Big Blend Radio

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 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks with Joey Stuckey," Joey shares key insights from his recent experiences at industry events including the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show and The Recording Academy’s Grammy Week. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming music creation, performance, and accessibility.Joey discusses the growing role of AI in the music industry, from tools that support musicians with disabilities to emerging concerns around copyright, ownership, safety, and environmental impact. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI training data, protecting digital identity, and balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.This forward-looking episode offers valuable perspective for musicians, creators, and music lovers navigating the evolving intersection of technology and artistry.🎸 About Joey StuckeyJoey Stuckey is Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, an award-winning blind guitarist, producer, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio. He is a passionate advocate for accessibility and innovation in music. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/  

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick wraps up her three-part “Evolution of Art Materials” series with a fascinating glimpse into the history of pencils and drawing tools.From early silver wire to the discovery of graphite, this engaging conversation explores how natural resources have shaped artistic innovation for centuries. Victoria explains why pencils were once considered a military material, how erasers evolved, and what artists should know about lightfastness in colored pencils. The discussion also highlights the enduring connection between nature, chemistry, and creative expression, along with the role of art materials in restoration, education, and community engagement.Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico, and is known for making art history accessible and engaging for artists and enthusiasts alike.🔗 Read Victoria’s companion article: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/evolution-of-art-materials  MORE TO EXPLORE* Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 

In this shared Leadership Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares practical, sustainable self-care strategies for leaders, supervisors, employers, and employees alike.In today’s demanding work environments, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Rita discusses how daily routines, supportive systems, healthy boundaries, and positive self-talk can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and improve workplace culture. She also explains how leaders who model healthy habits create more productive, engaged, and balanced teams.In recognition of National Leadership Day, this conversation is a timely reminder that modeling healthy habits is part of great leadership.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 NEW! Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/