Big Daily Blend

Celebrate American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Melody Pittman shares highlights from her scenic and delicious road trip through the heart of Mississippi River Country, covering memorable stops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
In this lively conversation, Melody talks about exploring national parks, roadside attractions, and family-friendly casinos, plus enjoying local cuisine, architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, and charming Midwest towns. The discussion touches on everything from the Mall of America to cheese curds, whiskey tastings, and the hospitality that makes the Midwest a must-visit for road trippers.
🎧 Listen in for tips on culinary stops, cultural gems, and fun, budget-friendly activities for all ages!
Read Melody's article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-heart-of-mississippi-river-country/ Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org Subscribe to the show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Vacation Station,” “Road Trip Radio,” and “Parks & Travel” channels. 

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Sequoia Country” podcast! Tune in as we explore the scenic wonders, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural experiences of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Joining the conversation are Holly Streit from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Suzanne Bianco from Visit Visalia, who share travel tips, hiking safety, family-friendly activities, and unique artistic experiences in the region. From shaded hiking trails and historical sites to public art and the Dark Sky Festival, this episode celebrates the magic of nature and how art enhances the experience of visiting Sequoia Country.
🎨 Artist Opportunity! Learn about the Sequoia Legacy Tree Art Installation RFP here: https://www.visitvisalia.com/sequoia-legacy-art-installation-rfp 
📍 Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide:https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
🌐 More About the Guests:- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Visit Visalia – https://www.visitvisalia.com/ 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon”, featuring award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz as she shares highlights from her recent Alaskan cruise with Holland America.
In this engaging conversation, Sharon recounts her unforgettable journey through Glacier Bay, wildlife sightings both on and off the boat, and unique cultural and culinary experiences that made this trip a dream come true. Listeners will hear about the educational opportunities onboard, scenic excursions, and why Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination. Whether you're planning your own Alaska adventure or just dreaming of one, this episode is full of tips and inspiration for travelers of all ages.
📝 Read Sharon’s full article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-ultimate-alaska-cruise-experience/ 
🎙️ Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 
🎧 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate the World of Oysters with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Show. From indulgent recipes and regional oyster experiences to sustainability, oyster farming, and tradition, this lively conversation explores oysters from sea to table.
Featured guests and their resources include:🍽️ Jeffrey Spear – Food writer and author of My Life in Gluttony. He shares his indulgent Oyster Pot Pie recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffs-oyster-pot-pie/ 
🌊 Kathleen Walls – Food, wine, and travel writer, author, and publisher of American Roads. She shares her oyster travel and dining stories:* Port St. Joe Restaurants: https://www.foodieflashpacker.com/port-st-joe-restaurants/ * OBX Oyster Adventures: https://americanroads.net/blog_obx.htm * Oyster Experiences in Onslow County: https://americanroads.net/fantastic_experiences_onslow_county_5-13-2023.html * Elite Street - Fall 2015: https://www.americanroads.net/elite_street_fall2015.htm 
📷 Sharon K. Kurtz – Award-winning food, wine, and travel writer and photographer. She shares her favorite oyster article:* Favorite Oysters from Coast to Coast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/favorite-oysters-from-coast-to-coast/* Website: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 
👨‍🍳 Chef Ivan Flowers – Five-star chef and culinary instructor who shares two delicious oyster recipes:* Grilled Oysters Rockefeller: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/grilled-oysters-rockefeller/ * Fried Oysters (Digital Flipbook): https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/knqg/#p=29 
🎄 Jo Clark – Food, wine, and travel writer at Have Glass Will Travel. She shares insights into oyster traditions and a comforting stew recipe:* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Oyster Stew Recipe & Christmas Traditions: http://www.recipestravelculture.com/Oyster-Stew-christmas-food-traditions/ 
This episode dives into:- Oyster varieties and regional flavors- Cooking techniques from grilling to baking and stew- Food traditions and personal memories- Beverage pairings including wine, beer, and even tequila- Sustainability and the environmental benefits of oyster farming- Tips on storing, shucking, and serving oysters safely- Why oysters are both a culinary treat and a cultural treasure
🎧 Explore the culinary, coastal, and cultural world of oysters—delicious, sustainable, and full of flavor! 

In celebration of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4, 2020), this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Parks & Travel” Show shines a spotlight on the Western National Parks (WNP) and their remarkable National Parks Store in Tucson, Arizona.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Johnson (Operations Manager) and Lauren Mooney (Chief Revenue Officer) of WNP, along with travel writer and editor Eva Eldridge, as we explore how retail, education, and community engagement play vital roles in supporting America’s national parks. From showcasing local and indigenous art to offering books and products that deepen visitor understanding, the store is more than a gift shop — it’s a hub for cultural connection and preservation.
Learn how your purchases at the National Parks Store and WNP visitor centers directly contribute to the interpretation and protection of our public lands. Whether you’re a traveler, a nature enthusiast, or a supporter of the arts, this episode invites you to shop with purpose and connect with the spirit of the parks.
🌐 Learn more:- Western National Parks: https://wnp.org/ - Eva’s Article:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-national-parks-store-in-tucson/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Images by Brad Sutton and Martha Lochert Photography, courtesy of WNP 

In celebration of Happiness Happens Month, this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show features transformational life coach Shelley Whizin diving deep into the meaning of happiness—how it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and how it can coexist with grief and challenge.
Shelley discusses the power of resilience, the magic of random acts of kindness, and how we can all tap into a deeper sense of joy—even in a world filled with uncertainty. From self-acknowledgment to the cultural conditioning that often hides happiness, this heartfelt conversation offers practical tools for living more consciously and joyfully.
🧘 Key Takeaways:- Happiness is a sustained sense of well-being, not just fleeting joy- Finding joy during hard times builds emotional resilience- Random acts of kindness can profoundly impact others- Acknowledging yourself fosters inner happiness- Grief and happiness can exist side by side- Giving creates a ripple effect of joy- Societal norms often suppress expressions of happiness- Men may face unique challenges in embracing joy- Life is a journey—and enjoying the ride is essential
📘 Read Shelley’s article: Random Acts of Happinesshttps://blendradioandtv.com/listing/random-acts-of-happiness/ 
📚 Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday: https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Join us for an inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer, as he shares the story behind his upcoming single “Find a Place”, produced by acclaimed musician and producer Stephan Oberhoff.
Together, Johnny and Stephan dive into the creative process behind the song, celebrating the healing power of music and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and joy in artistic expression. They also reflect on the cultural richness of the Nashville music scene, the emotional power of string arrangements, and the importance of community in supporting the arts.
Keep up with:- Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ - Stephan Oberhoff: https://stephanoberhoff.com/ 
Released during American Artists Appreciation Month, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that music has the power to bring peace, connection, and deeper meaning to our lives.
💡 Key Takeaways- Johnny’s new single “Find a Place” emphasizes peace, joy, and spiritual grounding.- Artistic collaboration deepens the creative process.- Authenticity in music resonates across all stages of an artist’s journey.- Music can heal, uplift, and help us navigate difficult times.- Strings and orchestration add emotional depth to songs.- Nashville's diverse music culture fuels inspiration.- Community and storytelling are essential to lasting creative expression. 

Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts" as we celebrate American Adventures Month and American Artists Appreciation Month. We're joined by acclaimed photographer and visionary, Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
Tanya shares her passion for the deep connections between artists and national parks, highlighting how NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs are crucial for interpreting and sharing the cultural and historical significance of these treasured landscapes. We explore how artists act as storytellers, unearthing the human history intertwined with nature, and creating art that connects us to our heritage and to each other. 
From personal stories and ancestral connections to the importance of preserving history through archives and libraries, this conversation covers the challenges and resilience of artists working in these natural spaces. We also touch on how technology is shaping the future of art and why honoring the human legacy within our parks is more vital than ever.
It's a deep dive into the powerful role of art in keeping our shared human story alive within America's most beautiful places.
Learn More about NPAF: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
Resources Mentioned:- Tour NY Public Library’s Famed Schwarzman Building: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/tour-ny-public-librarys-famed-schwarzman-building/ 
- Latest NPAF Artist-in-Residence Interviews: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing-category/national-parks-arts/ 
- NPAF Archive of Artist Interviews & Features in Big Blend Magazines: https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/xamdz/ 
Listen & Follow:- Toast to The Parks & Arts Podcast: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/  
- Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork