Big Blend Radio

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia" Podcast, Executive Director Lance Laber shares the story behind the new "Ted DeGrazia's Painted Ponies" exhibit at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona.Featuring paintings, watercolors, sculptures, carousel horses, and merry-go-round imagery, this colorful new exhibition celebrates Ted DeGrazia's lifelong fascination with horses, childhood, imagination, and joy. Lance discusses how DeGrazia captured emotion through his art, his love of children, and why these cheerful works reveal another side of one of the world's most reproduced artists.The conversation also revisits the remarkable story behind DeGrazia's 1975 tax protest, when he burned over a million dollars' worth of his own paintings in Arizona's Superstition Mountains, celebrates his Flag Day birth anniversary, and explores the gallery's current rotating exhibits, including "Ted DeGrazia's Unseen Landscapes" and "DeGrazia Paints the Seri Indians."Known as one of the most reproduced artists in the world, Ted DeGrazia captured the spirit of the Southwest through bold, expressive paintings that reflected the region's people, cultures, landscapes, and traditions. Today, his legacy continues through the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a National Historic Landmark nestled in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains.Current Rotating Exhibits• Ted DeGrazia's Painted Ponies – On display through January 27, 2027, featuring cheerful paintings, sculptures, carousel horses, and merry-go-round imagery celebrating childhood wonder.• Ted DeGrazia's Unseen Landscapes – Rare watercolors, oils, and ink drawings hidden from public view for decades. On display through September 2, 2026.• DeGrazia Paints the Seri Indians – A fascinating look at DeGrazia's documentation of the Comcaac (Seri) people of Sonora, Mexico. On display through September 2, 2026.DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark featuring over 15,000 original works of art, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and more. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday. Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com 

In Part Two of this special Big Blend Radio “Music Success Insider” spotlight conversation, Joey Stuckey dives deeper into creativity, storytelling, media evolution, and the personal passions that shape his artistic life.From unconventional performance venues and community engagement to songwriting, curiosity, and the changing digital media landscape, Joey reflects on the experiences and inspirations that continue to fuel his career. He also shares thoughts on perception, authenticity, creative freedom, and why understanding yourself is key to lasting success in music and media.This candid and wide-ranging conversation reveals the heart behind Joey’s work as a musician, educator, producer, and storyteller.🎧Listen to Part 1, here: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/joey-stuckey 🎸 Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, educator, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio in Macon, Georgia. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 🌐 Explore Big Blend Media House & Subscribe to the Front Porch News: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years — and today we're diving into why this magnificent medieval embroidery is so much more than a war story. It's a record of cultures colliding, merging, and ultimately transforming a nation.Historian and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows joins Lisa on Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast to unravel the remarkable story behind the tapestry — from the Norman invasion of 1066 and the fate of poor King Harold, to what the tapestry reveals about everyday life: boats, horses, armor, farming, and even a few naughty bits in the border.Glynn and Lisa also explore how the Norman Conquest layered onto the Romans, the Vikings, and the Anglo-Saxons to create the England we know today — and how that same thread of cultures mixing, clashing, and merging runs through American history too.🗓️ Don't miss it in person: The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 through July 2027 — the first time it has been in the UK since it was made. Tickets are limited, so book early!RESOURCE LINKS📖 Read Glynn's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-bayeux-tapestry 📖 Related Reading: Touring Battlefields of Britain (including the Battle of Hastings): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain 🌐 Visit English Connection to listen to more episodes and to read Glynn's magazine: https://EnglishConnection.uk 

