This episode of Big Blend Radio's Getting to Know You series features Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Through seven fun and insightful questions, Donna shares her personal journey running a small business, her passion for food and community, and her adventures traveling to all 50 states.
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PODCAST EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Open May Through October, Online Year-Round
The Peanut Patch's brick-and-mortar store in Yuma closes for the summer season, from May through October, but the online store at ThePeanutPatch.com keeps running year-round. Signature items include fresh-made peanut brittle, house-made fudge, turtle candies, chili and jalapeño roasted peanuts, and Medjool dates grown right in Yuma.
Chickens, Weeds, and a Leap of Faith
Asked about her spirit animal, Donna picked her backyard chickens — smart, protective, and surprisingly useful for clearing the yard of "goat head" weeds and stickers. Her advice for young entrepreneurs and career starters is just as plainspoken: “Don't be afraid.” Donna had retail experience before buying The Peanut Patch, but knew nothing about food production at the time — she took the leap anyway.
All 50 States and a Hot Air Balloon Dream
Donna has visited all 50 U.S. states and loves a long summer road trip — her upcoming route runs through Texas, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Still on the bucket list: a ride in a hot air balloon, which she's hoping to check off at Yuma's annual balloon festival in November.
Talk Show Themes & Dinner Party Confessions
If Donna had her own TV talk show, her walk-up song would be "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" — or maybe "Take Me Out to The Peanut Patch." At a dinner party, she's passing on meatloaf, a childhood staple she vowed never to cook as an adult, in favor of fresh seafood and fish. Her kitchen must-haves: fresh salsa on hand for entertaining (and hiding the occasional mishap), and homemade peanut butter made without added additives.
"Don't be afraid of that leap of faith. If you feel like you're called to do it, give it a whirl." — Donna George
Way Back When: 14 Years Ago at The Peanut Patch
Long before this episode, Big Blend Radio recorded this visit — one of many — to The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, way back in 2012! Take a look back at this early video with Donna George, a fun reminder of just how far this friendship (and this podcast) goes — almost 30 years in the making!
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