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Lafayette, Louisiana is the Happiest City in America
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, they will have something for you to celebrate. More: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/
Save the date for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12-16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/
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On The Edge – A Musical Journey with Dave Bainbridge
44:17|In this episode of Big Blend Radio, musician and composer Dave Bainbridge discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Blending folk, rock, progressive, jazz, and modern classical influences with lyrics in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the album features an all-star cast of musicians including Simon Phillips, Troy Donockley, Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, and more.Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5 🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.comThe Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd
40:42|In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the fascinating life and work of Eric Gibberd, an artist who found inspiration and success in New Mexico.The conversation explores Gibberd’s early challenges, his artistic journey from London to the American Southwest, and the influence of Cézanne on his approach to form and abstraction. It also highlights the importance of artistic communities, education, and libraries in nurturing creativity, as well as the role of community engagement in shaping the future of local art initiatives and museums.Read Victoria’s Article: The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd (1897–1972): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-eric-gibberd-1897-1972/ About Victoria Chick:Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.More to Explore- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts channel.Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkDog-Friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip
33:17|In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio Show takes you on a dog-friendly journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.Featured guests Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast, share their experiences traveling with their dog to iconic distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Preservation Distillery. Along the way, they highlight the pet-friendly Bourbon Barrel Cottages, the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace, and the growing international appeal of bourbon tourism.You’ll also hear from Jay Ballard of Bourbon Barrel Cottages about their accommodations, tours, and event spaces, plus Lynn Aubrey of Buffalo Trace Distillery who shares the history and current visitor experience at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery.This lively conversation blends travel, history, bourbon, and hospitality with great tips for planning a Kentucky getaway — especially for those traveling with pets.📝 Read Steve & Karen’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/ 🎙️ Featured Guests* Steve & Karen Wilson – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast. Sharing their dog-friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip experience. 🌐 https://lion-rose.com *Jay Ballard – Overview of Bourbon Barrel Cottages and tour options, plus their event facilities. 🌐 https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/ * Lynn Aubrey – Insights on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the current visitor experience at the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. 🌐 https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/ 📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Big Daily Blend, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Vacation Station, and Pet Connection Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkUnlocking the Power of One-on-One Meetings
26:20|In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses the value of one-on-one meetings in the workplace.These regular check-ins are essential for building relationships, clarifying expectations, and fostering open communication. Rita shares how one-on-ones can help navigate organizational change, strengthen supervisor-employee trust, and provide a consistent forum for feedback and support—even in remote work environments.🎙️ Key Takeaways:• One-on-one meetings are vital for relationship building.• Regular check-ins help address issues before they escalate.• Scheduling and honoring meetings demonstrates respect.• Two-way conversations are critical for effective communication.• Feedback drives continuous improvement and engagement.• Meetings prevent burnout and disengagement.• Structure and consistency enhance productivity.• Listening is just as important as speaking.• Supervisors must foster supportive, communicative environments.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkNavigating Trust in the Age of AI
38:49|On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show, Lea Brovedani, The Trust Architect, explores the complex relationship between trust, artificial intelligence, and human interaction.She discusses the limitations of AI in understanding emotions and judgment, the importance of caring human relationships, and why personal experiences outweigh AI-generated recommendations. The conversation highlights how to balance technology with authenticity, ensuring that trust remains at the heart of our connections.🔑 Key Takeaways:• Trust is built through relationships and accountability.• AI lacks human judgment and lived experience.• Trust grows when we feel others have our best interests at heart.• AI is only as good as the input it receives.• Personal experiences are more valuable than AI-generated recommendations.📘 Lea Brovedani has been named one of North America’s Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America. She’s an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Her books include:- Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World- TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired LeaderBeyond her leadership work, Lea is also a certified death doula, providing compassionate guidance and support for end-of-life planning.🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work on trust: https://leabrovedani.com🔗 Explore her end-of-life services: https://souljourneydoula.com 🎙️ Follow the SUCCESS EXPRESS Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/Filmmaker Spencer Cohen - The Compatriots
09:55|In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning filmmaker Spencer Cohen, who discusses his powerful debut feature, “The Compatriots.”Inspired by Cohen’s real-life best friend, a Dreamer from Peru, The Compatriots follows Javi (Rafael Silva), an undocumented Latino immigrant facing deportation, who reconnects with his estranged childhood friend Hunter (Denis Shepherd). Together, they embark on an emotional journey to prevent Javi’s expulsion from the only country he has ever called home.Balancing serious themes with humor and heart, Cohen shares how audiences have connected deeply with the story, sparking important conversations about immigration, identity, friendship, and LGBTQIA+ experiences. released digitally in the US and Canada, the film honors the diverse contributions and challenges of Hispanic and Latin American communities, making it especially meaningful during Hispanic Heritage Month.🌐 Learn more about the film: http://www.thecompatriotsfilm.comPet Sitting 101 with Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters
48:44|In celebration of National Pet Sitter Education Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” show dives into the world of pet sitting with co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters. This inspiring conversation highlights the lifestyle, responsibilities, and education required for pet sitters, and how the experience can transform both lives and careers.Learn how to:- Build trust and communicate effectively with pet parents- Create a strong, compelling pet sitting profile- Gain valuable experience through volunteering- Understand animal behavior and provide personalized care- Prepare for emergencies and veterinary needs- Connect with the larger pet sitting community🐾Learn more about Trustedhousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This show also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” channel.Jack London and Me – A Reading by Linda Ballou
05:12|In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" podcast, travel writer and author Linda Ballou reads an excerpt from her story “Jack London and Me”, featured in her book Lost Angel Unleashed and in the 2024 San Francisco Writers Conference Anthology, "How We Change."This reading first aired on Big Blend Radio’s special “Feast of Words” Anthology Show, celebrating writers and the transformative power of storytelling. Linda’s piece reflects on Jack London’s adventurous spirit, his influence on her own journey, and the timeless connection between literature and travel.📝 Learn More & Read:🔗 Lost Angel Unleashed Book: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/LostAngelUnleashed.html 🔗 How We Change Anthology: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Foundation-Conference-Anthologies/dp/1647150116/ 🔗 Linda’s full episode covering Jack London: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/linda-ballou-jack-london-and-me/ 🌍 Follow Linda’s travel adventures & books:🔗 https://lostangeladventures.com 🔗 http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channel. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkFall Festivals & Amtrak Adventures in Coastal Mississippi
42:44|In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans shares the fun, flavor, and festivities of Coastal Mississippi in the fall and winter seasons. From the brand-new Amtrak service connecting the region to New Orleans, to lively events like the Cruisin’ the Coast classic car celebration, the Hummingbird Festival, the Peter Anderson Festival, and the sparkling Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival, this episode is all about culture, history, and community spirit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Lisa also talks about exploring historic landmarks like Beauvoir and its Fall Muster Civil War reenactments, and shares how the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass helps visitors get the most out of their trip. Whether you’re arriving by train or car, this vibrant region is ready to welcome travelers looking for adventure, artistry, and holiday magic.🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by travel:👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 🗺️ Coastal Mississippi Travel Resources:* Attractions Pass: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/plan/attractions-pass/ * Amtrak Service: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/plan/transportation/amtrak/ * Hummingbird Festival: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/event/7th-annual-hummingbird-festival/33975/ * Peter Anderson Festival: https://peterandersonfestival.com/ * Beauvoir & Fall Muster: https://www.visitbeauvoir.org/fall-muster * Cruisin’ the Coast: https://cruisinthecoast.com/ * Vicari Car Auctions: https://www.vicariauction.com/ * Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival: https://gulfportharborlights.com/ 📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans 📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork