Big Daily Blend

The Dirty South – An Anniversary Film Special

In this Big Blend Radio episode, we celebrate the two year anniversary of "The Dirty South," a critically acclaimed indie film written and directed by Natchitoches local Matthew Yerby, and starring Willa Holland, Shane West, and Dermot Mulroney. Joined by filmmaker Matthew Yerby, producer Suzann Toni Petrongolo, and actor Andrew Vogel, this lively conversation dives into the art of indie filmmaking, character development, music, and the creative process that brought this Southern story to life.
Filmed on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana—a charming destination along the historic Jefferson Highway— The Dirty South adds to the city’s rich cinematic legacy, which also includes classics like "Steel Magnolias." Today, Natchitoches proudly celebrates its film trail, drawing visitors eager to explore where iconic stories were made.
The guests share behind-the-scenes stories from the production, the emotional heartbeat of the film, and the power of collaboration in independent cinema. Tune in for an inspiring look at how place, people, and passion intersect in storytelling.
🎥 Watch the film on Amazon Prime (an numerous platforms through your ROKU): https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-South-Willa-Holland/dp/B0CKMXRSDP 
🎵 Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZA96Ajwre0IDgr8fApcqt 

The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah

In honor of Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History segment welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Pack to discuss his powerful Iraq War film, "The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah" airing November 10, 2025, on PBS nationwide.
This documentary chronicles the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War—Najaf against the Shiite Mahdi militia and Fallujah against Sunni insurgents—told entirely through the raw, firsthand testimony of the Marines and soldiers who fought there. Pack explains his choice to remove narration, allowing the veterans to deliver the "ground truth" of urban combat, dramatic moments like the "Hell House" rescue, and the personal cost of war.
The conversation delves into the brutal realities, the significant theme of PTSD, and how decisions made in Washington ripple down to those delivering the final 600 meters of foreign policy. Tune in to better understand modern warfare and the enduring importance of honoring the sacrifices and complexities of our veterans' experiences.
Watch "The Last 600 Meters" on PBS on November 10, 2025, stream it on the PBS app, and catch it later on Amazon and other platforms. Learn more: https://manifoldproductions.com/films/the-last-600-meters/ 

Art, Community & Celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in Tucson

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" Show, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Foundation, shares updates on the latest exhibits, visiting artists, and the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation highlights Ted DeGrazia’s artistic legacy, the gallery’s focus on Southwest culture, and its continued role as a creative hub connecting art, history, and community.
CURRENT ROTATING EXHIBITS (through Jan. 28, 2026):- Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia – expressive works from 1945–1963 capturing movement, energy, and emotion.- DeGrazia’s Pastels – soft, impressionistic pieces (1953–1978), many displayed for the first time.- Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia – vibrant, tactile works on ceramic forms featuring angels, Madonnas, and Southwest motifs.
THE LITTLE GALLERY GUEST ARTISTS (Nov 2025 – Apr 2026):Rotating local and regional artists showcase oil, digital, and mixed media works, including paintings, ceramics, fused glass, photography, and landscapes by Mark Prusten, Max Hewlett, Caleb Gutierrez, Alisa Raines, Carole Fisher & Suzanne Hodges, Ambika Wauters, Joanna Pregon, Erik Sletten, Anna Lee Keefer, Mary Sherwood, and Wendy Islas.
LA FIESTA DE GUADALUPE – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025:This free annual celebration honors Mexico’s patron saint with mariachi music, Folklorico dancers, Yaqui Deer Dancers, local food, art vendors, and fun for all ages.
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 
🎙️ Listen to Tales of Ted DeGrazia:  https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com 
This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr Amy Stark - A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment.
Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/ 
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art, History & Honor: National Parks Arts Foundation

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.
This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 
📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.
In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating 48 Sweet Seasons: Peanut Butter, Medjool Dates & Holiday Cheer

In this festive episode of The Peanut Patch Podcast, host Donna George celebrates the store’s 48th anniversary and National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! She shares nostalgic stories of peanut butter favorites, highlights Yuma’s locally grown Medjool dates, and explores how these “Nature’s Candy” gems add a special touch to charcuterie boards and holiday gatherings.
Donna also talks about peanut butter fudge, creative ways to enjoy peanut butter during Thanksgiving, and how to get a head start on holiday shopping with custom gift baskets. Whether you’re local or visiting Yuma this winter, you’ll love the sweet traditions and Southwest flavors that make The Peanut Patch a must-stop destination.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

End-of-Year Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From festive markets to winter hiking trails, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the many ways to enjoy Tulare County as the year winds down. Discover the region’s charming local events, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make this destination shine during the holiday season.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Donnette Silva Carter – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/  - Daniel Huecker – Sequoia Parks Conservancy: https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/  - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/  
🎧 This conversation explores the shopping, seasonal events, and culinary experiences that make Tulare County and California’s Sequoia Country a vibrant end-of-year destination. From vendor fairs and local food trails to winter adventures and guided programs in the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
Takeaways:• Tulare County offers a wide variety of holiday shopping and craft markets.• Local eateries showcase flavors from tacos to Mediterranean fare.• Outdoor winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and stargazing.• Sequoia Parks Conservancy hosts guided hikes and astronomy programs.• The region celebrates its agricultural bounty and community traditions.
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Wonderful Wine and Soup Pairings for the Fall Season

Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for comfort food and cozy sips! In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, explores the art of pairing wine with soups. From creamy bisques and hearty stews to the classic soup-and-grilled-cheese combo, learn how to layer flavors, balance textures, and select wines that elevate every spoonful.
The conversation also uncovers the meaning behind the wine term “reticent,” offers Thanksgiving wine pairing tips for both traditional and vegan menus (in celebration of World Vegan Month), and dives into how to build a harmonious holiday meal—from appetizers to desserts.
🥣 Recipe of the Month: - Italian Wedding Soup – Get the recipe on Substack: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/pairing-wine-with-soups - Peggy's Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/ 
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend. Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork