Share

Big Blend Radio
Settling Into Austin: A Southwest Perspective
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about moving to from Dallas to the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Sharon's discovered a whole different side of Austin beyond downtown—where legendary BBQ, scenic wineries, and live music venues create a uniquely Texan experience. Hear about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood, Austin City Live, the annual Bat Fest, and the iconic bluebonnet bloom in the spring.
Whether you're a longtime Austinite or just curious about what makes this city special, this episode will highlight both the well-known attractions and the hidden gems that make Austin such a great place to live.
Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/.
Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/
This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
More episodes
View all episodes
The Essential Role of Pony Horses
18:33|In this episode of Big Blend Radio's “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood shares the critical role of pony horses in training young horses and building rider-horse communication. You'll also hear insights on trail riding, including the famous Chief Joseph Trail Ride, plus safety tips and equipment preferences for ponying. Learn why a pony horse should be solid, confident, and turnkey, and how horses learn from one another.Christy also introduces us to Harley, America's most famous pony horse, and shares tips like using nylon halters, keeping horses fit year-round, and preparing them for natural obstacles.Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. More at: https://wdnhorse.com/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/A Taste of Reims: Fabulous Champagne Houses & Acclaimed Restaurants
32:49|In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Scott Kendall shares highlights from his journey through Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region. From visiting historic champagne houses and attending educational tastings to savoring an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Arbane Restaurant, Scott talks about the region’s rich history, its unique winemaking traditions, and the value of cultural connections while traveling.Scott Kendall is a Texas-based travel writer, photographer, and videographer. He’s the editor of PlayStayEat.com and has been published in EuropeUpClose, Epicurean Traveler, Food Wine Travel Magazine, and more. Visit his site: https://playstayeat.com- Read Scott’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/reims-fabulous-champagne-houses-and-dining-at-michelin-starred-arbane-restaurant/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org - Subscribe to the show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com - Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkThe Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience: What to Know Before You Go
50:05|Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!Seasoned travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares expert advice on planning an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure. Having taken four cruises and four road trips through Alaska, Rose highlights the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and vibrant local cultures. The conversation also shines a spotlight on Glacier Bay National Park, a stunning and protected treasure often visited on Alaskan cruise itineraries—making this episode a perfect tribute to the beauty and importance of our national parks.Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or just dreaming of the Last Frontier, this conversation is packed with practical planning tips and inspiring takeaways.🌐 Get Rose's Alaska Cruise Planning Tips: https://quiltripping.com/alaska-cruise-planning-tips/ 🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend Channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkWhat the World Needs Now: A Conversation with Clay Stauffer
37:01|This episode of Big Blend Radio features Clay Stauffer, author of "What the World Needs Now: Virtue and Character in an Age of Chaos." In this thought-provoking conversation, Clay discusses how we can better navigate today’s complex world by embracing emotional intelligence, spiritual connection, and character formation. He addresses key issues such as loneliness, political polarization, trauma, homelessness, and the breakdown of community—and emphasizes the healing power of forgiveness, compassion, and active engagement in society.Drawing from his work as a pastor, professor, and columnist, Clay offers a hopeful yet realistic roadmap for building stronger relationships and more unified communities in turbulent times.Key Takeaways:• Loneliness and polarization are two of today’s most urgent challenges• Emotional intelligence is key to meaningful dialogue and empathy• Spirituality and connection support emotional and personal growth• Trauma and fractured family ties often underlie homelessness• Forgiveness and healing are essential to restoring relationships• Community support is crucial during personal and collective tragedies• Disasters often bring out the best in human nature• Strong communities require ongoing, intentional connection• Character formation is a lifelong journey• Real societal change demands active participationClay Stauffer is the Senior Minister of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and teaches moral leadership at Vanderbilt University. He holds a Bachelor’s from Texas Christian University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of the South at Sewanee. His doctoral research focused on faith, politics, and cultural polarization. Clay is also a columnist for "The Tennessean" and an active community leader. Learn more at: https://claystauffer.com/Behind the Music: Trauma, Truths & Transformation with Rob Tonkin
