Big Blend Radio

Steve and Karen Wilson of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast take Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast to HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm, where owners Jennifer and Jason Robbins have built a horse-centered healing retreat on a former century-old family farm.Jennifer shares how a solo retreat to Costa Rica at 50 — working with horses through groundwork, not riding — taught her more in a few days than 20 years of therapy, and how that experience became the blueprint for HapBE Valley. Jason talks about leaving a 21-year business behind to build something more meaningful, and shares a vulnerable personal story from his own first time working with a horse in front of a group.They walk through what makes HapBE Valley different: Reiki sessions with horses, guided horse meditations down in the pasture, private "just be with the horses" appointments with no agenda, and multi-day retreats — including their long-running Equine Self Discovery program and a brand-new retreat built around Kelly McDaniel's "Mother Hunger" work on attachment and generational trauma. They also touch on their corporate herd-dynamics program and why Asheville, with its music and wellness culture, was the right home for the farm.🐴 Learn more and book a visit: https://hapbevalley.com/ 🏡 Stay at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's Montford Historic District: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 🎧 LISTEN: Check out the NEW Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ New episodes air every 1st Tuesday: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough welcome acclaimed author, naturalist, explorer, and photographer James Michael Dorsey for an inspiring conversation about protecting indigenous cultures, wildlife, and global heritage through respectful travel, education, and storytelling.Drawing from decades of travel to more than 60 countries, James shares remarkable firsthand experiences with remote indigenous communities, endangered languages, threatened wildlife, and fragile ecosystems. Together, the panel explores how responsible travel, cultural understanding, and international cooperation can help preserve our shared human and natural heritage while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The conversation also examines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, biodiversity conservation, the impact of war on people and landscapes, sustainable tourism, disappearing oral traditions, and why every traveler can help become a steward of culture, history, and nature.Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, photography, and global work: https://jamesmichaeldorseyauthor.com/ Listen to the Big Blend Radio "Before They Vanish" Podcast with James Michael Dorsey: https://before-they-vanish.podbean.com/ Learn more about Joelle Machia & Ryan Slough, Founders & PUblishers of Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Explore Big Blend Radio and Big Blend Magazines: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Table &Compass" Podcast air every first Monday, here: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/ 

What if just a few intentional minutes each day could transform your relationships?On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, transformational life coach and author Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," shares the inspiration behind her new "21-Day Relationship Reset – A Guided Experience," a simple yet powerful practice designed to help couples, families, friends, and even individuals reconnect through daily acts of love, kindness, and appreciation.Inspired by her "Daily Love Vows," Shelley explains how small, consistent shifts can create lasting change. From leaving thoughtful notes and playing together to practicing gratitude, listening with intention, and tending the "garden" of your relationships, this guided experience encourages participants to strengthen connections one day at a time.Whether you're looking to rekindle romance, deepen friendships, strengthen family bonds, or cultivate greater self-love, this episode offers practical inspiration for bringing more joy, presence, and compassion into your everyday life.❤️ Learn more about Shelley's 21-Day Relationship Reset – A Guided Experience: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/coaching-programs/21-day-relationship-reset 🌐 Visit Shelley's website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 📰 Follow Shelley on Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com 🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast 🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Celebrate American Artists Appreciation Month with another edition of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox! Every first Sunday, award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer joins Lisa D. Smith to explore the music, artists, and stories that celebrate America's rich musical heritage as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.This month's playlist shines a spotlight on influential American artists whose music has shaped generations. Johnny and Lisa discuss legendary and groundbreaking performers including Laura Nyro, Sam Cooke, Keb' Mo', Zakiya Hooker, Makana, and Shelley King, while also highlighting the many artists they've inspired. Along the way, they explore blues, soul, Americana, gospel, protest music, regional influences, collaboration, and the enduring power of great songwriting.🎵 Hear the music! The complete American Jukebox experience—including the featured songs—is available on Mixcloud. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast platform, follow along with the companion Spotify playlist featuring today's selections plus many more musical discoveries.Listen with the Music: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/american-jukebox-celebrating-american-artists 🎧 Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m3TvV7PlVXyBcl34DH1pR?si=e84afe08ee9b4396 🎙️ Explore all American Jukebox episodes:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/american-jukebox 🎵 Johnny Schaefer:https://hearjohnny.com/ 🏠 Big Blend Media House:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ New episodes air every first Sunday as Johnny and Lisa continue celebrating the songs, artists, and stories that define America's musical legacy through the America 250 celebration leading up to July 4, 2027. 

Discover what's fresh for late summer with Robert Schueller of Melissa's Produce, who joins Linda Kissam, "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," on Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast to share seasonal produce favorites, healthy snack ideas, and creative ways to make the most of late-summer flavors.From juicy Waterloupe melons and Jelly Drop grapes to Hatch chile products, pickling vegetables, passion fruit, plums, and convenient grab-and-go snacks, this episode celebrates the abundance of the season while offering practical tips for home cooks, families, and food lovers alike.Whether you're planning a backyard gathering, packing school lunches, or simply looking for fresh culinary inspiration, you'll discover delicious ways to enjoy the harvest before autumn arrives.Learn More:👉 Melissa's Produce: https://www.melissas.com/ 👉 Read Linda's companion article, "Late Summer Foodie Finds with Melissa's Produce": https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/late-summer-foodie-finds-melissas - Follow Linda Kissam's adventures: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/ - Explore Linda's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine - Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast Photos courtesy Melissas.com 

Award-winning and bestselling author and maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin joins Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" history podcast to discuss his compelling new book, "The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail," a gripping work of narrative history featured by The New York Times as one of "The Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026." Drawing from extensive archival research, sailors' journals, and Indigenous accounts, Dolin recounts the remarkable true story of the American whaleship Mentor, which wrecked on a reef near the Palau Islands in 1832. What followed was an extraordinary saga of survival, leadership, cultural misunderstandings, compassion, violence, and resilience that unfolded over four years and across the Pacific. In this fascinating conversation, Dolin also explores the importance of the American whaling industry, life during the Age of Sail, cross-cultural encounters between American sailors and the people of Palau, and how maritime history offers a deeper understanding of America's growth and its place in the wider world. Along the way, he discusses the challenges of researching forgotten stories, the importance of historical perspective, and why understanding both the triumphs and tragedies of history helps us better understand ourselves today. Learn more about Eric Jay Dolin and his books at http://www.ericjaydolin.com/Check out the Big Blend book review and episode highlights: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-wreck-of-the-mentor 

 first woman to drive around the world.Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba—the northern gateway of the historic Jefferson Highway—Aloha Wanderwell (born Idris Hall) left boarding school in France at age 16 to join Walter Wanderwell's around-the-world automobile expedition. What followed was an astonishing life of global exploration, filmmaking, cultural discovery, and history-making road trips across six continents.In this engaging conversation, Laurel shares what inspired her to tell Aloha's story after a decade away from publishing, the historical research behind the novel, why historical fiction is vital to preserving women's history, and how travel helps us better understand the world and one another. The discussion also explores Aloha's Canadian roots, her connection to the historic Jefferson Highway, and why this remarkable woman deserves to be remembered alongside history's greatest explorers.Learn more about Laurel Corona and her books at https://www.LaurelCorona.comCheck out our Big Blend book review of "Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel" by Nancy J. Reid: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/aloha-wanderwell-takes-the-wheel

Whether you're naturally intuitive, spiritually curious, or simply wondering if there's more to life's coincidences than meets the eye, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" podcast offers an engaging and thoughtful conversation with author Katherine Marie about her new book, "High Five Your Spirit Guides: Manifest the Life You've Always Wanted with the Help of Your Spirit Guides."Drawing from her background in computers and IT, Katherine brings a refreshingly practical perspective to spirituality, showing how intuition, mindfulness, journaling, meditation, tarot, crystals, and simple daily rituals can help people become more aware of the guidance already present in their lives. Rather than asking listeners to abandon logic, she encourages curiosity, self-reflection, and openness to recognizing meaningful signs, synchronicities, and opportunities.In this inspiring discussion, Katherine shares:- What spirit guides are—and how they differ from angels and ancestor spirits- Why intuition deserves more attention in our busy, technology-driven lives- How synchronicities, repeating numbers, and everyday experiences may carry meaningful messages- Easy exercises anyone can practice to strengthen intuition- The connection between manifestation, gratitude, focus, and daily rituals- Why balancing logic with spirituality can lead to greater confidence, purpose, abundance, and joyLearn more about Katherine Marie, her books, newsletter, and upcoming events at: https://www.innercompassmedia.com/ Whether you're a longtime believer or simply curious, this conversation offers practical ideas for cultivating greater awareness, inner peace, and a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

In celebration of America 250, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast explores the fascinating history, culture, and outdoor spirit of Boise, Idaho, with travel writer Debbie Stone. While many travelers know Idaho for its rugged landscapes and potatoes, Boise reveals a much richer story—one shaped by frontier history, Basque immigrants, Native heritage, and a thriving arts community.Discover why Boise's historic Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of the city's most compelling attractions, learn about the nation's largest Basque community and its enduring cultural legacy, tour the elegant Idaho State Capitol, and explore museums, public art, and the inspiring World Center for Birds of Prey. Debbie also shares favorite restaurants, local shopping, and the welcoming hospitality that make Boise an ideal destination for history lovers, culture seekers, and outdoor adventurers alike.Plan your visit:- https://visitboise.com/ - https://www.innat500.com/ - Read Debbie's accompanying article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/boise-idaho-surprises - Listen to Debbie's "Global Adventures" Podcast:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-with-debbie-stone - Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-travel-magazine