Big Daily Blend

10 Haunted Towns & Spooky Ghost Tours Across the United States

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast, travel writer Jo Clark explores 10 haunted towns and spooky ghost tours across the United States, from historic battlefields and shadowy streets to legendary folklore and paranormal hotspots. Destinations include Gettysburg, Charleston, Louisiana, Washington, D.C., St. Augustine, and more—each revealing ghost stories, haunted festivals, and supernatural legends deeply rooted in American history.
While these destinations can be visited year-round, this episode also gives a heads-up on unique Halloween experiences that require advance planning, as many popular ghost tours, haunted festivals, and seasonal events book out quickly. From Southern spirits like the Gray Man and the Rougarou to famous hauntings connected to political power and pivotal moments in U.S. history, ghost tours offer a fascinating way to experience local culture through a spooky lens.
👻 Read Jo’s article: https://recipestravelculture.com/10-best-haunted-towns-in-the-u-s/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Vacation Station,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Winter in Chicago: Art, Culture, Food & Budget-Friendly Fun

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer explores the beauty, culture, and unexpected magic of Chicago in winter. From iconic architecture and public art to deep-dish pizza and legendary blues music, this conversation highlights why the Windy City shines year-round—especially in the off-season.
Rose shares budget-friendly travel tips, including visiting during winter for hotel savings, using City Pass for attractions, and discovering Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods through their food scenes. Hear about the city’s rich museum offerings, accessible public art, and cultural celebrations that reflect Chicago’s vibrant community spirit.
With the right clothing and mindset, winter travel can be both rewarding and inspiring—and Chicago proves it with world-class culture, unforgettable food, and a warmth that goes far beyond the temperature.
📖 Read Rose’s Article "Chicago on a Budget: A Winter Weekend Break": https://quiltripping.com/chicago-on-a-budget-a-winter-weekend-break/ 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" & "Big Daily Blend" Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Oklahoma Route 66: The Heart of The Mother Road

Recorded on location at the Oklahoma Historical Society, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast celebrates the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 and explores why Oklahoma is considered the heart of the Mother Road.
Travel writer and host Terri Guthrie is joined by Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and a board member of both the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission and the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Together, they dive into the cultural, historical, and emotional legacy of Route 66—from its role during the Great Depression to its lasting symbolism of freedom, mobility, and Americana.
The conversation highlights Oklahoma’s 400+ mile stretch of Route 66, the towns and museums that preserve its stories, the revival of neon signage, and how modern travelers can experience the route beyond the interstate. This episode also explores family road trips, ancestry travel, and the community-driven efforts breathing new life into the Mother Road ahead of its 100th anniversary.
OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 TRAVEL RESOURCES- Oklahoma Historical Society: https://www.okhistory.org/ - Oklahoma Route 66: https://oklahomaroute66.com/ - Travel Oklahoma: https://www.travelok.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/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend," podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Film Director Michael Premo - Homegrown: A Portrait of a Nation Divided

Award-winning filmmaker Michael Premo joins Big Blend Radio to discuss "Homegrown," his critically acclaimed documentary examining the human stories behind the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Shot with unprecedented access, the film follows three conservative activists during the volatile months leading up to the insurrection, offering an observational, non-judgmental look at political identity, belief, and belonging in America.
Rather than reducing individuals to headlines or stereotypes, "Homegrown" seeks to humanize those at the center of a deeply divisive moment, exploring how personal motivations, media influence, and mob mentality can converge with profound consequences. The conversation also reflects on the role of documentary filmmaking in turbulent times, the responsibility of bearing witness, and how storytelling can deepen public understanding of complex social movements.
Premiering with newly updated 2025 footage, "Homegrown" anchors its narrative in a moment that continues to shape the national conversation about democracy, violence, and the unresolved tensions defining American life.
Beginning January 6, "Homegrown" will be available to rent via the Direct To Audience℠ (DTA) platform GATHR. Audiences can head now to https://homegrown.film/ to preorder the film and learn more.
Trailer courtesy of Storyline Media.

