Big Daily Blend

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 

The Legacy of Carroll Shelby and the Spirit of Pittsburg, Texas

Explore the rich history, community pride, and small-town charm of Pittsburg, Texas, in this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show. Co-host Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, is joined by Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy to share insights into the city’s heritage, growth, and future as a destination along this legendary travel route. It's a great episode to celebrate Map Reading Week (Oct. 19 to Oct. 25, 2025)!
Hear stories of Carroll Shelby’s remarkable legacy, the town’s historic innovations and sports heroes, and how Pittsburg continues to celebrate its past while building for the future. From its famous Pittsburg Hot Links to vibrant community events, and fascinating automotive and aviation history, this charming Texas town exemplifies the spirit of the Jefferson Highway — connecting communities, culture, and history from Winnipeg to New Orleans.
🏙️ Learn more about Pittsburg, Texas: https://www.pittsburgtx.gov/ 
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway,” stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
🌐 Sign up for the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide and website: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📺 Subscribe to this podcast:  https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 
🔊 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Big Daily Blend," and "Road Trip Radio" Podcast Channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Thank you to the Shelby Foundation for the use the image of Mr. Shelby. 

Unlocking the Secrets of Square Foot Gardening with Rick Bickling

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show features Rick Bickling, Master Gardener and spokesperson for the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Rick shares how the innovative Square Foot Gardening method—developed by Mel Bartholomew—revolutionized small-space gardening with its raised beds, unique soil blend known as Mel’s Mix, and efficient planting system that makes gardening accessible to everyone.
Rick also introduces "The Square Foot Gardening Planner: A 3-Year Journal for Recording the Planning, Planting, and Care of Your Square Foot Garden" (Cool Springs Press, October 21, 2025). This official planner helps gardeners stay organized with design templates, planting logs, compost tracking, pest and disease notes, and yield records, all beautifully designed to make gardening productive and fun.
The discussion explores how square foot gardening promotes sustainability, food security, and community connection, empowering families, schools, and urban dwellers to grow their own organic produce—no matter how limited their space.
🌿 Learn more: https://squarefootgardening.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Claudia Daher - Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One

This Big Blend Radio conversation with debut author Claudia Daher dives into her powerful new science fiction novel, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One” (Pegasus Publishing, September 28, 2025). The story follows a diverse group of teens secretly training in an alternate reality video game to defend Earth against water-stealing aliens — a thrilling adventure that bridges timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future Earth facing climate catastrophe.
In celebration of Unity Day and Global Appreciation Month, Claudia shares her belief in the power of love, respect, and unity to overcome global challenges. The discussion explores humanity’s deep interconnectedness with nature, the consequences of our actions, and how ambition and responsibility shape the future of our planet.
As Claudia says, “Everything is connected for us. Sooner or later, there is cause and effect.”
🌍 Learn more about Claudia Daher and her work: http://claudiadaherauthor.com/ 
Follow her on Facebook @ClaudiaDaher.Author and Instagram @claudiadaher_author 
🎙️ This show is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, Nature Connection, and Toast to The Arts Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Lafayette, Louisiana: Exploring America's Happiest City

Recorded onsite during the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) Conference, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show features host Terri Guthrie in conversation with Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
Known as the Happiest City in America, Lafayette shines with its Cajun and Creole culture, incredible food scene, lively festivals, and welcoming community spirit. Terri and Ben discuss the city’s unique blend of music, cuisine, and heritage, the University of Louisiana’s role in shaping local life, and the family-friendly celebrations that embody the area’s joyful charm.
They also touch on exciting future developments, including the Louisiana Music Museum and a new boutique hotel, as well as Lafayette’s natural beauty—from scenic swamps to wildlife-filled wetlands. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or cultural explorer, Lafayette offers an authentic Louisiana experience that’s truly unforgettable.
📍 Plan Your Visit: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/ 
🎧 Follow Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ As part of Big Blend Radio's Global Diversity Awareness programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Vacation Station podcast channels!  Listen to more Big Blend Radio episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Beyond Tuscany: Exploring Family History, Culture and Everyday Life in Italy

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) celebrates Italian-American Heritage Month and Family History Month with Valerie Fortney-Schneider—writer, author, genealogist, and expat living in Italy.
Valerie shares her experiences from nearly 20 years of living in Italy, from her ancestral region of Basilicata to her current home in Ascoli Piceno (Le Marche). Listeners will discover what life is really like beyond Tuscany, as Valerie explores the heart of Italian culture—where hospitality is sacred, community is central, and every meal tells a story. She also discusses her work as a professional genealogy researcher, helping Americans trace their roots and rediscover ancestral connections through travel.
Valerie authored "52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata," the first English-language guidebook dedicated solely to the region. Together with her husband Bryan Schneider, author of "Italian Ancestral Journeys: A DIY Guide to Visiting Your Ancestors’ Towns," she has helped hundreds of travelers rediscover their roots and experience Italy through local eyes.
From the ancient city of Matera to the local markets, vineyards, and kitchens of small Italian towns, this conversation captures the rhythm, warmth, and authenticity that define life in Italy.
🌐 Learn more about Valerie’s work: http://www.myancestralitaly.com 
📚 Explore her books: https://www.myancestralitaly.com/books 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Way Back When History channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Author Diane Hartman - Getting Lost on My Way Memoir

Celebrate Family History Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio, featuring debut author Diane Hartman, who discusses her memoir “Getting Lost On My Way: Self-Discovery on Ireland’s Backroads.”
In this heartfelt conversation, Diane shares how her travels through Ireland’s villages and misty cliffs became a journey of healing, creativity, and connection. Guided by her love of Celtic culture and the words of an Irish poet, Diane began to write not just about where she traveled—but how those journeys transformed her life.
A retired librarian, photographer, and award-winning writer, Diane opens up about the importance of libraries, the courage of solo travel, and how creativity can help us rediscover who we are. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams, explore their ancestral roots, and embrace the magic of new beginnings.
🌐 Learn more about Diane Hartman at https://www.dianehartmanauthor.com 
🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio at https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/ 

Artist Victoria Chick: A Journey Through Art

In celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “World of Art” Show features artist and art advocate Victoria Chick, who shares her personal art journey and discusses the powerful impact of art on individuals and communities.
Victoria explores how art serves as both history and healing, the importance of art education, and the role of museums in preserving cultural stories. She also talks about developing observational skills, the value of creative expression, and the ripple effect art has on society.
Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
🌐 More to Explore- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - 🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts and Big Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork