Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Leigh Cort shares the story behind Mission Resort + Club, a historic resort in Central Florida that blends timeless Old Florida charm with modern luxury.Discover the resort's fascinating history, championship golf courses, relaxing spa and wellness experiences, exceptional dining, tennis, pickleball, croquet, scenic natural surroundings, and personalized hospitality. Leigh also highlights nearby attractions and day-trip opportunities that make Mission Resort + Club an ideal base for exploring Central Florida.Whether you're planning a golf getaway, romantic escape, wellness retreat, family vacation, wedding, or special event, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for your next Florida adventure.👉 Learn more about Mission Resort + Club: https://www.missionresortandclub.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this 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 

Can travel connect generations?In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough explore how traveling through Europe—from France and Belgium to Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands—creates meaningful connections through castles, history, culture, food, and local traditions.This inspiring conversation celebrates the educational value of travel, showing how exploring together encourages curiosity, confidence, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning for travelers of every age.⭐ Stay through the end to hear Ryan's son make his first-ever podcast appearance, sharing his favorite memories from the journey and what travel has taught him.In celebration of French-American Heritage Month, this episode also explores France's rich cultural and historical heritage.- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child - Hear about their adventures in Ireland last year: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/e/travel-ireland-with-kids/ - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highlights the incredible variety of destinations that make the United States so rewarding to explore.Along the way, Jo shares travel tips, local food and wine experiences, farmers markets, and the stories of communities that preserve America's heritage, including the rich traditions of the Gullah Geechee people. Whether you're planning your next road trip or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode celebrates the history, nature, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered across America.📖 Read Jo's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/america-road-trip 📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ | https://recipestravelculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate a Big Blend Radio milestone! We have officially wrapped up Volume 1 of the ABCs of Horses digital podcast magazine, completing the entire alphabet from A to Z! To mark the occasion, host/producer Lisa sits down with resident equestrian expert and Christy Wood—world champion horse trainer, author, horse show judge—for a fun, insightful "getting to know you" interview. Before Christy hits the historic Chief Joseph Trail Ride again, we look back at the highlights of Volume 1 (from Appaloosas to the Zoomies!) and put her in the hot seat with 10 fun questions. Discover her ultimate spirit animal, her dream weekend getaway, what she wants in her ultimate horse barn, and why she absolutely bans onions from her dinner plate! 📖 Read & Listen to Volume 1: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 📚 Connect with Christy & get her books: http://wdnhorse.com 🎙️Subscribe to the Podcast from your favorite platform: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Beyond the Stage on Big Blend Radio's "Rants, Raves & Rock 'N Roll" Podcast features the members of Mistress of Puppets, America's only all-female Metallica tribute band, recorded backstage at Asheville Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina.Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with Kelly "Mama Het" Mader (lead vocals & guitar), Jen Phipps (lead guitar), Michelle Graves (drums), and Beth McPherson (bass) to explore the band's journey, their love of Metallica's music, and what it's like bringing one of the world's greatest metal bands to life on stage.Based in Dallas, Texas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, Mistress of Puppets has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances packed with the power and precision of Metallica's legendary catalog. Beyond celebrating classic thrash metal, the band is inspiring a new generation of female musicians by proving that heavy metal belongs to everyone.The conversation covers each member's musical background, favorite Metallica songs to perform, memorable concerts, touring, dream opening acts, and the excitement of opening for Nita Strauss, acclaimed guitarist for Alice Cooper. They also discuss side projects, the importance of supporting live music, and why friendship is one of the band's greatest strengths.Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild—owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio's Adventures in Asheville Podcast—this episode of the Beyond the Stage series celebrates musicians, creativity, and the passion that keeps rock and metal thriving.LINKS & RESOURCES:- Mistress of Puppets: https://www.mistressofpuppets.com - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this 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 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.📖 Read Rose's Articles:- A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ 🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ 🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG 🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press).Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self.In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel.This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are.Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/ Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/