Ecological Gardening: Working with Nature for a Healthier Garden

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture for the American Horticultural Society, to discuss their new book, “Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening: Techniques and Know-How for Gardening with Nature.” Released January 6, 2026 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this authoritative guide explores gardening as a living ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated plants.
Matt explains how ecological gardening goes far beyond popular trends like “leave the leaves,” focusing instead on thoughtful daily decisions that support biodiversity, soil health, pollinators, and wildlife. We talk about designing gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically sound, managing invasive species, reducing lawns, fostering native plants, and adapting gardens to environmental change.
The conversation also highlights ways to engage children in gardening, the vital role insects play in the ecosystem, and how small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. Whether you garden in a backyard, community space, or container garden, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance for working with nature, not against it.
Websites & Resources:* American Horticultural Society: https://ahsgardening.org/ * Matt Mattus: https://growingwithplants.com/ * The Quarto Group: https://www.quarto.com/ 
 In celebration of National Bird Day (Jan. 5), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Johnny Schaefer: Music Inspired by Books and Authors

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Show welcomes award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, co-host of the show every 1st Sunday, as we celebrate January as National Book Blitz Month with a special focus on music and songs inspired by books and authors.
This episode explores the powerful connections between literature and music, examining how historical events, classic novels, personal reading journeys, and cultural movements shape artistic expression. From the evolution of audiobooks and digital media to the enduring influence of classic and young adult literature, this conversation highlights storytelling as the shared heartbeat of both music and the written word.
Hear reflections on libraries, literary communities, musical adaptations of books, and how songs—like novels—capture emotion, history, and identity. The episode also celebrates how literature continues to inspire modern musicians and why collaboration between authors and artists creates meaningful, lasting cultural experiences.
Keep up with Johnny Schaefer  at https://hearjohnny.com/ 
🎧 Featured "Music Inspired by Books & Authors" Playlist on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mTWhlhjwkXJa1XZ6aWS08?si=ca0cba3c9aff4b01 

Art, Parks & Legacy: The NPAF Retrospective with Tanya Ortega

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), who joins us to discuss Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication—a year-long celebration spotlighting 10 years of artist interviews connecting art, national parks, and public lands.
The Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective (2016–2026) celebrates a decade of conversations with NPAF artists-in-residence while also honoring major milestones, including the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, the 110th anniversaries of Haleakalā National Park and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and the role of national parks and public lands in the upcoming America 250 celebration.
This living digital publication and accompanying podcast series will unfold throughout 2026 with:• First Friday conversations with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega• Interviews with current NPAF artists-in-residence• Monthly retrospective features highlighting past artists, parks, regions, travel, and art history
Tanya shares insights into NPAF’s origins, the powerful impact artists have on local communities and conservation efforts, and the diverse creative voices—from painters and poets to musicians and filmmakers—who bring new perspectives to national parks. The conversation also explores cultural heritage, ancient roots, and the unique experiences artists encounter in remote parks, including those in Hawaiʻi.
📘 Subscribe to the Big Blend Arts Substack + NPAF Social Media  to follow the NPAF Retrospective throughout 2026: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/NatlParksArts https://www.instagram.com/nationalparksarts/ 
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
Artist pictured at the easel: Alice Leese 

Focused for 2026: Embracing Theme Words for the New Year

Happy New Year 2026! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio, we are officially celebrating 19 years of podcasting! To kick off the year with focus and inspiration, we are exploring the "Theme Word" concept. Instead of resolutions, a Theme Word acts as your North Star—guiding your mindset and decisions all year long.
Join us as nine of our regular Big Blend experts share the words they’ve chosen to lead them through 2026, covering everything from resilience and hope to community and gratitude.
FEATURED GUESTS & WEBSITES:* Steve Piacente – Author, Photographer, Life Coach, and Communication Specialist. Visit: https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and https://www.piacentephotos.com/ 
* Lea Brovedani – “The Trust Architect” is a Leadership Expert, Author, and Speaker. Visit: https://leabrovedani.com/ and https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/ 
* Shelley Whizin – “The Live & Die Happy Coach” is an Author and Transformational Life Coach. Visit: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
* Terri Guthrie – Travel Writer and World Explorer & Host of the Travel with Terri Podcast. Visit: https://travelwithterri.net/ 
* Clifford Garstang – Award-winning Author, Writer, and Editor. Visit: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ 
* Kathleen Walls – Travel Writer and Author. Visit: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/ 
* Judy Karnia – Travel Writer and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Visit: https://travelingnature.com (Read her theme word article here: https://travelingnature.com/top-tips-for-meeting-people-while-traveling-solo/ ) 
* Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning Singer-Songwriter. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ 
* Glynn Burrows – Family History Expert and owner of Norfolk Tours UK. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
🎶 MUSIC FOR A FRESH START: Need the perfect soundtrack for your new year? Listen to our "Music for a Fresh Start" conversation with musical artists Joey Stuckey, Johnny Schaefer, and Anna Karney, and check out their curated music playlist on Spotify: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/music-for-a-fresh-start