Music has long been a powerful way to reflect the world around us, spark conversation, and inspire change. In this episode of Big Blend Radio, singer-songwriter Ken Newman discusses his thought-provoking new single, "Who Are the Bad Guys?", exploring how music can challenge perspectives while encouraging empathy and meaningful dialogue.Originally from San Francisco and now spending much of the year in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ken shares how his surroundings, life experiences, and passion for storytelling shape his songwriting. The conversation also explores creativity, authenticity, activism, community, environmental awareness, and the enduring power of small acts of kindness to make a difference.Inspired by legendary artists like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie, Ken creates music that lives at the intersection of poetry, social commentary, and emotional honesty.Learn more about Ken Newman, listen to his music, and follow his latest projects: https://www.kennewmanmusic.com/ Album art is by Misisipi Mike Wolf. Musician image is by Karen Cooper.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast, author Samuel Garza Bernstein discusses his acclaimed new book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life," offering an intimate look at one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile performers.Best known for his roles in "How Green Was My Valley," "Lassie Come Home," "Planet of the Apes," and countless film, television, and stage productions, Roddy McDowall enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned six decades. Beyond the fame, however, was a complex, creative, and deeply compassionate individual whose story continues to inspire audiences today.Drawing from Roddy McDowall's extensive archives at Boston University, Garza Bernstein shares insights into the actor's early years as a child star, the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, his vivid imagination and creative pursuits, his lifelong friendships with Hollywood legends, and his passion for preserving film history. The conversation also explores how archives reveal the person behind the public image, the ethics of AI in publishing, and McDowall's experience navigating Hollywood as a gay man during a time when authenticity often came at great personal and professional risk.Published in time for Pride Month, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life" celebrates the enduring legacy of an extraordinary artist whose kindness, talent, resilience, and humanity left an indelible mark on generations of performers and movie lovers alike.Learn more about Samuel Garza Bernstein and his work: https://samuelgarzabernstein.com/ Whether you're fascinated by classic Hollywood, film history, LGBTQ+ history, biographies, or the people behind the legends, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 

Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference.Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism.Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region.The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences.Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County! Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas:https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/ The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the show at:https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Can independent contractors legally earn commissions in California? The answer is more complicated than you might think.In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the intersection of California commission laws and independent contractor classification under AB5. The discussion examines who can legally receive commissions, the distinctions between employees and independent contractors, and why written commission agreements are essential for protecting both workers and businesses.Ward explains how California law treats commission-based compensation, the legal protections available to commissioned employees, and why certain professions—including attorneys, brokers, and some exempt workers—may operate differently under the law. The conversation also covers outside salespersons, expense reimbursement, multi-state employment considerations, and how AB5 continues to shape California's workforce.Whether you're an employer, salesperson, business owner, or independent contractor, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating California's evolving employment landscape.📖 Read Ward's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/independent-contractors-commission 🌐 Learn more about Ward Heinrichs: https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 🔗 Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 📘 Explore the California Employment Law Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-magazine 🎧 Listen to more California Employment Law Podcast episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-with-ward-heinrichs 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the captivating city of Córdoba, Spain, where centuries of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences have created one of Europe's most fascinating cultural landscapes.A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba invites visitors to wander its winding historic streets, discover architectural masterpieces, and uncover stories that span more than two thousand years. Debbie shares highlights from her journey, including the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Catedral, one of the world's most remarkable examples of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the historic Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress that played a significant role in Spanish history.The conversation also delves into Córdoba's celebrated traditions, from colorful festivals and lively plazas to the elegance of the famed Andalusian horses, whose performances reflect the region's enduring cultural heritage.Whether you're drawn to history, architecture, or immersive cultural experiences, this episode reveals why Córdoba remains one of Spain's most extraordinary destinations.📖 Read Debbie's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/cordoba-spain 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author Pam Webber discusses her new novel, "Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love," the first book in a new World War II series inspired by the little-known "Miracle of Massawa" in Eritrea, North Africa.Set in 1942 during the height of World War II, the novel follows fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas as she embarks on her first mission to investigate the theft of military payroll funds and uncover a dangerous conspiracy threatening Allied operations in the Red Sea region. Along the way, readers encounter espionage, deception, romance, wartime intrigue, and the remarkable story of the women who served as spies during WWII.In this fascinating conversation, Pam shares the real history behind the novel, including the role of the OSS—the precursor to the CIA—how women were recruited into intelligence work, the influence of MI6 on American spy training, and the strategic importance of North Africa in the Allied war effort. She also discusses her extensive research, from declassified documents to personal letters, and how she created her courageous protagonist, Kit Thomas.Learn more about Pam Webber and her books at https://www.pamwebber.com Visit Big Blend's new home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/