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

May 5, 2025

23 min

In honor of Mother’s Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday show with Shelley Whizin takes a deep dive into the complex and transformative world of mother-daughter relationships. 
Shelley discusses how generational trauma can be inherited just like traditions—and how it’s possible to consciously break those cycles to build a new legacy of love, respect, and emotional healing.
She also shares insights from the chapter she co-wrote with her daughter, Sarah, titled “A Legacy of Love: Breaking the Chain of Abuse,” featured in the powerful new book, "I Love You, I Hate You: Healing Generational Bonds—Navigating the Mother-Daughter Relationship." More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/healing-mother-daughter-relationships/ 
Shelley Whizin is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™, a transformational coach, and author of “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life.” Learn more about her coaching programs, courses, and workshops at https://shelleywhizin.com/  
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday:  https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the full network of Big Blend Radio Podcasts:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

May 4, 2025

1hr 14 min

May the Fourth Be With You! In honor of Creative Beginnings Month—and with a nod to Star Wars Day—this inspiring Big Blend Radio panel discussion encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace creativity in all its forms.
Our special guests share how they launched their careers and reflect on the power of creative expression in music, writing, travel, food, business, and art. From award-winning authors and travel writers to branding experts and singer-songwriters, this lively conversation is a celebration of fresh starts and imaginative journeys.
🎙️ Featured Guests:Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter and cohost of Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend."  https://hearjohnny.com/    
Jo Clark – Travel writer, photographer, and host of Jo Goes Everywhere podcast.  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ + https://recipestravelculture.com/ 
Barbara Redding – Award-winning travel writer, photographer, and former journalist. https://barbararedding.com/ 
Jeffrey Spear – Graphic designer, branding expert, food writer, and author.  https://spearwrites.contently.com/ + https://www.studiospear.com / 
Matt Cost – Prolific author of history and mystery novels, with a background in education.  https://www.mattcost.net/ 
🔗 Related Reads & Interviews Mentioned in the Episode:Jo Clark’s Sonoma Sidecar Adventure: https://recipestravelculture.com/exciting-time-in-sonoma/ 
Jeffrey Spear’s Book Interview on "My Life in Gluttony": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffrey-spear-my-life-in-gluttony/ 
Matt Cost’s Latest Novel Interview on "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/matt-cost-the-not-so-merry-adventures-of-max-creed/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" and "Success Express" shows. Explore more Big Blend Radio Network podcasts:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

May 3, 2025

12 min

On this tasty episode of Big Blend Radio, travel and food writer Linda Kissam—aka the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”—shares her review of Coco Polo Bliss sugarless chocolate. She describes it as “a hidden gem in the candy aisle,” and dives into the brand’s rich, creamy texture and deliciously bold flavors.
Crafted for chocolate lovers who want to avoid added sugars without giving up indulgence, Coco Polo Bliss is GMO-free, sustainably made, and perfect for anyone living a low-sugar or low-carb lifestyle. With its beautiful packaging and clean ingredients, it also makes a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion worth celebrating with a healthier sweet treat.
👉 Read Linda’s full review: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-foodies-guide-to-sugarless-chocolates/ 🎧 Listen to Diva Linda on Big Blend Radio (first Saturdays):  https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 

May 2, 2025

58 min

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.
These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks.
🔗 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 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks.
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows.📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

May 1, 2025

36 min

From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast highlights the best seasonal experiences in Tulare County, California — the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Discover what to see and do in this stunning region known for its towering giant sequoia trees, outdoor adventures, vibrant agricultural towns, and cultural events.
Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:🌮 Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management AgencyAlida shares details about the new Tulare County Travel App, the popular Taco Trail, and must-see spring activities across the region.🔗 https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
🌲 Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParksHolly discusses the exciting reopening of Crystal Cave, top waterfall hikes, and the awe-inspiring giant sequoias named after General Sherman, General Grant, and Brigadier Charles Young.🔗 https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm 
🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. 🎧 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Apr 30, 2025

47 min

As April, Jazz Appreciation Month, comes to an end, we're revisting this archived (2017) Big Blend Radio podcast conversation with Cathy Rich, daughter of  legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich, CEO of Scabeba Entertainment, and guest vocalist with the 16-piece Buddy Rich Band featuring drummer Greg Potter.As part of Buddy’s centennial (2017), his daughter Cathy discussed the release of the soundtracks from two concert films - The Channel One Set and The Lost Tapes. The digital films as well as a vinyl LP of The Lost Tapes were also  released. 
Buddy Rich, whom Gene Krupa defined as “the greatest drummer to ever draw breath,” was honored with a President’s Special Merit award GRAMMY along with three Grammy Nominations. He was inducted into the Downbeat Magazine, Modern Drummer and Playboy Halls of Fame. Buddy received the Jazz Unlimited Immortals of Jazz Award and awards for his philanthropic efforts. He was named “Greatest Drummer of All Time” by Modern Drummer magazine.
In honor of Buddy’s Centennial, a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on Buddy’s birthday, when the commemoration of his Centennial was also read into the official Congressional record where it will be a permanent part of the United States archive for all time. Visit: https://thebuddyrichband.com/ 

Apr 29, 2025

51 min

In honor of Willie Nelson's 92nd Birthday today, we're revisiting our 2016 Big Blend Radio interview with his son Lukas Nelson. Along with some fun stories about his father, and what it was like touring with Neil Young, he talks about his band Promise of The Real's rockin' album 'Something Real' that was recorded at San Francisco's William Westerfeld Mansion, and embraces their cowboy, hippie, surf, rock genres. Today Lukas has embarked on a solo career and has new album coming out, "American Romance." More at https://lukasnelson.com/ 

Apr 28, 2025

38 min

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show, featuring Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Specialty Produce. From ready-made crepes and specialty dessert sauces to juicy muscato grapes, sweet Ojai pixie tangerines, crisp jicama, savory shallots, flavorful Hatch chili pepper snacks and cooking products, and gourmet grilling kits, Robert shares delicious ideas for Cinco de Mayo fiestas, Mother's Day brunches, springtime gatherings, and Memorial Weekend barbecues.
Discover fresh seasonal produce, festive ingredients, and tasty snacks that are perfect for all your May celebrations! Find Melissa’s products in grocery stores nationwide or shop online at https://www.melissas.com/    
Plus, plan your menus with ease by exploring their diverse recipe library: https://www.melissas.com/pages/recipe-categories 
This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s popular "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows at: 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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