Big Daily Blend

Channeling Marilyn: Author Mima Tipper on Marilyn Monroe's Legacy

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press).
Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self.
In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel.
This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are.
Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/ 
Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 
Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Experience Outdoor Theater in Asheville with Montford Park Players

Experience the magic of outdoor theater in Asheville, North Carolina, on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, cohosted by Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's historic Montford District.
Featured guest is Audrey Kopp of Montford Park Players, one of Asheville's most treasured performing arts organizations. Audrey shares the company's mission of making live theater accessible to everyone through free outdoor performances of Shakespeare, classic works, and contemporary productions at the beautiful Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.
Hear about this summer's swashbuckling production of "The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel," upcoming auditions for "Romeo and Juliet," and how Montford Park Players continues to enrich Asheville's thriving arts community. The conversation also explores Asheville's creative spirit, the city's cultural renaissance following Hurricane Helene, exciting updates in the River Arts District, and why supporting local arts organizations helps keep Asheville vibrant year-round.
Whether you're planning a summer getaway, love live theater, or simply want to discover another side of Asheville beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway and breweries, this episode offers plenty of inspiration.
🎭 Montford Park PlayersFree outdoor Shakespeare, classic and contemporary theater: https://montfordparkplayers.org/ 
Summer ProductionThe League of the Scarlet PimpernelFridays, Saturdays & Sunday eveningsAugust 7–29, 2026(Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre)
Upcoming AuditionsRomeo and JulietJuly 11–12, 2026
🏡 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/ 

Why Picnics and Potlucks Are the Ultimate Family Reunions

What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this shared and uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories. After all, it is National Family Reunion Month and National Picnic Month!
Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life and connection, why play and laughter are essential ingredients for healthy relationships, and how celebrating our elders and family legacy enriches every generation. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the joy of potlucks and shared experiences, and even the value of taking yourself on a solo picnic as an act of self-care.
Whether you're planning a family reunion, gathering with friends, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this episode is filled with practical ideas and heartfelt inspiration for celebrating life while the people you love are here.
🥪 Read Shelley's companion article & recipe:https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here 
📰 Follow Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com 
🌐 Visit Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast 
🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Experience the Boston Tea Party: History Comes to Life in Boston Harbor

As part of Big Blend Radio's America 250 celebration, this special episode of Way Back When explores one of the most pivotal moments leading to the American Revolution.
Travel writer Debbie Stone shares her immersive visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, authentic replica tea ships, and fascinating Revolutionary War artifacts bring the events of December 16, 1773 vividly to life. From tossing tea into Boston Harbor to discovering the stories behind the patriots who helped shape American history, Debbie explains why this engaging museum experience is a must for history lovers of all ages.
The conversation also explores the significance of the Boston Tea Party, remarkable artifacts including one of the only surviving tea chests from the original protest, Abigail's Tea Room, and how visitors can connect this experience with nearby Revolutionary War sites in Lexington and Concord.
Whether you're commemorating America's 250th Anniversary, or planning a history-filled trip to Boston, this episode offers inspiration to experience one of America's defining stories firsthand.
📖 Read Debbie's articles:- https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/boston-tea-party-ships-museum - https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/history-comes-alive-in-lexington-concord-part-1 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Global Adventures with Debbie Stone:https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 

Gettysburg: Art, History & America's Stories

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), in a fascinating conversation about Gettysburg National Military Park, its enduring artistic legacy, and the vital role artists play in preserving America's history.
As part of the ongoing Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective, Tanya explores how artist residencies help interpret the stories, landscapes, and emotions that make Gettysburg one of America's most significant historic places. From the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting and inspiring memorials to innovative virtual reality experiences and contemporary artistic interpretations, the discussion highlights how art keeps history alive for new generations.
The conversation also delves into Gettysburg's Civil War legacy, the Gettysburg Address, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the power of public lands to connect us with our nation's shared history. Along the way, Tanya shares stories about the Klingel House, personal reflections on Gettysburg, and why artists continue to play an essential role in helping us understand the past while inspiring future generations.
This episode is part of the Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective, celebrating ten years of conversations with National Parks Arts Foundation artists-in-residence and the remarkable places that continue to inspire creativity across America's public lands.
🏛️ Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg National Military Park:https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm 
🎨 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
📖 Explore the "Artists in Parks" Digital Publication:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ 
🎙️ Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

The All-American Peanut: History, Heritage & Flavor

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, join Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, for a fascinating journey through the remarkable story of one of America's most beloved foods—the peanut.
Discover how peanuts became an American staple, from their agricultural importance and the groundbreaking innovations of George Washington Carver to their role during wartime, family traditions, baseball games, county fairs, road trips, and Fourth of July celebrations. Donna shares surprising peanut facts, explains why peanuts are actually legumes rather than nuts, and offers creative recipe ideas along with delicious ways to enjoy peanut butter, peanut brittle, and other peanut-inspired treats.
Whether you're planning a summer road trip, celebrating America 250, or simply love discovering the stories behind America's favorite foods, this episode celebrates the ingenuity, resilience, and agricultural heritage that make the humble peanut an enduring American icon.
🛒 Shop year-round:https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday):https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

California's Sequoia Country Through Time: Parks, People & Places

Journey through the history of California's Sequoia Country as we explore the parks, people, and places that have shaped Tulare County—from giant sequoias and Indigenous heritage to military history, railroads, agriculture, and the communities that continue to preserve the region's remarkable legacy.
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's California's Sequoia Country podcast, discover the fascinating stories behind Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the General Grant Tree, Colonel Allensworth, Native American tribes, historic communities, museums, and the agricultural traditions that continue to define this remarkable region. Learn how nature, history, and culture come together to create one of California's most inspiring destinations.
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/ * Dwight Miller – Exeter Historian
📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT: * Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ * Museum Alliance of Tulare-Kings Counties: https://matkc.org/ * California's Sequoia Country Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-podcast * Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-magazine 
📡 This episode celebrates America 250 and Parks & Recreation Month (July 2026). 

Charleston, Kiawah Island & Savannah: History, Nature, Romance & Southern Charm

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the timeless beauty of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island, and Savannah, Georgia, sharing highlights from an unforgettable Lowcountry journey filled with history, nature, coastal charm, and Southern hospitality.
Beginning in Charleston, Sharon discovers the city's rich colonial history, vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, and acclaimed restaurants before attending a family wedding at the luxurious Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. She then heads south to Savannah, where charming public squares, centuries-old architecture, fascinating museums, rooftop bars, and scenic riverfront views reveal why the city remains one of America's most romantic destinations.
Along the way, Sharon shares memorable wildlife encounters—from dolphins and bald eagles to herons and alligators—along with recommendations for historic walking tours, harbor sailing excursions, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Bonaventure Cemetery, exceptional Lowcountry cuisine, and the welcoming culture that makes this region so special.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Savannah offer unforgettable opportunities to experience the history, culture, landscapes, and hospitality that have helped shape our nation's story.
📝 Read Sharon's "Low Country Escape" article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/low-country-escape 
📖 Check out Sharon's 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