Big Blend Radio

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the growing trend of solo travel and the unique charm of boutique hotels in Palm Springs.Joining Sharon are Robert Hunt of Alcazar Palm Springs, and Kimberli Munkres of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. Together, they discuss why Palm Springs has become a favorite destination for solo travelers, wellness seekers, and anyone looking to relax and recharge in a welcoming desert setting.The conversation covers the area's boutique hotel culture, renowned dining scene, arts and architecture, celebrity history, healing springs, outdoor recreation, and year-round festivals. Hear why Palm Springs' independently owned small hotels provide a personalized experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.Whether you're planning a solo getaway, a wellness retreat, or a road trip through Southern California, this episode offers valuable insights into one of America's most beloved desert destinations.📝 Read Sharon's accompanying article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/palm-springs-solo-travelers-guide 🌴 Learn more about Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels: https://palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/ 🏨 Discover Alcazar Palm Springs: https://alcazarpalmsprings.com/ 📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:https://sharonkkurtz.com 🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast features cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, sharing their favorite ways to experience Asheville's natural beauty. From spectacular waterfalls and colorful wildflowers to fascinating mushrooms, butterflies, and wildlife encounters, this conversation highlights why Western North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.Known for its stunning mountain scenery, Asheville is surrounded by incredible outdoor destinations including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the North Carolina Arboretum. Steve and Karen discuss seasonal highlights, the best times to see rhododendrons and native wildflowers in bloom, where to discover some of the region's most beautiful waterfalls, and how visitors can responsibly enjoy Western North Carolina's outdoor treasures.Along the way, they also touch on local music, community events, and why Asheville remains one of America's most beloved destinations for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor adventurers.Whether you're planning a summer getaway or simply looking for inspiration to spend more time outside, this episode celebrates the beauty, adventure, and wonder of the great outdoors in and around Asheville.LINKS & RESOURCES- The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ - Adventures in Asheville Podcast: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her memorable Mother's Day journey aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, one of North Texas' most beloved heritage attractions.Traveling along the historic Cotton Belt Route from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards, Terri explores how this vintage rail experience connects visitors with Texas history, Western heritage, and the golden age of train travel. From restored Victorian-era coaches and historic locomotives to the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, Longhorn cattle drives, and Grapevine's charming historic district, this excursion offers a unique blend of nostalgia, culture, and family fun.The conversation also highlights Grapevine's year-round special event trains, including wine trains, holiday excursions, family adventures, and seasonal celebrations, while exploring the growing popularity of heritage rail travel across America.Whether you're a train enthusiast, history buff, Texas traveler, or simply looking for a memorable day trip, this episode showcases one of the Lone Star State's most authentic travel experiences.PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE:https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/gvrr/ FOLLOW TERRI'S ADVENTURES:https://www.travelwithterri.com/ 

Discover the remarkable life, art, and enduring legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, the pioneering artist known as the "Mother of American Modernism," in this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring award-winning filmmakers Paul Wagner and Ellen Casey Wagner.Their acclaimed documentary, "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light," explores the iconic artist’s extraordinary journey through her own words, drawing from thousands of personal letters that reveal her artistic vision, struggles, relationships, and fierce independence. The film features Claire Danes as the voice of Georgia O’Keeffe and narration by Hugh Dancy.In this engaging conversation, Paul and Ellen discuss O’Keeffe’s deep connection to nature, her travels across America, her transformative years in Virginia, Texas, New York, and New Mexico, and how she became both an artistic trailblazer and an enduring role model for women. They also share insights into the filmmaking process, the challenges of bringing O’Keeffe’s story to life, and the surprising discoveries they made along the way.More than a portrait of a celebrated painter, this documentary reveals the human being behind the legend—an artist who embraced uncertainty, pursued authenticity, and found inspiration in the landscapes, light, and natural beauty of America."Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light" is available on digital platforms including Apple TV and other streaming services. More: https://www.georgiaokeeffefilm.com/ 

Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month with this special "Success Express" episode of Big Blend Radio featuring longtime Big Blend friend Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations and Produce Expert for Melissa's Produce.Known nationally as "The Produce Dude," Robert has spent nearly three decades helping consumers discover fresh fruits and vegetables, understand seasonal produce, and explore healthier ways to eat. In this fun and inspiring conversation, Robert answers Big Blend's signature Success Insider questions, sharing stories about his career journey, family, favorite hobbies, life lessons, travel dreams, and the passion that has fueled his success.Along the way, listeners learn about the remarkable story behind Melissa's Produce, America's largest distributor of specialty produce, and how the company continues to introduce consumers to exciting fruits, vegetables, and healthy food innovations from around the world.LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about Melissa's Produce at https://www.melissas.com - Read Robert's Success Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/success-insider-melissas-produce-expert-robert-schueller  - Discover more expert interviews, podcasts, articles, and stories at:https://bigblendmediahouse.com  

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Podcast features author Megan Margherio discussing her powerful memoir, "Everwoven: A Memoir, A Reckoning."More than a traditional memoir, "Everwoven" is a deeply personal reckoning with trauma, survival, healing, and self-discovery. Through raw conversations with her former selves, Megan explores the lasting impacts of childhood sexual abuse, emotional neglect, intimate partner violence, grief, and self-abandonment, while illuminating the courageous journey from merely surviving to truly living.In this candid conversation, Megan discusses trauma, resilience, self-worth, the importance of being believed, the role of therapy and self-reflection, and how healing often begins when we stop running from our pain and start listening to the stories we carry within ourselves. Together, we explore concepts of survival mode, emotional reckoning, forgiveness, personal empowerment, boundaries, trust, and finding joy after trauma.The discussion also highlights the importance of kindness, mental health awareness, self-compassion, and creating space for authentic conversations that help break cycles of abuse and isolation.Learn more: https://www.meganmargherio.com/ 

In this special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio, we celebrate National Creativity Day and reconnect with longtime Big Blend friend, travel writer, author, and storyteller Elaine Masters as part of the launch of our new online community, Big Blend Media House, and its Front Porch News newsletter.A longtime Big Blend contributor and friend, Elaine is known for her thoughtful travel writing, cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and love of water adventures. Hear about her experiences diving with manta rays, exploring destinations around the world, contributing to a National Geographic travel book, and working on her upcoming spiritual travel memoir, "Where Wonder Leads." Along the way, Elaine discusses the importance of cultural respect, trusting your intuition, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, sustainable living practices, the value of independent media, and how travel, nature, and storytelling can enrich our lives.LEARN MORE:• Visit: https://www.tripwellgal.com/ • Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/elaine-masters-travel-writer-success-insider  • Check Out: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to the Arts” Podcast features debut author Emily Renk Hawthorne who discusses her breathtaking fantasy series "Of Mountains and Seas," inspired by Chinese mythology, folklore, and her Taiwanese heritage.Set in a hidden shapeshifting community along the Northern California coast, "Of Mountains and Seas" explores themes of power, belonging, conformity, generational trauma, and identity through multiple timelines and points of view. Emily shares the creative inspiration behind her multigenerational fantasy world, the importance of authentic cultural representation in storytelling, and how mythology and folklore continue to shape modern fantasy literature.The conversation also dives into Emily’s writing journey, character development, diversity in fantasy fiction, and the emotional truths that fantasy can reveal about the human experience.Perfect for fans of Sue Lynn Tan, Axie Oh, and Chloe Gong, this richly layered fantasy series blends magic, mythology, and social commentary into a compelling literary adventure.Learn more about Emily Renk Hawthorne and her work: https://www.emilyrenkhawthorne.com/

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with award-winning author, editor, traveler, and former international lawyer Clifford Garstang about his fascinating journey from international development and law to a celebrated literary career.A longtime guest on Big Blend Radio, Clifford has joined us over the years to discuss his books, literature, writing life, and international travels. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on perseverance, artistic integrity, storytelling, nature, travel experiences, and the creative process behind writing fiction.Clifford is the author of six works of fiction including "The Last Bird of Paradise," "Oliver’s Travels," "The Shaman of Turtle Valley," "House of the Ancients and Other Stories," "What the Zhang Boys Know," and In an "Uncharted Country." He is also editor of the acclaimed anthology series "Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet."Learn more about Clifford Garstang and subscribe to his Substack:- https://cliffordgarstang.com/- https://cliffordgarstang.substack.com/This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s “Getting to Know You” series celebrating the launch of Big Blend Media House and its new newsletter, Front Porch News. Visit: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/