Big Daily Blend

The Big Daily Blend podcast celebrates holidays and observances, music and pop culture, historic happenings, and even new legistlature. Check the episode notes for music playlists, and related articles, recipes, puzzles, and more.

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Episodes

Sunday Dec 07, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season with wine, food, and festive cheer in this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Hear about the joyful traditions surrounding Beaujolais—especially Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic wine of the season known for its fresh, celebratory spirit.
The conversation also dives into holiday entertaining, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why wine clubs make meaningful gifts. Peggy shares tips for making the perfect Mushroom Risotto. Along the way, learn about vineyard seasonality, terroir-driven wines like LDV Winery's Rhyolite series, and how food and wine create lasting holiday memories.
📘 NEW! Wine & Bites Digital Podcast & Recipe MagazineThis episode also celebrates the launch of WINE & BITES — Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine. This monthly digital publication includes the latest podcast episodes, recipes, wine & food pairing tips, and more — including the Mushroom Risotto recipe featured in this show.👉 Read the new issue here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 
🍇 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 

Thursday Dec 04, 2025

From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm, welcoming events that make this region a must-visit during the colder months.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:- Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
✨ This conversation explores winter hiking, birding events, cozy culinary favorites, indoor museums, and the beloved Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, now celebrating its 100th year. You’ll learn why Tulare County is an incredible place to enjoy both outdoor adventures and community celebrations throughout the season.  Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
📡 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 

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.
Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.
Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.
Visit: https://www.thisordinarything.com/  

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" show, cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson, innkeepers of The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast in Montford Historic District, share a fun and festive roundup of winter experiences you won’t want to miss. From Asheville’s growing reputation as a music destination—including a recent music video by Stone Whiskey filmed at the inn—to the city’s seasonal magic, this episode highlights the best ways to embrace winter in the Western North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Discover snow tubing and ice skating spots, the enchanting Winter Lights and Trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum, the famous Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition, and Asheville’s wellness side with salt caves and foot sanctuaries. The conversation also celebrates the city’s breweries, dog-friendly culture, and the importance of supporting local businesses with gift certificates during the holiday season. Plus, learn why The Lion and the Rose B&B is ideal for winter getaways, reunions, and group stays.
* Learn more about The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast – https://www.lion-rose.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025

In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri Guthrie explores Branson, Missouri, celebrating winter holidays, family fun, and classic Americana adventures. She’s joined by two special guests: Olivia Reinke from Explore Branson, and Sophia Meltke from The Ozarker Lodge.
Together, they dive into what makes Branson a magical, family-friendly destination during the holiday season — from sparkling light displays and nostalgic traditions to outdoor adventures, heartwarming entertainment, and the cozy charm of The Ozarker Lodge, perfect for unplugging and reconnecting.
The conversation also touches on Branson’s multi-generational appeal, signature attractions, festive events, local cuisine, and the rich sense of Americana that defines this iconic Ozarks town. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for year-round family travel inspiration, this episode captures the spirit of Branson at its most festive.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Explore Branson: https://www.explorebranson.com/ - The Ozarker Lodge: https://www.theozarkerlodge.com/  - Travel with Terri: https://travelwithterri.net/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," “Vacation Station," and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Monday Dec 01, 2025

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the upcoming changes to California’s minimum wage laws, effective January 2026. 
The discussion covers minimum wage increases across sectors, challenges for small businesses competing with larger employers, and significant wage hikes in the healthcare industry. Ward also explains compliance requirements for exempt employees, the consequences of wage violations, and strategies for avoiding costly mistakes. This episode is essential for both employers and employees navigating California’s evolving wage landscape.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/new-california-employment-laws-for 
👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Sunday Nov 30, 2025

This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans. 
Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing mission to map, preserve, and promote this international heritage road.
Learn how traveling the Jefferson Highway supports small towns, preserves historic corridors, and continues America’s tradition of discovery through road-tripping and cultural connection. Visit the Jefferson Highway Association at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
We also highlight two major new resources now available for modern travelers:🌐 NEW: Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website – The brand-new online guide featuring updated travel directories, lodging, historic stops, attractions, and community resources along the route. The interactive map is in progress, but the directories are fully live. The quarterly digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide publication will be out in January 2026. Visit https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📰 NEW: Jefferson Highway Dispatch – Our new Substack publication offering traveler insights, historical stories, updates from the road, special features, and community spotlights. Subscribe: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Global Adventures with Debbie Stone, we celebrate an exciting milestone — the launch of Debbie’s brand-new Global Adventures Digital Magazine, where each podcast episode now integrates with her immersive travel stories and photography.
This week, Debbie takes listeners on a dazzling journey through Morocco, based on her recent private tour with Wilderness Travel. From the Imperial cities of Rabat and Fez to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Debbie recounts “pinch-me” moments filled with history, culture, culinary discoveries, and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
She also shares smart travel tips, insights into local customs, and stories from unique accommodations that elevated her Moroccan adventure into something extraordinary.
🌍 Read the Morocco feature in her new Global Adventures Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ 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 

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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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Big Blend Radio and Magazines

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