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Shetal Shah - Author of Shakti Girls
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This episode of Big Blend Radio features Shetal Shah, a former educator and author of "Shakti Girls," a beautifully illustrated collection of poems showcasing the stories of 13 unforgettable, powerful Indian women that reflect the diversity of India and its diaspora. The book includes representations of over 10 different industries, such as women in science, politics, math, activism and sports.
Indian women have been breaking ceilings and ushering in powerful change for decades, and “Shakti Girls” takes the opportunity to celebrate that with girls and women of all ages. More at https://www.shetal-shah.com/
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Gardens, Flowers, Poetry and Art
01:23:03|Celebrate Spring, National Garden Month and Poetry Month with Part 2 of Big Blend Radio's Spring Garden Party 2025. FEATURED GUESTS- EVA ELDRIDGE is a travel writer, editor, publishing expert and avid gardener. Hear about some of her favorite local plants and botanical gardens in Tucson, Arizona. Visit: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DEBBIE STONE is a travel writer and photographer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico who talks about Origami in the Garden that features beautiful sculptures by artist Kevin Box. Read her story about it, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/origami-in-the-garden-is-a-feast-for-the-senses/ - HEIDI SANDER is a travel writer, author and award-winning poet who talks about how Stratford, Ontario is a destination for North American theatre and garden lovers. Her Stratford Gems book series is a poetic travel book that has highlighted some of the special gardens in Stratford through a unique artistic blend of photography and poetry. More: https://heidisander.com/ - JOHNNY SCHAEFER & KIMI YNIGUES - Kimi is a freelance floral designer based in Boise, Idaho who talks abour floral design, and the healing power of flowers. Johnny is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Pasadena, California who cohosts Big Blend Radio every 1st Sunday. More: https://hearjohnny.com/ MORE GARDEN PARTY FUN:- Listen to our “Sounds of Spring” Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4udexf - Listen to Part 1 of our Spring Garden Party, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spring-garden-party-2025/Planting Seeds of Hope
44:58|April brings with it a powerful trio of reminders: it’s Stress Awareness Month, the Month of Hope, and home to Good Deeds Day on April 6. What do these have in common? They each invite us to pause, breathe, and take action—however small—that nourishes our minds, hearts, and communities. When stress threatens to consume us, one of the most impactful things we can do is plant a seed—literally or metaphorically—and watch something beautiful grow.This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin focuses on Planting Seeds of Hope. Check out her article that shares five heartwarming, hope-filled actions you can take this April to reduce stress and plant the seeds of something better: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/planting-seeds-of-hope/ And, check out the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with Shelley and her coaching programs, courses, and workshops here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" channel and "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkSpring Garden Party 2025
01:18:11|Celebrate National Garden Month with this special Big Blend Radio SPRING GARDEN PARTY (Part 1) featuring guest co-host Johnny Schaefer and special guests: Barbara Redding, Terri Guthrie, Joelle Machia & Ryan Slough, Julie Suman, Rose Palmer, Michelle Fedosoff, and Amy Nesler. Part 2 of this Garden Party podcast features ”Gardens, Flowers, Art & Poetry” airs on Monday, April 7 at 11am PT / 2pm ET on BigBlendRadio.com.Listen to our “Sounds of Spring” Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4udexf FEATURED GUESTS:– JOHNNY SCHAEFER @hearjohnny – Southern California based award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host of Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” Podcast every 1st Sunday. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ – BARBARA REDDING – Freelance travel writer and photographer based in Austin, Texas. Visit: https://barbararedding.com/ – TERRI GUTHRIE – Travel journalist and photographer based in Dallas, Texas. Visit. https://travelwithterri.net/ – JOELLE MACHIA & RYAN SLOUGH – Travel writers, photographers, founders and publishers of https://www.wandererscompass.com/ – JULIE SUMAN – Travel writer and photographer based in Maryland. Visit: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/julie-dee-suman-travel-writer-and-photographer/ – MICHELLE FEDOSOFF – Travel writer and photographer based in British Columbia. See her bee garden story on her site: https://sitesandbites.org/published/f/finding-zen-in-the-middle-of-chaos – ROSE PALMER – Award-winning travel writer and photographer based in Pennsylvania. Visit: https://quiltripping.com/ – AMY NESLER – Stewardship & Communications Manager at San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau in Washington. Visit: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/A Foodie's Guide to Agritopia in Gilbert, Arizona
31:08|On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks about Agritopia, a culinary haven in Gilbert, Arizona, that invites food lovers to experience farm-to-table dining like never before. With its community gardens, artisanal eateries, and vibrant farmer’s market, this unique planned urban farming development blends agriculture with gastronomy, creating a feast for the senses. Read Linda's article about the unique housing, attractions, and amenities in Agritopia: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-foodies-guide-to-agritopia-in-gilbert-arizona/ Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel and "Garden Gossip" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkArtist Lakin Epaloose in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
58:50|Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Reservations required, 20-person limit. Details and reservations: https://home.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/03212025-nr-april-updates.htmLearn more and view Lakin’s art: https://www.lakinepalooseart.com/Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/Celebrate Spring Holidays and Traditions with The Peanut Patch
32:54|Get ready for Spring Celebrations like Easter weekend, Brunch Parties, and Mother's Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George. So many foodie ideas to make happen and treats to enjoy!Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, culinary gifts, and sweet treats including homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/ Check out Donna's recipes that include all kinds of delicious favorites from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads, and even pasta dishes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/Spring Adventures in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and Tulare County, California
56:43|From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California.Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include - Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Donnette Silva Carter - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, http://www.tularechamber.org/ Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/Arizona Wine and Food Trends 2025
58:45|The wine industry is experiencing a lot of change. From climate change and water issues to demographic spending shifts, wineries must navigate these changes to stay relevant and successful. This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast focuses on Wine & Food Trends in Arizona, as well as the growing wine and culinary scene in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale. ON THIS EPISODE:- PEGGY FIANDACA, along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, owns and operates LDV Winery. More: https://ldvwinery.com/ *** Plus, check out Peggy's Southwestern Pesto Shrimp Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/southwestern-pesto-shrimp/ - SUSIE TIMM - President & CEO of Knife & Fork Media Group. More: https://knifeandforkmedia.com/ - SHANNAN METCALF-PERCIBALLI - Editor and Publisher of Edible Phoenix. More: https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Success Express, and "Women Making History." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetworkSettling Into Austin: A Southwest Perspective
16:50|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