Jim Sanford, Logotto Romagnolo Breeder, and Trainer, Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

Jim Sanford, Logotto Romagnolo Breeder, and Trainer, Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

Jim Sanford is a renowned trainer and breeder of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, known for their intelligence and truffle-hunting abilities. His unconventional career began with two decades of elephant training across the globe before he settled in Tennessee. At Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort, Jim initially contributed to fly fishing and horseback riding programs. His career took a new direction in 2007 when he was asked to train a Lagotto Romagnolo to find truffles—despite not knowing what a truffle was at the time. This challenge led to the development of a breeding program, importing dogs from Italy and training them for truffle work. Over the years, Jim has delivered more than 300 Lagotto puppies to owners, emphasizing that proper training and ongoing involvement are essential. The dogs, beloved for their curly hypoallergenic coats and affectionate personalities, have become a signature part of the Blackberry Farm experience. Jim now also leads truffle-hunting tours in Italy and organizes events like Il Raduno, a springtime reunion for Lagotto owners at the farm. His work reflects not only a deep love for animals but also a talent for building personal connections and experiences through his unique skill set.

Livermush. What is it and how is it celebrated? The 18th annual Livermush Festival. Marion, NC.

Today we are setting the table with Livermush and news about the Annual Livermush Festival that takes place June 6, 2026 in Marion, NC. Our guests today are Natalie Bell and Alena Carson. Natalie Bell is the Events and Outreach Coordinator for the Marion Business Association. Alena (Lena) Carson is co-owner of “Mama T’s Rolling Snack Shack” she and her team won “Crowd Favorite” for savory Livermush dish during the Food Truck Rodeo at the 14, 15 and 17th Annual Livermush Festival and she aims to win another trophy again this year.

Memorial Day Weekend Foods. Cornbread Salad, Smoked Pork Butt

We honor Memorial Day. We are so very appreciative of the service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. If you are fortunate enough to be able to go to a backyard cookout, I have some recipes for foods that go along with cookouts. Amy shares recipes for Cornbread salad, Corn Muffins that will make people think you are the best cook in this world, Alice's and Barry Bales (Bales Farm, Misheim TN) recipe and directions for making Smoked Pork Shoulder and Sauce. If you would like to see a video of Amy Campbell demonstrating how to make the cornbread salad, WBIR is streaming their Grillin’ and Chillin’: Summer Recipes segment, This series showcases some great recipes that are perfect to take to summer cookouts. My video starts at the 9:50 time stamp. If you enter WBIR.com on your computer, it starts right up when you locate for the "Grillin’ and Chillin’ title" on their website WBIR.com.

Mother’s Day Recollections and Old- Fashioned Recipes

Today, we set the table with some good food and memories in honor of Mother’s Day. First, we’ll visit Mary Lynn Snyder, who shares memories of growing up in the R.C. Tway coal mining camp outside Harlan, KY. Then, she’ll share her Mother Ruby’s cooking ways and a recipe for “Mama Ruby’s Creamy Lemon Pie.” Also on the program - Fred’s Sauceman shares a lovely audio essay in memory of his late mother-in-law, Elsie Maddux Derting. And I share a story and recipe about my late mother, Edwena Janie Clayton, Mississippi, and kilt salad for supper.

Cornbread, Cornbread Salad and East Tennessee Events for May 2, 2026

We are setting the table today with cornbread. I've assembled an all-star lineup of guests today to talk about this soul-satisfying staple. Karen Shankles has twice won first place at the annual National Cornbread Festival cook-off. Today, she shares her recipe for Festive Good Luck Corn Bread Skillet with us. James Beard Award-winning food writer Ronni Lundy lets us know how she makes her skillet cornbread that goes with a pot of soup beans. And she also shares with us what she calls her tao of cornbread. Food preservationist with deep family ties to the East TN mountains and mountain cooking Shannon Walker lets us know how he makes his cornbread and his thoughts on cast iron cookware and old ways. And “Mountain Man”, Josh Lowans of Salubrious Farms, Walland, Knoxville, describes a Cornbread salad recipe that his better half Meagan makes and is his family's go-to recipe.