47:22|This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward features Rob Tonkin, author of the powerful memoir A**hole: Wild Stories of Trauma, Truths & Transformation (releasing July 21, 2025). Known in the industry as “Rockin’ Rob,” Tonkin began his radio career at 14 and later produced the two-decade-long Honda Civic Tour, working with top artists like blink-182, The Black Eyed Peas, and One Direction. But behind the glitz of the music world lay a personal story of pain, survival, and transformation.In this candid conversation, Tonkin shares what it took to face his childhood trauma—including sexual assault and the impact of a broken home—and how he found healing through self-reflection, therapy, and writing. He discusses the pressure on men to mask vulnerability, the effects of generational trauma, and the importance of emotional health, support groups like ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), and self-care.🔗 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://www.robtonkin.com/ 📚 Learn more about Books Forward: https://www.booksforward.com/Heart Health on the Go: Travel Safety Tips and Summer Wellness
30:34|In this “From the Vault” episode of Big Blend Radio’s Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie, we celebrate Parks & Recreation Month and the Summer Travel Season with an essential conversation on heart health during travel and outdoor adventures. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany highlights the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms, the life-saving impact of CPR and AEDs in public spaces, and how to manage heart health at high altitudes.She also discusses the Mediterranean diet as a practical, heart-healthy lifestyle and offers critical advice for travelers, especially women, who may experience different heart attack symptoms than men. Whether you're hiking, flying, or exploring a new city, this episode is full of smart tips to help you stay heart-healthy on the go.📖 Read Dr. Jackie’s article “Heart Attack Safety Tips for Travelers” in Parks & Travel Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/dshq/#p=70 📘 Learn more about Dr. Jackie’s bestselling book “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to the show: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday – also featured on Big Blend’s Quality of Life, Big Daily Blend, Vacation Station, and Parks & Travel channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkCityPASS: Save Big and Travel Smart on Family Adventures
34:34|Celebrate National Family Reunion Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, featuring Meg Heinen of CityPASS. Discover how CityPASS helps families save big on top attractions across North America’s most iconic cities.Meg shares the evolution of CityPASS, the diversity of attractions to experience, and the benefits of using the CityPASS app for easy reservations and ticket management. Perfect for families and group travel, CityPASS offers convenience, flexibility, and serious savings!🗺️ Featured destinations include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California (includes LA), Tampa Bay, and Toronto. From historic sites and botanical gardens to thrilling amusement parks and museums, CityPASS caters to all ages—and even makes a great gift for students and frequent travelers.🎟️ Learn more: https://www.citypass.com 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.comThe Canadian Castle: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
25:48|On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us inside the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as the most photographed hotel in the world. Set within the historic charm of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this grand hotel is more than just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a living piece of Canadian history.Learn about its French Renaissance-inspired architecture, its fascinating role in World War II, and how it remains a hub of luxury with award-winning dining, exclusive Fairmont Gold services, and even rooftop honeybees producing local honey. The episode also covers daily historical tours, stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, and why this landmark is truly a destination in its own right.📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-canadian-castle-fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac/ 🛎️ Plan your visit: https://www.chateau-frontenac.com/en/ 🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkThe Digital Divide: Rebuilding Real Connection with Dr. Kathleen P. Allen
30:23|In an age where scrolling often replaces genuine conversation, is it time to rebuild real-life connection? On Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life show, we welcome Dr. Kathleen P. Allen, author of “Stuck in Our Screens: Setting Aside Social Drama and Restoring Human Connection.”Dr. Allen shares powerful, research-based insights on how social media and constant digital distractions are disrupting empathy, communication, and relationships for both teens and adults. She uniquely blends humor with serious reflection, exploring how adult online behavior can surprisingly mirror adolescent drama.In this episode, you'll learn:- The profound emotional impact of continuous screen time.- Why social media often amplifies social drama across all age groups.- Actionable steps to cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence.- Strategies to consciously reclaim meaningful, face-to-face connections.- How to achieve a healthy balance between your digital and real lives.Drawing from her background as a researcher, educator, and program evaluator, Dr. Allen provides practical ways to break free from toxic online dynamics and foster healthier human interactions.Tune in to gain valuable insights for navigating our digital world and strengthening your relationships!Find the book: “Stuck in Our Screens” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Our-Screens-Restoring-Connection-ebook/dp/B0F2J3TXJQ About the Author: Kathleen P. Allen, Ed.D., brings years of experience from her work with the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. She is a lifelong educator and "Stuck in Our Screens" is her debut book.