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

June 27, 2026 26 mins

The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years — and today we're diving into why this magnificent medieval embroidery is so much more than a war story. It's a record of cultures colliding, merging, and ultimately transforming a nation.

Historian and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows joins Lisa on Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast to unravel the remarkable story behind the tapest...

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Music has long been a powerful way to reflect the world around us, spark conversation, and inspire change. In this episode of Big Blend Radio, singer-songwriter Ken Newman discusses his thought-provoking new single, "Who Are the Bad Guys?", exploring how music can challenge perspectives while encouraging empathy and meaningful dialogue.

Originally from San Francisco and now spending much of the year in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ken shar...

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On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast, author Samuel Garza Bernstein discusses his acclaimed new book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life," offering an intimate look at one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile performers.

Best known for his roles in "How Green Was My Valley," "Lassie Come Home," "Planet of the Apes," and countless film, television, and stage productions, Roddy McDowall enjoyed a remark...

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Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference.

Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford Cou...

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Can independent contractors legally earn commissions in California? The answer is more complicated than you might think.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the intersection of California commission laws and independent contractor classification under AB5. The discussion examines who can legally receive commissions, the distinctions between ...

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On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the captivating city of Córdoba, Spain, where centuries of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences have created one of Europe's most fascinating cultural landscapes.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba invites visitors to wander its winding historic streets, discover architectural masterpieces, and uncover sto...

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On this episode of Big Blend Radio, bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author Pam Webber discusses her new novel, "Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love," the first book in a new World War II series inspired by the little-known "Miracle of Massawa" in Eritrea, North Africa.

Set in 1942 during the height of World War II, the novel follows fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas as she embarks on her first mission to ...

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Welcome to the launch of "Before They Vanish," a Big Blend Radio podcast hosted by explorer, author, and naturalist James Michael Dorsey and produced by Lisa D. Smith.

In this debut episode, James takes us on a journey through a lifetime of extraordinary adventures — from his first trip to Kenya where a chance meeting with a Maasai elder sparked a 30-year obsession with vanishing tribal cultures, to sleeping in caves in Tanza...

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In recognition of World Rainforest Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features co-directors Rob Grobman and Chelsea Greene who discuss their acclaimed documentary film, "We Are Guardians," produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker, actor, and environmental activist Fisher Stevens.

Available worldwide on digital platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and Tubi, "We Are Guardians" takes viewers deep into the B...

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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast takes a reflective look at faith, resilience, and community in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.

The show begins with a special message from Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, regarding the historic flooding currently impacting communities throughout Avoyelles Parish and the remarkable resilience of local residents, volunteers, first ...

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Happy Summer! On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" Show, Robert Schueller of Melissa's Produce joins us for a virtual summer foodie shopping spree to stock the brand-new digital Big Blend Media House — pantry, fridge, freezer, wine cellar, backyard grill, poolside bar, and wellness retreat included.

From Petite Pinkglow and Colada Royale pineapples to dragon fruit, tree-ripened mangoes, cherimoya, M...

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In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and legacy of Fletcher Martin (1904–1979)—a self-taught American artist whose talent, determination, and keen powers of observation helped him become one of the most respected illustrators and muralists of his era.

From humble beginnings in the American West to working as a boxer, miner, illustrat...

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In celebration of Dog Dad Day (June 20), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" series spotlights mystery and historical fiction author Matt Cost, whose love of dogs, storytelling, and creative adventure shines in both his books and everyday life.

Through a fun seven-question game, Matt shares insights into his writing journey, favorite hobbies, life lessons, future goals, and the canine companions who have inspire...

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In this thought-provoking (and shared) episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) examines one of the most common—and potentially problematic—workplace metaphors: the idea that coworkers are "family."

While the concept is often intended to foster connection and belonging, Rita explains how the family metaphor ...

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In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com.

This episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful tra...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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