Ever found yourself staring in the wine aisle at your local grocery store or sitting at a restaurant, totally clueless about which wine to choose? You know what you like when you taste it, but when it’s time to pick a bottle for your next dinner party or match it with a meal, you’re scanning labels, Googling wine pairings, and still second-guessing every choice. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy wine confidently. With the right knowledge and a little guidance to ...
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Stories from Super SMART Women that will inspire. Women who Serve, Mentor, Applaud, Reflect and Teach others to be the best versions of themselves they can be. Hear their stories - join their journeys.
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Love or Hate Oak In Wine? Here's the Truth No One Tells You
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20:12Send us a text Demystify the myth of “oaky wine” and gain insider secrets to how oak barrels shape the flavor, texture, and style of your favorite wines. Kristi Mayfield breaks down everything from new versus used oak, barrel origins (French vs. American oak), and the truth about those buttery chardonnays. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into w…
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Beyond Sweet Wine for Beginners: Real Struggles and Small Wins with Anna Mpinga
37:14
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37:14Send us a text Ever felt out of place swirling a glass of dry white at a business event, wishing you could just order something sweet you actually love—without feeling judged? You’re not alone. In this episode, we're tackling the real-world awkwardness of beginner wine drinkers, especially when surrounded by colleagues who seem to know their stuff.…
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Top Mistakes Holding Back Your Best Wine Tasting Skills —And How to Fix Them Fast
18:48
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18:48Send us a text Feeling left out at wine tastings because you can't detect “forest floor” or “hints of violet”? You’re not alone. Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield shares no-snobbery, fast-acting techniques to unlock your best wine tasting skills—no superhuman palate required. Ditch the intimidation and learn how everyday wine lovers can confi…
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From Myths to Mastery: Selecting the Best Rosé Wine
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18:16Send us a text Navigating the diverse world of Rosé wine can feel overwhelming with its spectrum of colors and flavors. Many mistakenly judge Rosés by their hue, believing deeper pinks to be sweet and lighter shades to denote quality. This episode of Everyday Sommelier unravels these myths and guides you through the complexities of choosing a Rosé …
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Your Perfect Wine Travel Getaway: Turning Snags Into Successes
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19:30Send us a text Planning winery travel via a trip to wine country can be a dream—or a nightmare—without the right strategy. Discover how Kristi Mayfield transforms a chaotic wine tour with friends into a memorable journey, emphasizing the importance of structure and planning. Learn from her missteps as she unveils five essential tips to ensure your …
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From Fear to Fun: Navigating a Wine List with Ease
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25:45Send us a text Discover how to approach wine lists with newfound confidence by understanding how they’re structured by color, varietal, region, or style. In this episode we’ll break down simple strategies, such as researching the restaurant's wine list online, understanding wine styles, and setting a budget. We’re also exploring how to evaluate win…
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Chardonnay Lovers and Skeptics Unite: Exploring Wine Diversity and Trends with Bibiana González Rave
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40:26Send us a text Join us for an engaging discussion on the Everyday Sommelier Podcast as Kristi Mayfield welcomes renowned winemaker Bibiana González Rave, Cattleya Wines, to unravel the complexities of Chardonnay. Known as the "chameleon" of wines, Chardonnay has become a conversation starter in the wine world, and Bibiana’s international experience…
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Wine Varietals Uncovered: What 'Varietal' Labels Really Mean for Your Glass with Reid Patterson
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42:15Send us a text Join Kristi Mayfield and guest Reid Patterson from Mount Eden Vineyards as they delve into the nuanced world of wine varietals. Explore wine labeling complexities comparing Bordeaux blends to California's Cabernet Sauvignon and other nuances. You’ll uncover why a wine labeled as one varietal might contain more than just one grape in …
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Beyond the 100-Point Scale: Making Sense of Scores and Choosing Your Perfect Bottle
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21:29Send us a text Ever picked up a bottle just because it had a 90+ rating—only to be disappointed? You’re not alone. In Episode 19 of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about wine ratings and whether they actually help or hinder your wine-buying confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How wine rati…
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Your Next Favorite Wine – How To Find It, Track It, and Why It Matters
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19:06Send us a text In this enlightening episode, we're exploring the journey to discovering your favorite wine and the importance of tracking your preferences. Together, we’ll demystify the daunting question, "What's your favorite wine?" Want the good news? There's no incorrect response when it comes to personal taste. We’ll breaks down the key element…
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Episode 11 - Dr. Derrick Worrels, President of Ranger College
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44:19Join me, Karen Medina, on this very special episode of the Super SMART Women Podcast as I welcome our first Super SMART Man - Dr. Derrick Worrels, President of Ranger College. With over 30 years in education, Dr. Worrels shares how his journey from the housing projects of Tampa to leading a rural Texas community college shaped his mission to reach,…
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Red Wine Reinvented: The Rise of Chillable Red Wine with Rae Wilson
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41:52Send us a text Join Kristi Mayfield and guest winemaker Rae Wilson in this enticing episode of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast! Dive into the refreshing world of chillable red wines, tucked perfectly between robust reds and crisp whites, tailored for those delightful summer days or perfectly paired with a variety of cuisine. This is your year-round …
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From Flagship to Second Label: Understanding Wine Brands with Hugo del Pozzo
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39:28Send us a text Join us in this fascinating episode where Hugo del Pozzo, co-founder of Pinea Wines, unveils the intricacies behind second wine labels. Kristi Mayfield, your Everyday Sommelier, navigates the complexities with Hugo to demystify why wineries launch second brands and how they can elevate your wine-tasting experience. Hugo's rich backgr…
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From Sugar to Sulfites: The Truth About Wine Additives
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23:44Send us a text In this revealing episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on wine additives and their impact on your favorite bottles. From common preservatives to controversial color enhancers, we explore what really goes into making modern wines. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: The most common …
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Biodynamic Wine: Clean, Sustainable, and Worth the Buzz with William Davis, CWE, CSS
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45:53Send us a text Biodynamic wine is gaining popularity for its sustainable and clean practices, but what does it really mean for wine lovers? In this episode, Kristi sits down with William Davis, Advanced Sommelier and Director of Education at Wilson Daniels, to break down the essentials of biodynamic farming and how it influences wine. From moon-pha…
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The Mystery of Changing Wine Flavors: What’s Really Happening in Your Bottle
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21:41Send us a text Does your favorite bottle of wine sometimes taste off? In today’s episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Christy Mayfield explores why wine flavors can change and how to embrace these nuances. From the impact of storage conditions and serving temperatures to the role of glassware and even the influence of the biodynamic calendar, Christ…
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Think Cheap Wine Equals Bad Wine? Reclaim Your Wine Confidence on a Budget
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24:40Send us a text Wine doesn’t have to break the bank to be enjoyable. In this episode, Kristi demystifies the world of budget-friendly wines, sharing practical tips and insider knowledge to help you shop smarter and sip confidently. Whether you’re navigating a crowded wine aisle or scanning a restaurant wine list, you’ll discover how to identify qual…
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Episode 9 - Kristi Mayfield with Wine Wize and Everyday Sommelier
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40:01Join me, Karen Medina, your host of the Super SMART Women Podcast, for a fascinating conversation with Kristi Mayfield—founder and CEO of WineWise, certified sommelier and a teacher at heart. Drawing on her extensive background in international sales and leadership, Kristi shares how her curiosity for wine blossomed into a dynamic education platfor…
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Red Versus White Wine Glasses: Enhancing Your Wine Experience with Doug Reed (Riedel)
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41:47Send us a text Does the shape of your wine glass matter? In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I chat with Doug Reed, Southwest Retail Sales Manager for Riedel, to uncover the science and art behind wine glass design. From varietal-specific glasses to universal options, we explore how glass shapes impact aroma, flavor, and the overall wine experie…
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Are Old World and New World Labels Still Relevant?: Challenging Traditional Wine Categories with Kelsey Kramer
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45:31Send us a text Do you know why some wines are labeled "Old World" while others are "New World," especially when some of those "New World" regions have been making wine for centuries? Wine lovers often feel restricted by these traditional categorizations, missing out on amazing wines because they're labeled in ways that don't reflect modern winemaki…
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Wine Certifications Decoded: Finding Your Path with GuildSOMM's Jenny Hemmer
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36:58Send us a text Been dreaming about turning your wine passion into a career but don't know where to start? Many wine enthusiasts feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of wine certifications (WSET, CMS, SWE) and aren't sure which path is right for them – or if they need certification at all. In this episode, GuildSOMM Executive Director Jenny Hemmer …
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3 Insider Tips You Need to Know To Master the Art of Wine Tasting
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16:01Send us a text Wine tastings are an incredible way to explore wine styles, regions, and varieties. But let’s face it, they can also be chaotic, overwhelming, and, if you’re not careful, downright exhausting. In this episode, we’re taking the guesswork out of wine-tasting events with 3 insider tips to help you sip with confidence, maximize your expe…
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Confused By Alcohol-Free Wine? How It’s Made and Why You Should Care
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22:24Send us a text Alcohol-free or non-alcoholic wines are growing in popularity, but are they worth a try? What do alcohol-free and de-alcoholized mean and why should you even care? In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I dive deep into the world of non-alcoholic wines—exploring how they're made, common misconceptions, and whether they can hold their…
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Can't Define Your White Wine Type: Learn To Decode Your Style
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17:53Send us a text Love white wine, but can't seem to describe the style you like leading to pours you simply don't like? It’s an understandable frustration! With so many unpredictable styles of white wine, it’s easy to order or pick the wrong one. But here's the good news: you can simplify your wine choices by breaking down white wines into 3 SIMPLE S…
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Love One Red Wine, Hate The Next? How to Choose the Right Wine Style for Your Taste
24:22
