Big Daily Blend

Creative Travel: Exploring Global Crafts and Cultural Traditions

Celebrate National Craft Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, featuring travel writer, photographer, and textile enthusiast Rose Palmer who explores the fascinating connection between travel and textile arts. Known for her "Quilt Tripping" adventures, Rose shares how journeys around the world inspire creativity, cultural understanding, and new perspectives in quilting and crafts.
From the colors and textures found in global markets to traditional techniques like Japanese shibori and sashiko, Rose discusses how textile traditions reflect the stories, heritage, and identity of communities around the world. She also talks about craft-focused travel experiences such as quilting cruises, retreats, and workshops that bring makers together through shared creativity.
Hear how exploring local crafts deepens travel experiences, how quilts can tell powerful cultural stories, and why art and craft remain universal languages that connect people across borders. Rose also shares helpful tips for traveling with your craft supplies and finding meaningful craft experiences while exploring new destinations.
📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/creative-travel 
🌐 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 on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Savor Southern Oregon: The Rogue Valley’s Premier Wine Event

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.
Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity of grape varietals—more than 70 in total—thanks to the area’s unique climate and agricultural landscape. Carole shares insider tips on exploring the region’s wineries, planning a tasting route, and experiencing the highly anticipated Savor Southern Oregon event (June 12 & 13, 2026) that celebrates the area’s food, wine, and artisan producers.
Beyond the vineyards, Southern Oregon offers an abundance of outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking and river adventures to visiting nearby natural wonders like Crater Lake National Park. Carol also shares travel tips for lodging, pairing local wines with regional cheeses and cuisine, and making the most of a Rogue Valley getaway.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie traveler, or outdoor adventurer, Southern Oregon offers a flavorful destination filled with unforgettable experiences.
Plan Your Visit:https://www.travelmedford.org/ https://savorsouthernoregon.com/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Behind the Mystery with Tucson Sisters in Crime

Celebrate National Reading Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" Podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of mystery writing and crime fiction with the Tucson Sisters in Crime who will be attending the upcoming Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona).
Featured guests include writer and editor Eva Eldridge, and authors Marty Eberhardt, D.R. Ransdell, Paula Winskye, and Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who share insights into their latest books, the creative process behind crafting crime stories, and the inspiration they draw from real places, history, and human psychology.
From the symbolism hidden within mysteries to the role of humor and dark themes in crime fiction, this lively discussion also highlights the power of author networking, the publishing journey, and the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier literary events.
LEARN MORE: - Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DR Ransdell: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - Marty Eberhardt: https://martyeberhardt.com/ - Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ - Paula F. Winskye: http://www.winskyebooks.com/ 
The Tucson Festival of Books takes place at the University of Arizona and is one of the largest book festivals in the United States, bringing together authors, readers, and publishing professionals for a weekend of panels, book signings, and literary celebration. More: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ 
The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a Southern Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime, featuring authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. More: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/ 

Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: Preserving History in New Smyrna Beach

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the powerful stories preserved at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
This special episode celebrates the second anniversary of the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast and also recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting the importance of community storytelling and the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities. Walking along the quiet residential streets, visitors might easily pass a small white church on North Duss Street. Yet inside the historic Sacred Heart/St. Rita Church is something extraordinary—a living archive of African American history in coastal Volusia County.
Through photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and community voices, the museum shares stories of resilience, culture, and community leadership. This episode also explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned Florida Highwaymen artists, and the power of genealogy and local storytelling in preserving history for future generations.
Be sure to watch Jo’s social media channels for the upcoming launch of her new digital podcast magazine, "Have Glass Will Travel," which will feature travel stories, articles, and highlights from the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museumhttps://www.blackheritage.org/ 
- Read Jo's article: https://mainlymuseums.com/post/1421/mary-s-harrell-black-heritage-museum-preserving-history-in-new-smyrna-beach/ 
- Watch the New Smyrna Beach travel episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/egIxyOk8o7M?si=TpO56JJBgyT301j4 
- Read Jo’s New Smyrna Beach travel article https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/ 
- Follow Jo Clark:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
- New episodes air every 2nd Sunday: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

The Dawes Arboretum: How Beeman and Bertie Dawes Created a Living Museum of Trees

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beeman Dawes and Bertie Dawes.
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy.
In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy.
From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees.
🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Power of Peanuts: Nutrition, Snacks & Recipes

It’s National Peanut Month and National Nutrition Month, and we’re celebrating with Donna George from The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona! 
In this episode of "The Peanut Patch" Podcast on Big Blend Radio, discover surprising facts about peanuts (did you know they’re actually a legume?), the health benefits of peanut butter, and delicious ways to enjoy nutritious snacks like trail mix, dark chocolate, Medjool dates, and freeze-dried fruits. Donna also shares insights into The Peanut Patch’s famous fresh peanut brittle and how their treats are made.
Whether you're looking for healthy snack inspiration or planning a visit to sunny Yuma, this episode is packed with flavor, fun facts, and food inspiration.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ 🎧 Listen: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Spring Flower-Powered Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants and strengthen local ecosystems. The conversation also highlights community celebrations and unique events that bring residents and visitors together each spring.
From the Tule River Parkway and Dry Creek Preserve to blooming meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, discover how spring transforms the landscape into a colorful playground for hikers, photographers, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:* Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Cathy Capone - Tule River Parkway Association https://www.tuleriverparkwayassociation.org/ 
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
NEW! CHECK OUT THE "CALIFORNIA SEQUOIA COUNTRY" DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/lhko/#p=1 
THIS EPISODE is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend", "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  
Photos: VisitVisalia.com & Big Blend Media 

Trailing of the Sheep Festival: 30 Years of Idaho Heritage & Sun Valley Charm

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us to Ketchum, home of the beloved Trailing of the Sheep Festival.
The conversation explores the deep-rooted history of sheep herding in Idaho and how this iconic festival celebrates ranching heritage, Basque culture, folk traditions, and the enduring importance of sheep and wool in the region. Sharon shares highlights from the festival’s parades, cultural events, and food experiences, along with insider tips on dining, shopping, and exploring Ketchum’s scenic mountain setting.
Hear about outdoor adventures, hiking opportunities, and the town’s rich literary and cultural connections—including its ties to Ernest Hemingway—making Ketchum a rewarding destination well beyond festival weekend.
🐑 Learn more about the festival and plan your visit:https://trailingofthesheep.org/ 
📖 Read Sharon's Article on Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/trailing-of-the-sheep-festival 
📖 Check out Sharon's new 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 
🎧 This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Wander the World with Sharon, Vacation Station, Way Back When, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork