Big Blend Radio

Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure. Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island.From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway.They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe.For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures.- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia - And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child  - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

Celebrate American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast featuring writer Jo Clark who takes us into the wild and wonderful world of Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary in Harleyville, South Carolina—an extraordinary old-growth forest and swamp ecosystem filled with ancient trees, wildlife, birds, waterways, and fascinating history.Jo shares her experience exploring this remarkable sanctuary, which is home to 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees, more than 150 bird species, hundreds of vertebrate and plant species, alligators, and other unique wildlife. The conversation also explores the history behind the forest, including the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company and how land once threatened by logging was ultimately preserved. The sanctuary and nearby Congaree National Park trace part of their history to the same former timberland holdings.The episode also highlights the many ways visitors can experience the forest, from its elevated boardwalk and guided bird walks to seasonal paddling, nighttime excursions, UV flashlight adventures, and spectacular synchronized firefly viewing. Jo explains why timing your visit matters, including how spring's higher water levels can make kayaking possible and how different seasons offer different wildlife experiences.Accessibility and trip planning are also part of the conversation, including available wheelchairs and binoculars, nearby lodging at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Santee, dining at the long-established Clark's Restaurant, and the importance of checking current hours and booking special programs in advance.Whether you're interested in nature travel, birding, wildlife, South Carolina road trips, old-growth forests, conservation, or unique outdoor adventures, this episode offers plenty of inspiration—and another destination to add to Jo's ever-growing travel list.📖 Read Jo's companion article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/audubon-francis-beidler-forest-center-sanctuary 📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 📲 Follow Jo:https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ | https://recipestravelculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, World Champion horse trainer Christy Wood kicks off Volume 2 with the letter A, exploring Action & Agility and what these qualities reveal about a horse's movement, balance, conformation, and athletic ability.Christy explains why observing a horse in motion is so important—whether you're evaluating a horse before purchase, watching it move freely, observing it on the lunge line, or seeing it under saddle. She discusses how proper conformation, alignment, hoof placement, balance, and physical structure all contribute to a horse's ability to move efficiently and stay sound.The conversation also explores the importance of “form to function” and choosing a horse that matches its intended purpose and the rider's needs. A horse suited for trail riding may have different athletic requirements than one destined for jumping, racing, rodeo, or other demanding disciplines.Christy also shares insights into evaluating horses remotely through video and why having a trained eye can make a difference when purchasing a horse.🔗 EXPLORE MORE📖 Check out Volume 1 of the ABC's of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 📚 Connect with Christy & get her books: http://wdnhorse.com 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the ABC's of Horses Podcast:https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate the flavors of late summer with Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, as she shares delicious ways to elevate sandwiches, charcuterie boards, brunches, and everyday meals using gourmet pickles, preserves, fruit butters, salsas, olives, local honey, and more. From peach butter and cherry butter to stuffed olives, pickled vegetables, artisan salsas, and classic peanut butter combinations, discover easy entertaining ideas and creative flavor pairings perfect for National Sandwich Month, National Peach Month, and National Goat Cheese Month.Donna also shares memories of homemade peaches, favorite sandwich combinations, charcuterie inspiration, freeze-dried ice cream updates, and simple ways to create gourmet meals without spending hours in the kitchen.Learn more about The Peanut Patch:https://thepeanutpatch.com Listen to more episodes: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ Browse Donna's FREE "Wine & Bites" digital recipe magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 

Wrap up summer with an unforgettable adventure in California's Sequoia Country, home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the welcoming communities of Tulare County.In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" podcast, discover family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, seasonal produce, and exciting community events that make late summer one of the best times to visit. Learn about the National Park Service's 110th anniversary celebration, Junior Ranger Day, the upcoming Dark Sky Festival, scenic shuttle services, Crystal Cave, Mineral King, farmers markets, golf, museums, and local dining experiences.Whether you're planning one last summer getaway or looking ahead to a quieter fall escape, this episode shares travel tips, park highlights, and local experiences for visitors of all ages.Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:* Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm * Shannon Schroth – Exeter Chamber of Commerce: https://www.exeterchamber.com/ 📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 🎧 Listen to more California's Sequoia Country podcast episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-podcast 📖 Explore Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-magazine 📡 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels.

Celebrate National Peach Month with this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy!" Podcast. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, explores why peaches and wine are one of summer's most enjoyable pairings.Peggy shares vineyard updates as harvest season approaches, discusses how changing weather impacts vineyards around the world, and explains how "stone fruit" aromas and flavors naturally develop in wines like Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah, and Malbec. Learn how these fruit-forward characteristics influence wine tasting and how to pair wines with fresh peaches and seasonal dishes.Plus, Peggy shares her flavorful Peach Chutney Salsa recipe, along with creative serving ideas for grilled chicken, pork, seafood, appetizers, and summertime entertaining.🍑 Get Peggy's Peach Chutney Salsa recipe:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/peggys-peach-chutney-salsa-recipe 🍷 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 📖 Explore Big Blend's "Wine & Bites" Digital Podcast & Recipe Magazine featuring Peggy Fiandaca of LDV Winery, with wine pairing guides, recipes, entertaining tips, and more: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz shares highlights from her unforgettable small ship cruise through Greece and Italy aboard Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Sailing the "A Piece of Greece, A Slice of Italy" itinerary, Sharon explains why small ship cruising offers a more relaxed, immersive, and personalized way to experience the Mediterranean.From docking steps away from charming ports and exploring picturesque villages at your own pace to savoring local cuisine, breathtaking coastal scenery, and attentive onboard service, Sharon discusses what sets boutique-style cruising apart from larger cruise ships. She also shares why traveling during the shoulder season offers fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and excellent value.Whether you're dreaming of your first Mediterranean cruise or looking for a slower, more intimate way to travel, this episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring experiences.📝 Read Sharon's "Small Ship Cruising the Mediterranean" article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/small-ship-cruising-the-mediterranean ⛵ Learn more about Windstar Cruises: https://www.windstarcruises.com/ 📖 Check out the Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com 🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

Steve and Karen Wilson of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast take Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast to HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm, where owners Jennifer and Jason Robbins have built a horse-centered healing retreat on a former century-old family farm.Jennifer shares how a solo retreat to Costa Rica at 50 — working with horses through groundwork, not riding — taught her more in a few days than 20 years of therapy, and how that experience became the blueprint for HapBE Valley. Jason talks about leaving a 21-year business behind to build something more meaningful, and shares a vulnerable personal story from his own first time working with a horse in front of a group.They walk through what makes HapBE Valley different: Reiki sessions with horses, guided horse meditations down in the pasture, private "just be with the horses" appointments with no agenda, and multi-day retreats — including their long-running Equine Self Discovery program and a brand-new retreat built around Kelly McDaniel's "Mother Hunger" work on attachment and generational trauma. They also touch on their corporate herd-dynamics program and why Asheville, with its music and wellness culture, was the right home for the farm.🐴 Learn more and book a visit: https://hapbevalley.com/ 🏡 Stay at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's Montford Historic District: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 🎧 LISTEN: Check out the NEW Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ New episodes air every 1st Tuesday: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough welcome acclaimed author, naturalist, explorer, and photographer James Michael Dorsey for an inspiring conversation about protecting indigenous cultures, wildlife, and global heritage through respectful travel, education, and storytelling.Drawing from decades of travel to more than 60 countries, James shares remarkable firsthand experiences with remote indigenous communities, endangered languages, threatened wildlife, and fragile ecosystems. Together, the panel explores how responsible travel, cultural understanding, and international cooperation can help preserve our shared human and natural heritage while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The conversation also examines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, biodiversity conservation, the impact of war on people and landscapes, sustainable tourism, disappearing oral traditions, and why every traveler can help become a steward of culture, history, and nature.Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, photography, and global work: https://jamesmichaeldorseyauthor.com/ Listen to the Big Blend Radio "Before They Vanish" Podcast with James Michael Dorsey: https://before-they-vanish.podbean.com/ Learn more about Joelle Machia & Ryan Slough, Founders & PUblishers of Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Explore Big Blend Radio and Big Blend Magazines: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Table &Compass" Podcast air every first Monday, here: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/