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24:22Send us a text Are you overwhelmed by the sheer variety of red wines and find your taste buds are on opposite ends of the flavor spectrum? From light and fruity to bold and tannic, even the same grape varietal can taste wildly different depending on its style. There are many varietals of red wine, each with unique characteristics. Your personal pre…
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Dry January or Sober October? Why Wine Lovers Don't Need to Go 'All or Nothing’
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19:30Send us a text Have you ever wondered if Dry January is worth the hype—or if there’s a way to enjoy wine while being more mindful about your habits? In today’s episode, we’re diving into Dry January and its growing popularity, along with alternative approaches like Try January and Come Over October. Whether you’re fully abstaining or just seeking b…
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Welcome to Everyday Sommelier: Confessions of a Recovering Wine List Avoider
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8:19Send us a text Ever found yourself paralyzed when handed a wine list at an important dinner? Most of us default to ordering the same familiar wines or making random selections just to avoid embarrassment. In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I'm sharing my own journey from corporate executive to wine expert and educator and why I'm passionate abo…
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Why Having Limited Wine Knowledge is Actually Amazing
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15:07Send us a text Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wine knowledge out there? Many wine enthusiasts believe they need encyclopedic wine knowledge to truly enjoy and appreciate wine, leading them to feel frustrated and inadequate when exploring the wine world. In this episode, I'm sharing why it's literally impossible for anyone — e…
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Why Your Favorite Wine Tastes Different This Time
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16:20Send us a text Ever wonder why that wine club Chardonnay tastes completely different from what you remember at the winery? Wine lovers often feel confused and disappointed when their favorite wines taste different from bottle to bottle, making them question their own wine-tasting abilities. In this episode, I'll reveal why some wines taste the same…
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Episode 8 - Tiffany Slowinski with Culture Index
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35:36Join me, Karen Medina, your host of the Super SMART Women Podcast, in this lively episode as I speak with Tiffany Slowinski—CEO of Team Spark Advisors, Executive Advisor with Culture Index, co-owner of three thriving franchises, and proud mom of four daughters. Tiffany shares how she balances family, entrepreneurship, and community leadership throu…
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Episode 7 - These are a Few of My Favorite Christmas Things
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22:52Join me as I share my top 10 favorite things about Christmas! From celebrating the birth of Jesus and my cherished Fontanini Nativity Set to dressing up as Mrs. Claus, baking and decorating cookies, enjoying Christmas movies (yes, even Die Hard!), and big family meals, this episode is all about the magic and meaning of the Christmas Season. I also …
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Send us a text Love wine but feel overwhelmed by its complexity? You’re not alone! Whether you’re browsing endless aisles of wine bottles, struggling to decode labels, or feeling intimidated by wine-tasting jargon, it can all feel like too much. You’ve subscribed to wine magazines, bought books to boost your knowledge, only to feel less confident a…
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Episode 6 - Chloe Wilder a Domestic Violence Survivor
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32:21In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Super SMART Women, we sat down with Chloe Wilder, a Campaign Fundraising Manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries of the Year program. At just 24, Chloe is making waves with her servant heart and incredible ability to recognize and uplift those around her. But behind Chloe’s inspiring profe…
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Episode 5 - Candace Fleming with Families of Conviction
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32:17Prepare to be inspired by Candace Fleming, an inspiring reflector of God’s amazing grace, as she shares how her daily walk with God provides her with purpose, strength, and joy. Facing trials that would challenge many, she and her husband, Willy (currently incarcerated) stand firmly on God's promises, reflecting His glory and grace in all they do. …
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Episode 4 - Tamara Payne with Ensemble Coworking and Sparkyard
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33:19
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33:19Get ready for an uplifting conversation with Tamara Payne - a dynamic connector, community builder, marketing expert, empowering speaker, and Mentor with a capital M. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategy, Tamara continues to make a significant impact in the Fort Worth Entrepreneurship Community as the Founde…
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Episode 3 - Ginny Moring with Choices Clinic
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29:27Ginny Moring, Executive Director of Choices Clinic and Life Resource Center, shares insight into working and volunteering for a non-profit. Her passion is contagious and her motivation is inspiring. Ginny's team is close knit and incredibly supportive - find out why as you hear a little about her journey. The book Ginny mentions in the podcast is: …
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In today’s episode of the Super SMART Women podcast, host and CEO Karen Medina introduces herself and shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Super SMART Women. Karen reflects on the incredible women who shaped her life and career, from her Girl Scout leader to a dedicated teacher, a powerful mentor, and a lifelong friend who reflects her…
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Episode 1 - Kathy Elrod and Servant Leadership
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28:31Kathy Elrod, CEO of Windmill Consulting and Sales Superstar, shares her wisdom, insight and encouragement with our audience. A Servant Leader at heart and a powerful motivator. Join me to hear a little about her journey. Two books that Kathy mentions in the podcast are: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - https://www.franklincovey.com/books/the-7…
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