Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares insights on the connections between the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66, along with a glimpse of the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri.As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith.From early 20th-century road development to modern-day road trip adventures, this conversation explores how these iconic highways helped shape American travel, culture, and tourism. Roger highlights Joplin’s role as a historic crossroads, discusses the evolution of highway systems, and shares why every community along these routes has a unique story to tell.Hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving America’s historic highways.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. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide website: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Hiring employees in California is becoming more complex in 2026, with new laws impacting everything from job postings to AI-driven hiring tools.In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down what employers need to know about pay transparency requirements, AI discrimination risks in hiring, and new rules governing signing bonus repayment, along with key wage considerations tied to job offers.From updated minimum wage laws for fast food and healthcare workers to stricter requirements around accurate wage ranges in job postings, this conversation highlights how hiring practices must evolve to stay compliant. Ward also explains how the use of artificial intelligence in hiring can expose employers to discrimination claims if not carefully monitored, and what businesses should do to protect themselves.Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, or job seeker, this episode offers essential insights into navigating California’s changing hiring landscape in 2026.📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/hiring-in-california-2026 🌐 Connect with Ward Heinrichs:https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 📘 Explore Ward’s Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/CALIFORNIA-EMPLOYMENT-LAW/#p=1 🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 

Journey to the driest place on Earth as travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Atacama Desert in Chile. From the hissing Tatio Geysers at 14,000 feet to the surreal "white gold" salt flats and the ancient paths of the Inca Trail, discover why this destination is a must for any "bucket list" traveler. Debbie shares her insider tips on acclimating to the altitude, finding the best local guides, and where to spot the three distinct species of Andean flamingos. Whether you’re interested in world-class stargazing or traditional Chilean quincho barbecues, this episode is your ultimate guide to an epic South American adventure.Read Debbie's Article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/atacama-desertPlan Your Adventure: https://nayaraaltoatacama.comFollow Big Blend's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast & Magazine 🎧 Podcast: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/📖 Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Podcast with Joey Stuckey, we celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the trailblazing women guitarists who have shaped music across generations.From foundational pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mary Ford, Elizabeth Cotten, and Mary Ford, to influential artists such as Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, and rock icons like Joan Jett, Nancy Wilson, and Lita Ford, Joey explores their lasting impact.The conversation also spotlights modern innovators and genre-bending artists including Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Samantha Fish, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Orianthi, and H.E.R..Together, these artists represent the depth, diversity, and innovation of women in guitar—from blues and folk to rock, Americana, and beyond—while also highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome and the legacy they continue to build.🎧 Listen to our Women Guitarists Spotify Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4B3OAVC0AW60wF3i5SjLsZ?si=8ce204f42cb34fb2🎶 Learn more about Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/Artist images courtesy of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. All images are used under their respective Creative Commons licenses. Photographers include Mandi Hall, Penguinstorm, Justin Higuchi, Skyerise, Stevie Rae Gibbs, Truejustice, Chris Hakkens, Jim Summaria, Zoran Veselinovic, David Gans, and Heinrich Klaffs.

In celebration of Women's History Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast with artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the vibrant art scene of Silver City, New Mexico, spotlighting the life and legacy of renowned artist Lois Duffy.A key figure in establishing Silver City as a nationally recognized art destination, Duffy’s career spans from studying at Pratt Institute to exhibiting across the country and creating large-scale, imaginative works that blend realism with surrealist humor. Known for her innovative “cube paintings,” Duffy transforms two-dimensional painting into dynamic, multi-dimensional experiences that engage viewers from every angle.The conversation also highlights the evolution of Silver City’s art community, local events and festivals, and the exciting development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center, a project designed to elevate the region’s cultural impact and support artists for generations to come.🔗 Read Victoria’s article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/spotlight-on-artist-lois-duffy 🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE- Lois Duffy: https://www.loisduffy.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - Visit Silver City: https://visitsilvercity.org/ - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts, "Big Daily Blend," and "Women Making History" podcast channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) dives into the complex and often misunderstood role of Human Resources.HR professionals walk a delicate line—balancing trust, fairness, legal compliance, and organizational priorities. Rita discusses the challenges of “doing HR,” from handling difficult conversations and workplace conflicts to maintaining neutrality and holding leadership accountable. She also explores the critical question: Is HR seen as policing employees—or supporting them?This conversation highlights why trust is the true currency of HR and how strong HR practices create safer, more engaged, and more successful workplaces.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 Explore more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In celebration of National Reading Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author and attorney Paul Coggins, discussing his latest legal thriller "Chasing the Chameleon", released March 6, 2026.A former U.S. Attorney and nationally prominent criminal defense lawyer, Coggins brings real-world experience to his gripping fiction. In "Chasing the Chameleon," Dallas defense attorney Cash McCahill is forced into a dangerous game with a drug cartel, leading him to assume a new identity while racing to stop a series of violent attacks targeting vulnerable communities.In this insightful conversation, Coggins shares how his legal career shapes his storytelling, the realities of defending high-stakes clients, and the challenges of writing authentic courtroom drama. He also discusses character development, the influence of classic legal and mystery figures, and his hopes of bringing the Cash McCahill series to television.🔗 Learn more about Paul Coggins: https://paulcogginsauthor.com/ 

Discover the dazzling history of Las Vegas through its iconic neon lights on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio” Podcast. Travel writer Debbie Stone shares fascinating insights from her visit to the Neon Museum— home to the famous Neon Boneyard and a remarkable collection of restored and preserved signs that tell the story of the city’s vibrant past.From legendary hotels like the Flamingo Las Vegas and El Cortez Hotel and Casino to the cultural significance of neon as an art form, this episode explores how Las Vegas evolved from a desert stopover into an entertainment capital. Debbie also highlights preservation efforts that keep the city’s glowing history alive for future generations.🎧 Read Debbie’s article: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-neon-museum 🔗 Plan your visit to the Neon Museum: https://www.neonmuseum.org 🎙️ Listen to Debbie’s Big Blend Radio “Global Adventures” Podcast: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 📰 Explore Debbie's Big Blend Radio "Global Adventures" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1 

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" Podcast with travel writer Lisa Evans explores the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Detroit, spotlighting two extraordinary estates—Cranbrook Educational Community and Meadow Brook Hall.Celebrating Women’s History Month and looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, this episode highlights the powerful legacy of Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose vision and philanthropy helped shape Meadow Brook Hall and left a lasting impact on the region.Beyond the mansions, the conversation dives into Detroit’s dynamic story—from the rise of the automotive industry to the global influence of Motown Records and modern creative voices like Jack White. Discover how innovation, artistry, and resilience intersect in this iconic American city.Whether you're planning a heritage trip, exploring architectural landmarks, or seeking destinations that honor the nation’s history, Detroit offers a compelling journey into America’s past, present, and future.Lisa's Detroit Articles* Cranbrook: A Place Made by Hand: https://fwtmagazine.com/cranbrook-a-place-made-by-hand/ * The Woman Behind the Walls of Meadow Brook Hall: https://fwtmagazine.com/the-woman-behind-the-walls-of-meadow-brook-hall/ Detroit Travel Resources* Cranbrook: https://www.cranbrook.edu/ * Meadow Brook Hall: https://meadowbrookhall.org/ * Detroit Institute of Arts: https://dia.org/ * The Henry Ford: https://www.thehenryford.org/ 🎵 Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596 📖 NEW: Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1