A Toast to The Arts

From Roman forts and villas to Gothic cathedrals and the visionary works of architects like Inigo Jones, Sir Christopher Wren, and George Skipper, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast with Glynn Burrows explores the evolution of architecture in England and what it reveals about wealth, power, craftsmanship, and society.

Through a thoughtful conversation on design, functionality, and opulence, we examine ho...

What does it take to stand strong in the face of life's storms? In the grand finale of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts," we explore stories of unbreakable spirits and the relentless pursuit of truth.

From the soulful perspective of a legendary horse to the high stakes of royal protection and the dark realities of the drug culture, this episode features four authors who have turned life’s ...

In this special Winter Solstice episode of Big Blend Radio, we celebrate the birthday of award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, cohost of the Big Daily Blend Podcast (airs every 1st Sunday), along with the season’s spirit of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness.

The conversation explores the meaning of the Winter Solstice, cherished holiday traditions, and the joy of gathering with friends and family. Johnny shares sto...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art Podcast," artist and art historian Victoria Chick launches a new series exploring the Evolution of Art Materials, beginning with a deep dive into artist brushes and bristles.

The conversation traces the journey of artist tools from ancient times to contemporary practice, examining how natural and synthetic materials have shaped painting techniques across cultures and centuries. Vic...

How does the past define our future? In Part 3 of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts," we dig into the stories that haunt us—from the battlefields of the Cuban Revolution to the hidden secrets of our own family trees.

This episode features four authors who explore the power of history and heritage. We sit down with Matt Cost to discuss the rise of Fidel Castro, Mike Nemeth on how personal lo...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we welcome back Bay Area singer-songwriter, educator, and activist Anna Karney for a heartfelt conversation about music as a force for connection, healing, and social change.

Anna discusses her latest album "One True Song," a powerful collection of soulful folk rock and alternative singer-songwriter music rooted in themes of justice, hope, and collective action. Co-produced by Michael Rosen (Ranc...

In celebration of National Cat Lovers Month, Big Blend Radio’s Pet Connection show explores the powerful role pets play in creativity, storytelling, and everyday life with author D.R. Ransdell. Drawing inspiration from her cats and canine companions, Ransdell shares how animals influence her writing, travel experiences, and artistic perspective.

Co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.com joins the conversation, offering practic...

Every writer remembers the first time they brought a world to life. In Part 2 of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, we explore the intricate balance between secrets and the transformative power of travel.

This episode features four authors who successfully navigate the worlds of criminology, journalism, and education while weaving music and the grit of travel-based storytelling int...

Every literary journey begins with a single spark. Welcome to the premiere episode of our special "Four Voices: One Debut" spotlight on the Feast of Words series. Airing on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, this episode celebrates "The Leading Ladies"—four authors who share the stories and inspirations behind their debut novels.

Whether these novels mark the start of a multi-book career or stand as a singular, powerful...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.

The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg ...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Alex Woodard—singer-songwriter, author, and storyteller—who discusses his powerful new novel, "Ordinary Soil" (Greenleaf, Aug. 12, 2025).

According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other profession, a sobering reality that underscores the hidden cost of modern agricu...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.

The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and ...

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie are joined by Steven Fryatt at the luxurious Fairmont Dallas Hotel, an iconic property perfectly positioned in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.

They share highlights from their stay at the Fairmont Dallas, known for its sophisticated style, spacious rooms, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities designed for both leisure and b...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumbo...

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.

Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save t...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Rants, Raves & Rock ‘n Roll" show, we jam with Jon Dawson of Third of Never about their brand new album and soundtrack, “Damage the Pearl.” The project grew from a collection of songs into a full-on road-movie film collaboration with director Brent Clark — a creative leap that celebrates the band’s instinct, individuality, and unstoppable drive.

Jon shares the serendipitous (and sometimes h...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Show with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), Joey welcomes his friend and fellow musician Mark Storey, whose debut album “Dark Voodoo Magic” released October 31, 2025. They dive into Mark’s creative process, the emotional storytelling behind his songs, and the unique blend of blues-rock energy that defines his sound.

Mark shares what it was like to write, perform, and produce ...

Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show explores the magic of children’s literature, therapy dogs, and holiday traditions in New York City with special guest Andy Honda, MD, author of the "Koa’s Ruff Life" series. Andy shares how her real-life therapy dog, Koa, inspires her heartwarming stories—especially the newest book, "Koa’s Ruff Life: Christmas Time in New York City."

From Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows to the Rockefell...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the life and work of Charles E. Heil, an artist known for his sensitive and realistic depictions of birds. The conversation explores Heil’s artistic influences, including Impressionism and Japanese art, as well as the intricate, labor-intensive process of lithography. Victoria reflects on Heil’s art...