Big Blend Radio

Every literary journey begins with a single spark. Welcome to the premiere episode of our special "Four Voices: One Debut" spotlight on the Feast of Words series. Airing on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, this episode celebrates "The Leading Ladies"—four authors who share the stories and inspirations behind their debut novels.Whether these novels mark the start of a multi-book career or stand as a singular, powerful creative achievement, we are peeling back the layers on the stories that first defined these authors' voices. From the historical Chautauqua circuits and ancient Hawaiian royalty to the high-stakes friendships of the 1980s and botanical garden mysteries, we explore the themes of female strength, self-discovery, and the creative courage it takes to publish Novel Number One.Join us for an hour of intimate conversation, craft secrets, and live readings that celebrate the power of the female protagonist.FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Melora Fern – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens https://www.melorafern.com/ * Robin Merle – A Dangerous Friendship https://theprofessionalguide.com/a-dangerous-friendship-a-novel/ * Linda Ballou – Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ * Marty Eberhardt – Death in a Desert Garden https://martyeberhardt.com/ LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES OF THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways.🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy  🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Toast to The Arts,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/ 🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show offers a fresh conversation with Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce, who discusses their most spectacular gift baskets and gourmet boxes, from the unique, low-acidity Pink Glow Pineapple Rosé Basket to the healthy, convenient Baby Veggie Basket. We explore the massive variety Melissa's offers (over 1,500 products!) and why their commitment to quality makes their offerings the perfect, thoughtful gift for any occasion, personal or corporate. Plus, get the inside scoop on how a gift basket can bring a taste of the tropics to the middle of winter! Their gift packages are available on their website, and their fresh produce is widely available in grocery stores. Learn more about Melissa's Gift Baskets discussed on the show: https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendfooddrink/p/the-worlds-freshest-gifts  Shop Melissa's: https://www.melissas.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Alex Woodard—singer-songwriter, author, and storyteller—who discusses his powerful new novel, "Ordinary Soil" (Greenleaf, Aug. 12, 2025).According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other profession, a sobering reality that underscores the hidden cost of modern agriculture. "Ordinary Soil" steps directly into this cultural reckoning, blending science, ancestral trauma, environmental urgency, and hope into a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story.When a young farmer—burdened by a mysterious family legacy and mounting despair—attempts to take his life beneath a rotting burial elm, he sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried truths about farming, chemical dependency, and the intergenerational wounds carried in the land itself. At the heart of the novel is a startling idea: healing our bodies, minds, and communities may begin in the soil beneath our feet.In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his transition from music to fiction, the real-life inspiration behind the novel, and how a chance encounter during a surf trip at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the story. He discusses Oklahoma’s agricultural history, the lingering legacy of the Dust Bowl, and why storytelling is essential for addressing complex topics like mental health, environmental responsibility, and consumer choice. Known for his artistic sensitivity, Woodard weaves peer-reviewed science into narrative fiction, creating a novel that serves as both a wake-up call and a balm—one that dares to offer hope in a time of crisis."Ordinary Soil" is also available as an audiobook narrated by the legendary Scott Brick, bringing added depth to this resonant and timely story. Learn more about Alex and "Ordinary Soil" at https://www.alexwoodard.com/Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/  This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,” "Quality of Life," and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie are joined by Steven Fryatt at the luxurious Fairmont Dallas Hotel, an iconic property perfectly positioned in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.They share highlights from their stay at the Fairmont Dallas, known for its sophisticated style, spacious rooms, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers. From the hotel’s inviting public spaces and standout dining options to its rooftop pool offering a relaxing urban retreat, the Fairmont provides an elegant yet welcoming home base for exploring downtown Dallas.The conversation also explores the surrounding Dallas Arts District—home to world-class museums, performance venues, and parks—along with why Dallas makes a fantastic destination for romantic getaways, family travel, and culture lovers. Looking ahead, they touch on Dallas’ role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city, adding to the city’s global appeal. Together, the episode paints a complete picture of Dallas as a destination where luxury lodging, arts, and vibrant city energy come together seamlessly.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES* Fairmont Dallas Hotel: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/dallas/fairmont-dallas.html * Dallas Arts District: https://www.dallasartsdistrict.org/ * Visit Dallas: https://www.visitdallas.com/ * Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ * New episodes air every Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, hosts and travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough take us on a journey through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exploring charming waterfront towns, historic inns, wildlife refuges, and vibrant local culture along the Chesapeake Bay.Their travels begin on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows, before moving through Kent County with stops in Chestertown and Rock Hall, where fresh seafood, waterfront views, and the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge highlight the region’s strong connection to nature and conservation. Continuing through Wicomico County, they explore Salisbury’s parks, zoo, historic homes, breweries, and centuries-old landmarks like Pemberton Hall.The journey wraps up with memorable experiences on Tilghman Island, Oxford, Easton, and St. Michaels, featuring ferry rides, maritime history, art museums, Civil War stories, coastal cuisine, ghost tours, and a deep sense of community that defines the Eastern Shore. Along the way, they reflect on slow travel, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions.🌐 Follow Ryan & Joelle's adventures: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 🎧 New episodes air every second Monday on Big Blend Radio. Listen to more episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 🎧 This episode is also featured on the Vacation Station and Parks & Travel podcast channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, Live & Die Happy Coach, explores the power of presence, listening, and nourishment during the holiday season. Shelley discusses how truly being present in conversations, offering genuine empathy, and sharing the nourishment of food—both physically and emotionally—can illuminate the lives of those around us. She reflects on finding joy even in dark times and emphasizes how small moments of connection can bring light, unity, and understanding into our relationships.📘 Read Shelley’s article: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/the-gift-of-presence 📚 Get her book – “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory & Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley — new episodes drop the first Sunday of each month:https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels.Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork