Big Daily Blend

Award-winning Author Leigh M Hall - The Chambermaids

As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Novel Writing Month programming, this episode of the Books & Authors Show with Books Forward features award-winning author Leigh M. Hall, who discusses her new atmospheric post–Civil War horror novel, The Chambermaids (LMH Publications, Nov. 11, 2025).
A Claymore Award Winner for Best Southern Gothic, The Chambermaids follows a young woman and her older husband as they inherit a crumbling ancestral home—only to discover the walls hold more than memories. When two mysterious chambermaids arrive, the house’s haunting secrets begin to unravel, blurring the line between freedom and fate.
Blending psychological thriller and Southern Gothic elements, Hall delivers a chilling and thought-provoking story set in the aftermath of the Civil War—perfect for fans of Anne Rice and Shirley Jackson.
In this engaging conversation, Leigh shares her unique writing journey, how fear and isolation shape her characters, and the importance of authenticity and atmosphere in storytelling. She also discusses the complexities of women’s roles in historical fiction, the influence of Southern culture on her work, and her ongoing exploration of dark, haunting narratives.
✨Learn more about Leigh at https://www.leighmhall.com/ 
✨Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/  ✨This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts," “Big Daily Blend,” and "Women Making History" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Honoring Our Heroes – Fighter Pilots, Friendship & Flight

Recorded on location at the Fighter Pilot Reunion for the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, this special Veterans Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show honors the dedication, service, and legacy of those who have taken to the skies in defense of freedom.
Hosted by Terri Guthrie, this inspiring discussion features four special guests — Ron Guthrie, Jeff Neumann, Mike Smith, and Andrew Smith — all of whom flew the F-15 Eagle Fighter Jet as members of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing and the 60th Squadron, known as the Fighting Crows.
After their distinguished military careers, all four continued their passion for aviation by flying for Delta Air Lines — with Andrew Smith representing the next generation just beginning his Delta career. Together, they reflect on the unique bond forged among fighter pilots, the enduring importance of family legacies in military service, and the profound meaning of Veterans Day.
Through heartfelt stories and moments of laughter, they share insights into the transition from military to civilian aviation, the brotherhood and camaraderie that define a lifetime of service, and the values of integrity, discipline, and teamwork that carry forward long after retirement. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of families and communities in supporting those who serve — reminding us that honoring veterans is something to practice every day, not just once a year.
This episode is dedicated to Lt. Col. Mike Ridnouer who was a Fighter Pilot's Fighter Pilot and the best Squadron Commander in the Tactical Air Command.
🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Dirty South – An Anniversary Film Special

In this Big Blend Radio episode, we celebrate the two year anniversary of "The Dirty South," a critically acclaimed indie film written and directed by Natchitoches local Matthew Yerby, and starring Willa Holland, Shane West, and Dermot Mulroney. Joined by filmmaker Matthew Yerby, producer Suzann Toni Petrongolo, and actor Andrew Vogel, this lively conversation dives into the art of indie filmmaking, character development, music, and the creative process that brought this Southern story to life.
Filmed on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana—a charming destination along the historic Jefferson Highway— The Dirty South adds to the city’s rich cinematic legacy, which also includes classics like "Steel Magnolias." Today, Natchitoches proudly celebrates its film trail, drawing visitors eager to explore where iconic stories were made.
The guests share behind-the-scenes stories from the production, the emotional heartbeat of the film, and the power of collaboration in independent cinema. Tune in for an inspiring look at how place, people, and passion intersect in storytelling.
🎥 Watch the film on Amazon Prime (an numerous platforms through your ROKU): https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-South-Willa-Holland/dp/B0CKMXRSDP 
🎵 Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZA96Ajwre0IDgr8fApcqt 

The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah

In honor of Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History segment welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Pack to discuss his powerful Iraq War film, "The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah" airing November 10, 2025, on PBS nationwide.
This documentary chronicles the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War—Najaf against the Shiite Mahdi militia and Fallujah against Sunni insurgents—told entirely through the raw, firsthand testimony of the Marines and soldiers who fought there. Pack explains his choice to remove narration, allowing the veterans to deliver the "ground truth" of urban combat, dramatic moments like the "Hell House" rescue, and the personal cost of war.
The conversation delves into the brutal realities, the significant theme of PTSD, and how decisions made in Washington ripple down to those delivering the final 600 meters of foreign policy. Tune in to better understand modern warfare and the enduring importance of honoring the sacrifices and complexities of our veterans' experiences.
Watch "The Last 600 Meters" on PBS on November 10, 2025, stream it on the PBS app, and catch it later on Amazon and other platforms. Learn more: https://manifoldproductions.com/films/the-last-600-meters/ 

Art, Community & Celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in Tucson

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" Show, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Foundation, shares updates on the latest exhibits, visiting artists, and the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation highlights Ted DeGrazia’s artistic legacy, the gallery’s focus on Southwest culture, and its continued role as a creative hub connecting art, history, and community.
CURRENT ROTATING EXHIBITS (through Jan. 28, 2026):- Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia – expressive works from 1945–1963 capturing movement, energy, and emotion.- DeGrazia’s Pastels – soft, impressionistic pieces (1953–1978), many displayed for the first time.- Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia – vibrant, tactile works on ceramic forms featuring angels, Madonnas, and Southwest motifs.
THE LITTLE GALLERY GUEST ARTISTS (Nov 2025 – Apr 2026):Rotating local and regional artists showcase oil, digital, and mixed media works, including paintings, ceramics, fused glass, photography, and landscapes by Mark Prusten, Max Hewlett, Caleb Gutierrez, Alisa Raines, Carole Fisher & Suzanne Hodges, Ambika Wauters, Joanna Pregon, Erik Sletten, Anna Lee Keefer, Mary Sherwood, and Wendy Islas.
LA FIESTA DE GUADALUPE – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025:This free annual celebration honors Mexico’s patron saint with mariachi music, Folklorico dancers, Yaqui Deer Dancers, local food, art vendors, and fun for all ages.
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 
🎙️ Listen to Tales of Ted DeGrazia:  https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com 
This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr Amy Stark - A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment.
Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/ 
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art, History & Honor: National Parks Arts Foundation

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.
This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 
📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.
In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating 48 Sweet Seasons: Peanut Butter, Medjool Dates & Holiday Cheer

In this festive episode of The Peanut Patch Podcast, host Donna George celebrates the store’s 48th anniversary and National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! She shares nostalgic stories of peanut butter favorites, highlights Yuma’s locally grown Medjool dates, and explores how these “Nature’s Candy” gems add a special touch to charcuterie boards and holiday gatherings.
Donna also talks about peanut butter fudge, creative ways to enjoy peanut butter during Thanksgiving, and how to get a head start on holiday shopping with custom gift baskets. Whether you’re local or visiting Yuma this winter, you’ll love the sweet traditions and Southwest flavors that make The Peanut Patch a must-stop destination.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork