Big Blend Radio-logo

Big Blend Radio

BlogTalkRadio

Viva Variety! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!

Location:

Tucson, AZ

Networks:

BlogTalkRadio

Description:

Viva Variety! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!

Twitter:

@BigBlendMag

Language:

English

Contact:

P.O. Box 90153 Tucson, AZ 85752 7604753308


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Osprey Conservation at Patuxent River Park, Maryland

7/26/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features travel writer and photographer Julie Dee Suman who discusses the Osprey Conservation efforts and recreational, bird watching, and educational opportunities at Patuxent River Park in Maryland. Read her article about the park, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-patuxent-river-parks-osprey-population/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Channel.

Duration:00:25:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Chef Ivan Flowers - How to Plate Like a Pro

7/26/2024
Celebrate National Culinary Arts Month and Foodie Friday with this episode of Big Blend Radio's EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show featuring Ivan Flowers, a 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor. From color and composition to texture and ingredient choices, Chef Ivan shares tips and techniques on how to artfully plate food just like a chef! Links to Topics Discussed on this Episode: - Chef Ivan Flowers Teaches Youth: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/youth-in-the-kitchen/ - The Rise & Fall of Charlie Trotter: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/love-charlie-the-rise-and-fall-of-chef-charlie-trotter/ Follow Big Blend Radio's EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm36M-s22iuKRDKPlZXl46Lr

Duration:01:12:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

MVPA Historic Convoy on the Jefferson Highway - Minnesota to Louisiana

7/25/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the Military Vehicle Preservation Association's epic upcoming convoy on the Jefferson Highway. Held October 1-31, 2024, the convoy will run from Minnesota to Louisiana. Learn more: https://www.mvpa.org/convoys Featured guests are Roger Bell - President of the Jefferson Highway Association, and MVPA Convoy organizers Chuck Toney and John Varner. The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST. Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Duration:00:53:36

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Photographer Insider with Steve Piacente

7/24/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio features photographer Steve Piacente, a reporter turned speechwriter, university professor, author, and life coach. You'll rarely find him without a camera is always at his side. Hear about his photography, what and who inspires him, his world travels, and more, plus, check out his editorial Q&A with us here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/photographer-insider-steve-piacente/ Visit Steve's online gallery: https://www.piacentephotos.com/

Duration:00:27:50

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Pioneering Women of the Past and Present

7/24/2024
Celebrate National Pioneer Day with today's episode of Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast that focuses on Pioneering Women of the Past & Present. FEATURED GUESTS - GLYNN BURROWS, historian and owner of Norfolk Tours UK talks about social reformer Octavia Hill. Read his article about her: https://tinyurl.com/mr2chjv7 - LINDA BALLOU, travel writer and author, talks about equestrian explorer Isabella Bird, the inspiration behind her novel, "Embrace of the Wild." More: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ - KIMBERLY HESS, genealogist and author, talks about philanthropist Sarah B. Cochran "The Coal Queen," the subject of her biography, "A Lesser Mortal" which is available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/43a5hsfa - SHARON K. KURTZ, travel writer and photographer, talks about Alaskan frontier woman Fannie Quigley. Sharon wrote about her in "History Magazine." Read her story here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxb7shd - KATHLEEN WALLS, travel writer and author, talks about country singer Patsy Cline, who she wrote about in her book, "American Music: Born in the USA - A History of American Music," which is available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/44znn8ut - ELAINE MASTERS, travel writer and author, talks about renaissance woman Eileen Gregory who created a sustainable luxury getaway that showcases art, local wines, and more in Guadalupe Valley, in Baja California, Mexico. Read Elaine's story about her visit here: https://tinyurl.com/yccanc4h - JO CLARK, travel writer and photographer, talks about ranchers and restaurateurs Carla George and Connie Hale, The Buffalo Gals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read her story on them: https://tinyurl.com/3wf4jn6u - JOHNNY SCHAEFER, composer and vocalist, spotlights Teresa Tudury, an acclaimed singer-songwriter, comedienne, and host of the radio show "Live From the Doublewide." Learn more about her at https://teresatudury.com/ and keep up with Johnny at https://hearjohnny.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast airs daily, with new panel discussions every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/

Duration:01:07:50

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Exploring Isle Royale National Park

7/23/2024
Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast covering her recent visit to remote Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Isle Royale is one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country, averaging twenty to thirty thousand visitors annually. Established as the nation’s 25th national park in 1940, Isle Royale sits in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior and preserves more than 130,000 acres of land designated as wilderness. The park consists of one large island surrounded by over 450 smaller islands and encompasses 850 square miles. This includes submerged land, which extends four-plus miles out into the largest freshwater lake in the world. Check out Debbie's article and video feature, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/experience-the-allure-of-the-wild-at-michigans-isle-royale-national-park/ Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

Duration:00:44:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Chuck and Mikelyn Wustman - The Bird & The Butterfly Inn in East Texas

7/22/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's VACATION STATION Travel Show features Chuck Wustman & Mikelyn Martin-Wustman, owners and innkeepers of The Bird & Butterfly Inn. Hear their backstory on how they became innkeepers and all about this beautiful property that's located in Jasper, East Texas. Situated on eight wooded acres on the Angelina River and near the Angelina National Forest, The Bird & Butterfly Inn is a lovely river retreat and getaway destination where you can unwind in the serenity of nature. The Inn is a stunning wedding venue, a fun and relaxing stay for a family reunion, a great space for a corporate training event, or a romantic and unhurried weekend escape. Visit: https://thebirdandbutterflyinn.com/

Duration:00:47:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Ruth Milstein - Making Strawberry Sherbet

7/21/2024
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show with Ruth Milstein who shares how to make her family recipe for Strawberry Sherbet. This recipe is so easy and versatile, you can make it with all kinds of fruits, or even a refresh ice tea or coffee flavor! Check out the recipe, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/strawberry-sherbet/ Ruth Milstein is the author of the Gourmand awarding-winning recipe book, "Cooking with Love: Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine." Learn more here: https://www.ruthmilstein.com/ Listen to Big Blend Radio's 3rd Sunday "Cooking with Ruth" podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/yr9jp58n

Duration:00:31:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Art Destinations Across America

7/20/2024
From Arizona and New Mexico to Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick features a panel discussion covering Art Destinations Across America. FEATURED GUESTS & DESTINATIONS - VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. She talks about Silver City as an art destination, as well the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center. Links to Visit: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ and https://victoriachick.com/ - CLIFFORD GARSTANG is the author of six works of fiction and lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Hear about the art connection in his short stories and books, as well as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Links to Visit: https://vmfa.museum/ and https://cliffordgarstang.com/ - ROSE PALMER is an award-winning travel writer and photographer based in Pennsylvania. She is the publisher of Quiltripping.com. Hear about the art in Paducah, Kentucky and read her story about this UNESCO Creative City, here: https://quiltripping.com/pilgrimage-to-paducah-2/ - STEVE & KAREN WILSON are innkeepers and owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast that's located in the heart of the Montford Historic District in Asheville, North Carolina. Hear about Beer City USA's popular River Arts District. Links to Visit: https://www.riverartsdistrict.com/ and https://www.lion-rose.com/ - SHARON K. KURTZ is an award-winning travel writer and photographer based in Austin, Texas. Hear about the new Wonderspaces Austin that features an immersive and interactive art show along with a full bar serving signature cocktails. Links to Visit: https://austin.wonderspaces.com/ and https://sharonkkurtz.com/

Duration:01:25:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

An Author, A Travel Writer, Two Musicians, and a Death Doula Walk Into a Bar

7/19/2024
An Author, a Travel Writer, Two Musicians, and a Death Doula Walk Into a Bar.... Step into The Wiggie Butt Club and enjoy this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Happy Hour Hang Out" Podcast that celebrates the month of July with a fun conversation that covers speakeasy culture, bucket list travel, music, books and writing, cocktails, and so much more! FEATURED GUESTS: * Author Matt Cost - https://www.mattcost.net/ * Travel writer & photographer Jo Clark - https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Death Doula Lea Brovedani - https://souljourneydoula.com/ * Musician, songwriter & producer Joey Stuckey - https://joeystuckey.com/ * Vocalist & composer Johnny Schaefer - https://hearjohnny.com

Duration:01:40:33

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Lea Brovedani - Letting Go to Have a Peaceful End-of-Life

7/18/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani, Lea discusses the importance of Letting Go to have a Peaceful End-of-Life. Letting go doesn't mean giving up. As we approach our final years, we let go of unrealistic expectations of others, of material possessions, of anger, jealousy, and other emotions that don't serve us. Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula: * Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices * Emotion - Honor feelings * Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning * Body - Increase comfort, health and safety * Practical - Create completions Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu

Duration:00:34:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Travel Advisor Cheryl Ogle - Planning a Family Reunion

7/17/2024
Celebrate Family Reunion Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle. From cruises and resorts to budget-friendly adventures, hear about ways to reunite with loved ones of all ages and abilities to create those special memories. Check out Cheryl's blog on family reunions and multigenerational travel: https://tinyurl.com/ywr392af On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/

Duration:00:30:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Wai-nani - A Voice from Old Hawaii

7/17/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" she discusses her novel “Wai-nani - A Voice from Old Hawaii.” Through Wai-nani's eyes, experience the Hawaiian society as it existed when Captain James Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay in 1779; ride the billowing seas with Eku, the wild dolphin she befriends; learn why she loved the savage, conflicted ruler, Makaha; walk with her as she defies ancient laws and harsh taboos of the Island people; share the love she received from all who knew her and learn how she rose to become the most powerful woman in old Hawai'i. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/wai-nani-a-voice-from-old-hawaii/ View Linda's Wai-nani Wayfinder video: https://youtu.be/rksKsDNtK6Y?si=CoHQDNNdsQWENrB_ Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books, including "Wai-nani" at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ NOTE: The "Wai-nani" audiobook is currently unavailable. Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared Featured music on this episode is “Hi’ilawe” by Makana. http://makanamusic.com/

Duration:00:49:41

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

K. Nicole Connell - Natchitoches is Fun for Everyone!

7/16/2024
Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, Parks & Rec Month, Picnic Month, Family Reunion Month, and more on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast. From Zydeco and Meat Pie Festivals to cruising Cane River Lake and exploring Cane River Creole National Historical Park, K. Nicole Connell of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau talks about the various multigenerational experiences this beautiful and historic destination offers. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches and check out the event calendar at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show and check out the past episodes here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/

Duration:00:28:50

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Clifford Garstang - Author Success Insider

7/16/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Insider" spotlight features Clifford Garstang, author of six works of fiction including the novels “The Last Bird of Paradise,” “Oliver’s Travels,” and “The Shaman of Turtle Valley,” and the short story collections “House of the Ancients and Other Stories,” “What the Zhang Boys Know,” and “In an Uncharted Country.” He is also the editor of the acclaimed anthology series, “Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet.” A former international lawyer, he lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Check out Clifford Garstang’s answers to our 10 Author Insider Questions about his writing career: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-clifford-garstang/ Keep up with Clifford at https://cliffordgarstang.com/

Duration:00:49:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Feuza Reis - Buying Property in Sicily

7/15/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel blogger Feuza Reis who shares the ins-and-outs of purchasing property in Sicily, especially through unique 1 Euro Homes project in San Piero Patti. A small village that's home to around 2,500 residents, San Piero Patti is located approximately 2 hours from each major airport in Sicily, 1 hour from Messina, and just 20 minutes from Patti, a larger city with around 9,000 inhabitants. This hilltop area offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here, you can see the Aeolian Islands, and on a clear day, you can also see Panarea at the very bottom on the right, Stromboli. Read Feuza's article about it all in "Live in Italy" Magazine, here: https://liveinitalymag.com/buying-property-in-sicily-1-euro-homes/ Feuza Reis, also known as Fuse, combines her expertise in mid-budget travel with her deep affection for Europe in captivating stories and visuals on her blog, Fuse Travels. Originally from Brazil, Fuse's passion for travel truly blossomed six years ago when she fell in love with Italy. She plans to move to Italy in three years and brings almost four decades of travel experience to her audience. Keep up with her at https://fusetravels.com/. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

Duration:00:29:34

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Author Wendy Lyons Sunshine - Tender Paws

7/15/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Pet Connection" Podcast features award-winning author and journalist Wendy Lyons Sunshine who discusses her new book, "Tender Paws: How Science-Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs." Full of illustrative cases and thoughtful insights to support dog welfare and inspire your own pet parenting journey, "Tender Paws" explores parallels between human and canine research; delves into attachment theory, the effects of trauma, parenting styles, and sensory issues; and offers strategies that meet the needs of all dogs — often in unexpectedly simple ways. Out now, "Tender Paws" reveals why love alone isn’t always enough and how evidence-informed parenting practices can help. More: https://www.wendylsunshine.com/ Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ This episode also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

Duration:00:49:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jo Clark - Four Blue Ridge Mountain Towns

7/14/2024
We're going to the Blue Ridge Mountains on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark. From beer and moonshine to museums and rock churches, hear about Riner, Radford, Roanoke, and Rocky Mount. They are all an easy day trip from each other, with the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby. Read Jo's article about these historic towns here: https://recipestravelculture.com/4-rs-blue-ridge-mountain-towns/ Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd

Duration:00:39:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Christy Wood - Equine Energy and Emotions

7/13/2024
It's all about how to read and understand your horse's energy and emotions on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/ The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection," and "Nature Connection" podcast channels.

Duration:00:45:42

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Kathleen Walls - Kansas Oddities and Roadside Attractions

7/12/2024
From the Oz Museum and the Ad Astra Missile Silo to the World's Largest Belt Buckle and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA travel writer Kathleen Walls focuses on interesting oddities and roadside attractions in Kansas. Read Kathleen's article about it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/theres-something-odd-in-kansas/ Kathleen Walls is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways at https://www.americanroads.net A member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, her articles and photographs have appeared in numerous magazines and online publications. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

Duration:00:32:47