Big Blend Radio

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast, the conversation explores how wine is about more than what’s in the glass — it’s about savoring moments, building connections, and enjoying time with friends. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, discusses wine trends, wellness, and the evolving ways people experience wine today.The episode dives into the influence of Blue Zones and longevity lifestyles, the growing popularity of white wines and rosés, and how moderation and wellness trends are shaping wine consumption. Peggy also shares insights into the art of wine blending, sustainability in winemaking, and why understanding your personal wine preferences enhances tasting experiences.Listeners will also hear how cultural influences shape food and wine pairings, why cooking techniques matter when pairing wine with global flavors, and how supporting local wineries helps communities thrive — especially amid industry challenges like tariffs and shifting markets.Check out WINE & BITES, Big Blend's "Wine Time With Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine featuring Peggy's recipes, articles, wine pairing tips, recipes, and past podcast episodes: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 🔗 Helpful Links & Resources:- LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com - Wine & Bites Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ - Wine Time with Peggy Podcast: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel - explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the vibrant coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas, where sun, sea, culture, and history come together.From horseback riding on the beach and fishing along the coast to visiting the South Texas State Aquarium, Sharon shares firsthand experiences that showcase the city’s outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty. The conversation also dives into Corpus Christi’s rich cultural heritage, including the USS Lexington, Selena Museum and Memorial, and nearby King Ranch, one of Texas’ most iconic historic sites. Add in a thriving arts scene with mural trails and art walks, plus a delicious mix of seafood, barbecue, and local cuisine, and Corpus Christi emerges as a destination that rejuvenates the spirit year-round—especially during the quieter shoulder seasons.* Plan your visit to Corpus Christi: https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/ * Read Sharon’s “Corpus Christi” article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/discovering-corpus-christi * Check out her new Big Blend "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 * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," and "Way Back When" podcast channels:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, hosts Steve and Karen Wilson spotlight Asheville’s creative spirit through a conversation with Alan Rueda, lead singer and founder of the North Carolina–based rock band Stone Whiskey.Stone Whiskey recently filmed their powerful music video “Nowhere to Go” at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and other iconic Asheville locations, using music and storytelling to help bring positive exposure to the city following Hurricane Helene. The video captures Asheville’s mountain magic, artistic energy, and sense of place — turning the city itself into part of the band’s story.Alan shares insights into the band’s creative process, their commitment to producing visually engaging music videos, and how Asheville’s vibrant music scene continues to inspire artists. The conversation also explores how the music industry has evolved post-COVID, the importance of live performances, and why staying relevant and connected to audiences matters more than ever.This episode celebrates how music, travel, and community intersect — and how artists like Stone Whiskey are helping amplify Asheville’s voice through creativity and collaboration.🎬 Watch Stone Whiskey’s music video “Nowhere to Go”:https://youtu.be/DZAXo_ogzsg?si=vF0V1w5MNUpoBPj5 Featured Links- Stone Whiskey Band: https://stonewhiskeyband.com/ - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/ LISTEN - New episodes air every 1st Tuesday – Listen: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Recorded on location at the Oklahoma Historical Society, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast celebrates the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 and explores why Oklahoma is considered the heart of the Mother Road.Travel writer and host Terri Guthrie is joined by Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and a board member of both the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission and the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Together, they dive into the cultural, historical, and emotional legacy of Route 66—from its role during the Great Depression to its lasting symbolism of freedom, mobility, and Americana.The conversation highlights Oklahoma’s 400+ mile stretch of Route 66, the towns and museums that preserve its stories, the revival of neon signage, and how modern travelers can experience the route beyond the interstate. This episode also explores family road trips, ancestry travel, and the community-driven efforts breathing new life into the Mother Road ahead of its 100th anniversary.OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 TRAVEL RESOURCES- Oklahoma Historical Society: https://www.okhistory.org/ - Oklahoma Route 66: https://oklahomaroute66.com/ - Travel Oklahoma: https://www.travelok.com/ FOLLOW TERRI'S ADVENTURES- https://travelwithterri.net/ - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/  LISTEN - New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend," podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Award-winning filmmaker Michael Premo joins Big Blend Radio to discuss "Homegrown," his critically acclaimed documentary examining the human stories behind the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Shot with unprecedented access, the film follows three conservative activists during the volatile months leading up to the insurrection, offering an observational, non-judgmental look at political identity, belief, and belonging in America.Rather than reducing individuals to headlines or stereotypes, "Homegrown" seeks to humanize those at the center of a deeply divisive moment, exploring how personal motivations, media influence, and mob mentality can converge with profound consequences. The conversation also reflects on the role of documentary filmmaking in turbulent times, the responsibility of bearing witness, and how storytelling can deepen public understanding of complex social movements.Premiering with newly updated 2025 footage, "Homegrown" anchors its narrative in a moment that continues to shape the national conversation about democracy, violence, and the unresolved tensions defining American life.Beginning January 6, "Homegrown" will be available to rent via the Direct To Audience℠ (DTA) platform GATHR. Audiences can head now to https://homegrown.film/ to preorder the film and learn more.Trailer courtesy of Storyline Media.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture for the American Horticultural Society, to discuss their new book, “Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening: Techniques and Know-How for Gardening with Nature.” Released January 6, 2026 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this authoritative guide explores gardening as a living ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated plants.Matt explains how ecological gardening goes far beyond popular trends like “leave the leaves,” focusing instead on thoughtful daily decisions that support biodiversity, soil health, pollinators, and wildlife. We talk about designing gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically sound, managing invasive species, reducing lawns, fostering native plants, and adapting gardens to environmental change.The conversation also highlights ways to engage children in gardening, the vital role insects play in the ecosystem, and how small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. Whether you garden in a backyard, community space, or container garden, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance for working with nature, not against it.Websites & Resources:* American Horticultural Society: https://ahsgardening.org/ * Matt Mattus: https://growingwithplants.com/ * The Quarto Group: https://www.quarto.com/  In celebration of National Bird Day (Jan. 5), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

