Big Daily Blend

End-of-Year Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From festive markets to winter hiking trails, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the many ways to enjoy Tulare County as the year winds down. Discover the region’s charming local events, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make this destination shine during the holiday season.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Donnette Silva Carter – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/  - Daniel Huecker – Sequoia Parks Conservancy: https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/  - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/  
🎧 This conversation explores the shopping, seasonal events, and culinary experiences that make Tulare County and California’s Sequoia Country a vibrant end-of-year destination. From vendor fairs and local food trails to winter adventures and guided programs in the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
Takeaways:• Tulare County offers a wide variety of holiday shopping and craft markets.• Local eateries showcase flavors from tacos to Mediterranean fare.• Outdoor winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and stargazing.• Sequoia Parks Conservancy hosts guided hikes and astronomy programs.• The region celebrates its agricultural bounty and community traditions.
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Wonderful Wine and Soup Pairings for the Fall Season

Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for comfort food and cozy sips! In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, explores the art of pairing wine with soups. From creamy bisques and hearty stews to the classic soup-and-grilled-cheese combo, learn how to layer flavors, balance textures, and select wines that elevate every spoonful.
The conversation also uncovers the meaning behind the wine term “reticent,” offers Thanksgiving wine pairing tips for both traditional and vegan menus (in celebration of World Vegan Month), and dives into how to build a harmonious holiday meal—from appetizers to desserts.
🥣 Recipe of the Month: - Italian Wedding Soup – Get the recipe on Substack: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/pairing-wine-with-soups - Peggy's Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/ 
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend. Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring Louisiana’s Historic River Road

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, hosts Terri and Ron Guthrie explore the River Road region of Louisiana, uncovering the fascinating history, plantations, and cultural significance that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
They visit and discuss some of the area’s most iconic sites including Destrehan Plantation — the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River Valley — and Oak Alley Plantation, world-famous for its stunning canopy of oak trees and rich history. The conversation also highlights Houmas House and the Great River Road Museum, which presents an unfiltered look at Louisiana’s complex and layered past.
Throughout the episode, Terri and Ron reflect on the beauty of the Mississippi River, its impact on commerce and culture, and how its story is interwoven with the development of Louisiana’s plantations and small towns. The region’s culinary traditions, from rice and sugar production to modern-day Southern cuisine, also take center stage.
✨ As the conversation unfolds, it was discovered that their River Road journey followed part of the historic Jefferson Highway, a transcontinental route connecting Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans. The highway was officially established in November 1915 during a meeting in New Orleans, led by Edwin T. Meredith of Iowa with representatives from across the Louisiana Purchase states. Their vision created what became known as “The Palms to Pines Highway.”
This month marks the 115th anniversary of that historic meeting — making it the perfect time to celebrate the Jefferson Highway’s ongoing connection to the people, heritage, and landscapes of Louisiana’s River Road region.
🦆 With November being National Rice Awareness Month, this episode also touches on the area’s rice-growing history, which helped shape the region’s economy and cuisine.
🌐 Plan Your Visit- Houmas House and Gardens – https://www.houmashouse.com/ - Great River Road Museum – https://greatriverroadmuseum.org/ - Oak Alley Plantation – https://www.oakalleyplantation.com/ - Destrehan Plantation – https://www.destrehanplantation.org/ - Visit Ascension Parish – https://visitlasweetspot.com/ - Louisiana’s River Parishes – https://lariverparishes.com/tourist-commission/ - Visit Jefferson Parish – https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/ 
🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio,” “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” and “Jefferson Highway” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Jim Hinckley on “Route 66 100 Years” – Celebrating the Mother Road’s Legacy

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.”
From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana.
Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work:- https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/ 
📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Transformative Power of Gratitude and Thank You Letters

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” Show celebrates National Gratitude Month, National Thank You Letter Month, and National Thank You Letter Day (November 14).
We’re joined by Carew Papritz, award-winning author of "The Legacy Letters" and creator of National Thank You Letter Day (& Month) — a November tradition that encourages handwritten thank-you letters to strengthen literacy, nurture gratitude, and bring people together.
Co-hosted by Johnny Schaefer  @hearjohnny , award-winning vocalist and composer, this conversation explores how gratitude and handwritten letters can foster connection, community, and positive change. The discussion highlights simple ways families, classrooms, and communities can participate in this meaningful movement and share appreciation in creative ways.
The episode concludes with a brief discussion of the Yellow Feather Movement, which encourages standing up for what’s right, tying gratitude to social awareness and action.
🌐 Learn more about Carew Papritz, The Legacy Letters, National Thank You Letter Day (& Month), and the Yellow Feather Movement:- https://thelegacyletters.com - https://nationalthankyouletterday.com - https://www.facebook.com/nationalthankyouletterday - https://yellowfeathers.org/ 
🌐 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com - Join Johnny's Gratitude Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones 
🎵 Enjoy Johnny's Gratitude Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36u8e1LjfihpOZd3LDHTzu?si=jGjgioqkR3Gk2BG6hyWf8Q 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show. Explore the Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

What’s Fresh for the Holidays: 2025 Produce Trends & Gift Ideas

Celebrate the holiday season with this delicious and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with host Linda Kissam, aka “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” She’s joined by Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce to discuss the top holiday produce trends for 2025 — from quince and chestnuts to pickling, luxury fruits, and festive gift basket ideas.
In this engaging conversation, Linda and Robert explore unique holiday ingredients and how to prepare them, the rise of home pickling and fermentation, and creative ways to use seasonal fruits and vegetables in both dishes and décor. They also share insights into trending gift ideas, like Royal Vine Grapes and gourmet produce baskets that make the holidays extra special.
🔗 Read Linda’s article: “Top Trends for Holiday Produce 2025”https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/top-trends-for-holiday-produce-2025/ 
🔗 Shop Melissa's Produce & See Recipes: https://www.melissas.com/ 
🔗 Listen to more of Linda Kissam’s travel and food podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
🔗 Follow Diva Linda’s blog and adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
🔗 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 

Exploring Key West: History, Haunts, and the Conch Republic

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" Travel Show features travel writer and author Kathleen Walls, publisher of American Roads and Global Highways, who takes listeners on a lively journey through Key West, Florida, the southernmost city in the United States. 
From the colorful history of the Conch Republic and the six-toed cats of the Hemingway Home and Museum, to ghostly legends, historic cemeteries, and culinary favorites like Key Lime Pie and conch fritters, this conversation captures the island’s quirky charm and fascinating culture.
Read Kathleen’s accompanying article, “Key West: The Southernmost U.S. City,” here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/key-west-the-southernmost-us-city/ 
Learn more about Kathleen's books and travels:- https://americanroads.net/ - https://katywalls.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Hamlet, Karen Blixen & Danish Castles: A Literary Adventure in Denmark

In celebration of National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show features award-winning travel writer Barbara Redding, who takes us on a literary adventure through Denmark. From the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famed author of Out of Africa, to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting that inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” Barbara shares insights from her journey through these historic and creative landmarks.
Hear about Blixen’s fascinating life and legacy, her time in Africa, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. The episode also highlights Denmark’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the ways travel deepens one’s appreciation for literature and art.
📖 Read Barbara’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-literary-day-trip-in-denmark/ 
🌍 Follow Barbara’s travels and stories: https://www.BarbaraRedding.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Women Making History," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork