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Lafayette, Louisiana is the Happiest City in America
This episode of Big Blend Radioās 2nd Tuesday āFood, Wine & Travelā 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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Greening Los Angeles: The Transformative Work of North East Trees
42:11|This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity in underinvested communities throughout Los Angeles.Featured Guests:š³ Joe Laskin ā Director of Development, North East Trees ā https://www.northeasttrees.org/ šæ Cheryl Leutjen ā Author of āLove Earth Nowā and āMadness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees ā https://cherylleutjen.com/ Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change.šŗ Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees ā https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radioās "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork *** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East TreesBunkie, Louisiana: Jefferson Highway Community of 2025
55:32|This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show highlights the vibrant and welcoming community of Bunkie, Louisiana, which has been recognized as the Jefferson Highway Community of 2025. The conversation showcases Bunkieās deep historical roots, growing tourism efforts, and the pride residents take in their culture and heritage.Featured Guests:- Roger Bell ā Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association- Brenda Sampson ā Mayor of Bunkie, Louisiana- Wilbert Carmouche ā Executive Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism- Mary Guillory ā Co-Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism- Lynette Clarke ā Bunkie HistorianFrom railroad history and agricultural traditions to mouthwatering local cuisine (especially boudin!), the discussion celebrates what makes Bunkie such a unique and engaging stop along the Jefferson Highway. The episode also touches on community collaboration, future tourism plans, and the value of preserving cultural landmarks and stories. Learn more at https://travelavoyelles.com/ The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highwayāalso known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"āruns from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/Why Self-Care Matters for Heart Health
27:42|In celebration of International Self-Care Day, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubanyāauthor of āWomen and Heart Disease: The Real Storyāāexplores why self-care is essential for heart health. From the importance of sleep and mindfulness to the evolving role of AI in healthcare, this episode offers practical and empowering ways to prioritize your well-being, especially for caregivers and women at risk for heart disease.Dr. Jackie shares how stress management, learning about your own health, and even travel can all be powerful self-care tools. The conversation emphasizes that taking care of yourself is not selfishāitās vital.š Learn more about her book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ š New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ š§ Also featured on Big Blendās āQuality of Lifeā & "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkCalifornia Minimum Wage Changes 2025: Health Care and Hospitality Workers
28:34|In Part 2 of this Big Blend Radio California Employment Law Podcast series covering Minimum Wage Laws, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the latest wage increases impacting healthcare and hospitality workers in California. With living costs on the rise and pandemic aftershocks still rippling through the workforce, these new minimum wage mandates are creating both opportunities and legal challenges. This episode breaks down what these increases mean for employers and employees, and why staying legally informed is more critical than ever.š Read & Listen to Part One:āMidyear Reminder of New California Minimum Wage Laws 2025ā ā Covers the FAST Recovery Act, federal complications, and broader wage law updates.https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025/ š Read the current article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025-part-2/ šØāāļø About Ward Heinrichs: http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ š§ More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ š Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkOpen Turns: A Story of Resilience, Resistance & Reinvention
34:58|On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Hendrika de Vries discusses her moving and reflective new memoir, āOpen Turnsā (She Writes Press, September 2, 2025).From surviving Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as a child to navigating immigration and competitive swimming in 1950s Australia, Hendrika shares her remarkable coming-of-age story of survival, strength, and self-discovery. As a teenager determined to shape her own identity in a world that tried to confine her, she divesāagain and againāinto lifeās open turns with courage and clarity.Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Hendrika unpacks how intention and resilience helped her transform trauma into triumph. She also discusses how personal narratives serve as vital historical testimony and how writing can empower future generations to face change with hope and purpose.More at: https://www.agirlfromamsterdam.com/ š Takeaways- Immigration involves both loss and transformation.- The silent generation offers a legacy of strength through adversity.- Womenās stories are often shaped by resistance and resilience.- Personal storytelling preserves overlooked histories.- Legacy is created through voice and visibility.Dining on a Trabocco in Abruzzo
