Big Blend Radio

In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com.This episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful travel, animal welfare, and community building.A lifelong animal lover, Angela discusses how pet sitting became a lifestyle that has allowed her to experience cultures around the world while caring for pets and helping pet parents travel with peace of mind. From meaningful travel experiences and cultural discoveries to charitable work supporting animal rescue and fostering, Angela reflects on the trust, communication, and compassion that connect people through a shared love of animals.The conversation also explores the benefits of slow travel, the emotional bonds between pets and their people, favorite destinations, life lessons learned through travel, and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations.🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 🏡 Explore Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the fascinating culture, traditions, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Amish and Mennonite communities in Shipshewana.From handcrafted furniture and pottery to leatherwork, quilting, dairy farming, and buggy making, Lisa shares her experiences meeting local artisans and learning how family, faith, and community shape daily life in Indiana's Amish Country. Highlights include visits to a traditional buggy maker, conversations about Amish and Mennonite history, and discovering how small businesses thrive through craftsmanship and strong community values.The episode also explores the region's culinary traditions, farming practices, local markets, and unique cultural attractions that offer visitors a deeper understanding of one of America's most distinctive communities. As America approaches its 250th birthday, Amish Country provides a meaningful opportunity to experience traditions, entrepreneurship, and heritage that continue to shape the nation's story.PLAN YOUR VISIT - Shipshewana Visitor Center: https://visitshipshewana.org/ - Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Information Center: https://menno-hof.squarespace.com/ - Riverwood Pottery: https://www.riverwood-pottery.com/ - Teaberry Wood Products: https://shopteaberry.com/ - Silver Star Leather: https://www.silverstarleather.com/ KEEP UP WITH LISA- Follow Lisa's Stories: https://writerlisa.com/ - Subscribe to Journey Jukebox: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ - Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596 - Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.From antique tractors and agri-tourism experiences to Route 66 road trips, hidden museums, historic figures, county fairs, and unexpected backroad discoveries, Cindy highlights the authentic experiences that connect travelers to America's heartland.As part of National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month, this conversation also celebrates the farmers, agricultural traditions, and rural communities that help feed the nation while preserving an important part of America's cultural heritage. The episode also ties into the spirit of America 250, showcasing the stories, landscapes, and local histories that help tell America's ongoing story.LINKS & RESOURCES:- New Book, "True Farm Girl Adventures":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2026/05/30/true-farm-girl-adventures-in-a-book-form/ - Story: "My Encounter with James Dean":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2020/09/24/my-encounter-with-james-dean/ - Follow Cindy's adventures: https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jo Goes Everywhere" Travel Podcast that takes us to the Beaufort area of South Carolina, where travel writer and photographer Jo Clark explored two stunning barrier islands: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island. Jo shares the story of billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who once owned St. Phillips Island and built a five-bedroom house there that visitors can actually rent today. She also talks about South Carolina's old-growth forests, the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse, the eerie beauty of Boneyard Beach, and the CCC's role in building the state park system. The conversation also covers Civil War and Spanish-American War history, the charm of downtown Beaufort (including where to eat and stay), the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, and a visit to Pat Conroy's grave near Penn Center, a cornerstone of Gullah history and culture. Plus, wildlife lovers will hear about ospreys, alligators, egrets, pelicans, and more.Read Jo's full article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/st-phillips-island-hunting-island-state-park-sc 📖 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 at 7pm ET. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

It's a big milestone on this share episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABCs of Horses" Podcast, where producer Lisa D. Smith and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood made it all the way to Z! And Z is for Zoomies, that joyful, full-speed burst of energy every horse owner loves to watch.Christy breaks down what zoomies really mean, how to tell the difference between a happy horse blowing off steam and a stressed or fearful one, and why your horse needs plenty of safe space to really run, stop, and roll. She also covers the role of diet and exercise in managing your ho nergy, how to read body language (especially that tail!), and why you should never try to ride out a bucking or rearing horse — let them get it out of their system first. Plus, toys and enrichment: does your horse want a ball to play with? This wraps up over two years of the "ABCs of Horses" — but don't worry, Lisa and Christy aren't done! Next month, they kick off round two with a special "Get to Know Christy" episode that reflects over all the equestrian lessons learned in the series.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: https://wdnhorse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com 📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Petula Brown shares some of her favorite summer festivals, cultural and arts experiences across Southeast Michigan.From jazz and Celtic festivals to outdoor art events, aviation history celebration, Pride festivities, and lavender-filled wellness retreats, Petula highlights the people, places, and activities that make Southeast Michigan a rewarding destination for travelers seeking authentic local culture and community connections.The conversation explores communities including Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, and Milan, showcasing how festivals support local businesses, celebrate heritage, inspire creativity, and encourage healthy outdoor living.Highlights include the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival, Dexter Summer Festival, First Fridays in Ypsilanti, the John E. Lawrence Jazz Festival, Celtic Festival celebrations, the Milan Lavender Harvest Festival, Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival, Thunder Over Michigan, and Ipsy Pride.Read Petula Brown's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/southeastern-michigan-summer-festivals About Petula Brown:For more than a decade, Petula has written about wellness, family travel, and multicultural experiences for publications including AAA Michigan, Pathfinders Magazine, Spa Magazine, and Crazy Wisdom Journal. Drawing on her perspectives as a woman of color, parent, technologist, educator, and entrepreneur, she creates immersive travel stories that encourage readers to broaden their horizons and discover meaningful travel experiences. Follow Petula Brown: https://www.facebook.com/PYBJourneys/ 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 "Getting to Know You" series, we chat with one of our longtime expert contributors, Glynn Burrows, who is an historian, genealogist, tour guide, and founder of Norfolk Tours in England.For more than 15 years, Glynn has shared stories that bring England's history, culture, genealogy, and travel experiences to life for Big Blend audiences. In this fun and personal conversation, he talks about family, travel, local communities, lifelong learning, favorite foods, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why meaningful travel is about making genuine connections with people and places. He also shares his philosophy on honesty, following your passions, and making a difference—one "starfish" at a time.You will also learn about Glynn's passion for helping travelers explore England beyond the tourist trail and reconnect with their family history through personalized heritage experiences.LEARN MORE- English Connection: https://englishconnection.uk - Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Quiltripping Travel" Podcast. Travel expert, photographer and host Rose Palmer joins producer Lisa D. Smith from France — where she's in between trips — to share her unforgettable experience aboard Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker on its inaugural Alaska cruise. Unlike the big-ship experience, the Star Seeker's small size unlocked a side of Southeast Alaska most travelers never see.Rose takes us deep into Misty Fjords National Monument by zodiac, up close to the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, and through the authentic streets of Wrangell — one of Alaska's last truly uncrowded towns. She shares wildlife encounters including humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and even a mother black bear and her cubs in Ketchikan.Along the way, Rose explores the Tongass National Forest — one of Earth's last great coastal temperate rainforests — and reflects on why slow travel is the only way to truly experience Alaska's wild, pristine beauty.📰 READ ROSE'S ARTCILES:🔗 Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/windstar-cruise-to-alaska 🔗 Windstar Star Seeker Review: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-star-seeker-review/ 🔗 Rose's Full Alaska Cruise Article: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-cruise-to-alaska/ 🎙️ Rose Palmer shares her travel adventures every second Thursday on Big Blend Radio. Find her at:https://quiltripping.com https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/rose-palmer-travel-writer-photographer