How do you truly get your message across in today’s distraction-filled world?On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast we talk with author, life coach, photographer, and communication expert Steve Piacente about his innovative project, “Postcards with a Purpose,” which blends photography with powerful communication lessons.Steve shares why preparation is essential for successful presentations, how addressing the WIFM (“What’s In It For Me?”) factor keeps audiences engaged, and why storytelling and visuals are more important than ever as attention spans shrink. He also explains how slides should support—not compete with—the speaker, why reading from scripts can hurt your impact, and how energy, curiosity, and connection help ensure your message is truly heard.This conversation is packed with practical insights for professionals, speakers, leaders, and creatives who want to communicate more effectively and connect more deeply with their audiences.STEVE PIACENTE is an author of fiction and non-fiction, certified life coach, photographer, former journalist, and Director of Training at The Communication Center. He is also the owner of Next Phase Life Coaching.Learn more about Steve’s life coaching and books:https://www.stevepiacente.com/ Explore Steve’s photography:https://www.piacentephotos.com/ Connect with Steve on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevepiacente/ Read “Postcards with a Purpose” on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/focus-shapes-message-steve-piacente-5y3kehttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/message-inside-frame-steve-piacente-dg1ye https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-message-needs-lens-2-steve-piacente-cksze 

In this insightful Big Blend Radio "Soul Diving Sunday" conversation, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin —also known as the Live & Die Happy Coach — explores the deeper “why” behind personal growth, happiness, and authentic living. Shelley shares how transformational life coaching focuses on tiny, intentional shifts that create meaningful, lasting change, and how self-discovery often begins long before we realize it.The discussion touches on midlife awakenings, the heart-and-soul connection, mentorship, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s happiness. Shelley explains how joy can be cultivated through everyday moments, conscious choices, and nurturing relationships—both with ourselves and others. This episode offers inspiration for anyone seeking clarity, fulfillment, and a more joyful path forward.🔗 Related editorial Q&A: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/why-transformational-life-coaching 🔗 Learn more about Shelley at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" and "Quality of Life" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Show welcomes award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, co-host of the show every 1st Sunday, as we celebrate January as National Book Blitz Month with a special focus on music and songs inspired by books and authors.This episode explores the powerful connections between literature and music, examining how historical events, classic novels, personal reading journeys, and cultural movements shape artistic expression. From the evolution of audiobooks and digital media to the enduring influence of classic and young adult literature, this conversation highlights storytelling as the shared heartbeat of both music and the written word.Hear reflections on libraries, literary communities, musical adaptations of books, and how songs—like novels—capture emotion, history, and identity. The episode also celebrates how literature continues to inspire modern musicians and why collaboration between authors and artists creates meaningful, lasting cultural experiences.Keep up with Johnny Schaefer at https://hearjohnny.com/ 🎧 Featured "Music Inspired by Books & Authors" Playlist on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mTWhlhjwkXJa1XZ6aWS08?si=ca0cba3c9aff4b01