A Toast to The Arts

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes us on an adventure through Nashville, Tennessee, the “Music City” that blends legendary stages, cultural landmarks, and artistic spirit. From the Ryman Auditorium and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, to the lasting legacy of Johnny Cash and the interactive experiences at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville continues to be a pla...

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates American Artists Appreciation Month with acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician John McAndrew, who talks about his brand-new solo album, Better Side of Me (Quarto Valley Records).

A seamless blend of blues, Americana, roots music, and pop sensibilities, Better Side of Me showcases McAndrew’s soulful and jagged vocal style—at once bluesy, plaintive, moving, and deeply inspiring. The alb...

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, where artist and art historian Victoria Chick delves into the life and legacy of Arthur Kraft (1922-1977). This talented Kansas City artist is known for his murals, mosaics, and significant contributions to public art. 

The conversation explores: - Kraft’s artistic journey from a young age - Kansas City’s vibrant artistic histo...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s A Toast to The Arts podcast, award-winning author Matt Cost talks about his latest release, Glow Trap, the sixth and final book in his Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery series. 

From the origins of the “glowy” nickname for extremist groups to the fascinating world of art theft, Matt shares the research and creative process behind this twist-filled conclusion to Clay Wolfe’s saga. Along the way, he...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer, as he shares the story behind his upcoming single “Find a Place”, produced by acclaimed musician and producer Stephan Oberhoff.

Together, Johnny and Stephan dive into the creative process behind the song, celebrating the healing power of music and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and joy in artisti...

Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts" as we celebrate American Adventures Month and American Artists Appreciation Month. We're joined by acclaimed photographer and visionary, Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Tanya shares her passion for the deep connections between artists and national parks, highlighting how NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs a...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, shares the fascinating stories behind the permanent exhibit “DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends.” Created in 1975, the series was inspired by traditional Papago (now Tohono O’odham, meaning “desert people”) legends, including The Creation of the World, The Monster of Quitovac, The Eagle-Man, and Ho’ok. Through vivid, expressiv...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Music Talks with Joey Stuckey” features a lively and insightful conversation with The Cravens Band, diving into theiR new album “Strangers to the Truth."

Formed in 2014 by brothers Bill and John Storch, The Cravens are a West Palm Beach-based band known for their genre-blending sound that fuses classic rock, melodic hard rock, glam pop, and Americana. With three studio albums, a live album, an EP,...

Discover the historical significance that shapes this unique destination, understand the impact of tourism on its dynamic culture, and delve into the diverse offerings that make Silver City a must-visit locale. Known as "The Gateway to the Continental Divide Trail," Silver City also serves as the main hub for adventurers exploring the breathtaking Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Gila National Forest, and Gila Wilderness Are...

Join host Linda Ballou (award-winning travel writer and author) and Tori Eldridge (award-winning author of "Kauai Storm") for a captivating discussion on Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" podcast. In this insightful episode, Linda and Tori delve into the rich themes of Eldridge's latest novel, "Kauai Storm," which centers on a protagonist returning to a tumultuous family reunion on Kauai.

They explore the complexitie...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans shares her recent adventure through Memphis, Tennessee, a city where music, history, and food come together in unforgettable ways. From the bluesy beats of Beale Street and the legacy of Elvis Presley at Graceland, to the comfort food of Rendezvous and Arcade Restaurant, Memphis comes alive with character and charm.

Lisa talks about the ci...

This episode of Big Blend Radio features an inspiring conversation with Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Peggy James, who shares the creative journey behind her soulful new album 'Til I Turn Blue. Blending Americana, country, jazz, and folk-rock, Peggy reflects on the personal stories, life experiences, and emotional depth that shape her songwriting.

Hear about how her travels and time spent in America’s heartland have influenced ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...