Tanji Patton Biography
Tanji Patton is a well-known figure in Texas media. She has built a career around storytelling. First, she worked in news. Now, she focuses on food and wine. Her work reaches many people through TV, online platforms, and podcasts. Patton started as a journalist. She won awards for her reports. Later, she created content about good eats and drinks. This change came from her love for these topics.
She is an Emmy-winning journalist. She hosts the show Goodtaste with Tanji. This program shows Texas chefs and restaurants. It airs in many places, like 17 Texas cities, Oklahoma, and Nashville. Patton also runs Goodtaste.tv. This is an online site with videos and tips. In 2025, she started a podcast called Goodtaste for the Soul. It mixes food stories with faith talks.
Patton grew up in Texas. Her path shows how one can switch careers. She went from reporting tough news to sharing fun food ideas. This helps readers see her full story. Her work educates on Texas culture. Food and wine bring people together. Patton highlights this in her content. She travels to find new spots. She talks to chefs and wine makers. Her tips help home cooks.
As of 2026, her show is in its 11th season. She keeps adding new ideas. For example, she shares wine picks at stores like H-E-B. Her podcast has episodes on health too. One talks about breast cancer vaccines in Texas trials from February 2026. This adds value for listeners. Patton’s story inspires many. She shows hard work pays off. Readers can learn from her steps. This article covers her life in simple terms. It aims to teach and be easy to read.
Patton’s influence grows each year. She connects with fans on social media. Recent posts from March 2026 show behind-the-scenes fun from her show. She shares wine tips too. Like the Anciano Garnacha from Spain. This makes her content fresh. Who is Tanji Patton? A leader in Texas food media. Her journey teaches us to follow passions.
Tanji Patton Early Life and Education
Tanji Patton was born in 1959 in Houston, Texas. She grew up in a city full of energy. As a child, she liked family meals. These times sparked her interest in food. But first, she thought of being a doctor. She started college with that goal.
Patton went to Texas Tech University. She began in pre-med classes. Math was hard for her. She failed some courses. This made her change plans. Around that time, the Watergate scandal happened in the 1970s. Reporters like Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward inspired her. They showed the power of journalism. Patton switched to study journalism.
She earned a B.A. in journalism from Texas Tech in 1980. While in school, she worked at KLBK TV. This was a local station in Lubbock. She served as a reporter and anchor. This gave her real experience. It helped her learn the basics of TV news.
Her early life taught her to adapt. Failing math led to a new path. She moved to San Antonio later. Her family was there. This support helped during tough times. Patton’s education built her skills. She learned to tell stories well. This base helped in her news career. It also aids her food work now.
In high school, she went to Lubbock Christian High School. This added to her strong values. Family was key. They enjoyed food together. This love grew over time. Now, she shares it with others. Her early life was simple. It focused on learning and growth.
Tanji Patton Career
Tanji Patton started her career in journalism after college. She worked at KLBK TV in Lubbock. This was during her studies. She gained skills there. Then, she moved to San Antonio. She joined WOAI-TV, an NBC station. This was in 1991. She served as an investigative reporter. She also produced and hosted shows.
At WOAI, Patton covered big stories. She reported on local and world events. For over 20 years, she anchored the 6 PM and 10 PM news. She worked with Randy Beamer. Her reports got attention. One changed Texas adoption laws. It dealt with racial issues in the process. After 9/11 in 2001, she reported from the Pentagon. She also covered the Afghanistan war from the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
In 1997, Patton launched San Antonio Living. This was the city’s first lifestyle TV show. She hosted it for seven years. It mixed fun topics with news. She co-hosted Live with Regis twice in 2000. This was during a search for a new co-host. This gave her national exposure.
Patton left WOAI in 2007. The economy was bad then. In 2008, she started Goodtaste.tv with her husband Mike. This was an online video magazine. It covered food, wine, and living well. They began during a recession. But it grew. Patton blogged for the Houston Chronicle. She did segments on radio and TV.
The TV show Goodtaste with Tanji started later. By 2024, it marked 10 years. As of 2026, it is in season 11. It airs weekly. Patton travels Texas to feature chefs. Places like San Antonio, Austin, and Houston appear. It also shows in Oklahoma and Nashville. On RFD-TV too. Sponsors include H-E-B, Sysco, and Goya.
Patton works with top chefs. Lidia Bastianich cooked in her kitchen once. She shares recipes and wine tips. For example, value wines like Berne Romance Rosé. Her content helps small businesses. Restaurants get more visitors.
