Big Daily Blend

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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).