Big Blend Radio

Happy New Year 2026! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio, we are officially celebrating 19 years of podcasting! To kick off the year with focus and inspiration, we are exploring the "Theme Word" concept. Instead of resolutions, a Theme Word acts as your North Star—guiding your mindset and decisions all year long.Join us as nine of our regular Big Blend experts share the words they’ve chosen to lead them through 2026, covering everything from resilience and hope to community and gratitude.FEATURED GUESTS & WEBSITES:* Steve Piacente – Author, Photographer, Life Coach, and Communication Specialist. Visit: https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and https://www.piacentephotos.com/ * Lea Brovedani – “The Trust Architect” is a Leadership Expert, Author, and Speaker. Visit: https://leabrovedani.com/ and https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/ * Shelley Whizin – “The Live & Die Happy Coach” is an Author and Transformational Life Coach. Visit: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ * Terri Guthrie – Travel Writer and World Explorer & Host of the Travel with Terri Podcast. Visit: https://travelwithterri.net/ * Clifford Garstang – Award-winning Author, Writer, and Editor. Visit: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ * Kathleen Walls – Travel Writer and Author. Visit: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/ * Judy Karnia – Travel Writer and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Visit: https://travelingnature.com (Read her theme word article here: https://travelingnature.com/top-tips-for-meeting-people-while-traveling-solo/ ) * Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning Singer-Songwriter. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Glynn Burrows – Family History Expert and owner of Norfolk Tours UK. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 🎶 MUSIC FOR A FRESH START: Need the perfect soundtrack for your new year? Listen to our "Music for a Fresh Start" conversation with musical artists Joey Stuckey, Johnny Schaefer, and Anna Karney, and check out their curated music playlist on Spotify: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/music-for-a-fresh-start 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, the conversation continues on the new and evolving California employment laws for 2026. This episode takes a deeper dive into Prop 22 and gig worker classification, new wage posting requirements, tip pooling rules, wage judgments, repayment clauses in employment contracts, and additional compliance issues employers need to understand to avoid penalties. As California’s labor laws grow increasingly complex, this episode offers critical guidance for both employers and employees navigating the year ahead.LINKS & RESOURCES- Read Ward's Article & Listen to Part One: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/new-california-employment-laws-2026  - Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ - Visit Ward's site: https://www.employment-law-office-of-ward-heinrichs-apc.com/ - Listen to more episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" & "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Cruise travel continues to evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year at sea and along the world’s rivers. This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station Travel and Leisure Show explores cruising ideas for 2026, from river cruising to culinary adventures, educational experiences, and new ways to travel solo.Featuring insights from travel writers, cruise travelers, speakers, and a travel advisor, the conversation covers gastronomy-themed cruises in Europe, immersive river cruises in Asia and the U.S., Norwegian fjord voyages, family-friendly Disney cruises, and the laid-back fun of Margaritaville at Sea. The episode also highlights the growing role of educational programming on cruise ships and why working with a travel advisor can save time, money, and stress when planning a cruise.👥 FEATURED GUESTS• Travel writer Sharon Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ • Cruise ship speaker Lea Brovedani: https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/ • Travel writer Rose Palmer: https://quiltripping.com/ • Travel writer Barbara Redding: https://barbararedding.com/ • Travel writer & advisor Lisa Evans: https://writerlisa.com/ • Cruise travelers Steve & Christy Wood: https://wdnhorse.com/ • Travel writer & speaker David Kriso: https://dektraveljournal.com/ 🔗 ARTICLES & RESOURCES• Solo River Cruise in Bavaria: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-solo-travelers-river-cruise-through-storybook-bavaria/ • Caribbean Cruise in 2026: https://writerlisa.com/2025/12/05/set-sail-in-2026-the-stars-badges-blue-skies-cruise-aboard-star-princess/ • Pandaw River Cruises in Southeast Asia: https://quiltripping.com/the-boats-are-back-in-town-the-triumphant-return-of-pandaw-river-cruises/#more-21257 • Norway Fjord Cruise: https://barbararedding.com/going-deep-on-a-norway-fjord-cruise-with-havila-voyages/ • Cruising 2026: https://dektraveljournal.com/new-year-2026-broadening-horizons-and-pushing-the-envelope/ 🎧 SUPPORT EDUCATION IN AFRICA & MEXICO:Visit https://TheGlobalHenry.org to support the Steppes of Henry Foundation. By purchasing the books of late world traveler and author Henry Biernacki, you help fund tuition, school uniforms, and shoes for girls in need in Africa and Mexico. 100% of proceeds go directly to the children.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), Joey is joined by award-winning California-based singer-songwriters Johnny Schaefer and Anna Karney for a meaningful conversation centered on Music for a Fresh Start as we welcome the New Year 2026.Together, they explore how music supports healing, gratitude, and emotional release, while fostering community connection and global unity. The discussion delves into the intersection of sacred and secular music, the power of live performance, and how music can even serve as a form of pain management. Through personal stories and shared reflections, this episode highlights authenticity, hope, and the role music plays in helping us move forward with intention and positivity.🎧 Spotify Playlist – Music for a Fresh Start (featuring songs discussed in this episode):https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yhrM7NTyIVZuOSPxuQOtM?si=d77818cbba524f5c 🎶 Learn more about the artists:* Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ * Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Anna Karney: https://karney.org/ 🎙️ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts, Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

From street food to fine wine, this lively group conversation explores the rich, diverse, and often misunderstood world of African cuisine through the eyes (and appetites) of seasoned travelers, writers, and food experts. Our guests share personal travel stories, cultural insights, and memorable meals from across the African continent — from communal barbecue traditions and local produce to food safety tips, traditional breakfasts, and iconic flavors like Amarula and South African wines.The discussion highlights how history, colonial influence, geography, and local ingredients shape regional foodways, while emphasizing why the term “African food” barely scratches the surface. With stories ranging from home-cooked meals to adventurous street food encounters, this episode is a flavorful reminder that understanding a destination often begins at the table.👥 GUESTS – GROUP DISCUSSION• Jeffrey Spear – Food Writer & Authorhttps://spearwrites.com/ • Elsa Dixon (Van der Byl) – Travel Writer & Authorhttps://travelswithelsa.com/ • Judy Karnia – Travel Writer & Forest Bathing Guidehttps://travelingnature.com/ 🎧GUESTS - SOLO SEGMENTS• Barbara Redding – Travel Writer & Photographerhttps://barbararedding.com/ • Robert Schueller – Melissa’s Producehttps://www.melissas.com/ • Linda Ballou – Travel Writer & Authorhttp://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ • James Michael Dorsey – Naturalist & Authorhttps://www.jamesmichaeldorsey.com/ • Debbie Stone – Travel Writer & Photographerhttps://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1 SUPPORT EDUCATION IN AFRICA: Visit https://TheGlobalHenry.org to support the Steppes of Henry Foundation. By purchasing the books of late world traveler and author Henry Biernacki, you help fund tuition, school uniforms, and shoes for girls in need in Africa and Mexico. 100% of proceeds go directly to the children. 

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, we explore the joy of birding in the Great Lakes region with expert birder, educator, and author Dexter Patterson, host of the Bird Joy podcast and co-founder of Wisconsin’s BIPOC Birding Club.Dexter shares insights from his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes: Best Little Book of Birds, an accessible and beautifully designed guide to more than 100 commonly occurring bird species found throughout this diverse and vital region. From winter birding surprises and seasonal migration cycles to bird behavior, habitat diversity, and responsible birding practices, this conversation highlights how birdwatching fosters deeper connections with nature while supporting conservation and inclusivity.Listeners will also learn about family-friendly birding, creating bird-friendly environments with native plants, and top birding destinations like Horicon Marsh and the Milwaukee lakefront. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this episode celebrates the idea that birding truly is for everyone.🔗 More about Dexter: https://www.wiscobirder.com/ 🔗 Follow Dexter’s Bird Joy Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebirdjoypod/ 🔗 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast: https://nature-connection.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Global Adventures" Podcast with travel writer Debbie Stone explores Catania, Sicily, a city defined by resilience, tradition, and a fascinating blend of beauty and grit.Set in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania’s story is shaped by volcanic eruptions, deep-rooted faith, and a strong sense of community. Debbie explores the cultural importance of Saint Agatha, the folklore surrounding the Elephant Fountain, and the city’s vibrant street food and market scene, including the must-try Pasta alla Norma. From underground ruins to UNESCO-recognized architecture, this episode reveals why Catania is one of Sicily’s most compelling destinations.📖 Read Debbie’s story on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/captivating-catania 📖 Check out the story and more in her new Global Adventures Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio, acclaimed author David Baron discusses his award-winning book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America."Long before Martians became the stuff of science fiction, many Americans believed they might actually exist. David explores how late 19th- and early 20th-century scientists, astronomers, and the media became captivated by Mars—projecting utopian ideals, hope, and solutions to earthly problems onto the Red Planet during a period of rapid scientific advancement.The conversation examines the quest to communicate with Martians, the evolving nature of scientific evidence, and the essential role imagination plays in discovery. From historic beliefs to current discoveries and future possibilities, this episode reveals how our fascination with Mars reflects something deeply human: the desire to explore, connect, and believe.David Baron’s book The Martians has been widely recognized as a New Yorker Best Book of the Year, a TIME Must-Read Book of 2025, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a Chicago Public Library Favorite Book of 2025.🔗 Learn more about David Baron and his work: https://davidbaronauthor.com/ 🔗 Explore the Big Blend Radio Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

What does it take to stand strong in the face of life's storms? In the grand finale of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts," we explore stories of unbreakable spirits and the relentless pursuit of truth.From the soulful perspective of a legendary horse to the high stakes of royal protection and the dark realities of the drug culture, this episode features four authors who have turned life’s challenges into compelling fiction. We sit down with Christy Wood to hear the life story of the big-hearted horse Ranger; Paula Winskye on her journey from horse stories to royal mysteries; Anne Louise Bannon on exploring trauma and relationships in "Tyger, Tyger;" and Kathleen Walls on the powerful personal inspirations behind "Last Step." Join us as we celebrate the unique voices that define this final chapter of our series.FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Christy Wood – "Ranger: The Little Horse with the Big Heart" https://wdnhorse.com/ * Paula Winskye – "Royal Entanglements" http://www.winskyebooks.com/ * Anne Louise Bannon – "Tyger, Tyger" https://annelouisebannon.com/ * Kathleen Walls – "Last Step" https://katywalls.com/ CATCH UP ON THE SERIES:* Part 1: The Leading Ladies - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies * Part 2: Secrets & Journeys - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/secrets-and-journeys * Part 3: Roots & Revolutions - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/roots-and-revolutions SUPPORT EDUCATION & LITERACY: Visit https://theglobalhenry.org/ to support The Steppes of Henry Foundation. By purchasing the books of the late world traveler and author Henry Biernacki, you fund tuition and essentials for girls in Africa and Mexico. 100% of your purchase goes directly to the children. Give the gift of a book and fund a lifetime of education.