In 2025, she launched Goodtaste for the Soul podcast. It blends food with faith. Guests include people like Texas State Rep. Shelley Luther. By 2026, it has many episodes. One from February 2026 discusses breast cancer vaccine progress. Patton sees food as a way to unite people.
Her career shows change is possible. From hard news to fun topics. She uses journalism skills in food stories. Patton educates on Texas cuisine. Like barbecue from Black’s BBQ. Or seafood chains. She promotes local spots. This adds value for viewers.
Patton speaks at events. In 2023, she talked at Brazosport College. She shares career tips. For aspiring journalists, she says practice storytelling. For food lovers, try new recipes. Her work reaches millions. Through TV, online, and podcasts.
Recent work includes episodes like Feeling Blu from 2026. It features steakhouse dishes. She also shares air-fried chicken skewers. Patton’s career keeps evolving. She inspires women in media. Her path teaches resilience.
Tanji Patton Personal Life
Tanji Patton lives a balanced life. She is married to Mike Patton. They are partners in business and life. They met in an interesting way. In the 1980s, Tanji had car trouble. Her car kept breaking down. A friend set up a meeting with Mike. He was the general manager at a dealership. He lent her his car while hers got fixed. She thanked him in person. They became friends. Soon, they married.
Mike helps with Goodtaste.tv. They started it together in 2008. They travel to wine regions around the world. Places like Italy and Spain. They take wine classes. They have WSET Level 2 certification from London. Patton also took cooking classes at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio.
They have a son. Patton was a stay-at-home mom when he was young. Until he was five. At 30, she thought about her future. This led back to media. Family is important to her. They support her work.
Patton has strong faith. She is Christian. She shares this in her podcast. Goodtaste for the Soul started in 2025. It talks about faith and food. She sees food as a way to bring people together. Like in Bible stories.
She keeps fit despite tasting foods. She practices moderation. Patton enjoys exploring Texas. She calls herself a Texas explorer. On social media, she shares personal moments. Like cute childhood photos from February 2026.
Her personal life shows balance. Work, family, and faith. She and Mike are best friends. They build their brand together. This adds to her success.
Tanji Patton Awards
Tanji Patton has won many awards. She got Emmys for her journalism. These are for investigative reports. One report changed Texas adoption laws. It focused on racial discrimination. This earned statewide and national notice.
She won multiple Emmys over her career. Her work at WOAI got acclaim. In 2010, Texas Tech gave her the Distinguished Alumni award. This is from the College of Mass Communications.
Her show Goodtaste with Tanji got Emmy nominations. It highlights her shift to food media. Patton served on boards too. Like the Bexar County Family Justice Center. This shows her community work.
These awards prove her skill. From news to food, she excels. They motivate her to keep creating.
List of key awards:
- Emmy Awards for investigative journalism
- Texas Tech Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010
- Emmy nominations for Goodtaste with Tanji TV series
Conclusion
Tanji Patton’s life shows growth and passion. She started in news. She won Emmys. Then, she moved to food and wine. Her show and site reach many. Her podcast adds faith. Who is Tanji Patton? A Texas icon in media.
Her story teaches us to chase dreams. Adapt when needed. Her work educates on Texas culture. Food unites us. Patton shares this well. As of 2026, she keeps innovating. Follow her for tips and stories.
FAQs
What is Tanji Patton known for?
Tanji Patton is known for her journalism and food media. She won Emmys as a news anchor. Now, she hosts Goodtaste with Tanji. This show features Texas restaurants and chefs. She runs Goodtaste.tv online. Her podcast is Goodtaste for the Soul.
Where is Tanji Patton from?
Tanji Patton is from Houston, Texas. She grew up there. Her roots influence her work on Texas food.
What was Tanji Patton’s career before food media?
Before food media, Patton was a journalist. She worked at WOAI-TV for over 17 years. She did investigative reports and anchored news. She launched San Antonio Living in 1997.
Does Tanji Patton have a podcast?
Yes, Tanji Patton has a podcast. It is called Goodtaste for the Soul. It started in 2025. It covers food, faith, and inspiring stories. By 2026, it has many episodes.
Who is Tanji Patton married to?
Tanji Patton is married to Mike Patton. He is her business partner. They met at a car dealership. They travel for wine together.
What awards has Tanji Patton won?
Tanji Patton won Emmy Awards for journalism. She got the Texas Tech Distinguished Alumni award in 2010. Her show has Emmy nominations.
How old is Tanji Patton?
Tanji Patton was born in 1959. As of 2026, she is 67 years old.
Where can I watch Goodtaste with Tanji?
You can watch Goodtaste with Tanji on TV in 17 Texas markets. Also in Oklahoma and Nashville. It airs on RFD-TV. Check local listings.