Share

Big Blend Radio
Photographer Steve Piacente Visits Saudi Arabia
Join us on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s VACATION STATION Travel Show as we chat with photographer Steve Piacente about his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. From the vast desert landscapes to the vibrant streets of Riyadh, Steve shares his experiences capturing the essence of the region through his lens, and the meaningful connections he made with the local people.
Hear about the unique challenges and rewards of photographing in the desert, the warmth of the Saudi people, and how travel can deepen personal perspective and storytelling. Steve's passion for visual storytelling shines as he talks about capturing the soul of a place through his camera.
Along with being a photographer, Steve Piacente is the owner of Next Phase Life Coaching. He is an author, former journalist, and Director of Training at The Communication Center in Washington, D.C. His novels include, “Bella,” “Pretender,” and “Bootlicker.” His latest non-fiction book is “Your New Fighting Stance: Good Enough Isn’t, and You Know It.”
📸 View and purchase Steve's photography at https://www.piacentephotos.com/
📘 Learn more about his coaching services at https://www.stevepiacente.com/
📚 Steve’s books are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-Piacente/author/B004LJX2C4?
🔔 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio for more inspiring travel interviews, cultural insights, and life-changing stories! Visit: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/
More episodes
View all episodes
A Toast to Motherhood
01:34:45|In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio, we raise a year-round toast to the incredible women who shape our lives — celebrating motherhood in all its forms. From powerful personal stories to fascinating insights into the animal kingdom and human history, this special show goes far beyond a single day of recognition.Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter duo behind Big Blend Radio, kick off the show with heartfelt reflections from their adventures as pet sitters while they travel full-time, offering a unique look at maternal instincts in the animal world.Featured Guests:- Christy Wood – World champion horse trainer, author, and judge, Christy talks about how her mother supported her on her equestrian career journey. More at: https://wdnhorse.com/ - Aryn Youngless – Genealogist and author, Aryn explores the historical role of mothers through the lens of family ancestry, and the story of great grandmother. More at https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ - Terri Guthrie – Travel writer and world traveler, Terri talks about how her husband Ron’s mother nudged him to get a higher education and become a fighter pilot. More at https://travelwithterri.net/ - Heidi Sander – Travel journalist and award-winning poet, Heidi reflects on her relationship with her mother and reads two poems from her book, “To Mom, With Love.” More at https://heidisander.com/ More Resources:- “My Mom. Her Story: A Legacy Journal” by Aryn Youngless: https://a.co/d/7JUj1aR - “To Mom, With Love: Poetry Collection” by Heidi Sander: https://tinyurl.com/2s4665y7 - Big Blend Radio with Ron Guthrie, Terri’s husband, about becoming a top gun fighter pilot: https://youtu.be/J1dUp1WgES8?feature=shared Whether you're looking for a caring tribute, educational insight, or uplifting storytelling, this episode honors mothers and mother figures with heart, humor, and depth — perfect for Mother's Day or any day you want to celebrate the women who make the world go round.Listen now and be inspired by the universal spirit of motherhood.What is Your Horse Saying?
38:39|From a whinny to a nicker, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC’s of Horses” equestrian podcast with Christy Wood explores "horse noises," the fascinating world of horse vocalizations and what they mean.Learn how to interpret different horse sounds, including variations in intensity and frequency. Is your horse expressing comfort, excitement, anxiety, or even attraction? Whether it's a call for food, a signal of distress, or playful flirting, understanding your horse’s sounds is key to building stronger communication and connection.Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, award-winning extreme trail competitor, and a carded judge for seven breed associations. She’s also an author, riding instructor, and the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy and her equine services at https://wdnhorse.com.🎧 Tune in to new episodes of Big Blend Radio's “ABC’s of Horses” Podcast with Christy Wood every 2nd Saturday.📌 Listen to more episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.comExplore the Nocturnal World with Charles Hood
39:29|Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with this captivating episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" Show, featuring naturalist and author Charles Hood, who discusses his new book “Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark” (Timber Press).From glowing oceans to jungle predators and migrating birds under the stars, Hood explores the wonders of nocturnal wildlife through vivid storytelling and over 240 stunning photographs. With humor and ecological insight, he invites readers and listeners to see the night in a whole new light.With a lifetime of travel to 80 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Charles has seen 6,000 bird species, survived a bubonic plague scare, and written 20 books. His passion for the natural world shines in this lively and insightful conversation.🎧 This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection and Big Daily Blend channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 🌐 About Charles: https://hypersphere-orange-y8n3.squarespace.com/Southern Delaware Delights: Beaches, Wine & Culinary Treasures
34:49|Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Mary Farah takes us on a journey through Southern Delaware, uncovering the region’s hidden gems and unexpected West Coast vibes.From a luxurious stay at Avenue Inn and Spa to a wine tasting at Nassau Valley Vineyards, Mary shares her experience exploring Delaware’s “Culinary Coast.” Highlights include dining at One Coastal, enjoying a classic “drive on” beach lunch with Chef Hari Cameron, sweet indulgence at Dessert in Delaware, and visiting top attractions like the Delaware Botanic Gardens, Story Hill Farm, Funland, and the iconic Jolly Trolley.📖 Read the full travel feature: "A Summer Getaway to Southern Delaware" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-summer-getaway-to-southern-delaware/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio “Vacation Station,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Discover more travel, food, and lifestyle content on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkExploring London: Must-See Spots and Travel Tips