12:57|On this episode of Big Blend Radioās āGlobal Adventures with Debbie Stone,ā travel writer Debbie Stone takes listeners to Abruzzo, Italy, where she dined on a historic traboccoāa traditional wooden fishing structure turned extraordinary seafood restaurant.Debbie shares the history of these fascinating coastal platforms, originally designed for fishing, and now repurposed for unique dining experiences like the one she had at Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio. From fresh seafood and regional pasta to local wines and seaside views, this episode blends history, cuisine, and atmosphere into an unforgettable Italian travel story.š Key Takeaways:⢠Abruzzo is a diverse central Italian region with mountains and coastlines.⢠Trabocchi are historic fishing machines, now iconic coastal structures.⢠Dining on a trabocco combines local cuisine with historical ambiance.⢠Punta Cavalluccio serves flavorful seafood and regional pasta like Sagneti.⢠Guests can choose from over 60 wine labels.⢠Meals are designed to be relaxed, immersive, and memorable.⢠Culinary tourism reveals local stories and traditions.⢠Debbie hints at future travel plans in Spain and beyond.š Read Debbieās article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dining-at-a-trabocco-along-italys-picturesque-adriatic-coast/ š§ Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ šļø Also featured on Big Blend Radioās āEat, Drink & Be Merryā Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkAn Italian Cooking Class in Rome
12:00|In this episode of Big Blend Radioās āGlobal Adventures with Debbie Stone,ā travel writer Debbie Stone shares her delicious hands-on experience in an Italian cooking class in Rome. From crafting fresh pasta with 00 flour to layering the perfect tiramisu, Debbie dives into the culinary traditions of Italy and the joy of learning by doing.The conversation highlights the cultural value of food, the unique flavor and texture of homemade pasta, and the connection that comes from cooking and sharing a meal with fellow travelers. Whether you're a novice or seasoned home cook, Debbieās insights will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and taste the experience.š Key Takeaways:⢠Cooking classes deepen appreciation for local cuisine.⢠Tiramisu means āpick me upā ā thanks to its coffee kick.⢠Zero zero (00) flour is key to pasta-making success.⢠Homemade pasta cooks in two minutes and tastes distinct.⢠Culinary learning brings fun, community, and cultural insight.⢠You donāt need prior experience to enjoy cooking classes.⢠Traveling through food creates lasting memories.š Read Debbieās article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/complement-your-visit-to-rome-with-an-italian-cooking-class/ š§ Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ šļø Also featured on Big Blend Radioās āEat, Drink & Be Merryā Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkTaste the Flavors of Madrid
13:34|On this episode of Big Blend Radioās āGlobal Adventures with Debbie Stone,ā travel writer Debbie Stone shares her mouthwatering culinary experience on The Tour Guyās Ultimate Drinks and Tapas Tour in Madrid, Spain.From savory tortillas to sizzling mushrooms and refreshing Tinto de Verano, Debbie explores the essence of Spanish cuisine through local food traditions, lively tapas bars, and cultural storytelling. Tune in as she chats about the origins of the tapa, the difference between Spanish and Mexican tortillas, and why food is one of the most flavorful ways to connect with a destinationās culture and history.š Key Takeaways:⢠Tapas introduce travelers to the heart of Spanish food culture.⢠The word "tapa" originally referred to covering drinks.⢠Spanish tortilla is made with eggs and potatoes ā not to be confused with the Mexican version!⢠Mushrooms are a star ingredient in Madridās food scene.⢠Beer and Tinto de Verano are popular local drinks.⢠Food tours are a delicious and fulfilling way to explore history and community.š Read Debbieās article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/taste-the-flavors-of-madrid-on-a-culinary-adventure/ š§ Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ šļø Also featured on Big Blend Radioās āEat, Drink & Be Merryā Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkCorpus Christi, Texas: The Birdiest City in the USA
33:51|Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radioās āTravel with Terriā Show featuring travel writer Terri Guthrie, who shares her recent adventures in Corpus Christi, Texasāofficially known as the Birdiest City in America!From vibrant wetlands and hundreds of bird species to the famous annual birding festival, Corpus Christi is a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Terri highlights the Texas State Aquariumās rescue and education programs, wildlife-rich Padre Island National Seashore, and the legendary King Ranch, a leader in conservation and habitat restoration.Beyond its natural wonders, Corpus Christi offers a flavorful mix of cultural and culinary delights, from fresh Gulf seafood to live music and true Texas hospitality.š Read Terriās article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/corpus-christi-the-birdiest-city-in-america/ šļø Plan your trip: https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/ šļø Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ š§ Also featured on Big Blend Radioās Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Nature Connection, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork