Big Daily Blend

Why Communities Need Urban Parks

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.
Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.
🎧 In this episode:* Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters* Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience* Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere
🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/ 
🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Tea Tasting Wellness Journey with Amu Nutrition

In celebration of National Tea Day, we're revisiting this recent episode of Big Blend Radio with Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," who talks with Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition, about their wellness teas. Linda's tasting experience was informative and engaging, delving into the unique flavors, health benefits, and cultural significance of their teas. Read her story about it here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-tea-tasting-journey-with-amu-nutrition/ 
Hailing from Mongolia, Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition and entrepreneur by trade, is also a trained and certified ayurvedic nutritionist who has dedicated her life and career to supporting people’s journey to achieving optimal health. Khulan seeks to share Mongolia’s “food as medicine” philosophy with the American market, inviting consumers to experience tea not just as a beverage, but as a vital component of their self-care practices. Amu Nutrition’s Mongolian heritage is infused in every sip as the tea is made exclusively from wild harvested herbs sourced in the pristine Altai mountains of Mongolia. More: https://amu-nutrition.com/ 
Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Compassionate End-of-Life Support Services

In observance of National Death Doula Day, we're revisiting the first episode of our Big Blend Radio "Sould Journey Doula" Podcast series with Lea Brovedani.
Here Lea talks about the compassionate end-of-life planning and support services that death doula (or death midwife) provides.
WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XbOxY80E_BY 
Hear about Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula:* Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices* Emotion - Honor feelings* Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning* Body - Increase comfort, health and safety* Practical - Create completions
Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ 
Follow her podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/2psm2v5r 

Pianist Hunter Noack in Haleakala National Park

Featured for National Parks Week: We revisit this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with classical pianist Hunter Noack who shares his experience as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Haleakalā National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From performing in volcanic landscapes to composing music inspired by nature and Māori mythology, Hunter’s residency explored the deep connection between art and wild places.
Located on Maui, Haleakalā is known for its dramatic crater, cinder cones, and lush coastal forests—an awe-inspiring backdrop for creativity. Through programs like NPAF’s artist residencies, national parks become living studios, inviting artists to reflect the beauty, history, and cultural richness of these treasured landscapes.
Tune in to hear how Hunter’s “In A Landscape” performances—using wireless headphones in natural settings—reimagines how we experience classical music in the wild.
Learn More:
Hunter Noack: www.hunternoack.com
National Parks Arts Foundation: www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org
Haleakalā National Park: www.nps.gov/hale  
🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts & Parks Podcast:https://arts-parks.podbean.com/
 
 

Japan's Kumano Kodo Trail

Deep in the mountains of Japan's Wakayama Peninsula winds an ancient network of trails, shrines and temples designed to restore and purify one's spirit. Where Shoguns once lost their way in the forests, today pilgrims can follow the well-marked and maintained Kumano Kodo trails in the footsteps of Imperial processions, samurai warriors, Buddhist and Shinto clergy. In honor of International Day for Monuments and Sites, this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Elaine Masters who talks about the traditions and the deeply moving hikes through ancient Cypress groves, past small village farms, and a breathtaking local festival at the temple site of Japan's tallest waterfall. Read her story in Big Blend's PARKS & TRAVEL Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/xuwd/#p=61 
Featured music, with persmission, is “Mori (Forest Song)” featured on the “Yuna” album by Yagull. https://www.yagull.com/ 
Thanks to the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) for sponsoring this episode. https://www.yagull.com/ 

The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats

Celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day with this recent episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Podcast features Alyson F. Brokaw, behavioral and sensory ecologist, and author of "The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats: Demystifying These Often-Misunderstood Creatures." 
Out now throguh Timber Press, "The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats" is a vibrant and approachable text that reintroduces readers to bats, dispelling their negative reputations and providing a window into their world. Partitioned into easily navigable sections, it explains not only how bats see, smell, and fly, but also how they share, love, and create homes. As Brokaw proves, these creatures are more familiar than foreign. In fact, bats are a lot like us: they argue with their roost mates, share with their friends, and take care of their young. By better understanding them, we can learn from them—not only to coexist, but potentially grow healthier and wiser together. 
Alyson F. Brokaw’s professional passion is communicating about the diversity and biology of bats. Since earning her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Texas A&M University, she has studied wildlife around the world, including Mexico, Belize, Panama, Argentina, and Tanzania, while also publishing multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals on bat behavior and other topics. She is a narrator for March Mammal Madness.  You can find Alyson on social media @alyb_batgirl.  http://www.alysonbrokaw.com  

Zinfandel Steakhouse Mushrooms

Celebrate National Mushroom Day with this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show, with 5-Star Chef Ivan Flowers who shares how to make Zinfandel Steakhouse Mushrooms. These mushroom delicacies are delicious served with your favorite steak. A long-time Big Blend expert and radio guest sharing recipes and cooking advice, Chef Ivan Flowers likes to keep food simple and fresh! Though his food is influenced from countries around the world, he combines a love for French and Italian cuisine with a passion for Mediterranean – what he likes to call “global fusion”. See his recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/zinfandel-steakhouse-mushrooms/ Featured music is “Recipe” from the new Sam Llanas’s new album “Return to the Goya - Part 1”. www.SamLlanas.com 

Vitalik: An Ethereum Story

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple discuss their film VITALIK: AN ETHEREUM STORY that provides an intimate look at the humanity and vision behind a technological revolution. 
Through exclusive interviews with Vitalik Buterin, his parents, and leading tech figures—including Dmitry Buterin, Danny Ryan, Itzel Yard, and Tim O’Reilly—the film traces Buterin’s journey from childhood to the creation of Ethereum. Blending archival footage with firsthand insights, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple explore the motivations and challenges that shaped Ethereum’s groundbreaking launch. 
VITALIK is out on VOD via Gravtias Ventures. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqbOMrgYav0