Big Daily Blend

Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.
The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.
Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.
🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

The Gift of Presence: Bringing Light to Others

In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, Live & Die Happy Coach, explores the power of presence, listening, and nourishment during the holiday season. 
Shelley discusses how truly being present in conversations, offering genuine empathy, and sharing the nourishment of food—both physically and emotionally—can illuminate the lives of those around us. She reflects on finding joy even in dark times and emphasizes how small moments of connection can bring light, unity, and understanding into our relationships.
📘 Read Shelley’s article: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/the-gift-of-presence 
📚 Get her book – “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory & Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley — new episodes drop the first Sunday of each month:https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels.Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Wine Friendly Holiday Season: Beaujolais, Risotto & New Recipe Magazine

Celebrate the holiday season with wine, food, and festive cheer in this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Hear about the joyful traditions surrounding Beaujolais—especially Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic wine of the season known for its fresh, celebratory spirit.
The conversation also dives into holiday entertaining, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why wine clubs make meaningful gifts. Peggy shares tips for making the perfect Mushroom Risotto. Along the way, learn about vineyard seasonality, terroir-driven wines like LDV Winery's Rhyolite series, and how food and wine create lasting holiday memories.
📘 NEW! Wine & Bites Digital Podcast & Recipe MagazineThis episode also celebrates the launch of WINE & BITES — Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine. This monthly digital publication includes the latest podcast episodes, recipes, wine & food pairing tips, and more — including the Mushroom Risotto recipe featured in this show.👉 Read the new issue here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend." Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Winter Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm, welcoming events that make this region a must-visit during the colder months.
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/ - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
✨ This conversation explores winter hiking, birding events, cozy culinary favorites, indoor museums, and the beloved Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, now celebrating its 100th year. You’ll learn why Tulare County is an incredible place to enjoy both outdoor adventures and community celebrations throughout the season.  Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This Ordinary Thing Film: Humanity, Courage & the Holocaust

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.
Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.
Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.
Visit: https://www.thisordinarything.com/  

Winter Adventures in Asheville NC: Music, Mountain Magic & Trolls

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" show, cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson, innkeepers of The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast in Montford Historic District, share a fun and festive roundup of winter experiences you won’t want to miss. From Asheville’s growing reputation as a music destination—including a recent music video by Stone Whiskey filmed at the inn—to the city’s seasonal magic, this episode highlights the best ways to embrace winter in the Western North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Discover snow tubing and ice skating spots, the enchanting Winter Lights and Trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum, the famous Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition, and Asheville’s wellness side with salt caves and foot sanctuaries. The conversation also celebrates the city’s breweries, dog-friendly culture, and the importance of supporting local businesses with gift certificates during the holiday season. Plus, learn why The Lion and the Rose B&B is ideal for winter getaways, reunions, and group stays.
* Learn more about The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast – https://www.lion-rose.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Branson, Missouri: Winter Holidays, Family Fun & Americana Adventures

In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri Guthrie explores Branson, Missouri, celebrating winter holidays, family fun, and classic Americana adventures. She’s joined by two special guests: Olivia Reinke from Explore Branson, and Sophia Meltke from The Ozarker Lodge.
Together, they dive into what makes Branson a magical, family-friendly destination during the holiday season — from sparkling light displays and nostalgic traditions to outdoor adventures, heartwarming entertainment, and the cozy charm of The Ozarker Lodge, perfect for unplugging and reconnecting.
The conversation also touches on Branson’s multi-generational appeal, signature attractions, festive events, local cuisine, and the rich sense of Americana that defines this iconic Ozarks town. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for year-round family travel inspiration, this episode captures the spirit of Branson at its most festive.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Explore Branson: https://www.explorebranson.com/ - The Ozarker Lodge: https://www.theozarkerlodge.com/  - Travel with Terri: https://travelwithterri.net/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," “Vacation Station," and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

New California Employment Laws 2026

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the upcoming changes to California’s minimum wage laws, effective January 2026. 
The discussion covers minimum wage increases across sectors, challenges for small businesses competing with larger employers, and significant wage hikes in the healthcare industry. Ward also explains compliance requirements for exempt employees, the consequences of wage violations, and strategies for avoiding costly mistakes. This episode is essential for both employers and employees navigating California’s evolving wage landscape.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/new-california-employment-laws-for 
👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork