Big Daily Blend

James Michael Dorsey: Award-winning Author & Explorer

As part of our Book Blitz Month programming, award-winning author, explorer, photographer, and cetacean specialist James Michael Dorsey joins Big Blend Radio to share stories from a lifetime of global exploration. 
Having traveled through 60 countries, Dorsey discusses his work documenting remote cultures, endangered languages, and oral traditions, as well as his experiences studying and interacting with whales in some of the world’s most remote marine environments.
He reflects on the urgency of cultural preservation, noting that when the last speaker of a language is lost, an entire library of knowledge disappears. From encounters with the Hadzabe people of Tanzania to time spent observing cetaceans, this conversation explores storytelling, responsible travel, and the deep connections between humans, wildlife, and place.
🔗 Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, and work:http://www.jamesdorsey.com/ 

Author Nancy Bernhard: The Double Standard Sporting House

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, airing on the second Wednesday of the month, features author Nancy Bernhard, who discusses her novel "The Double Standard Sporting House." The episode also celebrates National Books Blitz Month, spotlighting powerful stories that illuminate overlooked voices and hidden histories.
Set in 19th-century New York, "The Double Standard Sporting House" explores women’s history through a bold and revealing lens — examining the societal constraints placed on women, the influence of Tammany Hall, and the stark double standards that shaped women’s lives. In this engaging conversation, Bernhard sheds light on how brothels became one of the few paths to financial independence for women, while also addressing the intersections of race, gender, power, and survival.
The discussion dives into the realities faced by women navigating restrictive laws, limited rights, and moral judgment, while also touching on burlesque as social satire, reproductive autonomy, and why sex workers’ voices have so often been excluded from historical narratives. Thought-provoking and timely, this episode connects past struggles to ongoing conversations about women’s rights today.
🔗 Episode & Author Links✍️ Author Website – Nancy Bernhard: https://www.nancybernhard.com/ 📚 Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 🎙️ Explore the Big Blend Radio Network where this episode aired on the "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Navigating Women’s Weight for a Healthy Heart

In observance of Women’s Healthy Weight Day (Jan. 15, 2026), board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany explores the powerful connection between women’s heart health, weight management, and overall wellness.
This episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING focuses on how lifestyle choices—such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and community support—play a critical role in maintaining a healthy weight and protecting cardiovascular health at every stage of life.
Dr. Jackie discusses why obesity is a major global health issue linked to heart disease, why extreme dieting can be harmful, and how mindful eating and movement support both physical and emotional well-being. The conversation also addresses body image pressures women face, the importance of loving and respecting your body, and how simple practices like gardening and growing your own food can encourage healthier habits.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Jackie’s book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Winter Wonderland of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) we explore the winter magic, rich history, and culinary heritage of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands with Eric Knopsnyder, Director of Public Relations & Community Outreach for GO Laurel Highlands.
Located just an hour from Pittsburgh and within a day’s drive of nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, the Laurel Highlands is a four-season destination known for its mountain landscapes, charming small towns, outdoor adventures, and deep cultural roots. Eric shares insights into the region’s winter sports scene, including four downhill ski areas, luxury experiences at Nemacolin, unique lodging options, and why skiing here often extends into March.
The conversation also dives into the Laurel Highlands’ role as the birthplace of American rye whiskey, its vibrant craft beverage scene, award-winning dining, and community-driven events like the Fire & Ice Festival and the Pour Tour passport program. From Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and wildlife conservation to road trips, history, and slow travel, this episode highlights why the Laurel Highlands offers far more than a typical winter getaway.
🌐 Plan your Laurel Highlands adventure:https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/ 
📰 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

Glendora: Isabelle Armand on Her Mississippi Delta Documentary

"A moving testament to the Mississippi Delta, Glendora reveals how the bonds of family and home transform structural scarcity into profound community resilience." Nancy J. Reid, Big Blend Radio
In this episode of Big Blend Radio, filmmaker, cinematographer, and writer Isabelle Armand discusses her feature documentary GLENDORA, an intimate, five-year collaboration with a small African-American community in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. 
Created with—and by—the people who live there, GLENDORA captures daily life through personal testimonies and shared rituals such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. Isabelle shares how sound, atmosphere, and visual storytelling play a vital role in transporting viewers into the town, revealing both its challenges and its deep cultural richness.
Music emerges as a powerful thread connecting generations in Glendora, from church hymns and gospel traditions to local rappers creating their own music videos. The town’s cultural identity is also rooted in Delta blues history, as Glendora is the birthplace of the son of legendary bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson, reflecting a legacy of music as expression, memory, and resilience.
The conversation further explores the importance of historical context and collective memory. Glendora is part of the Civil Rights Trail, and it is also where Emmett Till was murdered in 1955—a defining event that continues to shape the town’s identity and the broader understanding of racial injustice in America.
GLENDORA makes its World Premiere at DWF: NY 2026, screening Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM at Regal Union Square in New York City.
Visit: https://glendora.my.canva.site/ and https://danceswithfilms.com/glendora/ 

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