Share

Big Blend Radio
Nature Tripping in Florida and Coastal Mississippi
Welcome to Part Four of our 4-Part Big Blend Radio NATURE CONNECTION Podcast series focusing on Nature Destinations Around the World and Across America.
This episode covers Nature Destinations in Coastal Mississippi and Florida:
- LISA EVANS - travel writer and photographer, and author of "“100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die.” Visit https://writerlisa.com/
- KATHLEEN WALLS - Travel writer and author of numerous Florida books. Visit http://www.katywalls.com / and https://www.americanroads.net/
* DIANE DOBRY - Travel writer, podcaster, and memoirist. More: https://discoverydaze.com, and https://hungarianaquarian.com/
LISTEN TO THE REST OF THE NATURE CONNECT PODCASTS IN THIS SERIES HERE: http://tinyurl.com/5dkvjyfx
* EPISODE ONE features nature photographer and Nature Connection cohost Margot Carrera, who talks about Communing with Nature in Sacred Spaces.
* EPISODE TWO covers Nature Destinations from Vermont to California & Ecuador with travel writers Jamie Edwards & Linda Ballou.
* EPISODE THREE covers Nature Destinations in North & South Carolina with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, and travel writer Jo Clark.
More episodes
View all episodes

Peaches, Stone Fruit & Wine Pairing Secrets
27:33|Celebrate National Peach Month with this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy!" Podcast. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, explores why peaches and wine are one of summer's most enjoyable pairings.Peggy shares vineyard updates as harvest season approaches, discusses how changing weather impacts vineyards around the world, and explains how "stone fruit" aromas and flavors naturally develop in wines like Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah, and Malbec. Learn how these fruit-forward characteristics influence wine tasting and how to pair wines with fresh peaches and seasonal dishes.Plus, Peggy shares her flavorful Peach Chutney Salsa recipe, along with creative serving ideas for grilled chicken, pork, seafood, appetizers, and summertime entertaining.🍑 Get Peggy's Peach Chutney Salsa recipe:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/peggys-peach-chutney-salsa-recipe 🍷 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 📖 Explore Big Blend's "Wine & Bites" Digital Podcast & Recipe Magazine featuring Peggy Fiandaca of LDV Winery, with wine pairing guides, recipes, entertaining tips, and more: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/
Small Ship Cruising the Mediterranean
31:40|In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz shares highlights from her unforgettable small ship cruise through Greece and Italy aboard Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Sailing the "A Piece of Greece, A Slice of Italy" itinerary, Sharon explains why small ship cruising offers a more relaxed, immersive, and personalized way to experience the Mediterranean.From docking steps away from charming ports and exploring picturesque villages at your own pace to savoring local cuisine, breathtaking coastal scenery, and attentive onboard service, Sharon discusses what sets boutique-style cruising apart from larger cruise ships. She also shares why traveling during the shoulder season offers fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and excellent value.Whether you're dreaming of your first Mediterranean cruise or looking for a slower, more intimate way to travel, this episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring experiences.📝 Read Sharon's "Small Ship Cruising the Mediterranean" article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/small-ship-cruising-the-mediterranean ⛵ Learn more about Windstar Cruises: https://www.windstarcruises.com/ 📖 Check out the 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
HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm
28:18|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/
Protecting Indigenous Cultures, Wildlife & Global Heritage
01:12:36|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/
21 -Day Relationship Reset
26:35|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/
Celebrating American Artists & Their Musical Legacy
25:34|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.
Late Summer Foodie Finds with Melissa's Produce
48:53|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
The Wreck of the Mentor
37:52|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
Author Laurel Corona on Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel
39:43|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