Olive Oil Divine Podcast

Greg & Shirley Mueller

Welcome to the Olive Oil Divine Podcast – your ultimate source of culinary inspiration! Join Greg and Shirley Mueller, owners of Olive Oil Divine, as they share their passion for exceptional ingredients, kitchen tips, and flavorful stories that will help you become a kitchen hero. From premium extra virgin olive oils to rich, aged Italian balsamic vinegars, we’ve got the tools and expertise to elevate your cooking to divine levels. Don’t forget to visit them online for their exclusive selection of olive oils, vinegars, and more. If you're local, stop by their store and experience how they can transform your kitchen adventures! Until next time – Live Divine! To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

Episodes

  1. 06/30/2025

    Priest Stranglers and Rooster Crests: The Quirky World of Pasta

    Let's Check Out The 28 Pastas And Six Pasta Sauces You Have Available...How Do We Best Select From Those? Pasta enthusiasts rejoice! Greg and Shirley Mueller take us behind the scenes of their remarkable pasta collection at Olive Oil Divine, showcasing a world of shapes, flavors, and textures waiting to be explored. What began as a modest selection of ten pasta varieties has evolved into an impressive array of nearly 30 different options. From the innovative "nest pastas" that serve as perfect individual portions to playful shapes like radiatori (resembling tiny radiators) and prestigallo (named after rooster crests), each pasta offers a unique eating experience. But there's science behind these whimsical shapes – as Greg explains, the ridges and crevices in shaped pasta hold sauce significantly better than traditional string varieties, resulting in more flavorful bites. The conversation dives into specialty flavors that will tantalize your taste buds: Chesapeake Bay seasoned linguine infused with Old Bay, spicy garlic fusilli, and mushroom fettuccine, all made without GMOs or preservatives. Complementing these pastas are small-batch sauces ranging from classic tomato basil to their best-selling creamy vodka and adventurous Calabrian chili varieties. Shirley highlights how these premium ingredients maintain their vibrant colors and authentic flavors throughout cooking, unlike artificial alternatives. Most fascinating are the cultural stories woven throughout – like the centuries-old tale behind "Strazapreti" pasta, which translates to "priest strangler." These heritage connections remind us that pasta isn't merely food; it's a culinary tradition with deep historical roots. Whether you're looking to elevate weeknight dinners or explore Italian cuisine more authentically, this episode offers invaluable insights for creating the perfect pasta experience. Ready to transform your pasta night? Visit Olive Oil Divine online or in-store to discover these treasures for yourself! To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    13 min
  2. 06/30/2025

    Finding Your Perfect Flavor Match: A Guide to Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars

    How Do You Select The Best Flavor For Your Needs, Properly Store And Then Use It?  Feeling overwhelmed by the vast world of olive oils and balsamic vinegars? You're not alone. In this flavorful deep dive, Greg and Shirley Mueller—owners of Olive Oil Divine—demystify the art of selecting, storing, and using these culinary essentials to transform your everyday cooking. With over 35 varieties of both oils and vinegars available, the Muellers guide us through a sensory journey, explaining how to match specific flavors to different dishes. Discover why citrusy oils like lemon and blood orange pair perfectly with seafood, how herb-infused blends elevate salads and marinades, and why self-proclaimed "garlic-aholics" might want to try both the subtle garlic oil and its more robust balsamic counterpart. Beyond flavor pairing, they reveal how the origin of olive oils—from robust Greek Koroneiki to mild California Mission varieties—significantly impacts your culinary creations. Perhaps most valuable are the expert storage tips that preserve both flavor and health benefits. Learn why keeping oils away from heat and light in airtight containers should become your standard practice, how cooking temperatures affect the oil's beneficial properties, and why that expensive bottle has a shorter optimal consumption window than you might expect. The Muellers even share that while olive oils remain usable for up to 24 months, their renowned health benefits begin diminishing after just 2-4 months once opened. Their practical wisdom takes the guesswork out of selection and storage, helping you maximize both flavor and nutritional value from every bottle. Ready to elevate your cooking? Visit Olive Oil Divine online or in-store to explore their exceptional selection, including exclusive blends like their signature melange herb oil. Their team stands ready to help you find the perfect flavor match, complete with a user and pairing guide to inspire your next culinary creation. Your taste buds—and dinner guests—will thank you. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    11 min
  3. 06/06/2025

