Big Daily Blend

Art Spotlight on Fletcher Martin: The Self-Taught Artist Who Became an American Master

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and legacy of Fletcher Martin (1904–1979)—a self-taught American artist whose talent, determination, and keen powers of observation helped him become one of the most respected illustrators and muralists of his era. The perfect listen to celebrate America 250!
From humble beginnings in the American West to working as a boxer, miner, illustrator, muralist, teacher, and war correspondent, Martin lived the experiences he later captured through his art. Victoria discusses how his unconventional path shaped his artistic voice, his work on Depression-era post office murals, his illustrations for major publications, and the inspirational approach he brought to teaching aspiring artists.
The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving artistic heritage, the role of observation in creative development, and how artists can remain true to their own vision while learning from those who came before them.
Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.
🔗LINKS & RESOURCES:- Victoria’s article on Fletcher Martin: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/artist-fletcher-martin - Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-world-of-art-podcast     

Seven Questions with Author Matt Cost: Writing, Dogs & Life Lessons

In celebration of Dog Dad Day (June 20), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" series spotlights mystery and historical fiction author Matt Cost, whose love of dogs, storytelling, and creative adventure shines in both his books and everyday life.
Through a fun seven-question game, Matt shares insights into his writing journey, favorite hobbies, life lessons, future goals, and the canine companions who have inspired characters throughout his mystery novels. From his popular Maine-based mystery series and thriller adventures to upcoming historical mysteries, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, the power of storytelling, and why his advice to aspiring writers is simple: "Just do it."
Listeners will also get a glimpse into the imaginative concept behind Big Blend Media House, the new digital home where curiosity, creativity, and community come together.
Pssst! Matt is also preparing to launch the new Big Blend Radio podcast "Pets, Plots & Poisons" with fellow author B.J. Magnani. Premiering this August and airing every third Thursday, the show will explore mysteries, crime fiction, pets, storytelling, and the creative lives of authors.
Learn more about Matt Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/ 
Check Out Matt's Big Blend "Author Success Insider" Q&A:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-matt-cost/ 
Explore Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Pets, Purpose & Slow Travel: Getting to Know Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters

In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com.
This episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful travel, animal welfare, and community building.
A lifelong animal lover, Angela discusses how pet sitting became a lifestyle that has allowed her to experience cultures around the world while caring for pets and helping pet parents travel with peace of mind. 
From meaningful travel experiences and cultural discoveries to charitable work supporting animal rescue and fostering, Angela reflects on the trust, communication, and compassion that connect people through a shared love of animals.
The conversation also explores the benefits of slow travel, the emotional bonds between pets and their people, favorite destinations, life lessons learned through travel, and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations.
🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters:https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 
🏡 Explore Big Blend Media House:https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes:https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

True Farm Girl Adventures: Exploring Rural & Small Town America

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.
From antique tractors and agri-tourism experiences to Route 66 road trips, hidden museums, historic figures, county fairs, and unexpected backroad discoveries, Cindy highlights the authentic experiences that connect travelers to America's heartland.
As part of National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month, this conversation also celebrates the farmers, agricultural traditions, and rural communities that help feed the nation while preserving an important part of America's cultural heritage. The episode also ties into the spirit of America 250, showcasing the stories, landscapes, and local histories that help tell America's ongoing story.
LINKS & RESOURCES:- New Book, "True Farm Girl Adventures":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2026/05/30/true-farm-girl-adventures-in-a-book-form/ 
- Story: "My Encounter with James Dean":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2020/09/24/my-encounter-with-james-dean/ 
- Follow Cindy's adventures: https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/ 
- Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
- Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
- Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Beautiful and Historic Beaufort, South Carolina: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jo Goes Everywhere" Travel Podcast that takes us to the Beaufort area of South Carolina, where travel writer and photographer Jo Clark explored two stunning barrier islands: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island. 
Jo shares the story of billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who once owned St. Phillips Island and built a five-bedroom house there that visitors can actually rent today. She also talks about South Carolina's old-growth forests, the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse, the eerie beauty of Boneyard Beach, and the CCC's role in building the state park system. 
The conversation also covers Civil War and Spanish-American War history, the charm of downtown Beaufort (including where to eat and stay), the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, and a visit to Pat Conroy's grave near Penn Center, a cornerstone of Gullah history and culture. Plus, wildlife lovers will hear about ospreys, alligators, egrets, pelicans, and more.
Read Jo's full article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/st-phillips-island-hunting-island-state-park-sc 
📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 
📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/  | https://recipestravelculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday at 7pm ET. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Showcasing Summer in Southeast Michigan: Festivals, Culture & The Arts

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Petula Brown shares some of her favorite summer festivals, cultural and arts experiences across Southeast Michigan.
From jazz and Celtic festivals to outdoor art events, aviation history celebration, Pride festivities, and lavender-filled wellness retreats, Petula highlights the people, places, and activities that make Southeast Michigan a rewarding destination for travelers seeking authentic local culture and community connections.
The conversation explores communities including Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, and Milan, showcasing how festivals support local businesses, celebrate heritage, inspire creativity, and encourage healthy outdoor living.
Highlights include the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival, Dexter Summer Festival, First Fridays in Ypsilanti, the John E. Lawrence Jazz Festival, Celtic Festival celebrations, the Milan Lavender Harvest Festival, Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival, Thunder Over Michigan, and Ipsy Pride.
Read Petula Brown's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/southeastern-michigan-summer-festivals 
About Petula Brown:For more than a decade, Petula has written about wellness, family travel, and multicultural experiences for publications including AAA Michigan, Pathfinders Magazine, Spa Magazine, and Crazy Wisdom Journal. Drawing on her perspectives as a woman of color, parent, technologist, educator, and entrepreneur, she creates immersive travel stories that encourage readers to broaden their horizons and discover meaningful travel experiences. Follow Petula Brown: https://www.facebook.com/PYBJourneys/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Wild, Wonderful Alaska: A Windstar Cruise Through The Last Frontier

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Quiltripping Travel" Podcast. Travel expert, photographer and host Rose Palmer joins producer Lisa D. Smith from France — where she's in between trips — to share her unforgettable experience aboard Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker on its inaugural Alaska cruise. 
Unlike the big-ship experience, the Star Seeker's small size unlocked a side of Southeast Alaska most travelers never see.
Rose takes us deep into Misty Fjords National Monument by zodiac, up close to the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, and through the authentic streets of Wrangell — one of Alaska's last truly uncrowded towns. She shares wildlife encounters including humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and even a mother black bear and her cubs in Ketchikan.
Along the way, Rose explores the Tongass National Forest — one of Earth's last great coastal temperate rainforests — and reflects on why slow travel is the only way to truly experience Alaska's wild, pristine beauty.
📰 READ ROSE'S ARTCILES:🔗 Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/windstar-cruise-to-alaska 🔗 Windstar Star Seeker Review: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-star-seeker-review/ 🔗 Rose's Full Alaska Cruise Article: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-cruise-to-alaska/ 
🎙️ Rose Palmer shares her travel adventures every second Thursday on Big Blend Radio. Find her at:https://quiltripping.com https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/rose-palmer-travel-writer-photographer 

Cooking Louisiana: Cajun Culture, Gumbo Secrets & the Spuddy Experience

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana. 
Located right along the historic Jefferson Highway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Spuddy's place is one of those rare finds that turns a road trip into a memory.
Spuddy breaks down Louisiana's renowned cuisine — why gumbo is the ultimate multicultural dish (African okra, French roux, German sausage, Spanish seasoning, and indigenous filé all in one pot), the real difference between gumbo and jambalaya, and why the best seasoning always starts with salt and pepper.
Along the way, he shares the story behind his legendary nickname (hint: it involves Sputnik), why he traded 27 years in the restaurant business for cooking classes, and what happens when a UK couple, a pep rally of sixth graders, or an 8-year-old girl walks into his kitchen and takes over.
This is Louisiana food culture at its warmest — history, community, storytelling, and a whole lot of flavor! 
LINKS & RESOURCES- Visit Spuddy: https://www.cajuncookingexperience.com/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Radio "Food, Wine & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 - Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com