Big Blend Radio

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 practical holiday pet care and safety tips to help pet parents keep their cats and dogs happy, healthy, and stress-free during the festive season.This episode highlights Ransdell’s pet-inspired books:* The Cezanne Chihuahua: A French Coast Pet Art Mystery* The Secret Lives of the Pink House Cats: Prose Poems by Five Felines🐾 Learn more about D.R. Ransdell and her books: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ 🐾 TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” and "Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences.From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to the wild beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska, the red rock magic of Sedona, epic wildlife encounters in Botswana, autumn splendor in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Linda highlights what makes each destination special and why now is the time to start dreaming—and planning—your next adventure.📝 Read Linda’s travel article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/ 🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks & Travel” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork Photo courtesy Linda Ballou & Big Island Visitor Bureau

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel advisor and writer Lisa Evans shares why working with a travel advisor can make all the difference when planning vacations—especially cruises and family travel. The conversation explores how cruising has become more accessible, the rise of multi-generational and skip-gen travel, and how personalized planning helps families create meaningful, stress-free experiences.Lisa explains how travel advisors provide insider knowledge, special deals, flexible payment plans, and expert guidance—from group cruises and family reunions to unique destinations like Alaska. Whether you’re planning ahead for a major celebration or simply want a smoother booking experience, this episode highlights how professional travel planning adds value at every step.🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by travel:👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 🧭 Travel Articles by Lisa Evans:- Caribbean Cruise 2026: Celebrate Everyday Heroes – https://allabouttravel.com/caribbean-cruise-2026-celebrate-everyday-heroes/ - Why You Should Use a Travel Advisor When Booking Travel – https://allabouttravel.com/why-you-should-use-a-travel-advisor-when-booking-travel/ 🌐 Follow Lisa Evans:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelsoothesthesoul - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisae_travel 📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 

In this cozy, fireside episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Podcast, Terri and Ron Guthrie share some of their favorite destinations for celebrating Christmas around the world, recorded from their home in Dallas.From romantic European cities and festive Christmas markets to charming small towns and iconic U.S. holiday hotspots, the conversation explores what makes certain places truly magical during the holiday season. Terri and Ron reflect on destinations like Paris, Germany, Natchitoches, Branson, San Antonio, Dallas, and New York City, weaving together personal stories, travel tips, and heartfelt reflections on family, tradition, and togetherness.This episode celebrates the joy of holiday travel, the way cities transform during Christmas, and how shared travel experiences create lasting memories—whether close to home or across the globe.🔁 LISTEN TO PAST CHRISTMAS EPISODES* Branson, Missouri: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/e/explore-branson-missouri/ * Paris: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/e/christmas-paris/ 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES* Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ * New episodes air every Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Andrea Lemieux, author of "The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine – Edition 2: An Exploration of One of the Oldest and Most Unexpected Wine Countries."Andrea shares her journey from Michigan to Turkey and how she became immersed in one of the world’s most ancient wine cultures. The conversation explores Turkey’s 8,000+ years of winemaking history, its astonishing 1,400+ native grape varietals, and the modern renaissance shaping today’s Turkish wine industry.From evolving wine tourism and export challenges to food pairings and legendary hospitality, this episode offers a fascinating look at why Turkish wine deserves a place on every wine lover’s radar.🌐 Learn more about Andrea’s writing, books, and wine experience services: https://thequirkycork.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

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 into their compelling fiction. We follow the physical and emotional maps of their debut novels—from an emotionally charged cross-country RV trek and a musician’s life-changing Greek island odyssey, to the gritty forensic trails of a criminologist hunting a predator and a journalist uncovering a military conspiracy. Join us as we discuss the "first-born" novels that launched these literary journeys and the destinations that shaped them.FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Susan Magestro – "Priscilla Breen, Criminologist: The Capture" https://www.susanmagestro.com/ * Steve Piacente – "Bella" https://www.stevepiacente.com/ * Annie McCormick – "Runaway Kane: Book 1, Let's Be Frank Series" https://anniemccormickwriter.com/ * D.R. Ransdell – "Amirosian Nights: Campanello Travels"https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ CATCH UP ON PART 1: THE LEADING LADIES https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies LISTEN TO THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast, travel writer Jo Clark celebrates the magic of the holiday season through Christmas traditions, winter travel, and comforting seasonal flavors. The conversation explores the fascinating history of nutcrackers, including a visit to A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville, Oregon, where the innkeeper Erin has a nutcracker collection.The episode also highlights winter escapes in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, the sparkle of New York City in winter, and beloved holiday recipes like oyster stew, chocolate bark, and festive cocktails. Plus, hear about the 2026 launch of Big Blend's "Jo Goes Everywhere" podcast magazine, the importance of experiences over material gifts, supporting small businesses, and enjoying culinary and cultural traditions during the holidays.🔗 Links & Resources* History of Nutcrackers Article https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/exploring-christmas-traditions * A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville: https://a-tuscanestate.com/ * Christmas in Myrtle Beach: https://recipestravelculture.com/myrtle-beach-style-christmas/ * Winter in Charleston: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/ * Winter in New York City: https://recipestravelculture.com/incredible-during-new-york-city-winters/ * Oyster Stew – Food for the Heart: https://recipestravelculture.com/oyster-stew-christmas-food-traditions/ * Rudolph Christmas Cocktail: https://recipestravelculture.com/the-rudolph-christmas-cocktail/ * Chocolate Bark Recipe: https://recipestravelculture.com/chocolate-bark/ 🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 🎙️ this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend," "Vacation Station," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry: podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood tackles the essential topic of trailer breaking horses—a critical skill every horse owner should prioritize for emergencies, veterinary care, and travel.Christy shares practical techniques for helping horses feel comfortable and confident entering a trailer, emphasizing patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding individual horse behavior. The conversation also covers planning for long-distance travel, driver awareness when towing, and safety considerations that protect both horse and handler.Listeners will gain valuable insights into emergency preparedness, including the importance of having a medical kit, proper bedding, hydration, and gradually acclimating horses to longer trailer rides. This episode reinforces why having a solid plan in place can make all the difference when unexpected situations arise.Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more at: https://wdnhorse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the “ABC's of Horses” podcast:https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

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 creative achievement, we are peeling back the layers on the stories that first defined these authors' voices. From the historical Chautauqua circuits and ancient Hawaiian royalty to the high-stakes friendships of the 1980s and botanical garden mysteries, we explore the themes of female strength, self-discovery, and the creative courage it takes to publish Novel Number One.Join us for an hour of intimate conversation, craft secrets, and live readings that celebrate the power of the female protagonist.FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Melora Fern – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens https://www.melorafern.com/ * Robin Merle – A Dangerous Friendship https://theprofessionalguide.com/a-dangerous-friendship-a-novel/ * Linda Ballou – Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ * Marty Eberhardt – Death in a Desert Garden https://martyeberhardt.com/ LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES OF THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/