Big Blend Radio

In Part One of her new "Lessons Learned from Travel" series, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares a memorable story from her award-winning travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, Linda reads an excerpt from her story "Look Both Ways on Small Islands," recounting her first international solo adventure to Tahiti. What began as a dream trip through Bora Bor...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the fascinating culture, traditions, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Amish and Mennonite communities in Shipshewana.

From handcrafted furniture and pottery to leatherwork, quilting, dairy farming, and buggy making, Lisa shares her experiences meeting local artisans and learning how family, faith, and community s...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.

From antique tractors and agri-tourism experien...

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jo Goes Everywhere" Travel Podcast that takes us to the Beaufort area of South Carolina, where travel writer and photographer Jo Clark explored two stunning barrier islands: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island. 

Jo shares the story of billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who once owned St. Phillips Island and built a five-bedroom house there that visitors ...

It's a big milestone on the Big Blend Radio "ABCs of Horses" Podcast, producer Lisa D. Smith and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood have made it all the way to Z! And Z is for Zoomies, that joyful, full-speed burst of energy every horse owner loves to watch.

Christy breaks down what zoomies really mean, how to tell the difference between a happy horse blowing off steam and a stressed or fearful one, and why your horse needs ...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Petula Brown shares some of her favorite summer festivals, cultural and arts experiences across Southeast Michigan.

From jazz and Celtic festivals to outdoor art events, aviation history celebration, Pride festivities, and lavender-filled wellness retreats, Petula highli...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" series, we chat with one of our longtime expert contributors, Glynn Burrows, who is an historian, genealogist, tour guide, and founder of Norfolk Tours in England.

For more than 15 years, Glynn has shared stories that bring England's history, culture, genealogy, and travel experiences to life for Big Blend audiences. In this fun and personal conversation, he talks about fam...

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Quiltripping Travel" Podcast. Travel expert, photographer and host Rose Palmer joins producer Lisa D. Smith from France — where she's in between trips — to share her unforgettable experience aboard Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker on its inaugural Alaska cruise. 

Unlike the big-ship experience, the Star Seeker's small size unlocked a side of Sout...

 Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward welcomes debut novelist Marianne Rabalais Sulser, whose historical novel "Like Snow Before Sun" is out now through Atmosphere Press. 

Born and raised in central Louisiana and now based in Colorado, Marianne takes us deep into the world of 1750s Nova Scotia and the tragic history of the Acadian expulsion — a story she discovered through her own ancestra...

We're heading back to Bells Up Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley with winemaker and co-owner Dave Specter! In this Big Blend Radio "Getting to Know You" interview, Dave talks about turning a dead Christmas tree farm into a thriving boutique winery, the music-inspired story behind the Bells Up name, rare grapes you won't find anywhere else in the Willamette Valley — including a sparkling Seyval Blanc and a soon-to-be-rele...

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana. 

Located right along the historic Jefferson Highway between Baton Rouge and New ...

Some islands invite you to relax. This one invites you to discover.

In Part Two of their Caribbean series, Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" hosts Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough sit down with three extraordinary voices who have made Sint Maarten their home — each one a living thread in the cultural fabric of the Friendly Island.

Former and first Prime Minister and current President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams share...

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21!

Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference.

GUESTS: - Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: ...

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul? In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey.

Shelley traveled...

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human.

🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! and director of the new...

Celebrate the beauty, culture, and adventure of Washington State on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast with travel writer Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Featured guest Matt Wakefield of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County shares insider tips on exploring Pierce County, a diverse destination where mountains, waterfront communities, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and outdoor adventu...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America.

In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have had on parks and ...

Celebrate National Candy Month with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Matthew Luna, owner of Desert Freeze Dried and grandson of Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Sitting in for Donna, Matthew shares his expertise in the fascinating world of freeze drying and the innovative ways this technology is transforming food preservation and snacking.

Discover how foods ran...

Celebrate summer in California’s Sequoia Country, where outdoor adventures, fresh local produce, community festivals, and iconic public lands come together in the heart of Tulare County.

In this episode, learn about seasonal activities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, family-friendly parks and trails, picnic destinations, and ways to enjoy the region responsibly through Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety...