Big Blend Radio

"My heart was very loud... it would gurgle and swirl. People could hear me before I entered a room."In this inspiring episode, psychotherapist, educator, and author Sally Dukes joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, "drummer girl," and the life-changing journey that shaped it. Born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD), Sally faced a near-death experience at a young age—a moment in the "Orange Machine" that forever transformed her understanding of life, death, and the "Purple Love" of the afterlife.In this heartfelt and intimate audio feature, Sally explores:- The Therapeutic Journey: How her childhood trauma and heart journey guided her path as a therapist.- Inner Stillness & Outer Travel: How meditation, travel, silence, and deep self-reflection became a pilgrimage toward truth.- Storytelling as Medicine: The process of writing a memoir as a tool for self-discovery and healing.- Being Present: Navigating today’s distraction-filled world by leaning into silence and stillness.From the medical threshold to meaningful journeys in the outer world, this thoughtful discussion offers comfort, perspective, and encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or their own spiritual path.Pre-Order "drummer girl" (Launching March 17, 2026) and learn more about Sally Dukes at https://www.sallydukes.com/ 

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the power of travel, photography, and compassion for animals, featuring co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and special guest Cade Martin — commercial photographer and world traveler.Cade shares how a family trip to Thailand unexpectedly led to his heartwarming mini-documentary “Wheelchair Mafia,” spotlighting a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates disabled dogs. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of animal rescue, the cultural insights gained through travel, and how storytelling through photography can inspire kindness and global awareness.Listeners will also hear about the vital work of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation and how communities and volunteers help give vulnerable animals a second chance at life.🔗 Learn more:• Cade Martin• The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation• TrustedHousesitters• The Steppes of Henry Foundation🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes.

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, travel writer and equestrian Linda Ballou explores the powerful symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology.From themes of fierce independence and bold adventure to the profound bond between humans and horses, Linda shares personal insights, spiritual reflections, and heartfelt storytelling that encourage listeners to embrace change and live authentically. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the importance of writing from the heart, and how the Fire Horse energy can spark transformation in our lives.Whether you’re drawn to astrology, horses, personal growth, or meaningful travel, this uplifting conversation invites you to “giddy up” and welcome new possibilities.📝 Read Linda’s article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/a-rare-chinese-astrological-event-the-year-of-the-fire-horse-is-galloping-toward-us-equestrian-linda-ballou-says-let-the-adventure-begin/ 🌍 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 “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel writer Lisa Evans takes listeners to historic St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States and a must-visit destination as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.From the iconic Castillo de San Marcos to the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Lisa shares highlights from her immersive visit to this charming coastal city. Discover how the convenient Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine makes exploring easy, why culinary tasting tours are a delicious way to experience local culture, and what makes the historic St. Francis Inn such a memorable place to stay.The conversation also explores St. Augustine’s layered Spanish, British, and Native American heritage, its vibrant arts scene, and why history lovers will find endless stories around every corner.Whether you're planning a heritage getaway, a food-focused trip, or looking ahead to America’s Semi-quincentennial celebrations, St. Augustine offers an unforgettable blend of history, hospitality, and coastal charm.LISA'S ST. AUGUSTINE ARTICLES- Rovology.com: https://rovology.com/united-states/a-history-lovers-guide-to-visiting-st-augustine-fl/ - Wander with Wonder: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/things-to-do-in-st-augustine-fl/ - She Buys Travel: https://shebuystravel.com/st-francis-inn-bed-and-breakfast-st-augustine-fl/ MAGAZINE, SUBSTACK & MUSIC PLAYLIST* NEW: Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 * Subscribe to Journey Jukebox on Big Blend Media's Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/ * Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596 📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer and expert Terri Guthrie shares her firsthand experiences exploring Kissimmee, Florida — one of the Sunshine State’s most family-friendly vacation destinations.Known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World, Kissimmee offers an impressive range of vacation rentals, themed accommodations, and spacious resorts that make traveling with family easy and comfortable. Terri highlights why these home-style stays are especially appealing for spring break and multi-generational getaways.The conversation also dives into Kissimmee’s diverse culinary scene rooted in its rich Hispanic heritage, exciting outdoor adventures like airboat tours and wildlife encounters, and the area’s fascinating cowboy history. From dining at the iconic Columbia Restaurant to exploring nature and culture, Terri explains why Kissimmee is far more than just a gateway to Orlando — it’s a destination in its own right.Whether you're planning spring break, a family vacation, or a warm-weather escape, this episode offers helpful insights and travel tips to inspire your next Florida adventure.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES• Terri’s Kissimmee Story on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/adventures-in-kissimmee-florida • Experience Kissimmee Tourism: https://www.experiencekissimmee.com/ • Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ • New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we go behind the scenes of the global organization that connects and supports professional storytellers in the food, wine, and travel industries.Hear from IFWTWA leadership about how the association empowers writers through networking, professional development webinars, press trips, contests, and its annual conference. Discover how storytelling fosters authentic travel experiences, how social media and branding elevate visibility, and why human connection remains at the heart of impactful travel journalism.With more than 240 members worldwide, IFWTWA continues to grow as a vibrant community for writers, photographers, bloggers, and destinations seeking meaningful collaboration.👥 Featured IFWTWA Leaders* Cori Solomon – President & Membership Chair; Conference Co-Chair:https://www.writtenpalette.com/ * Susan Lanier-Graham – Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/ * Robin O’Neal Smith – Treasurer & 2025 Conference Co-Chair (Contests):https://RobinONealSmith.com * Andrew Harris – 2nd Vice President & Culinary Advisor; 2026 Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com * Kathryn (Kat) Anderson – Social Media Committee Chair: https://coffeeandmascara.org * Amy Piper – Editor-in-Chief of IFWTWA's "Food, Wine, Travel" Magazine: https://FollowthePiper.com * Judi Cohen (Traveling Judi) – Secretary, Professional Development Webinars: https://www.travelingjudi.com * Pam Baker – Marketing Committee Chair: https://PamandGaryBaker.com 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 📰 Check out Food, Wine, Travel Magazine: https://fwtmagazine.com/ 🎧 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 📰 Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Celebrate the vibrant traditions and delicious symbolism of the Lunar New Year on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show with special guest Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce.Discover the meaningful foods that bring luck, prosperity, and long life in the new year — from citrus fruits and mushrooms to Asian greens, noodles, and wontons. Robert shares easy ways to enjoy and cook with unique produce like butterscotch pears, kumquats, and gai lan, along with simple recipes that make festive entertaining fun and flavorful.Whether you're planning a Lunar New Year feast or just want to explore fresh Asian ingredients year-round, this episode is packed with tasty inspiration and cultural insight.🔶 Explore Melissa’s Lunar New Year Menu & Recipes:https://www.melissas.com/pages/lunar-new-year 🔶 Robert’s Recommended Recipes:* Asian Pear Slaw: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/salad/asian-pear-slaw * Gyoza Pot Stickers: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/gyoza-pot-stickers * Fried Won Tons: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/fried-won-tons * Easy Egg Rolls: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/egg-rolls * Kung Pao Noodles: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/kung-pao-noodles 🎁 Lunar New Year Gift Box: https://www.melissas.com/products/deluxe-lunar-new-year-gift-box?_pos=2&_sid=ab73b6945&_ss=r 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (a Jefferson Highway destination), with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.Joining the conversation are special guests Van Roy, Avoyelles Community Arts Liaison, and Lauren Harmason of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council, who share how the parish honors Black history through arts, culture, cuisine, and community storytelling.The discussion highlights the vital role of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council in supporting local artists and educational programs, while exploring the lasting impact of Solomon Northup’s legacy in the region. The episode also spotlights the historic marker honoring legendary blues harp player Little Walter, and the special unveiling event that welcomed acclaimed blues guitarist Buddy Guy—underscoring Avoyelles Parish’s deep musical roots and cultural influence.Listeners will discover how culinary traditions, creative expression, and community events work together to preserve and celebrate the parish’s diverse heritage. From meaningful cultural experiences to hidden gems beyond New Orleans, this episode invites travelers to connect more deeply with Louisiana’s living history through art, food, and local voices.🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com 🔗 Avoyelles Arts & Humanities Council: https://AvoyellesArts.com 🔗 Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works: https://SNCCW.com 🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ LET'S NOT FORGET THE MUSIC WE TALKED ABOUT! - Little Walker: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Y2oBBKe7dnNGJrf6HAGBc?si=OFpsVJy7QK2FjKhjB2FXHg - Joe Simon: https://open.spotify.com/album/3KXu9WiHi6HlxXM9aZtdQU?si=rxBCgwpfRBORYLx6zwW6mg  - Buddy Guy: https://open.spotify.com/album/7bkjnyiMG8mXzmEyfY49wD?si=pVPyLP-dQ-qgDQis55xf7Q 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When," "Historic Jefferson Highway," "Toast to The Arts," "Big Daily Blend" & "Vacation Station" 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 discusses common horse vices such as cribbing, weaving, pawing, pacing, and chewing. These behaviors can signal underlying issues like boredom, separation anxiety, excess energy, or dietary imbalances.Christy explains how these habits develop, why they matter for a horse’s physical and mental health, and what horse owners can do to manage and prevent them. The conversation emphasizes the importance of observation, honest horse management, proper nutrition, and providing adequate socialization and stimulation.Listeners will gain practical insights into recognizing abnormal behaviors early and creating healthier environments that support equine well-being and long-term soundness.🔗 EXPLORE MORE📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 📰 Subscribe FREE to the NEW ABC's of Horses Podcast & Magazine Substack Channel: https://bigblendabcshorses.substack.com/ 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: https://wdnhorse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/