Big Blend Radio

Welcome back to Day 3 of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville," part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast.This series is the result of our personal visit back in the fall of 2025, a trip we agreed to after meeting the incredible Stacey Foley at the Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma, earlier that summer.Today, we are talking Style and Stage. Greenville has transformed its historic downtown into a bustling entertainment district. We stroll through the downtown and enjoy the interactive Hearts of Hunt County Art Trail, and the incredible murals—specifically "A Legacy of Performance," which showcases all the legends who have played here.We take you inside the Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA), a national treasure that has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, making it a state-of-the-art venue with sound systems rivaling major arenas. Hear about the backstory of this renovation in our first podcast with Micah McBay and Stacey Foley (linked below).Then, we take you inside The Texan Theater, owned by Barbara Horan. It is truly a house concert experience. From the Houdini posters found in the walls to the Skybox VIP seating, it is where legends like Billy Bob Thornton and Lukas Nelson come to play for an intimate crowd.Finally, we close the show at Rebel Mary’s Boutique. Tammy Harris is a former nurse turned boutique owner who believes fashion is about confidence. We’re talking about her incredible upcycled silk pieces and the "Community over Competition" spirit that defines Greenville’s small businesses.🔗 Links Mentioned in this Episode:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgrenvilletx.com/* Initial Episode with Stacey Foley & Micah McBay: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/e/greenville-texas/* The Texan Theater: https://www.facebook.com/TexanTheater/* Rebel Mary's Boutique: https://rebelmarys.com/* Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/* Jefferson Highway Dispatch Updates: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/* Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texasPART 1 & 2 OF THIS SERIES- Part One: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one- Part Two: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-two

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Podcast, historian and custom tour guide Glynn Burrows invites you to explore the enchanting world of England’s gardens, farms, and countryside. From iconic roses and fragrant spring blooms to historic estates and sustainable gardening practices, this engaging conversation reveals why England is a true paradise for garden lovers and slow travelers alike.Along the way, Glynn shares insights on garden design traditions, wildlife conservation, farm-to-table experiences, and the cultural and spiritual connections people have with green spaces across the English landscape. Whether you’re planning a spring getaway, love botanical gardens, or simply enjoy armchair travel, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for experiencing England’s natural beauty.🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/springtime-in-england 📖 Explore his digital magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/#p=1 🎧 Follow the English Connection podcast (airs every 4th Saturday): https://english-connection.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Garden Gossip" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Welcome back to Day 2 of our special Jefferson Highway 4-part series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." After exploring the incredible history at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Part 1, today we look at the living, breathing pulse of this Northeast Texas community.Recorded in the heart of downtown at Prairie Coffee House, we sit down with local leaders and residents to discuss how Greenville is growing—and doing it with integrity.In this episode:* Stacey Foley (Greenville Tourism Manager): Our "tour guide" shares the inside scoop on Greenville’s attractions and community spirit.* Randy Tarpley (Tarpley Realtors): Insights into the booming housing market and why people are flocking to Greenville.* Hannah Bywater (Greenville Chamber of Commerce): Discussing local business growth and the town's welcoming atmosphere.* Local Perspectives: Residents Xachary Aguilar and Natalie Pegg share why this city is the perfect place to live, work, and visit.We also highlight how Greenville is preserving its past while building its future, including the amazing Lofts on Lee vacation rentals right above us!Links Mentioned:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/ * The Route: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ * Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas * Part 1 of the Podcast Series: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one * Prairie Coffee House:https://prairiecoffeeco.com/ * Tarpley Realtors: https://www.tarpleyrealtors.com/ * Greenville Chamber of Commerce: https://www.greenvillechamber.com/ * Stay Updated: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 

Welcome to Part One of our special 4-Part series: "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." The historic Jefferson Highway is a 115-year-old international treasure, stretching from the pines of Winnipeg to the palms of New Orleans. Today, we anchor in Northeast Texas to explore why Greenville is the ultimate "Homebase" for your Texas Jefferson Highway adventure.We’re driving through the historic Blackland cotton fields, visiting the "Highway Sisters" of Bonham and Denison, and diving deep into the soul of the region at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum. Our guest, Susan Lanning, shares the incredible legacy of one of America’s most decorated soldiers and the "White Gold" industry that built this community.In This Episode:* The Homebase: Why the Comfort Suites is the perfect base for your trip.* The Drive: Navigating the history of the Blackland Prairie and the stunning Bonham courthouse.* The Legend: Susan Lanning on Audie Murphy and the American Cotton Museum.* Mascot Update: Priscilla the Sock Monkey and Stinky the Donkey hit the road!Resources & Links:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/  * The Museum: https://cottonmuseum.com/  * The Route: https://jeffersonhighway.org/  * Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas * Stay Updated: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 

Discover how music and nature beautifully intersect in this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring composer and conductor Luke Diamond and conservation advocate and author Elaine A. Powers.Based in Tucson, Luke is developing "Breathing in the Awe," an ambitious collection of ten original choral works inspired by visits to U.S. national parks. Performed by the Tucson Masterworks Chorale, the project transforms the emotional power of America’s most iconic landscapes into moving musical experiences.In this conversation, Luke and Elaine discuss the creative process behind composing park-inspired music, the importance of community arts, and how music can help reconnect audiences—especially youth—with the natural world. From hiking trails and studying wildlife to crafting lyrics and orchestration, Luke shares how immersive park experiences shape each composition.🎵 Upcoming Performances:• March 14, 2026 — Tucson Festival of Books, Tucson, AZ• April 25, 2026 — Catalina Foothills High School Auditorium, Tucson, AZ• April 26, 2026 — Valley Presbyterian Church, Green Valley, AZ✨ The team is currently seeking sponsors and partners to support the project’s next phase — including a potential national tour, professional recordings, and globally accessible releases so choirs and audiences everywhere can experience this music.Learn more & support the project:* Tucson Masterworks Chorale: https://www.tucsonmasterworkschorale.org/* Project page: https://www.tucsonmasterworkschorale.org/breathing-in-the-awe* Luke’s park videos: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMasterworksChorale/videos* Author Elaine A. Powers: https://elaineapowers.com/

California’s healthcare minimum wage landscape is changing in 2026 — and employers need to be ready.In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Employment Law” Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down California’s new minimum wage requirements for healthcare workers, explaining who is covered, key compliance deadlines, and what healthcare employers, staffing agencies, and HR professionals must do now to avoid costly penalties.Ward discusses the complexities of the law, why it’s being called “a bear,” and how organizations can proactively prepare for the phased wage increases.📖 Read Ward’s article: "California Healthcare Minimum Wage: It’s a Bear!" on Substack: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/california-healthcare-minimum-wage  📘 Explore Ward’s new "California Employment Law" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/CALIFORNIA-EMPLOYMENT-LAW/ 👨‍⚖️Connect with Ward Heinrichs at https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 

In this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Show, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the history, legends, and living culture of Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations.From the iconic Moai statues and the enduring mysteries surrounding their construction and transport to the powerful traditions of the Rapa Nui people, Debbie shares insights from her firsthand experiences on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conversation delves into the island’s ancient Birdman ritual, the impact of European contact, and the importance of cultural preservation and responsible tourism today.Listeners will also discover what makes Easter Island’s landscape so uniquely breathtaking, along with helpful travel tips for visiting respectfully and meaningfully. Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, Polynesian culture, or bucket-list island adventures, this episode reveals why Easter Island offers visitors a truly unforgettable blend of culture, legend, and landscape.🔗 Read Debbie’s companion article:https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/exploring-easter-island 🔗Read Debbie's "Global Adventures" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1 

In celebration of Route 66’s upcoming centennial, get your kicks on America’s most legendary highway with travel writer and culinary historian Amy Bizzarri. In this flavorful Big Blend Radio episode, Amy shares stories and recipes from her latest book, "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road," (out now through The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing), spotlighting the iconic diners, classic soda fountains, regional specialties, and unforgettable roadside stops that have fueled generations of road trippers. From Chicago’s famous Lou Mitchell’s to the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the Big Texan steak challenge in Amarillo, Native American food traditions, and nostalgic chili parlors, Amy blends culinary history with travel inspiration. She also discusses driving the entire Mother Road, must-try dishes like Navajo tacos and ugly crust pie, and how local culture shapes the Route 66 experience. Amy previously joined Big Blend Radio to talk about her book "Iconic Hollywood Dishes, Drinks and Desserts." Revisit that episode here: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/e/iconic-hollywood/Whether you're planning a Route 66 road trip, honoring the highway’s 100-year milestone, or simply love Americana and food history, this episode serves up a delicious journey down the Mother Road. Follow Amy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amybizzarri/

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Linda Stasi discusses her powerful new historical novel The Descendant, arriving March 10, 2026 and available now for pre-order.Inspired by real family history, the book uncovers a sweeping Italian immigrant saga that stretches from Sicily to the coal mines and ranchlands of the American West. Linda shares how deep journalistic research led her to shocking discoveries about labor exploitation, early Mafia networks, and the overlooked role of immigrant women in shaping the West.The conversation explores the tragic legacy of the Ludlow Massacre, the roots of cultural stereotypes, and why stories of resilience and reinvention still matter today. From rebellious cowgirls to bootlegging empires, The Descendant challenges the myth of the “John Wayne West” and re-centers the multicultural reality of American history.📘 The Descendant releases March 10, 2026 — pre-order your copy now.🔗 Learn more about Linda Stasi: https://lindastasi.com 📰 Read our complete review on Substack:https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-descendant