Big Daily Blend
The Big Daily Blend podcast celebrates holidays and observances, music and pop culture, historic happenings, and even new legislature. Check the episode notes for music playlists, and related articles, recipes, puzzles, and more.
Episodes

Sep 23, 2025
Sep 23, 2025
30 min
Celebrate the magic of fall and the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we journey through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terrie Guthrie explores the spectacular Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: ¡Mundo México! event, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2, 2025.
The conversation highlights how the Dallas Arboretum, a premier fall attraction, has been transformed with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash to create an unprecedented celebration of Mexican living culture, contemporary art, and biodiversity. We delve into the stunning pumpkin village, creative art installations, and the importance of this event in fostering community engagement and creating lasting family memories. Discover why this immersive cultural experience positions Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
Key Takeaways:- The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved year-round destination.- The event features a festival-wide transformation with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash.- ¡Mundo México! celebrates Mexican culture, art, and biodiversity.- The pumpkin village is a main highlight, showcasing creative pumpkin houses inspired by Mexican regions.- The gardens feature plants and art installations that tell cultural stories.- Family-friendly events at the Arboretum are designed to create lasting memories.- The festival has helped position Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Dallas Arboretum website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
Follow Terri’s adventures:https://travelwithterri.net/ https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/ https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas
🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Garden Gossip, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Sep 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025
44 min
Celebrate International Day of Peace with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring musician and composer Dave Bainbridge, who discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Blending folk, rock, progressive, jazz, and modern classical influences with lyrics in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the album features an all-star cast of musicians including Simon Phillips, Troy Donockley, Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, and more.
Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.
📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5 🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.com

Sep 20, 2025
Sep 20, 2025
40 min
In celebration of National Dance Day (Sept. 20) and National Literary Month (September), we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring award-winning author Lynn Slaughter who discusses her writing process, and brand new adult mystery novel, "Missed Cue."
WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/9NJi6mb9oGI
"Mised Cue" finds Lieutenant Cailtin O’Connor in a theatrical mess when a prima ballerina fails to awaken during the final act of Romeo and Juliet. With multiple suspects, infidelity, and a twisted plot of romantic entanglements while also dealing with Caitlin’s personal love life, "Missed Cue" is a fast-paced Agatha Christie-style mystery that twists and turns to the final act.
Winner of multiple awards including the Silver Falchion Book Award, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, Imadjinn Award and recognized by the Agatha Christie awards and the CIBA awards, Lynn Slaughter is no stranger to creating captivating narratives shrouded in mystery. More: https://lynnslaughter.com

Sep 19, 2025
Sep 19, 2025
33 min
In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio Show takes you on a dog-friendly journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.
Featured guests Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast, share their experiences traveling with their dog to iconic distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Preservation Distillery. Along the way, they highlight the pet-friendly Bourbon Barrel Cottages, the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace, and the growing international appeal of bourbon tourism.
You’ll also hear from Jay Ballard of Bourbon Barrel Cottages about their accommodations, tours, and event spaces, plus Lynn Aubrey of Buffalo Trace Distillery who shares the history and current visitor experience at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery.
This lively conversation blends travel, history, bourbon, and hospitality with great tips for planning a Kentucky getaway — especially for those traveling with pets.
📝 Read Steve & Karen’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/
🎙️ Featured Guests* Steve & Karen Wilson – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast. Sharing their dog-friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip experience. 🌐 https://lion-rose.com
*Jay Ballard – Overview of Bourbon Barrel Cottages and tour options, plus their event facilities. 🌐 https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/
* Lynn Aubrey – Insights on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the current visitor experience at the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. 🌐 https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Big Daily Blend, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Vacation Station, and Pet Connection Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Sep 19, 2025
Sep 19, 2025
9 min
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning filmmaker Spencer Cohen, who discusses his powerful debut feature, “The Compatriots.”
Inspired by Cohen’s real-life best friend, a Dreamer from Peru, The Compatriots follows Javi (Rafael Silva), an undocumented Latino immigrant facing deportation, who reconnects with his estranged childhood friend Hunter (Denis Shepherd). Together, they embark on an emotional journey to prevent Javi’s expulsion from the only country he has ever called home.
Balancing serious themes with humor and heart, Cohen shares how audiences have connected deeply with the story, sparking important conversations about immigration, identity, friendship, and LGBTQIA+ experiences. released digitally in the US and Canada, the film honors the diverse contributions and challenges of Hispanic and Latin American communities, making it especially meaningful during Hispanic Heritage Month.
🌐 Learn more about the film: http://www.thecompatriotsfilm.com

Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
48 min
In celebration of National Pet Sitter Education Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” show dives into the world of pet sitting with co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters. This inspiring conversation highlights the lifestyle, responsibilities, and education required for pet sitters, and how the experience can transform both lives and careers.
Learn how to:- Build trust and communicate effectively with pet parents- Create a strong, compelling pet sitting profile- Gain valuable experience through volunteering- Understand animal behavior and provide personalized care- Prepare for emergencies and veterinary needs- Connect with the larger pet sitting community
🐾Learn more about Trustedhousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com
🎙️ This show also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” channel.

Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
42 min
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans shares the fun, flavor, and festivities of Coastal Mississippi in the fall and winter seasons. From the brand-new Amtrak service connecting the region to New Orleans, to lively events like the Cruisin’ the Coast classic car celebration, the Hummingbird Festival, the Peter Anderson Festival, and the sparkling Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival, this episode is all about culture, history, and community spirit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Lisa also talks about exploring historic landmarks like Beauvoir and its Fall Muster Civil War reenactments, and shares how the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass helps visitors get the most out of their trip. Whether you’re arriving by train or car, this vibrant region is ready to welcome travelers looking for adventure, artistry, and holiday magic.
🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by travel:👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648
🗺️ Coastal Mississippi Travel Resources:* Attractions Pass: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/plan/attractions-pass/ * Amtrak Service: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/plan/transportation/amtrak/ * Hummingbird Festival: https://www.coastalmississippi.com/event/7th-annual-hummingbird-festival/33975/ * Peter Anderson Festival: https://peterandersonfestival.com/ * Beauvoir & Fall Muster: https://www.visitbeauvoir.org/fall-muster * Cruisin’ the Coast: https://cruisinthecoast.com/ * Vicari Car Auctions: https://www.vicariauction.com/ * Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival: https://gulfportharborlights.com/
📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans
📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
36 min
Join us for a deep dive into the heart of Texas culture with a special episode dedicated to the Texas State Fair! In this conversation, travel writer Terri Guthrie explores the rich history, endless entertainment, and famous food that make the fair a beloved annual event.
Learn why this tradition has been a Texas institution since 1886 and how it promotes community involvement and local agriculture. From the iconic Big Tex to the unique culinary creations and diverse music festival, Terri covers all the must-see highlights. Plus, she shares essential tips for planning your visit to fully experience everything the fair has to offer. The Texas State Fair runs from September 26 - October 19, 2025.
Key Takeaways:- The Texas State Fair is a cherished family tradition for many.- Running since 1886, it's one of the oldest fairs in the country.- It features a wide variety of entertainment and activities for all ages.- Food is a major highlight, known for its unique and creative culinary concoctions.- The fair promotes community involvement, education, and supports local agriculture.- Big Tex is an iconic symbol and a central part of the fair experience.- The fair includes a large-scale music festival with diverse genres.- Planning your visit is crucial to enjoy the fair fully.- It is a significant and important cultural event in Texas.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Texas State Fair website: https://bigtex.com/
Follow Terri’s adventures:https://travelwithterri.net/ https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/ https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas
🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast
Produced by Big Blend Radio, this daily pop culture podcast celebrates the day or month holidays, observances, historic happenings, and even new legislature. Be sure to check each episode's show notes for related resource including music playlists, articles, puzzles, and recipes.
Big Blend Radio is hosted and produced by the digital nomad mother-daughter team Lisa D. Smith (daughter) and Nancy J. Reid (mother), who also publish various digital Big Blend Magazines while traveling full-time on their Love Your Parks Tour where they document parks and public public lands across America. More at BlendRadioandTV.com and NationalParkTraveling.com.
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