Big Daily Blend

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Literacy Month, Big Blend Radio welcomes award-winning author Rudy Ruiz to discuss his latest novel, The Border Between Us. Longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Ramón López, a young man growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border who dreams of becoming an artist in New York while navigating the weight of family expectations, cultural identity, and the sacrifices tied to the American Dream.
In this conversation, Ruiz shares insights on the immigrant experience, bilingualism, and the complexities of cultural identity. He reflects on family dynamics, the strength of women in his narrative, and the role of literacy in empowering dreams and aspirations. Ruiz also highlights how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and create community across borders.
Listen as we explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, resilience, and belonging, all through the lens of one of today’s most authentic voices in borderland literature.
Learn more about Rudy Ruiz and his work at: https://rudyruiz.com/ 

In honor of National Pet Memorial Day, we are revisiting this Spring 2025 episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show that focuses on life after loss for both pets and their humans.
 
ON THIS EPISODE:- Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, grief counselor, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
- Lea Brovedani, a certified end-of-life doula, also known as a death midwife. Listen to her "Soul Journey Doula" podcast series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2cARmdtpFgKMM8Semws42Z&feature=shared
Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio features renowned author, climate activist, and clean energy expert Bill McKibben, who talks about the transformative power of solar energy and his new book HERE COMES THE SUN: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization (W.W. Norton & Company; Aug. 19, 2025).
McKibben explains why solar power is now the cheapest energy on the planet and no longer an “alternative” but the mainstream solution for businesses, communities, and households. As he puts it, “We’re used to thinking of solar energy as the Whole Foods of energy—nice, but pricey. The reality is that it’s now the Costco of energy: cheap, available in bulk, and on the shelf.”
From the economic advantages of electrification and job creation, to the health impacts of moving away from fossil fuels, McKibben highlights how clean energy is reshaping policy, industry, and everyday life. He also shares insights on the upcoming Sun Day (Sept. 21, 2025), a nationwide grassroots mobilization he’s organizing alongside Denis Hayes (the original Earth Day founder) to raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of solar.
More:https://billmckibben.com/ https://www.sunday.earth/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio features director Christopher Leone (Parallels) and screenwriter Patrick Pianezza, creators of the new film CODE 3, starring Rainn Wilson (The Office), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), and Aimee Carrero (Your Friends and Neighbors).
Opening in theaters nationwide on September 12, 2025 via AURA Entertainment, CODE 3 follows one intense, unpredictable, and hilariously real day in the life of two burnt-out paramedics. Inspired by actual paramedic stories, the film balances comedy and truth to highlight the financial struggles, emotional toll, teamwork, and underappreciation of EMS workers. 
More: https://www.instagram.com/code3movie/ 

Join us on the Parks & Travel Show as we chat with Stanley Anton from America's National Parks! Learn about the organization's mission to support the National Park Service and get the inside scoop on the exciting new Passport to the American Revolution. This special passport helps you discover nearly 50 national park sites tied to America's 250th anniversary, making history come alive for the whole family. Families can combine the passport program with the Junior Ranger program to encourage kids to learn, explore, and protect national parks while creating lifelong memories together.
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODEAbout America's National Parks: For over 70 years, the organization has supported the National Park Service, giving back over $183 million through purchases and donations. Their popular Passport to Your National Parks® program, started in 1986, allows visitors to collect stamps and create treasured family memories.
Learn More & Shop:- America’s National Parks: https://americasnationalparks.org/ - America’s National Parks Store Locator & Online Shop: https://americasnationalparks.org/shop-our-stores/ - Passport to the American Revolution: https://americasnationalparks.org/americas-250th/ 
Related Reading & Listening- Historic Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/history-comes-alive-in-lexington-and-concord-part-1/ - California’s Sequoia Country Podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to America’s National Parks02:57 – The Role of America’s National Parks05:53 – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary09:11 – New Passport to the American Revolution12:04 – Educational Initiatives & Junior Ranger Programs14:57 – Collecting Memories: The Passport Experience17:43 – Personal Park Experiences & Recommendations
Listen to More Big Blend Radio:- Subscribe to “Parks & Travel” on your favorite platform: https://parks-travel.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In celebration of National Literacy Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" show with Books Forward features author Liz Parker, who discusses her upcoming novel, "Witches of Honeysuckle House" (October 21, 2025, Alcove Press). A must-read for "practical Magic" fans, this enchanting story blends curses, sisterhood, and the power of plants with themes of generational trauma, family, and community. 
Liz shares insights into the 13-year curse central to the story, the sentient house that shapes the narrative, and how her background in herbalism informs the magic woven throughout the book. She also talks about intention in witchcraft, the significance of plants, and her goal of helping readers reconnect with the natural world.
📘 More about Liz and her books: https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/  
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Witches of Honeysuckle House02:07 – The Curse and Its Significance04:29 – Sisterhood and Generational Trauma06:28 – Exploring Spells vs. Curses07:59 – Themes of Family and Community09:51 – The Impact of Generational Trauma11:22 – The Role of Plants and Nature13:35 – The Author's Journey to Writing17:17 – The Magic of Belief and Imagination18:53 – The Sentient House and Its Personality20:50 – Witchcraft and Family Legacy22:20 – Herbalism and the Power of Plants29:52 – The Connection Between Plants and Humanity32:11 – Conclusion and Future Works
🔔 Learn more about Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie” Podcast observes National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month withb oard-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story,” who discusses the critical connection between peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and heart health.
The conversation covers risk factors like diabetes and smoking, recognizing symptoms such as intermittent claudication, and the importance of proactive lifestyle choices. Dr. Jackie also shares insights on dietary habits, managing cholesterol with medications like statins, and the role of regular health management in preventing serious complications such as amputation.
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease03:05 – The Connection Between Diabetes and Heart Health05:40 – The Impact of Smoking on Vascular Health08:20 – Recognizing Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease11:06 – The Importance of Diet in Heart Health13:52 – Managing Cholesterol and Medications16:30 – Proactive Health Management19:14 – The Role of Lifestyle in Heart Disease Prevention19:47 – Closing Thoughts
📘 Learn more about her best-selling book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In celebration of Oktoberfest season and National Family Meals Month,  this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast takes you on a unique culinary journey to Central Market grocery stores in Texas.
This conversation explores the unique experience of this renowned grocery store, highlighting its deep-rooted German heritage and the popular Passport to Germany event. Host/travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her insights on how food connects us to our history and culture, making it a vital part of the travel experience. We discuss the evolution of food culture in Texas, which has a rich tapestry of German traditions and festivals.
You'll discover why Central Market is considered a travel destination in itself, offering a curated selection of local and international foods. This episode is a celebration of flavor, heritage, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Check out Terri's article about it: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/central-markets-passport-germany/  
Key Takeaways:- Central Market offers a unique and curated grocery store experience in Texas.- The state's food culture is heavily influenced by German heritage.- The Passport to Germany event showcases authentic German cuisine and cultural performances.- Food is a powerful way to connect with a region's history and traditions.- Exploring local markets is a vital part of the travel experience.
Chapters:00:00 Exploring Central Market: A Culinary Journey10:05 Passport to Germany: Celebrating Culture Through Food19:58 German Heritage in Texas: A Rich Tapestry29:49 Food Traditions and Connections: The Heart of Culture
New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast air every Tuesday at 9am CT. Follow the show: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Eat, Drink and Be Merry," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork