Big Daily Blend

Experience the magic of outdoor movies in beautiful Ojai, California, as Nicholas Weissman, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and President of the Ojai Film Society, shares how this nonprofit organization is bringing communities together through free outdoor cinema at the historic Libbey Bowl.
Founded in 1988, the Ojai Film Society has become a cultural cornerstone, showcasing classic films, acclaimed documentaries, and independent cinema while making the movie-going experience accessible to everyone. Nicholas discusses the Society's history, its community-driven mission, the revival of outdoor movie screenings following the pandemic, and why seeing films on the big screen remains such a powerful shared experience.
Along the way, discover why Ojai is one of California's most charming destinations, known for its thriving arts scene, scenic hiking trails, olive oil tasting, wineries, and stunning mountain sunsets.
2026 Ojai Film Society Summer Screening Series🎬 July 2 – Hunt for the Wilderpeople🎬 July 10 – Selena y Los Dinos🎬 July 17 – Cookie Queens🎬 July 24 – Best in Show🎬 August 20 – Arrival🎬 August 27 – Jurassic Park
Whether you're a lifelong movie lover, an independent film enthusiast, or planning a California getaway, this conversation celebrates the joy of experiencing films together under the stars.
Learn more about the Ojai Film Society and upcoming screenings:https://ojaifilmsociety.org/ 
Learn more about Nicholas Weissman's filmmaking work:https://vacationland.film/ 
Poster image courtesy Ojai Film Society: Jadyn Chen 

July is Parks & Recreation Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of America's public lands while learning how to explore them safely and responsibly.
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast, award-winning travel writer Linda Ballou shares one of the most unforgettable stories from her memoir "Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales." Inspired by naturalist John Muir, Linda embarked on a horseback journey through California's magnificent High Sierra wilderness where unexpected accidents, injuries, and a dramatic helicopter rescue became powerful lessons in outdoor adventure.
As part of her Lessons Learned from Travel series, Linda discusses how to choose reputable outfitters, why guide training matters, the importance of emergency medical evacuation insurance, and how proper preparation can help travelers safely enjoy national parks, wilderness areas, and other outdoor destinations.
Whether you're planning a hiking trip, horseback ride, rafting adventure, or visit to a national or state park, this episode offers practical advice for exploring responsibly while protecting the wild places we love.
Resource Links
📖 Read Linda's companion article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/not-all-outfitters-are-created-equal/ 
🎧 Listen to the audiobook edition of Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales:https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Angel-Walkabout-Travelers-Tales/dp/ 
🌍 Linda Ballou:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🎧 Subscribe:https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
📖 Explore the NEW Lost Angel Travel Adventures Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/ 

Step inside one of America's most legendary luxury hotels!
Recorded on-site, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast features travel journalist Terri Guthrie in conversation with Les Patin, Marketing Manager of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Since opening in 1893, The Roosevelt has welcomed presidents, celebrities, Mardi Gras royalty, and generations of travelers seeking timeless elegance in the heart of New Orleans. Originally opened as The Grunewald Hotel, this iconic property has survived fires, Prohibition, the Great Depression, Hurricane Katrina, and today shines following its spectacular restoration as part of the Waldorf Astoria collection.
From Huey P. Long's famous suite and secret passageway to the legendary Sazerac Bar, elegant Fountain Lounge, historic Blue Room, rooftop pool, luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa, beautifully restored guest rooms, and the beloved Waldorf Wonderland holiday display, discover why The Roosevelt remains the Crown Jewel of the Crescent City.
Whether you're planning your next New Orleans getaway, love historic hotels, or simply enjoy fascinating stories of American hospitality and architecture, this episode offers an insider's look at one of the country's most iconic destinations.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode also celebrates one of the nation's most storied historic hotels and its enduring place in American history, hospitality, and culture.
Learn more about The Roosevelt New Orleans:https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/msyrhwa-the-roosevelt-new-orleans 
Learn more about Terri's travels:- Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/ 
- Travel with Terri Podcast (airs every other Tuesday):https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast 
- The Luxe Explorer Magazine:https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine 

Can travel connect generations?
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough explore how traveling through Europe—from France and Belgium to Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands—creates meaningful connections through castles, history, culture, food, and local traditions.
This inspiring conversation celebrates the educational value of travel, showing how exploring together encourages curiosity, confidence, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning for travelers of every age.
⭐ Stay through the end to hear Ryan's son make his first-ever podcast appearance, sharing his favorite memories from the journey and what travel has taught him.
In celebration of French-American Heritage Month, this episode also explores France's rich cultural and historical heritage.
- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child 
- Hear about their adventures in Ireland last year: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/e/travel-ireland-with-kids/  - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com 
- Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
- Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.
From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highlights the incredible variety of destinations that make the United States so rewarding to explore.
Along the way, Jo shares travel tips, local food and wine experiences, farmers markets, and the stories of communities that preserve America's heritage, including the rich traditions of the Gullah Geechee people. Whether you're planning your next road trip or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode celebrates the history, nature, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered across America.
📖 Read Jo's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/america-road-trip 
📖 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. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.
Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.
Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.
Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail 
Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ Learn more about Robin O'Neal Smith: https://robinonealsmith.com/ 
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 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. 
Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.
Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.
This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.
Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.
📖 Read Rose's Articles:- A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ 
 
🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG 
🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

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/