Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
In celebration of National Candy Month, this sweet episode of Big Blend Radio's "Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George dives into the nostalgic charm of The Peanut Patch and explores how candy-making continues to evolve in creative and surprising ways.
Learn how freeze-dried candy is not only a great option for outdoor adventures but also a lighter, softer treat for movie nights and folks with dental concerns. You'll also discover how Medjool dates—known as “Nature’s Candy”—make a naturally sweet, sugar-free alternative. The Peanut Patch even carries a variety of sugar-free candies, making sure there’s something for everyone.
Located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch - open October-April - is an iconic Southwest destination known for farm-fresh peanuts, homemade peanut brittle, and irresistible treats. From traditional favorites to innovative candy-making techniques shaping the future, this family-run business continues to delight generations of sweet-toothed travelers, especially those hitting the road in search of nostalgic, local flavor.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/
🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/
🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/
📲 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast celebrates the start of summer along with Great Outdoors Month and Dairy Month! Tune in to discover the spectacular sights and experiences awaiting you in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
From towering giant sequoias and outdoor adventures to vibrant agricultural communities and local cultural events, this region is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:* Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Magdalena Salazar – City of Porterville: https://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/visitors/index.php * Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm
🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Show: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Celebrate National Moonshine Day with this spirited episode of Big Blend Radio as we dive into the Moonshiner, Bootlegger, and Temperance history of Kansas. Featured guests include Kenneth J. Peak, author of Kansas Bootleggers and Kansas Temperance, and Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation.
This fascinating conversation explores the complex world of moonshining and bootlegging in Southeast Kansas, shedding light on the cultural, economic, and social factors that fueled the underground liquor trade. Learn about the impact of the temperance movement, the roles played by immigrants and women, and how community survival sometimes depended on illegal alcohol production. Hear vivid stories of bootlegging techniques, organized crime, and the lasting effects of Prohibition on American society.
Listen now and get a taste of this unique slice of Kansas history!
🔗 Learn more:Kenneth J. Peak books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kenneth-J.-Peak/author/B001H6N8BO Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Celebrate Wine Wednesday and take your taste buds on a delicious journey to South America on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast! Host Peggy Fiandaca is joined by special guest Tamara Andersen, the talented recipe developer, cocktail mixologist, photographer, and writer behind the blog "Beyond Mere Sustenance."
In this flavorful conversation, Tamara shares her passion for Peruvian cuisine and wine pairings, influenced by her extensive travels in Peru and life on the border. From rich sauces to bold flavors, learn how to bring Peruvian flair into your own kitchen.
👉 Try Tamara’s featured recipes:* Pasta a la Huancaína: https://beyondmeresustenance.com/pasta-a-la-huancaina/ * Cheese Stuffed Bison Meatballs: https://beyondmeresustenance.com/cheese-stuffed-bison-meatballs/ * Explore more of her Latin-inspired (and mostly healthy) culinary creations at: https://beyondmeresustenance.com
🎙️ Hosted by Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, Wine Time with Peggy brings together food, wine, and culture. New episodes drop every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/
🍷 This episode also airs on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry. Discover more great shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
In this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville podcast, we celebrate National Great Outdoors Month by exploring the thrill and beauty of ziplining with Navitat Canopy Adventures—a premier tree-based adventure company just 30 minutes from downtown Asheville, North Carolina.
🎧 Featured guest Teresa DeCastro shares what makes Navitat a must-visit for adventure seekers, couples, families, and groups. From heart-racing ziplines to romantic proposals, group celebrations, and inclusive outdoor experiences, Navitat offers a safe and scenic way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains like never before. Learn more: https://navitat.com/asheville-nc/
🌿 Hosts Steve & Karen Wilson, aka “Mr & Mrs Wild”, join the conversation with their insights as innkeepers of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored pink Victorian located in Asheville’s historic Montford District. Discover their summer specials and plan your Asheville escape: https://www.lion-rose.com/
🎙️ The episode also highlights:- Personal stories of overcoming fear and growing through adventure- The importance of capturing memories (with help from Navitat’s guides)- The power of nature’s resilience, even after disasters- Why supporting local businesses and community-based tourism matters more than ever- How shared outdoor experiences strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories
📅 Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville airs every first Tuesday on the Big Blend Radio Network. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/
🎧 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s other podcast channels including Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend. Explore our full podcast network at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Celebrate National Family Month with this heartfelt and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend podcast, where we dive into the rich and emotional world of genealogy and family history.
In this powerful conversation, our guests share personal stories of uncovering their roots, exploring the emotional impact of their discoveries, and the profound connections forged through understanding ancestry. From the complexities of adoption to the joys of discovering hidden family stories, this episode highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and empathy in shaping our identities and navigating life.
Whether you’re new to genealogy or deep into your family history journey, this episode offers inspiration, support, and a sense of community.
🎙️ Featured Guests:* Johnny Schaefer - Award-winning singer/songwriter. https://hearjohnny.com/ * Glynn Burrows – Family history expert, Norfolk Tours UK. https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Julie Ryan McGue – Author, memoirist, and speaker. https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ * Jo Clark – Travel writer & family history researcher. https://recipestravelculture.com/ & https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Cherie Claire – Travel writer & author. https://www.cherieclaire.net/ * Kimberly Hess – Author & family history researcher. https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ * Diane Dobry – Memoirist & travel writer. https://hungarianaquarian.com/ & https://gettinghungary.com/
🧬 Key Takeaways:- National Family Month emphasizes the importance of family bonds.- Genealogy research uncovers emotional and impactful family stories.- Writing and storytelling preserve family legacies.- Adoption stories reveal the complexity of identity and belonging.- Online and travel communities support family history research.- Exploring ancestry deepens cultural and personal understanding.- Diaries, documents, and travel can connect us to our past.- Empathy and acceptance are vital when reflecting on historical injustices.
🎧 Also featured on our Quality of Life and Way Back When shows.🔗 Explore More Big Blend Radio Podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Women Making History” podcast shines a spotlight on the untold and often overlooked stories of women in wartime —from espionage to frontline heroism.
Featured Guests:Glynn Burrows shares the legacies of nurse Edith Cavell and WWII’s Jeannie MacIntosh.🔗 https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-does-memorial-weekend-mean-to-you/
Jo Clark honors Belle W. Baruch—American pilot, equestrian, philanthropist, and coastal observer.🔗 https://recipestravelculture.com/ | https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/belle-baruch-american-pilot-equestrian-and-spy/
Sharon K. Kurtz shares Harriet Tubman’s trailblazing role in leading a Union Army raid.🔗 https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/harriet-tubman-a-legacy-of-courage-and-compassion/
🕊️ Celebrate resilience, honor sacrifice, and amplify women's wartime history.

Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
In this special Memorial Day episode of Big Blend Radio, we honor our nation’s heroes and spotlight Military Appreciation Month with travel writer and editor Kris Grant. She shares the deep military and naval aviation history of Coronado, California, highlighting its connection to naval aviation, Navy SEAL training, and legendary figures like Glenn Curtiss.
The conversation explores life on a naval base, the evolution of military aviation, and the cultural significance of Coronado—from the festive Independence Day Parade to the historic and famously haunted Hotel del Coronado.
Kris also shares insights on other fascinating military history destinations, including:
Dayton, Ohio – A hub of aviation heritage with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Hammondsport and Corning, New York – Home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum and the scenic Finger Lakes region
🎧 Listen in for inspiring stories that commemorate service and preserve the legacy of America’s military past.
🔗 Websites & Resources:
Coronado Magazine & Coronado Eagle/Journal: https://www.coronadonewsca.com/
Visit Coronado, California: https://discovercoronado.com/
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport, NY): https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org/
Explore Corning & the Finger Lakes: https://exploresteuben.com/
Destination Dayton (Visitor Info): https://www.destinationdayton.org/
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
National Aviation Heritage Area: https://www.nps.gov/daav/index.htm
International Food Wine Travel Writers Association: https://ifwtwa.org/

Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast
Produced by Big Blend Radio, this daily pop culture podcast celebrates the day or month holidays, observances, historic happenings, and even new legislature. Be sure to check each episode's show notes for related resource including music playlists, articles, puzzles, and recipes.
Big Blend Radio is hosted and produced by the digital nomad mother-daughter team Lisa D. Smith (daughter) and Nancy J. Reid (mother), who also publish various digital Big Blend Magazines while traveling full-time on their Love Your Parks Tour where they document parks and public public lands across America. More at BlendRadioandTV.com and NationalParkTraveling.com.
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