Big Blend Radio

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the hidden gems, fascinating history, and scenic beauty of Vancouver, Washington—a destination that deserves a spot on every Pacific Northwest itinerary.Located along the Columbia River just across from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver blends rich American history with vibrant waterfront experiences, beautiful parks, and easy access to some of the Northwest's most spectacular landscapes. Lisa shares highlights from visiting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the first U.S. military post in the Pacific Northwest, strolling historic Officer's Row, exploring Pearson Field, one of America's oldest operating airfields, and taking in breathtaking views throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.The episode also includes a day trip into Portland to experience the famous International Rose Test Garden and historic Pittock Mansion, along with recommendations for riverfront dining, local wineries, and a stay at the stylish Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront. Whether you're planning a Pacific Northwest road trip, exploring destinations for America's 250th birthday, or simply looking for a city that blends history, nature, music, and culinary experiences, Vancouver, Washington offers an unforgettable adventure.🗺️ Vancouver, Washington Travel Planning Resources- Visit Vancouver Washington: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/ - Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront: https://www.vancouverwaterfronthotel.com/ - Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm - Pearson Field at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/pearson.htm - Officer's Row: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-and-museums/officers-row/ - Whipple Creek Regional Park: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/whipple-creek-regional-park - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge - Cape Horn Overlook: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/cape-horn-overlook 🌹 Continue Your Pacific Northwest Adventure- Lisa's companion episode, "Exploring Portland, Oregon: The Rose City": https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/e/portland-oregon-rose-city/ KEEP UP WITH LISA- Follow Lisa's Stories: https://writerlisa.com/  - Follow Lisa on Substack: https://substack.com/@allabouttravelwithlisa - Subscribe to Journey Jukebox: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/  - Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596  - Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 

From legendary restaurants and iconic cocktails to world-famous festivals and unforgettable culinary traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) serves up A Taste of New Orleans with Mary Beth Romig, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations for New Orleans & Company Visit New Orleans Discover why New Orleans continues to rank among America's greatest food destinations as Mary Beth shares insider tips on planning the perfect culinary getaway. Learn about historic restaurants like Antoine's and Tujague's, Michelin-recognized dining, James Beard Award-winning chefs, neighborhood food experiences, brunch culture, late-night eats, boutique hotels, and iconic cocktails like the Sazerac.The conversation also spotlights some of the city's biggest culinary celebrations, including Tales of the Cocktail, COOLinary New Orleans, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, Fried Chicken Festival, Creole Tomato Festival, Réveillon dining during the holidays, and many more events that showcase the city's incredible food, music, and community spirit.Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another unforgettable adventure, this episode proves there's always something delicious waiting in New Orleans.👉 Plan your New Orleans getaway: https://www.neworleans.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow the Big Blend Radio "Food, Wine & Travel" Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 Photos courtesy NewOrleans.com

Recovery continues across Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following the historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast, Executive Director Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism joins Father Martin Laird of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville and Immaculate Conception Church in DuPont to share firsthand stories of resilience, faith, volunteerism, and the incredible spirit of the community.The conversation highlights how neighbors, churches, first responders, businesses, and volunteers united to help families recover after record-breaking rainfall. The episode also explores how travelers can support the local economy by visiting Avoyelles Parish's attractions, restaurants, festivals, and small businesses as recovery continues.The show concludes with hope for the future, emphasizing that while much rebuilding remains, Avoyelles Parish is open for visitors and grateful for every act of support.Flood Relief & Area Information- Support Avoyelles Parish recovery through the Diocese of Alexandria Flood Relief efforts: https://www.diocesealex.org/avoyelles-flood-relief/ - Learn more and plan a future visit: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the remarkable life and legacy of Jack Levine (1915–2010), one of America's most influential political and social realist artists. Known for his satirical paintings and prints, Levine fearlessly used art to challenge authority, expose corruption, and capture the human condition with wit, compassion, and extraordinary technical skill.Victoria discusses Levine's humble beginnings in Boston, his rise through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the influences that shaped his distinctive artistic voice. The conversation explores how artists become powerful storytellers, why observation and integrity are essential to creative expression, and how art continues to inspire meaningful dialogue across generations.The episode also celebrates the ongoing development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. Victoria shares updates on the museum project and invites listeners to attend upcoming exhibitions and special events that celebrate American art and creativity.Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.🎨 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!The Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center is hosting two special exhibition weekends featuring "American Etching Revival" and "Five Artists Do the West," along with hands-on art activities for children and families.📅 October 10–11 & October 17–18Learn more about the exhibitions and upcoming events: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/exhibits-events 🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE- Read Victoria's article on Jack Levine: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/jack-levine-american-political-artist - Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's America 250 programming, celebrating the artists and creative visionaries who have shaped America's cultural heritage.

Experience the magic of outdoor movies in beautiful Ojai, California, as Nicholas Weissman, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and President of the Ojai Film Society, shares how this nonprofit organization is bringing communities together through free outdoor cinema at the historic Libbey Bowl.Founded in 1988, the Ojai Film Society has become a cultural cornerstone, showcasing classic films, acclaimed documentaries, and independent cinema while making the movie-going experience accessible to everyone. Nicholas discusses the Society's history, its community-driven mission, the revival of outdoor movie screenings following the pandemic, and why seeing films on the big screen remains such a powerful shared experience.Along the way, discover why Ojai is one of California's most charming destinations, known for its thriving arts scene, scenic hiking trails, olive oil tasting, wineries, and stunning mountain sunsets.2026 Ojai Film Society Summer Screening Series🎬 July 2 – Hunt for the Wilderpeople🎬 July 10 – Selena y Los Dinos🎬 July 17 – Cookie Queens🎬 July 24 – Best in Show🎬 August 20 – Arrival🎬 August 27 – Jurassic ParkWhether you're a lifelong movie lover, an independent film enthusiast, or planning a California getaway, this conversation celebrates the joy of experiencing films together under the stars.Learn more about the Ojai Film Society and upcoming screenings: https://ojaifilmsociety.org/ Learn more about Nicholas Weissman's filmmaking work: https://vacationland.film/ Poster image courtesy Ojai Film Society: Jadyn Chen 

In this practical episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares a simple but powerful framework for creating stronger, more collaborative teams.Effective teamwork doesn't happen by accident. Rita explains how the four essential components of successful teams—connection, clarity, feedback, and agreements—help organizations build trust, improve communication, strengthen accountability, and create workplace cultures where employees can thrive.To help leaders put these ideas into practice, Rita shares two easy-to-use team meeting exercises. One encourages team members to reflect on questions like:What will make us successful as a team?What do I need from this team to do my best work?What strengths do I bring to the team?What do I wonder about our team?She also recommends a simple job-sharing discussion that helps teammates better understand one another by answering questions such as:What are the top three priorities of my role?How does my work support our organization's mission?What do I spend most of my time doing?What do I need from my teammates to be successful?These practical conversations build understanding, strengthen relationships, improve onboarding, clarify expectations, and help create more connected, resilient teams.🎙️ Key Takeaways:Strong teams are intentionally built through leadership.Connection creates trust and strengthens collaboration.Clarity around roles and responsibilities reduces confusion.Feedback helps individuals and teams continuously improve.Agreements create accountability and shared expectations.Team meetings should encourage open dialogue and participation.Successful onboarding helps employees integrate more quickly.Understanding one another's strengths improves collaboration.Respect and communication are the foundation of healthy teams.Great teams continually learn, adapt, and improve together.🎧 Related Episodes on Feedback:🔹 Feedback Basics: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/feedback-basics/ 🔹 Giving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/giving-feedback/ 🔹 Receiving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/receiving-feedback/ 📌 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 

What happens when a renowned toxicologist becomes a bestselling thriller writer?On this Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" episode, we chat with BJ Magnani - Author —Professor Emerita of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Tufts University School of Medicine, accomplished pathologist, toxicologist, and author of the acclaimed Dr. Lily Robinson suspense thriller series.From poison gardens and forensic toxicology to medical mysteries and the creative process behind crafting unforgettable suspense novels, BJ shares how decades of scientific expertise shaped her fiction. We also discuss the importance of science communication, mentoring women in STEM, fascinating natural toxins, dangerous plants, food safety, and why curiosity remains one of the greatest tools for both scientists and writers.Along the way, you'll get to know BJ beyond the lab and the page as she talks about her hobbies, bucket-list adventures, charitable work supporting women's health, and what's next—including exciting new writing projects.Learn more about Dr. BJ Magnani and her books:https://www.bjmagnani.com/ Coming August 2026: Dr. BJ Magnani and author Matt Cost will co-host Big Blend Radio's "Pets, Plots & Poisons" Podcast, airing every 3rd Thursday, celebrating mystery writing, animals, science, suspense, and all things delightfully dangerous. Watch for it on https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

July is Parks & Recreation Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of America's public lands while learning how to explore them safely and responsibly.In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast, award-winning travel writer Linda Ballou shares one of the most unforgettable stories from her memoir "Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales." Inspired by naturalist John Muir, Linda embarked on a horseback journey through California's magnificent High Sierra wilderness where unexpected accidents, injuries, and a dramatic helicopter rescue became powerful lessons in outdoor adventure.As part of her Lessons Learned from Travel series, Linda discusses how to choose reputable outfitters, why guide training matters, the importance of emergency medical evacuation insurance, and how proper preparation can help travelers safely enjoy national parks, wilderness areas, and other outdoor destinations.Whether you're planning a hiking trip, horseback ride, rafting adventure, or visit to a national or state park, this episode offers practical advice for exploring responsibly while protecting the wild places we love.Resource Links📖 Read Linda's companion article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/not-all-outfitters-are-created-equal/ 🎧 Listen to the audiobook edition of Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales:https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Angel-Walkabout-Travelers-Tales/dp/ 🌍 Linda Ballou:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 🎧 Subscribe:https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 📖 Explore the NEW Lost Angel Travel Adventures Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/