Big Daily Blend

Filmmaker Christo Brock - Brewmance

Celebrate National Homebrew Day (May 7, 2024) with this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio (recorded in 2021), featuring filmmaker Christo Brock discusses his new craft beer documentary, BREWMANCE.
The American Craft Beer movement began with a group of restless homebrewers searching for something genuine and flavorful. Today it’s evolved into a redefinition of beer and an international cultural phenomenon. That uniquely American spirit of rebellion and innovation survives in two groups of homebrewers from Long Beach, California who are looking to open their own breweries and bring their beers to the world. These include a Christian father-son team who grew close over making beer and a retired rock star looking for the “quiet" existence of a brewery owner.  With the insight and commentary of legendary brewers Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada), Fritz Maytag (Anchor Brewing), Charlie Papazian, Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River), Sam Calagione (Dogfish Head), Jim Koch (Boston Brewing) and others, BREWMANCE reveals the soul of craft beer in the heart of America. More: www.brewmancemovie.com/
Featured music on this episode is “Oceanfront Walk” by Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys.

Mike Guardia - Medics and Nurses in Combat

In honor of National Nurses Day (May 6, 2024) and National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Military Monday" Show with award-winning military historian and author Mike Guardia, focuses on medics and nurses in combat. Hear about WWII combat nurse Lt. Avis Schorer (nee Dagit) who served with an evacuation hospital in North Africa and Italy; and Alfred Velazquez Rascon, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a medic near Long Khánh Province during the Vietnam War.
Mike Guardia is the author of over 20 other military history books including "The Combat Diaries: True Stories from the Frontlines of World War II." His latest book is the Amazon best-seller, “Fire in the Hole: Tales of Combat with the 1st Engineer Battalion in Vietnam.” More: https://mikeguardia.com/  
Mike Guardia appears on Big Blend Radio's military history shows every 1st Monday. Follow his podcast here: https://mike-guardia-military-monday.podbean.com/

Johnny Schaefer and Paco Silva - A Taste of Mexico

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Get a Taste of Mexico on this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast with award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer, and his filmmaker husband Paco Silva. Enjoy this conversation covering music and filmmaking, Mexican cuisine, travel, history and more!
Johnny Schaefer co-hosts the Big Daily Blend podcast every 1st Sunday. Keep up with him and his music at https://hearjohnny.com/ 
CELEBRATE MEXICO:- MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/13lB2AwcrN2j1rZ5A8ybGo?si=4a88d15420b549d7 - ARTICLES & PODCASTS: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/mexico-latin-america/ - FOOD & RECIPES: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/mexican-food/ 

Wildfire Preparedness Day - How to Firescape Your Home

With today being National Wildfire Preparedness Day, we're featuring this recent episode (Aug 2023) of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show with ecologists Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger, authors of "FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME:  A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country."
A must have for homeowners living in wildfire country, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is a hardworking guide to mitigating the risk of wildfire spreading to homes and property through the use of native plants and garden design. In addition to design recommendations and maintenance techniques, the book features an in-depth list of hundreds of native plants that have evolved to coexist with fires. Edwards and Schleiger diligently explore how and why these plants sustain wildlife and are powerful tools for defending homes from wildfires. Approachable and thorough, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is an essential guide to teach homeowners how to protect their property while cultivating a lush and attractive landscape.
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/ 
Follow the Nature Connection Podcast:  https://nature-connection.podbean.com/ 

Rick San Nicolas - Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. 
Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeling a deep connection to the environment and its historical significance. He finds inspiration in the ancient Hawaiian featherwork tradition, particularly in the regalia worn by Hawaiian Royalty and warriors.
This year Rick travels to Washington D.C. to present his featherwork for inclusion in the collection of the Museum of the Department of Interior as well as having it on display in the office of Secretary Deborah Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He is also a consulting advisor in historical featherwork on the upcoming TV Series "Chief of War," starring Jason Momoa. More at: https://www.hawaiianfeathers.com/  
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

Wonderful Walks and Experiences California's Sequoia Country

We're celebrating National Walking Month (May)! From hiking and cycling to kayaking and downtown public art and history walks, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the various ways to explore and experience Tulare County. 
Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.  
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia,  Cassidy Collins - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Kristy Martin - Porterville Chamber of Commerce
 Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast:- Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Visit Visalia - https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Tulare Chamber of Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Porterville Chamber of Commerce - https://www.portervillechamber.org/ 

Peggy Fiandaca - A Taste of May

From Mother's Day (May 12) and National Wine Day (May 25) to Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27) and National Asparagus Month, Get a Taste of May on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast. Hear about spring growth in the LVD Winery vineyard, Peggy's wine term of the month, and special events and new wine releases in the tasting room. 
Of course, we always chat about seasonal food and wine pairings, and Peggy's latest recipe. This month it's how to make Fresh Asparagus with Blender Hollandaise. Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/fresh-asparagus-with-blender-hollandaise/ 
Featuring Peggy Fiandaca, who along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona, "Wine Time with Peggy" airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm PT / 7pm ET. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj 
Learn more about LDV Winery at https://ldvwinery.com/ 

Guitarist Michael Kessler - “Gravel Road” Album

It may be the last day of April, but we're still celebrating International Guitar Month! Guitarist Michael Kessler joins Big Blend Radio for a fun conversation about his music and new album "Gravel Road," the Wisconsin music scene, plus, being a Horologist (a person that makes or repairs watches or clocks).
Kessler worked with Milwaukee producer/musician/engineer Gary Tanin at Daystorm Music to take on the full-length album "Gravel Road." Primarily a solo affair with guest musicians, Kessler recruited Georgia Rae to add fiddle while Tanin enlisted Chicken Wire Empire’s Ernest Brusubardis IV (fiddle) and Joe Vent on Bass.
On "Gravel Road," Kessler draws influence from Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Funk, and Blues resulting in an acoustic melting pot. The album is out now in all digital outlets.