Big Blend Radio

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 County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism.Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region.The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences.Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County! Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas:https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/ The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the show at:https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

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 employees and independent contractors, and why written commission agreements are essential for protecting both workers and businesses.Ward explains how California law treats commission-based compensation, the legal protections available to commissioned employees, and why certain professions—including attorneys, brokers, and some exempt workers—may operate differently under the law. The conversation also covers outside salespersons, expense reimbursement, multi-state employment considerations, and how AB5 continues to shape California's workforce.Whether you're an employer, salesperson, business owner, or independent contractor, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating California's evolving employment landscape.📖 Read Ward's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/independent-contractors-commission 🌐 Learn more about Ward Heinrichs: https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 🔗 Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 📘 Explore the California Employment Law Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-magazine 🎧 Listen to more California Employment Law Podcast episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-with-ward-heinrichs 

On this shared 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 stories that span more than two thousand years. Debbie shares highlights from her journey, including the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Catedral, one of the world's most remarkable examples of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the historic Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress that played a significant role in Spanish history.The conversation also delves into Córdoba's celebrated traditions, from colorful festivals and lively plazas to the elegance of the famed Andalusian horses, whose performances reflect the region's enduring cultural heritage.Whether you're drawn to history, architecture, or immersive cultural experiences, this episode reveals why Córdoba remains one of Spain's most extraordinary destinations.📖 Read Debbie's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/cordoba-spain 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 

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 investigate the theft of military payroll funds and uncover a dangerous conspiracy threatening Allied operations in the Red Sea region. Along the way, readers encounter espionage, deception, romance, wartime intrigue, and the remarkable story of the women who served as spies during WWII.In this fascinating conversation, Pam shares the real history behind the novel, including the role of the OSS—the precursor to the CIA—how women were recruited into intelligence work, the influence of MI6 on American spy training, and the strategic importance of North Africa in the Allied war effort. She also discusses her extensive research, from declassified documents to personal letters, and how she created her courageous protagonist, Kit Thomas.Learn more about Pam Webber and her books at https://www.pamwebber.com Visit Big Blend's new home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

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 Tanzania, being used as baboon bait by the Hazda people, and feeding his dinner to a feral cat at a Chinese Air Force base. Along the way he reflects on what it means to give a voice to cultures that may not exist much longer, why he taught himself photography to prove his stories were real, and how a pension from the post office set him free to explore the world.James has visited over 60 countries, documented more than 100 tribal and indigenous cultures, published nearly 1,000 essays, and authored four books. In our Getting to Know You segment he shares his spirit animal, his worst and best meals in the field, what he'd put in a 500-year time capsule, and the one superpower he'd choose to keep exploring as he gets older.Books by James Michael Dorsey:— The Lagoon: Encounters with the Whales of San Ignacio— Baboons for Lunch and Other Sordid Adventures— Vanishing Tales from Ancient Trails— Tears, Fear and AdventureLearn more about James and his books at https://jamesmichaeldorseyauthor.com/ New episodes of Before They Vanish air every 4th Monday at 4pm PST on Big Blend Radio. Subscribe from our favorite platform: https://before-they-vanish.podbean.com/ More about Big Blend Radio at https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

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 Brazilian Amazon, where Indigenous Guardians risk their lives to protect one of Earth's most vital ecosystems from illegal logging, mining, land grabbing, and deforestation.The conversation explores the complex intersections of politics, economics, history, science, and environmental stewardship while highlighting the critical role Indigenous communities play in safeguarding the rainforest. Rob and Chelsea share how the film came together, the dangers they faced while filming, and the hope they found through the resilience, courage, and leadership of the people working to protect the Amazon.They also discuss how deforestation impacts global climate stability, biodiversity, freshwater resources, and local communities, and share practical ways individuals can support conservation efforts through advocacy, consumer choices, and direct action.Watch the film, host a screening, support Indigenous Guardians, and learn more at https://www.weareguardiansfilm.com/ 

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 responders, and organizations working together to help those affected.Recorded onsite in Bunkie, Louisiana, hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith visit David Haas Memorial United Methodist Church and talk with William Tebow about the church's remarkable journey following a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the historic sanctuary. Through faith, determination, and community support, the congregation rebuilt and renewed a beloved gathering place that continues to serve as a symbol of hope.The conversation explores the importance of community, the role churches play in small-town life, and how adversity often brings people together. Listeners will hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors, churches supporting one another across denominations, and the enduring spirit that defines Avoyelles Parish.🔗 Learn more about Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 🔗Visit Big Blend's new digital home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

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, Moscato grapes, passion fruit, lychees, rhubarb, mini cucumbers, Marzano tomatoes, jicama, gemstone potatoes, steamed beans and lentils, sweet tamarind, ginger and turmeric, hatch onions, shishito peppers, custom spice grinders, shallots, clean snacks, kettle corn, and gourmet dessert crêpes — this is the ultimate summer shopping list, tied to the foodie holidays worth celebrating all season long.Read the full companion article and get recipes and direct links to every item at: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/a-fresh-taste-of-summer-melissas Shop all of Melissa's Produce at: https://www.melissas.com/ Visit the new Big Blend Media House at https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com