36

Football captain, Rhino Rhinehart is in trouble. He punched a fellow student. Now Rhino is in his high school’s counseling group so he can stay on the football team. He’s surprised to find The Group a source of support. But his connection with them also lands him in the middle of a tragic school incident. How will Rhino find his way through it? Wel…

1
From This Is TASTE: Baking Is Like Karaoke with Abi Balingit 35:47

3M ago35:47

35:47

This episode is from our friends at This Is TASTE. Abi Balingit is the author of Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed, a delightful cookbook full of maximalist personality and transfixing sweets, like the adobo chocolate chip cookie. She’s a singular force in the NYC baking scene, and it’s so fun to have her on the show today to talk about wh…

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Episode 65 - What a Return of the Ship’s Prow! [S4 Clips & Stills Reaction] 2:03:13

3M ago2:03:13

2:03:13

Ships Ahoy, dearest listener! We’re setting sail on the Season of Love. As we dip our toes into the cloudy waters of 1816, we’ll be pulling down our balloons, hoisting up our kites and grabbing our tins of yellow paint to redecorate for the season ahead. Once we’ve dropped our anchors at Grosvenor Square, we’ll be slipping down the staircase with B…

1
I Need Fast, Filling Lunches 31:47

3M ago31:47

31:47

Karen's plan to stay on budget while she's in grad school depends on cooking for herself, especially for lunch — but her dorm kitchen's fire alarm is VERY easy to set off. So Chris & Jesse help her with strategies for no-cook lunches... including leveraging her rice cooker. Recipes Mentioned: One-Pot Salmon and Shiitake Rice Rice Cooker Risotto Chi…

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Book Review: How Sondheim Can Change Your Life 4:51

3M ago4:51

4:51

Can the work of composer Stephen Sondheim change your life? Theater critic Richard Schoch believes it can. In his new book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life Schoch dives deep into Sondheim’s music, lyrics, and characters where he says life lessons are woven into the plays. WSHU’s Culture Critic Joan Baum read it. You can listen to her review right…

1
An Ageless Glamour Girls Lovefest! Hey, Girlfriends - BE OUR GALENTINE! 1:08:51

3M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Send us a text Won't you be our Galentine - again, again, and again?! Happy Galentine's Day, Luvvies! We couldn't help but revisit this fun and insightful - LIVE conversation from last year, which we've converted to an Ageless Glamour Girls Podcast! And why not? It's sooooo good! It features most of the authors of the Amazon Best Seller Anthology, …

1
Cooking for One 39:01

3M ago39:01

39:01

It may be Valentine's Day, but this year, Chris, Jesse, and Kendra are turning their attention to the gentle art of cooking for yourself and only yourself. They'll tackle listener questions about stocking your fridge for one and gathering up the motivation to feed yourself day after day - and share how they eat when their partners or kids are out o…

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Episode 64 - What a Pensive Hero! [S3E3 Rewatch, Part 2] 2:03:00

3M ago2:03:00

2:03:00

One, two, three – HEAVE! Grab a rope and get tugging, dearest listeners, because it’s time for Part 2 of our 303 rewatch. As Penelope risks certain(ish) death for a glimpse of Colin Bridgerton’s exposed forearms, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves, sucking the sugar from our fingers and tearing through another pair of trousers to help a thirdborn’s he…

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The true story of how Tim Sands built a global B2B tech agency without a physical footprint – on the Splendid Group podcast. 39:04

3M ago39:04

39:04

What happens when you want to work for the world’s biggest brands but don’t (or can’t) want to go into an office every day? If you’re Tim Sands, you build your own agency (minus the office) and invite your favourite colleagues to join you. Welcome to a ‘Behind The Curtain’ special edition of “Plugged In, Switched On’ podcast from Splendid Group whe…

1
BA Bake Club: Incredibly Good Homemade Pizza 37:51

4M ago37:51

37:51

Shilpa and Jesse are hosting a pizza party — an Incredibly Good Cheese Pizza party, that is. Join the Bake Club co-hosts as they nerd out about breadmaking, reveal Jesse's secret pizzaiolo past, and gab with BA Deputy Food Editor Hana Asbrink, this recipe's #1 fan. You can find instructions for joining the club at bonappetit.com/bakeclub - and of c…

1
I Need Meal Prep That's Not Boring (Rerun) 26:33

4M ago26:33

26:33

Like many of us, Jenn is experiencing leftover fatigue. So Kendra and Chris introduce her to the lifechanging art of nextovers. Recipes Featured: Beer-Braised Carnitas Buttery Tomato and Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Chicken Tinga Tostadas with Bacony Black Beans Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

1
The Weekly Crumb - Issue #9: What a Season of Love [Season 4 First Look] 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

♫ Five hundred twenty-five thousand Bridgerton siblings How do you measure, measure Ben’s year? ♫ Nock your arrow, Cupid. The Season of Love is almost upon us and a brand-new target is promenading into view. As Footman John delivers a rather special invitation, we’ll be skipping through the gardens with Fran, seeing double with Lord Kilmartin and c…

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Book Review: A Splendid Death 4:54

4M ago4:54

4:54

A Splendid Death, the latest thriller, by Connecticut-based author Mark Rubinstein, tells the story of two brothers from New Jersey who become entangled with government-backed mercenaries in Franco’s Spain. WSHU’s Culture Critic, Joan Baum says the novel is a nail-biter. Here’s her review.By Joan Baum

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What Should I Cook This Winter? 42:00

4M ago42:00

42:00

The weather is cold and the produce selection in the grocery store is smaller, but that's no reason to despair! Chris, Jesse, and Shilpa have the recipe for winter cooking optimism—and the answers to listener questions about homemade broth, frozen veggies, and more. Recipes Featured: Incredibly Good Cheese Pizza Rice Cooker Risotto Chicken Thighs w…

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Episode 63 - What a Rude Awakening! [S3E3 Rewatch, Part 1] 2:04:31

4M ago2:04:31

2:04:31

Wakey, wakey sleepyheads. Looks like someone’s been enjoying their wildest fantasies a little too well. After spending the night in dreamland with Colin Bridgerton’s roused subconscious, it’s time to jump out of bed, refresh the sheets and begin Part 1 of our S3E3 rewatch. As Dream Polin consume our every thought, we’ll be breakfasting with Benedic…

1
I Need to Fill My Freezer 33:49

4M ago33:49

33:49

Mara is expecting her first child, and she wants to plan ahead, stocking her freezer with nourishing, delicious meals that she and her partner can enjoy in the first few weeks of life with their little one. So Chris taps Hana Asbrink, one of the brains behind Bon Appetit's column The Fourth Trimester, to help Mara fill the freezer before the baby a…

1
Book Review: The Authors Guide to Murder 5:04

4M ago5:04

5:04

A rustic castle on a remote Scottish island. It’s an ideal setting for a literary conference until it all goes horribly wrong. The dramatic death of the conference organizer compels three romance writers to team up and solve a Who-Done-It. WSHU’s Culture Critic Joan Baum read The Authors Guide to Murder.…

1
BA Bake Club: Chocolate Olive Oil Cake 34:38

4M ago34:38

34:38

Do you want to level up your baking skills? Then join expert Test Kitchen editors Shilpa Uskokovic and Jesse Szewczyk in the BA Bake Club - a community of confident, curious bakers who find just as much joy in the process of baking as the final results. Every month, Shilpa and Jesse will be walking through the Bake Club recipe, answering listener q…

1
Book Review: The Philosophy of Translation 4:45

5M ago4:45

4:45

Reading books in translation can be a tricky venture. Does the work reflect the author’s original vision or the perspective of the translator? What’s a reader to do? Well, there’s a new book out that explores the delicate nuance of translation. WSHU’s Book critic Joan Baum has this review.By Joan Baum

1
I Need Breakfast Casserole (Rerun) 30:27

5M ago30:27

30:27

Kathryn is a mom of four hoping to start a delicious new Christmas morning tradition. So Chris and Shilpa Uskokovic team up to help Kathryn with the makeahead breakfast of her family's dreams. Recipes: Breakfast Crunchwrap for a Crowd Cowboy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Spinach Biscuits and Gravy Plus: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Learn a…

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Splendid Group Podcasts

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