Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges.She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families.This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be.📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/ ✈️ Read her family travel stories:- London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/ - Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/ - Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/ 🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us on a journey through the heart of Missouri, focusing on the vibrant city of Springfield, famously known as the birthplace of Route 66. Join us as we explore the rich history of America's Mother Road, celebrate the annual vintage car festival, and reminisce about cherished family road trips to destinations like Branson.We dive into the must-see attractions, from the massive, original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the highly-rated Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, to the natural wonders of the "Cave State," where you can take a unique ride-through tour at Fantastic Caverns. Finally, we uncover Springfield's surprising and diverse culinary scene, including the exceptional dining at Hotel Vandivort. It's an episode packed with history, nature, and adventure! 🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ ✨ In celebration of Geography Awareness Week (November 17–21), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," “Vacation Station," and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Award-winning author and anthropologist Michael Engelhard joins Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When" History Show to discuss his new book, “No Place Like Nome: The Bering Strait Seen Through Its Most Storied City.”Blending anthropology, history, personal reflection, and vivid storytelling, Engelhard explores the legendary city of Nome, Alaska—a cultural, ecological, and historical crossroads where the legacies of millennia still shape the present. From mammoths and shaman hoards to Cold War landmarks, reindeer herders, adventurers, hustlers, drummers, dancers, and whalers, his book highlights a region steeped in myth, resilience, and human ingenuity.In this lively conversation, Engelhard discusses cultural migration across the Bering Strait, the impact of climate change on Arctic landscapes, the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and the powerful role of storytelling and language in preserving Indigenous cultures. He also shares insights into the origins of Nome’s name and how its past continues to echo through environmental, social, and cultural challenges today. Learn more and get the book: https://michaelengelhard.com/ Celebrating Native American Heritage Month and National Life Writing Month through an exploration of history, culture, community, and place, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast channels. Explore the network, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the life and work of Charles E. Heil, an artist known for his sensitive and realistic depictions of birds. The conversation explores Heil’s artistic influences, including Impressionism and Japanese art, as well as the intricate, labor-intensive process of lithography. Victoria reflects on Heil’s artistic integrity, his deep love for nature, and the lasting cultural value of his work.In light of National Philanthropy Day, this conversation also expands to the vibrant art community of Silver City, New Mexico, and the ongoing efforts to create the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center. Victoria shares updates on the museum initiative, the importance of art education, and why supporting local art communities is essential for cultural growth.Read Victoria’s related article on our Toast to The Arts Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/ 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/ This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts' and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025).Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration.🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/ 🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us on a captivating journey through Malta, the independent island nation nestled between Sicily and North Africa. With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Malta is a treasure trove of cultural influences, architectural marvels, and remarkable resilience.Explore the breathtaking St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta—with its stunning Baroque design and an iconic Caravaggio painting—along with the island’s fortified structures built by the Knights of St. John. Rose digs into Malta’s pivotal role during World War II, from the extensive bombing campaigns to the underground shelters that protected its people.Hear about the Arabic roots of the Maltese language, the ancient texts preserved in the National Library of Malta (some dating to 1474), and the island’s fascinating Neolithic history. Rose also highlights the vibrant lifestyle of Valletta, its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the enduring spirit of the Maltese people.Whether you're a history buff, culture seeker, or curious traveler, this episode offers a rich glimpse into what makes Malta a must-visit Mediterranean destination.🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In this engaging Big Blend Radio conversation, filmmaker and debut novelist TJ Derry talks about his powerful new novel "Carried Away: Surviving the Unimaginable" — a story that begins as a laid-back surf trip and spirals into a gripping fight for survival. When burned-out New Yorker Cole joins friends on a remote Indonesian island chain seeking clarity and connection, he finds beauty, friendship, and love — until a catastrophic tsunami changes everything. Stripped of modern comforts and confronted by nature’s raw force, the group must navigate both physical peril and the deeper emotional reckoning that comes when everything else falls away.More than just a survival thriller, Carried Away is a soul-searching exploration of resilience, purpose, and rediscovering what truly matters. Derry shares how his background in cinematography and storytelling influenced his immersive writing style, and how surfing — with its balance of surrender and control — became the perfect metaphor for life. He also discusses the book’s innovative use of QR codes for bonus materials and his partnership with Sungai Watch, an environmental organization cleaning Indonesia’s rivers and beaches.Learn more at https://www.readcarriedaway.com/ ✨As part of our National Novel Writing Month programming, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,” “Big Daily Blend,” and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Novel Writing Month programming, this episode of the Books & Authors Show with Books Forward features award-winning author Leigh M. Hall, who discusses her new atmospheric post–Civil War horror novel, The Chambermaids (LMH Publications, Nov. 11, 2025).A Claymore Award Winner for Best Southern Gothic, The Chambermaids follows a young woman and her older husband as they inherit a crumbling ancestral home—only to discover the walls hold more than memories. When two mysterious chambermaids arrive, the house’s haunting secrets begin to unravel, blurring the line between freedom and fate.Blending psychological thriller and Southern Gothic elements, Hall delivers a chilling and thought-provoking story set in the aftermath of the Civil War—perfect for fans of Anne Rice and Shirley Jackson.In this engaging conversation, Leigh shares her unique writing journey, how fear and isolation shape her characters, and the importance of authenticity and atmosphere in storytelling. She also discusses the complexities of women’s roles in historical fiction, the influence of Southern culture on her work, and her ongoing exploration of dark, haunting narratives.✨Learn more about Leigh at https://www.leighmhall.com/ ✨Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/  ✨This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts," “Big Daily Blend,” and "Women Making History" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features Inge Morascini, Executive Director of Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, who shares what makes these two Pacific Northwest gems so special.From the dramatic coastal scenery and rich military and maritime history to the islands’ deep-rooted sense of community and sustainability, this conversation explores what makes Whidbey and Camano ideal for travelers seeking both connection and discovery. Listeners will hear about local artisans, small businesses, foraging and local food experiences, and the growing trend of road tripping through the islands.Whether it’s the off-season serenity, the local farm-to-table culture, or the scenic drives from Seattle, Whidbey and Camano Islands offer transformative travel experiences where nature and community thrive together.🌐 Learn more: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Parks & Travel" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m