Big Daily Blend

What’s Fresh for the Holidays: 2025 Produce Trends & Gift Ideas

Celebrate the holiday season with this delicious and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with host Linda Kissam, aka “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” She’s joined by Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce to discuss the top holiday produce trends for 2025 — from quince and chestnuts to pickling, luxury fruits, and festive gift basket ideas.
In this engaging conversation, Linda and Robert explore unique holiday ingredients and how to prepare them, the rise of home pickling and fermentation, and creative ways to use seasonal fruits and vegetables in both dishes and décor. They also share insights into trending gift ideas, like Royal Vine Grapes and gourmet produce baskets that make the holidays extra special.
🔗 Read Linda’s article: “Top Trends for Holiday Produce 2025”https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/top-trends-for-holiday-produce-2025/ 
🔗 Shop Melissa's Produce & See Recipes: https://www.melissas.com/ 
🔗 Listen to more of Linda Kissam’s travel and food podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
🔗 Follow Diva Linda’s blog and adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
🔗 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 

Exploring Key West: History, Haunts, and the Conch Republic

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" Travel Show features travel writer and author Kathleen Walls, publisher of American Roads and Global Highways, who takes listeners on a lively journey through Key West, Florida, the southernmost city in the United States. 
From the colorful history of the Conch Republic and the six-toed cats of the Hemingway Home and Museum, to ghostly legends, historic cemeteries, and culinary favorites like Key Lime Pie and conch fritters, this conversation captures the island’s quirky charm and fascinating culture.
Read Kathleen’s accompanying article, “Key West: The Southernmost U.S. City,” here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/key-west-the-southernmost-us-city/ 
Learn more about Kathleen's books and travels:- https://americanroads.net/ - https://katywalls.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Hamlet, Karen Blixen & Danish Castles: A Literary Adventure in Denmark

In celebration of National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show features award-winning travel writer Barbara Redding, who takes us on a literary adventure through Denmark. From the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famed author of Out of Africa, to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting that inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” Barbara shares insights from her journey through these historic and creative landmarks.
Hear about Blixen’s fascinating life and legacy, her time in Africa, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. The episode also highlights Denmark’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the ways travel deepens one’s appreciation for literature and art.
📖 Read Barbara’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-literary-day-trip-in-denmark/ 
🌍 Follow Barbara’s travels and stories: https://www.BarbaraRedding.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Women Making History," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Taste of Cajun Culture: Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience

Recorded on-location, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show celebrates National Sausage Month with Maitland “Spuddy” John Faucheux, owner of Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience — where visitors can taste, learn, and live true Louisiana flavor!
Located about 50 miles outside of New Orleans, Vacherie lies in Louisiana’s historic German Coast, once a major farming hub that fed the Crescent City. The town’s name, derived from the French word for “cowshed,” reflects its agricultural roots as the region’s center for beef production. Today, Vacherie welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come to tour the nearby Oak Alley, St. Joseph, and Laura Plantations — and to experience the culinary heart of Cajun country at Spuddy’s.
In this lively and flavorful conversation, Terri chats with Spuddy about the deep connection between food and culture in Louisiana, and the importance of community and storytelling through cooking. Spuddy also shares the fascinating history of andouille sausage, a staple of Cajun cuisine, and explains how he makes it by hand using traditional techniques. From gumbo to jambalaya, and from the simplicity of Cajun seasoning to the sweetness of local desserts, this episode captures the joy, flavor, and spirit of Southern hospitality.
🎧 Listen & plan your visit: https://www.cajuncookingexperience.com/ 
🎙️ New "Travel with Terri" episodes drop every Tuesday at 9am CT: https://travelwithterri.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 

Legendary Bassist Greg T. Walker: The Rise of Two Wolf

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Rants, Raves & Rock ‘n Roll” podcast, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker — founding member of Blackfoot and former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd — joins the show to talk about his latest musical adventure: Two Wolf. The band’s debut self-titled album, out June 6, 2025 through Cleopatra Records, delivers a ferocious modern take on classic Southern rock grit, blending soul, blues, and hard-edged rock ‘n’ roll.
Greg discusses the formation of Two Wolf, the year-long recording process, and the importance of dynamics and connection in live performances. He shares stories from his musical journey, the band’s creative chemistry, and how nature and authenticity continue to shape his art. From the warmth of vinyl to the spirit of the South, this episode dives deep into what keeps real rock alive.
🎸 Learn more: https://www.twowolfrocks.com/ 
🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's Arts & Humanities Month programming and is also featured on "A Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend" Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Art of Performance Preparing for Gigs and Connecting Through Music

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), we celebrate Arts & Humanities Month with an insightful conversation about the art and craft of live performance. Joey and Lisa dive into what it takes to prepare for gigs, the importance of rehearsals, and how musicians can build confidence, adaptability, and professionalism on stage.
They also explore the deeper significance of music as a universal language—one that tells human stories, connects communities, and reflects the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
📌 Key Takeaways- Music connects people across cultures and emotions.- The arts mirror the beauty and struggles of human life.- Preparation and rehearsal build confidence and consistency.- Open mic nights are great for learning and growing.- Mistakes are part of becoming a better performer.- Building a genuine audience connection is essential.- Professionalism means being prepared, punctual, and adaptable.- Humor and authenticity can turn performance challenges into memorable moments.- Every performance offers lessons that shape the artist’s journey.
Learn more at: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Guy Fawkes and Legendary Rebels and Rebellions

Airing on National Make a Difference Day, this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Show features historian and tour guide Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours, who explores rebellion through the ages — from Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot to Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement.
Inspired by Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night (November 5), this conversation looks at how acts of defiance — both peaceful and forceful — have challenged injustice and reshaped society. Discover the stories of Robin Hood, William Wallace, Boudicca, Martin Luther, Wat Tyler, Emily Davison, and Rosa Parks, and what their courage teaches us about freedom, equality, and the power of individuals to make a difference.
👉 Read Glynn’s companion article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/legendary-rebels-and-rebellions/ 
👉 Learn more about Glynn Burrows and his tours: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
👉 Listen to more English Connection episodes: https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big daily Blend," Way Back When," and "Rants, Raves & Rock" podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Joy of Mushroom Gardening with North Spore’s Matthew McInnis

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip features Matthew McInnis, Co-Founder and Creative Director of North Spore, a company dedicated to empowering people to grow mushrooms at home and explore the fascinating world of fungi.
Matt shares insights into the ease and accessibility of mushroom gardening, from using North Spore’s beginner-friendly grow kits to experimenting with species like Lion’s Mane, known for its rich flavor and wellness benefits. The conversation explores how mushrooms can be grown indoors and outdoors, their vital role as decomposers that enrich soil health, and their potential as a sustainable protein source.
You’ll also hear about the educational and culinary sides of mushroom cultivation—from hands-on learning experiences for kids to restaurants growing their own mushrooms. Whether you’re an aspiring home gardener, a foodie, or an environmental enthusiast, this discussion offers plenty of inspiration to dig into the magic of mushrooms.
🌐 Learn more about North Spore: https://northspore.com/ 
🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels. Listen to more Big Blend Radio shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork