{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63dd6d101c67ba0010103f78/683475f369c98f151d9f365b?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/63dd6d101c67ba0010103f78/1748268359839-2a04a081-308b-436f-9cdb-12f684b6897a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we honor Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month by exploring the deep connections formed through acts of kindness—especially within the military community. The conversation also highlights how travel can deepen our understanding of military history and sacrifice.</p><p><br></p><p>Guests <strong>Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough</strong>, founders of the Wanderers Compass travel blog, share their inspiring story of meeting through the nonprofit organization <em>Soldiers’ Angels</em>. They discuss the emotional bonds built through care packages, letters, and food, and how small gestures can create lasting impacts for both soldiers and supporters.</p><p>Follow their adventures:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.wandererscompass.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.wandererscompass.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Innkeepers Steve &amp; Karen Wilson</strong> of The Lion &amp; The Rose Bed &amp; Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and <strong>Tiffany Bertram</strong> of Tiffany’s Bed &amp; Breakfast in Hot Springs, Arkansas, share how they honor veterans through initiatives like baking for troops and offering free stays for veterans in November. They also discuss veteran support efforts and historical military sites within their communities.</p><p>Learn more about their inns:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.lion-rose.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.lion-rose.com/</a></p><p><a href=\"https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Through moving personal stories and thoughtful conversations, this episode shines a light on the power of giving, the importance of remembrance, and the many meaningful ways we can support those who serve.</p><h3>🎧 Chapters:</h3><p>00:00 – Introduction to Wanderer's Compass and Military Appreciation</p><p>03:05 – The Journey of Connection through Soldiers’ Angels</p><p>05:59 – The Impact of Food and Care Packages</p><p>09:08 – Building Bonds: From Soldiers to Family</p><p>12:05 – The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Compassion</p><p>15:03 – The Importance of Communication and Understanding</p><p>18:12 – Volunteering and Supporting Veterans</p><p>21:06 – The Role of Community in Veteran Support</p><p>23:52 – Personal Stories and Emotional Connections</p><p>27:13 – Encouraging Engagement with Veterans</p><p>30:02 – Conclusion: The Power of Giving and Connection</p><p>38:32 – The Impact of Travel on Understanding History</p><p>41:53 – Visiting War Memorials: A Personal Journey</p><p>44:52 – The Importance of Learning Real History</p><p>48:21 – Reflections on War and Its Consequences</p><p>54:11 – Exploring Turkey: A New Adventure</p><p>56:52 – Connecting with Innkeepers: A Tribute to Veterans</p><p>01:06:04 – Honoring Military History and Service</p><p>01:09:46 – Community Support for Veterans</p><p>01:12:39 – Understanding Sacrifice and Service</p><p>01:20:17 – Exploring Family History and Genealogy</p><p>01:26:14 – Baking for Troops and Community Engagement</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 Keep up with Big Blend Radio’s network of shows:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a></p>","author_name":"Big Blend Radio"}