Big Daily Blend

World Ag Expo: The Global Heart of Agriculture & Agribusiness in Tulare, California

The World Ag Expo® is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind, and this episode of Big Blend Radio takes listeners inside its global reach and local impact. 
Featured guests Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Lausten, Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center®, share insights into why Tulare County stands at the heart of agriculture—feeding communities across the nation and around the world.
Held February 10–12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center® in Tulare, California, World Ag Expo® provides a powerful platform for networking, education, and business development in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The event hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees from over 70 countries each year.
In this conversation, Megan and Donnette explore how innovation and technology are transforming modern agriculture, the importance of public engagement in understanding food systems, and the significant economic impact the expo delivers to the local community. The discussion also highlights the role of volunteers, educational seminars, international connections, and local food vendors—including popular features like the wine and cheese pavilion—that make World Ag Expo a truly immersive agricultural experience.
Whether you’re involved in farming, agribusiness, economic development, agritourism, or simply curious about where our food comes from, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the world’s most influential agricultural events.
Featured Guests:– Donnette Silva Carter, CEO, Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ – Megan Lausten, Marketing Director, International Agri-Center®: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ 
Plan Your Visit:- World Ag Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/ - Sequoia Tourism Council: http://discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Rediscovering The Long Way Home: Steven Lawrence on Film, Music & Cultural Legacy

In this insightful Big Blend Radio conversation, acclaimed film producer Steven Lawrence talks about the newly restored documentary "The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026)" — a rollicking portrait of Soviet underground rock legend Boris Grebenshchikov and a vivid celebration of the cultural exchange between East and West. 
Steven shares behind-the-scenes stories from the film’s restoration, the legacy of director Michael Apted, and why this remarkable film — newly preserved and expanded with a powerful epilogue — is resonating today.
Also highlighted, is the 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation, where The Long Way Home will be screened Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 PM at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, with an in-person introduction by Steven Lawrence and editor Susanne Rostock. Discover the significance of this international festival dedicated to film heritage, why preservation matters, and how audiences can experience cinema’s past and present.
👉 Get tickets and full festival details: https://www.moma.org/calendar/film/5879  
👉Visit: https://www.thelongwayhomefilm.com/ 

Puppy Care & Training: Building the Foundation for a Happy Dog

In recognition of Train Your Dog Month and Hug a Puppy Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” Podcast focuses on puppy care, training, and responsible ownership, featuring hosts Lisa Smith (Big Blend Radio) and Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.
The conversation explores what puppies need to thrive, from early training and socialization to clear communication, grooming, and veterinary care. Lisa and Angela discuss the importance of understanding breed traits, choosing ethical breeders or adopting from shelters, and the long-term commitment required when bringing a puppy home.
The episode also addresses the dangers of backyard breeding, the rise of pandemic puppy adoption, and how positive training builds trust, confidence, and lifelong bonds. With personal stories and practical tips, this episode offers both a heartwarming and practical guide for new and future puppy parents.
🐾 See the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog for more Puppy Care & Training Tips: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=puppies 
🐾 Learn more about responsible pet care and travel solutions:https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 
🎙️ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” podcast channel. 

St. Augustine, Florida: Experience Living History and More in America’s Oldest City

Recorded on location in St. Augustine, Florida, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and living heritage of America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Travel writer Terri Guthrie discusses St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial roots and iconic landmarks, including the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, both of which play a major role in understanding the city’s early military, cultural, and colonial history.
The conversation highlights St. Augustine’s strategic importance as a Spanish stronghold, the stories behind its massive stone fort overlooking Matanzas Bay, and how these sites connect to the city’s broader narrative of exploration, defense, and cultural exchange. The episode also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging indigenous history and preserving untold stories as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary.
Special guests Bob and Maria Alvarez, COO and CFO of the Historic Florida Militia, share how historical reenactment brings the past to life through immersive education and storytelling. They discuss their involvement in reenactments, their work on the PBS documentary America’s Untold Story, and why keeping history alive is essential for future generations. The discussion also explores the deep Spanish connections between St. Augustine and the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the city’s global and historical significance.
Plan your visit to St. Augustine, Florida:https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/ 
FOLLOW TERRI’S ADVENTURES- https://travelwithterri.net/ - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/ 
LISTEN- New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - As part of our America 250 programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” “Parks & Travel,” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Sip, Savor & Explore Steuben County: Wine, History & Small Town Life

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we welcome back Dave DeGolyer of Explore Steuben to explore the rich wine culture, fascinating history, and small-town charm of Steuben County in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
The conversation traces the evolution of winemaking in the Finger Lakes — from early table grape production in Hammondsport dating back to 1829 to today’s award-winning wineries that are earning national and international attention. Dave emphasizes the philosophy of “sip and savor,” encouraging travelers to slow down, engage with winemakers, and appreciate the stories, people, and sense of place behind every bottle.
Beyond wine, the episode highlights Steuben County’s notable historical legacy, including its connection to aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, who helped shape American aviation from Hammondsport, and author Mark Twain, whose presence adds a literary thread to the region’s cultural story. These layers of history underscore why the Finger Lakes is not only a wine destination, but also a place where innovation, creativity, and community intersect.
Listeners will also discover how Steuben County offers scenic outdoor adventures, welcoming small towns, vibrant local cuisine, and meaningful human connection — making it an ideal getaway for travelers seeking authenticity, reflection, and renewal.
🌐 Plan your Finger Lakes adventure with Explore Steuben: https://exploresteuben.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
📰 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Discover Avoyelles Parish: Culture, Cuisine & Community in Central Louisiana

This debut episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.
The conversation explores the region’s unique blend of French Creole and Cajun influences, the region's hospitality and community, and the stories that shape this remarkable destination.  From the historic Jefferson Highway and Indigenous heritage to outdoor adventures, wildlife, and renowned local cuisine—especially Avoyelles’ famous sweet potatoes—this episode captures what makes the parish so special.
The episode also touches on America 250 reflections, vibrant festivals, small-town charm, and what a perfect day in Avoyelles looks like—from kayaking scenic waterways to enjoying down-home dining and cultural attractions in a beautiful natural setting.
🌐 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” and “Vacation Station” podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Evolution of Art Materials: Paint — From Minerals to Modernity

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art Podcast," artist and art historian Victoria Chick continues the Evolution of Art Materials series with a colorful deep dive into paint.
The conversation explores the historical evolution of paint, from ancient mineral pigments and plant-based dyes to modern synthetic options. Victoria explains how early binding agents such as egg yolk and milk were used, the role of glazes in oil painting to enhance depth and luminosity, and how limitations in materials often sparked creative breakthroughs.
The episode also examines the relationship between art, science, and technology, comparing traditional painting techniques with digital art creation and emphasizing why understanding art materials is essential in education and creative practice.
Listen to last month's episode (Bristles & Brushes) and read Victoria’s article on the Toast to The Arts Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendarts/p/evolution-of-art-materials  
MORE TO EXPLORE* Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 
As part of National Creativity Month, this episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Michael G. Colburn: Asylum Murders

Author Michael G. Colburn joins Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts” show to discuss his Lady Black Mystery Series and the inspiration behind his gripping historical novel, "Asylum Murders."
In this engaging conversation, Colburn shares his journey from a successful business career into fiction writing and explores how real historical events — including the disturbing history of 19th-century asylums — shape his storytelling. Set in Australia in the 1800s, "Asylum Murders" blends mystery, suspense, and historical truth as investigator Lady Edith Black uncovers conspiracy, abuse of power, and long-buried secrets within the asylum system.
The discussion also dives into Colburn’s research process, the challenge of writing from a female perspective, and how creativity — including walking — fuels his writing. The episode highlights how books invite readers to co-create meaning, spark imagination, and examine the darker corners of history through fiction.
🔗 Visit: https://michaelgcolburn.com/ 
🎙️ Part of our National Book Blitz Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork