Big Daily Blend

Dr Amy Stark - A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment.
Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/ 
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art, History & Honor: National Parks Arts Foundation

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.
This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 
📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.
In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating 48 Sweet Seasons: Peanut Butter, Medjool Dates & Holiday Cheer

In this festive episode of The Peanut Patch Podcast, host Donna George celebrates the store’s 48th anniversary and National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! She shares nostalgic stories of peanut butter favorites, highlights Yuma’s locally grown Medjool dates, and explores how these “Nature’s Candy” gems add a special touch to charcuterie boards and holiday gatherings.
Donna also talks about peanut butter fudge, creative ways to enjoy peanut butter during Thanksgiving, and how to get a head start on holiday shopping with custom gift baskets. Whether you’re local or visiting Yuma this winter, you’ll love the sweet traditions and Southwest flavors that make The Peanut Patch a must-stop destination.
🛒 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/ 
📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

End-of-Year Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From festive markets to winter hiking trails, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the many ways to enjoy Tulare County as the year winds down. Discover the region’s charming local events, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make this destination shine during the holiday season.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Donnette Silva Carter – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/  - Daniel Huecker – Sequoia Parks Conservancy: https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/  - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/  
🎧 This conversation explores the shopping, seasonal events, and culinary experiences that make Tulare County and California’s Sequoia Country a vibrant end-of-year destination. From vendor fairs and local food trails to winter adventures and guided programs in the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
Takeaways:• Tulare County offers a wide variety of holiday shopping and craft markets.• Local eateries showcase flavors from tacos to Mediterranean fare.• Outdoor winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and stargazing.• Sequoia Parks Conservancy hosts guided hikes and astronomy programs.• The region celebrates its agricultural bounty and community traditions.
📡 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  

Wonderful Wine and Soup Pairings for the Fall Season

Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for comfort food and cozy sips! In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, explores the art of pairing wine with soups. From creamy bisques and hearty stews to the classic soup-and-grilled-cheese combo, learn how to layer flavors, balance textures, and select wines that elevate every spoonful.
The conversation also uncovers the meaning behind the wine term “reticent,” offers Thanksgiving wine pairing tips for both traditional and vegan menus (in celebration of World Vegan Month), and dives into how to build a harmonious holiday meal—from appetizers to desserts.
🥣 Recipe of the Month: - Italian Wedding Soup – Get the recipe on Substack: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/pairing-wine-with-soups - Peggy's Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/ 
🍇 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 

Exploring Louisiana’s Historic River Road

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, hosts Terri and Ron Guthrie explore the River Road region of Louisiana, uncovering the fascinating history, plantations, and cultural significance that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
They visit and discuss some of the area’s most iconic sites including Destrehan Plantation — the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River Valley — and Oak Alley Plantation, world-famous for its stunning canopy of oak trees and rich history. The conversation also highlights Houmas House and the Great River Road Museum, which presents an unfiltered look at Louisiana’s complex and layered past.
Throughout the episode, Terri and Ron reflect on the beauty of the Mississippi River, its impact on commerce and culture, and how its story is interwoven with the development of Louisiana’s plantations and small towns. The region’s culinary traditions, from rice and sugar production to modern-day Southern cuisine, also take center stage.
✨ As the conversation unfolds, it was discovered that their River Road journey followed part of the historic Jefferson Highway, a transcontinental route connecting Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans. The highway was officially established in November 1915 during a meeting in New Orleans, led by Edwin T. Meredith of Iowa with representatives from across the Louisiana Purchase states. Their vision created what became known as “The Palms to Pines Highway.”
This month marks the 115th anniversary of that historic meeting — making it the perfect time to celebrate the Jefferson Highway’s ongoing connection to the people, heritage, and landscapes of Louisiana’s River Road region.
🦆 With November being National Rice Awareness Month, this episode also touches on the area’s rice-growing history, which helped shape the region’s economy and cuisine.
🌐 Plan Your Visit- Houmas House and Gardens – https://www.houmashouse.com/ - Great River Road Museum – https://greatriverroadmuseum.org/ - Oak Alley Plantation – https://www.oakalleyplantation.com/ - Destrehan Plantation – https://www.destrehanplantation.org/ - Visit Ascension Parish – https://visitlasweetspot.com/ - Louisiana’s River Parishes – https://lariverparishes.com/tourist-commission/ - Visit Jefferson Parish – https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/ 
🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio,” “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” and “Jefferson Highway” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Jim Hinckley on “Route 66 100 Years” – Celebrating the Mother Road’s Legacy

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.”
From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana.
Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work:- https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/ 
📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Transformative Power of Gratitude and Thank You Letters

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” Show celebrates National Gratitude Month, National Thank You Letter Month, and National Thank You Letter Day (November 14).
We’re joined by Carew Papritz, award-winning author of "The Legacy Letters" and creator of National Thank You Letter Day (& Month) — a November tradition that encourages handwritten thank-you letters to strengthen literacy, nurture gratitude, and bring people together.
Co-hosted by Johnny Schaefer  @hearjohnny , award-winning vocalist and composer, this conversation explores how gratitude and handwritten letters can foster connection, community, and positive change. The discussion highlights simple ways families, classrooms, and communities can participate in this meaningful movement and share appreciation in creative ways.
The episode concludes with a brief discussion of the Yellow Feather Movement, which encourages standing up for what’s right, tying gratitude to social awareness and action.
🌐 Learn more about Carew Papritz, The Legacy Letters, National Thank You Letter Day (& Month), and the Yellow Feather Movement:- https://thelegacyletters.com - https://nationalthankyouletterday.com - https://www.facebook.com/nationalthankyouletterday - https://yellowfeathers.org/ 
🌐 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com - Join Johnny's Gratitude Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones 
🎵 Enjoy Johnny's Gratitude Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36u8e1LjfihpOZd3LDHTzu?si=jGjgioqkR3Gk2BG6hyWf8Q 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show. Explore the Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork