Big Daily Blend

Discover NYC's Hidden Nature with Ryan Mandelbaum

Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck).
From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban nature, this episode is your gateway to the city's most surprising wild side. 🌆🦉
Whether you're a bird watcher, urban explorer, or a curious New Yorker, Ryan shows you how to take a walk on the wild side of the City That Never Sleeps.
🎧 Tune in via our "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore more episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  🌐 Learn more about Ryan Mandelbaum and "Wild NYC": http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/   

Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas

On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.
Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.
We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.
🔗 Learn more:- Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Are You an Administratively Exempt Employee?

This episode of Big Blend Radio's California Employment Law Podcast, featuring San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, observes National Administrative Professionals Day and Administrative Professionals Week by diving into a crucial workplace topic: Are You an Administratively Exempt Employee?
Exempt employees are typically those who receive a minimum required salary and perform specific duties as defined by state and/or federal law. If both salary and duty requirements are met, employers are generally not obligated to pay overtime or provide meal and rest breaks that are required for non-exempt employees.
Ward breaks down how administrative exemptions work, common pitfalls in employee classification, and how both workers and employers can ensure compliance with California labor laws.
📖 Learn more by reading Ward's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/are-you-an-administratively-exempt-employee/ 
👨‍⚖️ About Ward Heinrichs:Based in San Diego, California, Ward represents both employers and employees across nearly all areas of labor and employment law.🔗 More about Ward:  http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 
🎧 Ward Heinrichs joins Big Blend Radio every 4th Wednesday.📺 Follow his podcast appearances here: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊This episode is also available on Big Blend Radio’s "Success Express" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore our full network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Why Communities Need Urban Parks

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.
Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.
🎧 In this episode:* Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters* Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience* Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere
🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/ 
🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Tea Tasting Wellness Journey with Amu Nutrition

In celebration of National Tea Day, we're revisiting this recent episode of Big Blend Radio with Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," who talks with Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition, about their wellness teas. Linda's tasting experience was informative and engaging, delving into the unique flavors, health benefits, and cultural significance of their teas. Read her story about it here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-tea-tasting-journey-with-amu-nutrition/ 
Hailing from Mongolia, Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition and entrepreneur by trade, is also a trained and certified ayurvedic nutritionist who has dedicated her life and career to supporting people’s journey to achieving optimal health. Khulan seeks to share Mongolia’s “food as medicine” philosophy with the American market, inviting consumers to experience tea not just as a beverage, but as a vital component of their self-care practices. Amu Nutrition’s Mongolian heritage is infused in every sip as the tea is made exclusively from wild harvested herbs sourced in the pristine Altai mountains of Mongolia. More: https://amu-nutrition.com/ 
Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Compassionate End-of-Life Support Services

In observance of National Death Doula Day, we're revisiting the first episode of our Big Blend Radio "Sould Journey Doula" Podcast series with Lea Brovedani.
Here Lea talks about the compassionate end-of-life planning and support services that death doula (or death midwife) provides.
WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XbOxY80E_BY 
Hear about Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula:* Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices* Emotion - Honor feelings* Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning* Body - Increase comfort, health and safety* Practical - Create completions
Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ 
Follow her podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/2psm2v5r 

Pianist Hunter Noack in Haleakala National Park

Featured for National Parks Week: We revisit this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with classical pianist Hunter Noack who shares his experience as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Haleakalā National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From performing in volcanic landscapes to composing music inspired by nature and Māori mythology, Hunter’s residency explored the deep connection between art and wild places.
Located on Maui, Haleakalā is known for its dramatic crater, cinder cones, and lush coastal forests—an awe-inspiring backdrop for creativity. Through programs like NPAF’s artist residencies, national parks become living studios, inviting artists to reflect the beauty, history, and cultural richness of these treasured landscapes.
Tune in to hear how Hunter’s “In A Landscape” performances—using wireless headphones in natural settings—reimagines how we experience classical music in the wild.
Learn More:
Hunter Noack: www.hunternoack.com
National Parks Arts Foundation: www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org
Haleakalā National Park: www.nps.gov/hale  
🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts & Parks Podcast:https://arts-parks.podbean.com/
 
 

Japan's Kumano Kodo Trail

Deep in the mountains of Japan's Wakayama Peninsula winds an ancient network of trails, shrines and temples designed to restore and purify one's spirit. Where Shoguns once lost their way in the forests, today pilgrims can follow the well-marked and maintained Kumano Kodo trails in the footsteps of Imperial processions, samurai warriors, Buddhist and Shinto clergy. In honor of International Day for Monuments and Sites, this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Elaine Masters who talks about the traditions and the deeply moving hikes through ancient Cypress groves, past small village farms, and a breathtaking local festival at the temple site of Japan's tallest waterfall. Read her story in Big Blend's PARKS & TRAVEL Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/xuwd/#p=61 
Featured music, with persmission, is “Mori (Forest Song)” featured on the “Yuna” album by Yagull. https://www.yagull.com/ 
Thanks to the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) for sponsoring this episode. https://www.yagull.com/