    From Breakfast to Dessert: Culinary Secrets with Olive Oil Divine

    Let's Get Cooking At Home With The Muellers! Ever wondered if you could put olive oil in your morning coffee? Or how a dash of balsamic vinegar might transform your vanilla ice cream? Get ready for a culinary revelation as Greg and Shirley Mueller, the passionate owners behind Olive Oil Divine, welcome you into their kitchen for an intimate cooking demonstration that will forever change how you think about these pantry staples. The magic begins with Shirley's breakfast innovations – brushing butter-flavored almond oil on bread before toasting (something you could never do with real butter!) and crafting vibrant fruit salads elevated with strawberry basil balsamic and champagne vinegar. Her practical tips extend to perfect bread dipping combinations and surprising dessert applications that showcase the versatility of premium balsamic vinegars. The black cherry balsamic drizzled sparingly over vanilla ice cream creates an unexpectedly sophisticated flavor profile that's absolutely divine. Greg takes over with equally impressive culinary tricks, from transforming Greek yogurt into a creamsicle-inspired breakfast with blood orange olive oil to spicing up pimento cheese with ghost pepper balsamic hot sauce. He confidently debunks the myth that you can't fry with olive oil, demonstrating the technique while explaining the simple rule: high heat is fine for short durations, just don't let it smoke. The demonstration culminates with perhaps the most surprising application – adding butter-flavored olive oil to coffee for a subtle richness that enhances each sip. Throughout, the couple weaves in practical health information, noting the benefits of incorporating just two tablespoons of quality olive oil and three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar into your daily diet. Ready to revolutionize your kitchen routine with these simple yet transformative techniques? Visit Oliveoildivine.com to explore their exceptional selection of olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, or stop by their store if you're local. Your journey to becoming a kitchen hero starts with these accessible, flavorful upgrades to everyday dishes! To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    16 min
  4. 06/06/2025

    Flavor Favorites: Inside Olive Oil Divine's Best-Sellers

    What Are Your Best Selling Products? What makes certain olive oils "medicinal," and why are customers increasingly swapping wine gifts for premium oil and vinegar sets? The answers reveal fascinating shifts in culinary culture and health awareness. Greg and Shirley Mueller, owners of Olive Oil Divine, take listeners behind the scenes of their gourmet specialty shop, sharing which products consistently fly off shelves and why. Their high-polyphenol Zoe olive oil (with an impressive 1870 count) tops the list as health-conscious customers discover its benefits, while their Italian Herb infused oil claims the flavor favorite spot. For those curious about the science, Greg explains how they carefully match polyphenol levels to intended uses – higher for health benefits, lower for flavored varieties to prevent overwhelming the infusions. The balsamic vinegar conversation ventures into unexpected territory with bourbon-infused options perfect for grilling season and a champagne balsamic (made with French champagne grapes but non-alcoholic) that Shirley recommends adding to everything from egg salad to other vinegars for brightness. Perhaps most intriguing is their 25-year aged "Catch 25" balsamic that Shirley declares transformed how she enjoys steak. Beyond individual products, the Muellers reveal a growing trend of customers choosing olive oil and balsamic sets as sophisticated alternatives to wine gifts for dinner parties and housewarming presents. Their custom gift baskets featuring olive wood accessories and personalized labeling options for realtors have created an entirely new market. With mentions of their natural margarita mix and versatile spice blends like the popular Tuscany bread dipping seasoning, it's clear why customers come for a specific product but leave with inspiration for entire meals. Curious about elevating your cooking with these gourmet essentials? Visit Oliveoildivine.com or stop by their store to discover why these products are creating such devoted fans and turning everyday cooks into kitchen heroes. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    15 min
  5. 04/18/2025

    Pasta, Balsamics, and Mosquito-Repelling Soaps: Oh My!

    Let's Take A Walking Tour With Greg And Shirley Discover the unexpected treasures of Olive Oil Divine as owners Greg and Shirley Mueller take you on an engaging walking tour through their culinary wonderland. Far more than just an olive oil store, this boutique food emporium houses a remarkable collection of gourmet products that will transform your kitchen experience. The journey begins among towering shelves of imported Italian pastas - over thirty varieties. These are complemented by small-batch craft sauces that Greg enthusiastically describes as "oh gosh, are they ever good." The tour continues past an impressive array of stuffed olives featuring unexpected fillings like blue cheese, feta, and habanero peppers - perfect for that "ideal martini" or to elevate a simple Greek salad. Venture further to discover their innovative balsamic-based hot sauces that deliver remarkable flavor alongside their heat, and natural skincare products that Shirley personally tests before bringing into the store. "All of these are tested by me and my staff," she explains while showcasing her favorite Bug Plague Away soap that doubles as a mosquito repellent. Their commitment to natural products extends to pet care, health supplements, and hand-blended spice mixes like the truffle parmesan that's "great on asparagus, popcorn, and pasta." Ready to elevate your cooking and gift-giving? Visit Olive Oil Divine to taste before you buy - their staff invites you to sample any oil or vinegar in the store to ensure you find products you'll truly love. Stop by their store or explore online at oliveoildivine.com and discover why they proudly say, "We're more than just an olive oil store." To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    15 min
  6. 04/18/2025

    From Olive Oil to Lifestyle: Inside Olive Oil Divine's Culinary Universe

    More Than Just An Olive Oil Store From humble beginnings with just 80 products to a culinary empire boasting over 300 unique offerings, Olive Oil Divine has transformed far beyond what its name suggests. Greg and Shirley Mueller, passionate owners and flavor curators, take us behind the scenes of their extraordinary specialty shop that defies expectations at every turn. What began with premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars has blossomed into a complete sensory experience. Discover their collection of 30+ specialty pastas sourced directly from Italy and California, paired with complementary sauces and their signature olive oils. The Muellers reveal how they've expanded into unexpected territory with balsamic-based hot sauces that deliver both intense heat and complex flavors without overwhelming your palate, and a gluten-free teriyaki balsamic that transforms simple grilled vegetables into culinary masterpieces. Step into their store or visit them online to experience firsthand how these culinary artisans are redefining what it means to "live divine" through exceptional products that elevate everyday living. Whether you're a seasoned chef seeking new inspiration or simply someone who appreciates quality ingredients, Olive Oil Divine invites you to discover how the humble olive can transform not just your meals, but your entire lifestyle. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    11 min
  7. 04/15/2025

    The Divine Room: Where Faith and Olive Oil Meet

    How Does Your Divine Room Tie Into Your Mission At Olive Oil Divine? At the heart of Olive Oil Divine lies something unexpected—a sacred space where faith and fine culinary products beautifully intersect. Greg and Shirley Mueller take us on an intimate tour of their "Divine Room," a purpose-built prayer sanctuary nestled within their specialty olive oil store in Johnson City, Tennessee. This episode reveals how valuable retail space deliberately set aside for spiritual purposes has become central to both their business identity and community impact. The Divine Room features a handcrafted seven-foot cross made from weathered wood that once formed Greg's deck—boards against which "friends and family leaned and spilled their coffees for 20 years." Behind it stands a wall constructed from the very pallet boards that delivered their initial inventory when they opened a decade ago. More than just an aesthetic feature, this space serves practical spiritual purposes: housing a prayer journal for visitors' concerns, offering a quiet retreat for local pastors, hosting small groups, and providing a place where people can literally nail their heaviest burdens to the cross. Their commitment to creating this sanctuary reveals a business built on values deeper than profit margins—one that honors the divine guidance they credit for their success while offering something more nourishing than even the finest olive oils. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    10 min
  8. 04/15/2025

    From Farm to Bottle: How Olive Oil Divine Stands Apart in Quality and Transparency

    What Makes Olive Oil Divine Different From Other Typical Olive Oil Stores? Ever wondered what makes truly exceptional olive oil? Greg and Shirley Mueller of Olive Oil Divine pull back the curtain on an industry rife with misinformation and adulteration. This eye-opening conversation reveals how their independently-owned business works directly with twelve small family farms to deliver authentic extra virgin olive oils that stand in stark contrast to many grocery store options. The shocking reality is that many household olive oil brands have been repeatedly fined for fraud—cutting their products with inferior oils like canola, sunflower, or even undisclosed peanut oil. Greg emphasizes their unwavering commitment to certification: "If the farm doesn't certify their oils, we won't even entertain it." This dedication to transparency extends to their comprehensive labeling, which includes complete nutrition information often missing from competitors' bottles. Freshness emerges as another critical factor, with high-quality olive oils delivering optimal health benefits when consumed within 2-4 months after opening. The Olive Oil Divine team expertly guides customers toward high-polyphenol varieties for medicinal purposes or more suitable options for cooking applications. Their showroom features prominent display of press dates and daily tastings of their nearly 90 flavors—including unique offerings like bacon olive oil and dairy-free butter-flavored olive oil made with sweet potatoes. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    11 min
  9. 03/14/2025

    The Truth About High-Heat Olive Oil Cooking and Balsamic Vinegar

    Can You Cook With Olive Oil? What About Balsamic? Greg Mueller demolishes one of cooking's most persistent myths: that olive oil can't take the heat. With authority and enthusiasm, he explains that quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point above 400°F, making it perfect for everything from sautéing to roasting. The key? Understanding how to use it properly without burning it. The conversation dives into the fascinating world of polyphenols—the beneficial compounds in olive oil that contribute to its health properties. Greg explains how polyphenol counts vary with each harvest and how Olive Oil Divine meticulously tests and certifies every oil it sells. Rather than using expensive "medicinal" high-polyphenol oils for cooking (where heat diminishes their special properties), Greg recommends saving those for raw consumption and using their flavored varieties like bestselling Italian Herbs or Chipotle for cooking applications. These insights transform olive oil from a simple ingredient into a versatile culinary tool that can elevate everything from morning eggs to holiday turkeys. Ready to revolutionize your cooking? Visit OliveOilDivine.com to explore our exceptional olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, or stop by our store to discover how these kitchen staples can transform your everyday meals into something truly divine. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine 2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087

    9 min

About

Welcome to the Olive Oil Divine Podcast – your ultimate source of culinary inspiration! Join Greg and Shirley Mueller, owners of Olive Oil Divine, as they share their passion for exceptional ingredients, kitchen tips, and flavorful stories that will help you become a kitchen hero. From premium extra virgin olive oils to rich, aged Italian balsamic vinegars, we’ve got the tools and expertise to elevate your cooking to divine levels. Don’t forget to visit them online for their exclusive selection of olive oils, vinegars, and more. If you're local, stop by their store and experience how they can transform your kitchen adventures! Until next time – Live Divine! To learn more about Olive Oil Divine visit: https://oliveoildivine.com/ Olive Oil Divine2517 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 423-707-7087