Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Andrea Lemieux, author of "The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine – Edition 2: An Exploration of One of the Oldest and Most Unexpected Wine Countries."Andrea shares her journey from Michigan to Turkey and how she became immersed in one of the world’s most ancient wine cultures. The conversation explores Turkey’s 8,000+ years of winemaking history, its astonishing 1,400+ native grape varietals, and the modern renaissance shaping today’s Turkish wine industry.From evolving wine tourism and export challenges to food pairings and legendary hospitality, this episode offers a fascinating look at why Turkish wine deserves a place on every wine lover’s radar.🌐 Learn more about Andrea’s writing, books, and wine experience services: https://thequirkycork.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast, travel writer Jo Clark celebrates the magic of the holiday season through Christmas traditions, winter travel, and comforting seasonal flavors. The conversation explores the fascinating history of nutcrackers, including a visit to A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville, Oregon, where the innkeeper Erin has a nutcracker collection.The episode also highlights winter escapes in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, the sparkle of New York City in winter, and beloved holiday recipes like oyster stew, chocolate bark, and festive cocktails. Plus, hear about the 2026 launch of Big Blend's "Jo Goes Everywhere" podcast magazine, the importance of experiences over material gifts, supporting small businesses, and enjoying culinary and cultural traditions during the holidays.🔗 Links & Resources* History of Nutcrackers Article https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/exploring-christmas-traditions * A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville: https://a-tuscanestate.com/ * Christmas in Myrtle Beach: https://recipestravelculture.com/myrtle-beach-style-christmas/ * Winter in Charleston: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/ * Winter in New York City: https://recipestravelculture.com/incredible-during-new-york-city-winters/ * Oyster Stew – Food for the Heart: https://recipestravelculture.com/oyster-stew-christmas-food-traditions/ * Rudolph Christmas Cocktail: https://recipestravelculture.com/the-rudolph-christmas-cocktail/ * Chocolate Bark Recipe: https://recipestravelculture.com/chocolate-bark/ 🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 🎙️ this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend," "Vacation Station," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry: 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 tackles the essential topic of trailer breaking horses—a critical skill every horse owner should prioritize for emergencies, veterinary care, and travel.Christy shares practical techniques for helping horses feel comfortable and confident entering a trailer, emphasizing patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding individual horse behavior. The conversation also covers planning for long-distance travel, driver awareness when towing, and safety considerations that protect both horse and handler.Listeners will gain valuable insights into emergency preparedness, including the importance of having a medical kit, proper bedding, hydration, and gradually acclimating horses to longer trailer rides. This episode reinforces why having a solid plan in place can make all the difference when unexpected situations arise.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 at: https://wdnhorse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the “ABC's of Horses” podcast:https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Every literary journey begins with a single spark. Welcome to the premiere episode of our special "Four Voices: One Debut" spotlight on the Feast of Words series. Airing on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, this episode celebrates "The Leading Ladies"—four authors who share the stories and inspirations behind their debut novels.Whether these novels mark the start of a multi-book career or stand as a singular, powerful creative achievement, we are peeling back the layers on the stories that first defined these authors' voices. From the historical Chautauqua circuits and ancient Hawaiian royalty to the high-stakes friendships of the 1980s and botanical garden mysteries, we explore the themes of female strength, self-discovery, and the creative courage it takes to publish Novel Number One.Join us for an hour of intimate conversation, craft secrets, and live readings that celebrate the power of the female protagonist.FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Melora Fern – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens https://www.melorafern.com/ * Robin Merle – A Dangerous Friendship https://theprofessionalguide.com/a-dangerous-friendship-a-novel/ * Linda Ballou – Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ * Marty Eberhardt – Death in a Desert Garden https://martyeberhardt.com/ LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES OF THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways.🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy  🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Toast to The Arts,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/ 🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show offers a fresh conversation with Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce, who discusses their most spectacular gift baskets and gourmet boxes, from the unique, low-acidity Pink Glow Pineapple Rosé Basket to the healthy, convenient Baby Veggie Basket. We explore the massive variety Melissa's offers (over 1,500 products!) and why their commitment to quality makes their offerings the perfect, thoughtful gift for any occasion, personal or corporate. Plus, get the inside scoop on how a gift basket can bring a taste of the tropics to the middle of winter! Their gift packages are available on their website, and their fresh produce is widely available in grocery stores. Learn more about Melissa's Gift Baskets discussed on the show: https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendfooddrink/p/the-worlds-freshest-gifts  Shop Melissa's: https://www.melissas.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Alex Woodard—singer-songwriter, author, and storyteller—who discusses his powerful new novel, "Ordinary Soil" (Greenleaf, Aug. 12, 2025).According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other profession, a sobering reality that underscores the hidden cost of modern agriculture. "Ordinary Soil" steps directly into this cultural reckoning, blending science, ancestral trauma, environmental urgency, and hope into a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story.When a young farmer—burdened by a mysterious family legacy and mounting despair—attempts to take his life beneath a rotting burial elm, he sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried truths about farming, chemical dependency, and the intergenerational wounds carried in the land itself. At the heart of the novel is a startling idea: healing our bodies, minds, and communities may begin in the soil beneath our feet.In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his transition from music to fiction, the real-life inspiration behind the novel, and how a chance encounter during a surf trip at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the story. He discusses Oklahoma’s agricultural history, the lingering legacy of the Dust Bowl, and why storytelling is essential for addressing complex topics like mental health, environmental responsibility, and consumer choice. Known for his artistic sensitivity, Woodard weaves peer-reviewed science into narrative fiction, creating a novel that serves as both a wake-up call and a balm—one that dares to offer hope in a time of crisis."Ordinary Soil" is also available as an audiobook narrated by the legendary Scott Brick, bringing added depth to this resonant and timely story. Learn more about Alex and "Ordinary Soil" at https://www.alexwoodard.com/Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/  This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,” "Quality of Life," and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork