Big Blend Radio

Big Blend Radio

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!

Episodes

July 6, 2025 • 62 mins

Join us on The Big Daily Blend show for an immersive exploration of American music! This episode celebrates the vibrant tapestry of sounds that tell America's story, diving deep into its profound connections to culture, history, and identity. We'll navigate the diverse landscape of musical genres, uncover how travel shapes our sonic experiences, and examine the powerful legacy of protest songs throughout history. Hear about iconic ...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam, “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” who shares her recent visit to the stunning Point Defiance Rose Garden in Tacoma, Washington. From the garden’s rich history and environmental significance to its natural beauty and community value, this conversation is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s floral charm. Discover how the region’s climate helps roses thrive, how nat...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.

Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions a...

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Celebrate Summer and Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" podcast! Explore the attractions, outdoor adventures, and vibrant communities of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

From towering sequoias and family-friendly events to rich agricultural heritage, historical lan...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast features a follow-up conversation with musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation’s Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Rachel discusses her new single, “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed,” a soulful piece inspired by the desert landscapes and experiences during her residency. She shares insight...

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July 2, 2025 • 32 mins

From backyard BBQs to sunny picnics, this fun and flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast celebrates all things summer wine and food. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, shares delicious seasonal wine and food pairing ideas, vineyard updates, and tips for entertaining during the warmer months.

Tune in for: - Summer wine pairings & food ideas - Cooking with wine: marinating, braising &...

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In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon,” award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a journey through the picturesque Brandywine Valley in Chester County, Pennsylvania — the heart of America’s Garden Capital.

Explore the region’s rich heritage, from the legacy of the DuPont and Wyeth families to its thriving conservation efforts and artistic traditions. Sharon also shares in...

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Get ready to plan your ultimate summer getaway with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast! From outdoor thrills and brewery hopping to cultural festivals and iconic attractions, this fun and informative conversation highlights over ten unforgettable experiences to enjoy during the summer season in Asheville, North Carolina.

Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of...

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In honor of National Family Reunion Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show highlights why Frisco, Texas is a must-visit destination for families of all ages. Travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her recent adventures in this vibrant city near Dallas, known for transforming from a small railroad town into a nationally recognized hub of attractions and experiences.

From interactive learning at KidZania and th...

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As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Family Month programming, award-winning author Rayne Lacko joins us to talk about her upper YA novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Rey." This gritty and emotional coming-of-age story follows a teen navigating the uncertainty of early adulthood through the lens of music, love, addiction, and self-discovery.

In this episode, Rayne explores how music can be a tool for healing, how young people form i...

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June 29, 2025 • 35 mins

Celebrate National Family Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut author Catharina Steel who shares the inspiration behind "Vanishings," the first book in The Wythic Wood Mysteries, a middle grade fantasy series. Follow young Tilly’s magical adventure through Clayton Forest and Wythic Woods as she searches for her missing cousin—encountering wizards, creatures, and goblin martial arts known as Gobight along the w...

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In celebration of National Rivers Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “English Connection” with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours—dives into the fascinating history, culture, and natural charm of England’s rivers. From the iconic Thames to quiet countryside streams, Glynn shares insights on rivers as ancient boundaries, royal landmarks, and places of leisure. Hear about riverside walks, boating traditions like...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio features Dr. Marschall Runge, a leading cardiologist, medical researcher, and CEO of Michigan Medicine. He discusses his new book, "The Great Healthcare Disruption, "which explores how emerging technologies like AI, new medications, and bold healthcare policies are transforming the future of American medicine. Dr. Runge also talks about his previous medical thriller, "Coded to Kill," and how fiction ...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features a lively recap of the 2025 Jefferson Highway Conference held in McAlester, Oklahoma. The event brought together historians, community leaders, and heritage travelers to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Jefferson Highway, and included a special pre-conference Sociability Caravan.

Featured Guests: - Roger Bell – Co-Host & Preside...

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June 26, 2025 • 36 mins

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast with attorney Ward Heinrichs, he unpacks key updates in California’s minimum wage laws. From the FAST Recovery Act and increased wages for healthcare workers to proposed changes affecting hospitality workers in San Diego, this episode provides a timely midyear reminder for both employers and employees to stay informed.

📖 Read the article: https://blendradioandt...

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June 25, 2025 • 26 mins

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, author Sam Davey talks about her powerful new novel "The Chosen Queen," a feminist reimagining of the Pendragon prophecy told through the eyes of Igraine—Arthur’s mother and a woman of great strength, wisdom, and influence. Shifting the spotlight from kings and knights to queens and mothers, this is a story about power, destiny, and the women who shaped legend.

Sam shares her inspiration behind t...

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In celebration of International Fairy Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone” explores the magical allure of the Isle of Skye. Travel writer Debbie Stone shares her journey through Scotland’s legendary island, rich in fairy folklore, breathtaking landscapes, and historic castles.

From the mystical Fairy Pools and towering Old Man of Storr to iconic landmarks like Dunvegan and Eilean Donan Castle...

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On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie whisks you away to the luxurious Salterra Resort & Spa in stunning South Caicos. From wellness-focused spa treatments and sustainable practices to world-class dining and curated outdoor adventures, Terri shares her firsthand experiences at this unforgettable Caribbean getaway. Discover what makes Salterra a must-visit destination—where ba...

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June 23, 2025 • 41 mins

In this flavorful and fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" Travel Show, travel writer David Kriso and Savannah-based tour guide Enocha Edenfield share some of their favorite highlights and haunted happenings from Georgia’s legendary “Hostess City of the South.”

From mouthwatering meals and ghostly encounters to art, architecture, and the enduring legacy of the Savannah River, this conversation showcases what ...

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June 22, 2025 • 54 mins

Celebrate National Kissing Day with this fun and heartfelt episode of MUSIC TALKS on Big Blend Radio, featuring award-winning musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey.

From the spark of a first kiss to the songs that soundtrack our most romantic moments, this lively conversation dives into the powerful connection between music and intimacy. Joey shares personal stories, reflects on how music shapes relationships, and chats about...

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