Big Blend Radio

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highlights the incredible variety of destinations that make the United States so rewarding to explore.Along the way, Jo shares travel tips, local food and wine experiences, farmers markets, and the stories of communities that preserve America's heritage, including the rich traditions of the Gullah Geechee people. Whether you're planning your next road trip or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode celebrates the history, nature, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered across America.📖 Read Jo's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/america-road-trip 📖 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. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate a Big Blend Radio milestone! We have officially wrapped up Volume 1 of the ABCs of Horses digital podcast magazine, completing the entire alphabet from A to Z! To mark the occasion, host/producer Lisa sits down with resident equestrian expert and Christy Wood—world champion horse trainer, author, horse show judge—for a fun, insightful "getting to know you" interview. Before Christy hits the historic Chief Joseph Trail Ride again, we look back at the highlights of Volume 1 (from Appaloosas to the Zoomies!) and put her in the hot seat with 10 fun questions. Discover her ultimate spirit animal, her dream weekend getaway, what she wants in her ultimate horse barn, and why she absolutely bans onions from her dinner plate! 📖 Read & Listen to Volume 1: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 📚 Connect with Christy & get her books: http://wdnhorse.com 🎙️Subscribe to the Podcast from your favorite platform: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Beyond the Stage on Big Blend Radio's "Rants, Raves & Rock 'N Roll" Podcast features the members of Mistress of Puppets, America's only all-female Metallica tribute band, recorded backstage at Asheville Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina.Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with Kelly "Mama Het" Mader (lead vocals & guitar), Jen Phipps (lead guitar), Michelle Graves (drums), and Beth McPherson (bass) to explore the band's journey, their love of Metallica's music, and what it's like bringing one of the world's greatest metal bands to life on stage.Based in Dallas, Texas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, Mistress of Puppets has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances packed with the power and precision of Metallica's legendary catalog. Beyond celebrating classic thrash metal, the band is inspiring a new generation of female musicians by proving that heavy metal belongs to everyone.The conversation covers each member's musical background, favorite Metallica songs to perform, memorable concerts, touring, dream opening acts, and the excitement of opening for Nita Strauss, acclaimed guitarist for Alice Cooper. They also discuss side projects, the importance of supporting live music, and why friendship is one of the band's greatest strengths.Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild—owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio's Adventures in Asheville Podcast—this episode of the Beyond the Stage series celebrates musicians, creativity, and the passion that keeps rock and metal thriving.LINKS & RESOURCES:- Mistress of Puppets: https://www.mistressofpuppets.com - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ 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 "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.📖 Read Rose's Articles:- A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ 🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ 🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG 🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press).Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self.In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel.This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are.Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/ Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Experience the magic of outdoor theater in Asheville, North Carolina, on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, cohosted by Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's historic Montford District.Featured guest is Audrey Kopp of Montford Park Players, one of Asheville's most treasured performing arts organizations. Audrey shares the company's mission of making live theater accessible to everyone through free outdoor performances of Shakespeare, classic works, and contemporary productions at the beautiful Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.Hear about this summer's swashbuckling production of "The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel," upcoming auditions for "Romeo and Juliet," and how Montford Park Players continues to enrich Asheville's thriving arts community. The conversation also explores Asheville's creative spirit, the city's cultural renaissance following Hurricane Helene, exciting updates in the River Arts District, and why supporting local arts organizations helps keep Asheville vibrant year-round.Whether you're planning a summer getaway, love live theater, or simply want to discover another side of Asheville beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway and breweries, this episode offers plenty of inspiration.🎭 Montford Park PlayersFree outdoor Shakespeare, classic and contemporary theater: https://montfordparkplayers.org/ Summer ProductionThe League of the Scarlet PimpernelFridays, Saturdays & Sunday eveningsAugust 7–29, 2026(Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre)Upcoming AuditionsRomeo and JulietJuly 11–12, 2026🏡 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/ 

Welcome to this shared inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast with hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough.Pull up a chair for global conversations that shape a better world as we explore how travel, community, culture, and collaboration connect to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In this debut episode, the hosts are joined by Carlisle Richardson, an international relations expert whose career has included serving as Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations and as a United Nations Economic Affairs Officer. Carlisle played a key role in negotiations that helped establish the landmark Sustainable Development Goals and contributed to preparations for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.Together they discuss:- Why the Sustainable Development Goals matter to everyone- How travel builds understanding across cultures- The importance of protecting heritage sites and cultural identity- Sustainable tourism and water conservation- Community-led solutions that create global impact- Inspiring children and future generations to become changemakers- The role of storytelling in preserving culture and encouraging sustainability- Why every individual can help build a more resilient futureWhether you're passionate about travel, conservation, education, culture, or simply making your community stronger, this conversation offers practical inspiration and a hopeful perspective on creating positive change—one story and one connection at a time.Carlisle's Books📚 The Soft Underbelly — https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Underbelly-Carlisle-Richardson-ebook/dp/B0H2FLMPN8/ 📚 Rose Grows Veggies — https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Grows-Veggies-Carlisle-Richardson/dp/1068739991 📚 Island Journeys: The Impact of the Island Way of Life at Home and Abroad — https://www.amazon.com/Island-Journeys-Impact-Life-Abroad/dp/1599326124 Resources & Links➡️ Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ ➡️ Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ ➡️ The Steppes of Henry Foundation: https://theglobalhenry.org/ ➡️ UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals New episodes of Table & Compass air every first Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/ 

What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories.Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life and connection, why play and laughter are essential ingredients for healthy relationships, and how celebrating our elders and family legacy enriches every generation. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the joy of potlucks and shared experiences, and even the value of taking yourself on a solo picnic as an act of self-care.Whether you're planning a family reunion, gathering with friends, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this episode is filled with practical ideas and heartfelt inspiration for celebrating life while the people you love are here.🥪 Read Shelley's companion article & recipe: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here 📰 Follow Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com 🌐 Visit Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast 🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/