42:17|Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Quiltripping Travel with Rose podcast! Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her favorite experiences and travel tips for visiting London, England—from watching performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and enjoying afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, to strolling the Thames River, exploring Kew Gardens, and taking day trips to Stonehenge. Get inspired to plan your next UK getaway!📖 Read her article “Seven Reasons Why I Love Visiting London”: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/seven-reasons-why-i-love-visiting-london/ 🌐 Explore more at: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Vacation Station channels. Check it out: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkItalian Favorites with Wine
46:20|Mangia and salute! This delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast is all about Italian food and wine. Host Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, shares expert tips on pairing wine with Italian dishes, gives an update on the Arizona vineyard with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, and explores her Wine Term of the Month: “clones.”👉 Plus, don’t miss Peggy’s Quick & Fresh Marinara Recipe – a must-try for any home cook who loves authentic Italian flavors: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-quick-and-fresh-marinara-recipe/ Learn more about LDV Winery at https://ldvwinery.com and sip along with the show every first Wednesday at 4pm Arizona Time.🎧 Follow the “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry. Discover more great podcasts at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkGalveston: Where History, Hurricanes & Hauntings Meet the Sea
22:19|Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon," where award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes you on a journey through Galveston, Texas—a vibrant coastal city shaped by its rich history, powerful storms, ghostly legends, and Gulf Coast charm.From walking The Strand and sailing the historic Elissa, to honoring the roots of Juneteenth, visiting haunted hotels, and indulging in local seafood, Sharon shares insider tips and captivating stories from her return trip to this fascinating destination—one of the busiest cruise ports in the U.S.📍 Plan your Galveston getaway: https://www.visitgalveston.com 📝 Read Sharon’s article on Galveston: https://shebuystravel.com/things-to-do-in-galveston/ 🎙️ Sharon has explored over 50 countries across six continents, and brings each destination to life through her compelling storytelling and photography. Discover more of her work at https://sharonkkurtz.com. 📅 New episodes of Wander the World with Sharon air the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s channels including Big Daily Blend, Way Back When, and Vacation Station: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkFlat Rock Playhouse in Western North Carolina
35:57|Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with Flat Rock Playhouse on Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast.In this special episode, we spotlight the history and future of Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina. Located just minutes frm Hendersonville and just 30 miles south of Asheville, the area is also home to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, plus boutique shops, art galleries, breweries, and local eateries.Our featured guests Lisa Bryant and Christy Souther share the inspiring story and scenic setting of the Playhouse, its beloved summer camps and youth education programs, and an exciting lineup of 2025 shows, including:- Cats- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical- The Play That Goes Wrong- Murder on the Orient Express- Autumn at The Opry- Yellow Brick Joel: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John- John Lloyd Young: Broadway’s Jersey Boy- A Flat Rock Playhouse ChristmasPlan your visit and learn more at https://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/ As always, this episode features Steve & Karen Wilson, aka “Mr & Mrs Wild,” innkeepers of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored pink Victorian in Asheville’s Montford Historic District. Discover their spring and summer getaway specials at https://www.lion-rose.com/ 🎙️ Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville airs every first Tuesday on the Big Blend Radio Network. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 🎧 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s other podcast channels including "A Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend." Explore our full podcast network at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkAuthor Karen F. Uhlmann - Intersections Novel
46:48|In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show, we’re joined by award-winning writer Karen F. Uhlmann who discusses her powerful debut novel, "Intersections," releasing May 6, 2025, through She Writes Press. Based on a true story, "Intersections" explores themes of guilt, grief, and moral dilemma through the lives of two strangers connected by a tragic hit-and-run accident.When suspended police officer Ed Kelly and fashion influencer Charlotte Oakes witness the same fatal crash that kills a young child, their lives begin to intertwine at the scene of the crime. As Ed searches for the truth, Charlotte harbors a chilling secret: she suspects her own daughter may be the driver responsible. The novel builds toward a riveting decision—will Charlotte protect her child, or do what’s right?Karen shares the inspiration behind "Intersections," her writing journey, and how real-life events helped shape the emotional depth of this suspenseful, character-driven literary fiction.Karen holds an MFA in fiction from Bennington and has earned prestigious accolades including the 2016 Rick Bass/Montana Prize for Fiction and the 2012 Northern Colorado Writers Award. Her work has appeared in respected literary journals such as Southern Indiana Review, Story, Whitefish Review, and The Common. She was recently shortlisted for the 2024 Lascaux Fiction Prize.Learn more about Karen F. Uhlmann and her work: https://www.karenuhlmann.com 🎧 Listen & subscribe to the podcast: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com