Big Daily Blend

Travel Writer Success Insider with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough

Enjoy this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, digital content creators, freelance travel writers, photographers, founders and publishers of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog.Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a grand adventure across continents, Joelle and Ryan believe that travel is more than just a trip; it is an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth. Check out their Travel Writer Success Insider Q&A here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/travel-writer-success-insider-joelle-machia-and-ryan-slough/ Wanderers Compass is rooted in immersive travel—where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Through curated itineraries, firsthand storytelling, and a commitment to uncovering the world’s hidden gems, Joelle and Ryan share their journeys with the hope of inspiring others to explore with purpose and curiosity. Follow their adventures at https://www.wandererscompass.com/ New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast air every second Monday at 4pm PST / 7pm EST here: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 

Free Puppies Documentary Film

In observance of Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (April 13-19), we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio with filmmaker Samantha Wishman and dog rescuer Monda Wooten, who discuss the documentary film FREE PUPPIES which is out now on VOD and DVD in the USA and Canada.
FREE PUPPIES! travels across the country's political divide to explore one of the many areas where no public animal services exist, and volunteers -- many of them women -- step in. The story follows rescuers Monda Wooten, Ann Brown, and Ruth Smith, and the network of independent “rescue ladies” who patrol vast rural counties in the Tennessee Valley caring for stray and surrendered dogs. Their grassroots efforts to start up a spay-and-neuter program, rescue countless dogs from euthanasia and neglect, and place them in loving "forever homes" will pluck at the heartstrings of any dog person. More: https://www.freepuppies.us/ 

Director Jean Luc Herbulot - Zero Film

Two strangers searching for purpose in Dakar, Senegal, wake up with bombs strapped to their chests, counting down from ten hours. Controlled by a mysterious voice, they must complete a series of chaotic missions with devastating consequences. As the city erupts in protest against Western influence, the reluctant partners race for redemption. 
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS Show, director / writer Jean Luc Herbulot talks about his latest film, ZERO, that's out now in theaters and on VOD through Well Go USA Entertainment. ZERO is a thrilling, darkly humorous tale of survival, connection, and the human search for meaning. Watch: https://wellgousa.com/films/zero 

Nora Film - Anna Campbell and Nick Fink

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show focuses on the newest Musical Motherhood Drama NORA by director, and lead Anna Campbell. Having given up her career in music, NORA (Anna Campbell) moves home to suburbia to focus on her child. Her dreams, however, have different plans. 
The journey of self discovery isn't always easy. Returning to her hometown after abandoning her music career, Nora finds it difficult to settle into the new demands of suburban motherhood. When her husband goes on tour and leaves her solo-parenting their precocious six-year-old, Nora is forced to evaluate her current circumstances and the dreams she left behind. Featured guests on this episode are Anna Campbell and talent Nick Fink. NORA will be playing in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Glendale on April 11th, and then New York at the Village East by Angelika on April 18th. More at https://norathemovie.com/ 

Replacing Stress with Fun for Better Heart Health

In observance of National Stress Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast focuses on the relationship between stress and heart disease and strokes, and how to replace stress with fun for better heart health, and a happier lifestyle. 
Dr. Jacqueline Eubany is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book, "Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story." More: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/  
New episodes of "Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie" air every 2nd Wednesday. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 

Lafayette, Louisiana is the Happiest City in America

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, they will have something for you to celebrate. More: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/ 
Save the date for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12-16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  

Bevin Cohen - Herbs in Every Season

In celebration of National Garden Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features gardening expert Bevin Cohen who discusses his new book, "HERBS IN EVERY SEASON: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary," that's out now through Timber Press. 
"Herbs in Every Season" offers gardeners, herbalists, cooks, and homesteaders a new way of looking at herbs throughout the year, and from every angle. The photographed guide features information on gardening, cooking, and integrating herbs as part of a holistic wellness routine. Herbalists will learn how an herb’s growth habits inform its medicinal capabilities, and gardeners will gain insight into herbs as integral culinary plants for the kitchen garden, pollinator plants for perennial borders, and key ingredients for a home apothecary. 
Bevin Cohen is an author, herbalist, gardener, seed saver, and educator. He is the owner of Small House Farm, the founder of Michigan Seed Library Network, and offers workshops and lectures. More at: http://www.smallhousefarm.com/ 

Gardens, Flowers, Poetry and Art

Celebrate Spring, National Garden Month and Poetry Month with Part 2 of Big Blend Radio's Spring Garden Party 2025. 
FEATURED GUESTS- EVA ELDRIDGE is a travel writer, editor, publishing expert and avid gardener. Hear about some of her favorite local plants and botanical gardens in Tucson, Arizona. Visit: https://evaeldridge.com/ 
- DEBBIE STONE is a travel writer and photographer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico who talks about Origami in the Garden that features beautiful sculptures by artist Kevin Box. Read her story about it, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/origami-in-the-garden-is-a-feast-for-the-senses/ 
- HEIDI SANDER is a travel writer, author and award-winning poet who talks about how Stratford, Ontario is a destination for North American theatre and garden lovers. Her Stratford Gems book series is a poetic travel book that has highlighted some of the special gardens in Stratford through a unique artistic blend of photography and poetry. More: https://heidisander.com/ 
- JOHNNY SCHAEFER & KIMI YNIGUES - Kimi is a freelance floral designer based in Boise, Idaho who talks about floral design, and the healing power of flowers. Johnny is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Pasadena, California who cohosts Big Blend Radio every 1st Sunday. More: https://hearjohnny.com/    
MORE GARDEN PARTY FUN:- Listen to our “Sounds of Spring” Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4udexf - Listen to Part 1 of our Spring Garden Party, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spring-garden-party-2025/