Big Blend Radio

Summer Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast celebrates the start of summer along with Great Outdoors Month and Dairy Month! Tune in to discover the spectacular sights and experiences awaiting you in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
From towering giant sequoias and outdoor adventures to vibrant agricultural communities and local cultural events, this region is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:* Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Magdalena Salazar – City of Porterville: https://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/visitors/index.php * Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm 
🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Show: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Bootleggers and Moonshiners of Kansas

Celebrate National Moonshine Day with this spirited episode of Big Blend Radio as we dive into the Moonshiner, Bootlegger, and Temperance history of Kansas. Featured guests include Kenneth J. Peak, author of Kansas Bootleggers and Kansas Temperance, and Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation.
This fascinating conversation explores the complex world of moonshining and bootlegging in Southeast Kansas, shedding light on the cultural, economic, and social factors that fueled the underground liquor trade. Learn about the impact of the temperance movement, the roles played by immigrants and women, and how community survival sometimes depended on illegal alcohol production. Hear vivid stories of bootlegging techniques, organized crime, and the lasting effects of Prohibition on American society.
Listen now and get a taste of this unique slice of Kansas history!
🔗 Learn more:Kenneth J. Peak books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kenneth-J.-Peak/author/B001H6N8BO Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ 

Exploring Peru’s Wine & Food

Celebrate Wine Wednesday and take your taste buds on a delicious journey to South America on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast! Host Peggy Fiandaca is joined by special guest Tamara Andersen, the talented recipe developer, cocktail mixologist, photographer, and writer behind the blog "Beyond Mere Sustenance."
In this flavorful conversation, Tamara shares her passion for Peruvian cuisine and wine pairings, influenced by her extensive travels in Peru and life on the border. From rich sauces to bold flavors, learn how to bring Peruvian flair into your own kitchen.
👉 Try Tamara’s featured recipes:* Pasta a la Huancaína: https://beyondmeresustenance.com/pasta-a-la-huancaina/ * Cheese Stuffed Bison Meatballs: https://beyondmeresustenance.com/cheese-stuffed-bison-meatballs/ * Explore more of her Latin-inspired (and mostly healthy) culinary creations at: https://beyondmeresustenance.com 
🎙️ Hosted by Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, Wine Time with Peggy brings together food, wine, and culture. New episodes drop every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
🍷 This episode also airs on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry. Discover more great shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Chasing Sakura in Japan – A Cherry Blossom Journey

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon," award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a breathtaking journey through Japan during the magical cherry blossom season. From the vibrant energy of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto and the majestic views of Mount Fuji, Sharon shares personal stories, cultural insights, and practical tips for exploring Japan’s natural beauty and rich traditions.
Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or dreaming of your first visit to Japan, this episode will inspire and inform your future travels.
📝 Read Sharon’s full article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/chasing-sakuru-a-journey-through-japans-cherry-blossoms/ 
🎙️ Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: https://sharonkkurtz.com 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 
🎧 Listen on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Zipline and Canopy Adventures in Asheville, North Carolina

In this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville podcast, we celebrate National Great Outdoors Month by exploring the thrill and beauty of ziplining with Navitat Canopy Adventures—a premier tree-based adventure company just 30 minutes from downtown Asheville, North Carolina.
🎧 Featured guest Teresa DeCastro shares what makes Navitat a must-visit for adventure seekers, couples, families, and groups. From heart-racing ziplines to romantic proposals, group celebrations, and inclusive outdoor experiences, Navitat offers a safe and scenic way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains like never before. Learn more: https://navitat.com/asheville-nc/ 
🌿 Hosts Steve & Karen Wilson, aka “Mr & Mrs Wild”, join the conversation with their insights as innkeepers of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored pink Victorian located in Asheville’s historic Montford District. Discover their summer specials and plan your Asheville escape: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 
🎙️ The episode also highlights:- Personal stories of overcoming fear and growing through adventure- The importance of capturing memories (with help from Navitat’s guides)- The power of nature’s resilience, even after disasters- Why supporting local businesses and community-based tourism matters more than ever- How shared outdoor experiences strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories
📅 Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville airs every first Tuesday on the Big Blend Radio Network. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s other podcast channels including Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend. Explore our full podcast network at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Pensacola Part 2: Military Pride, Local Flavor & Coastal Culture

In Part 2 of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast on Pensacola, Florida, travel writer Terri Guthrie continues her coastal journey by exploring the deep-rooted connection between military and civilian life in the Florida Panhandle. From the emotional stories behind military service to vibrant nightlife and historical landmarks, this episode dives into the heart and soul of Pensacola’s culture. 
🎙️ Hear about:- The powerful presence of the U.S. Navy, the Blue Angels, and the National Naval Aviation Museum- The emotional experiences and sacrifices tied to military families- The warmth of Southern hospitality in welcoming service members- Local favorites like the Bushwhacker cocktail and nightlife at Seville Quarter- Hidden gems like Fort Pickens, natural landscapes, and Pensacola’s claim as the first European settlement in the U.S.
📖 Catch up on Part 1 & read Terri’s article about Pensacola:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discover-pensacola-florida/ 
📅 NEW! “Travel with Terri” is now a WEEKLY podcast—tune in every Tuesday at 9 AM CT!🎧 Subscribe & follow here: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel and Vacation Station podcast channels.🎧 Full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Happy Mindful Meditations with Shelley Whizin

It’s all about Happy Mindful Meditations on this uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin, founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™.
Shelley explores the powerful role meditation and mindfulness play in achieving emotional well-being. Tune in to learn how shifting your perspective can spark personal growth and happiness, and discover how simple, mindful practices—like focusing on appreciation—can calm the mind, reduce stress, and help you live more consciously.
🧘 Key Takeaways:- Meditation can help manage emotions and bring clarity- Shifting perspectives is key to personal growth- Mindful meditation can be effective in just two minutes- Focusing on appreciation shifts your mindset- Expectations often lead to disappointment and frustration- Presence is essential for peace and clarity- Self-care practices support emotional well-being- Cooking can be a meditative and expressive act- Letting go makes room for new experiences
📘 Read Shelley’s article: The Power of Meditationhttps://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-power-of-meditation/ 
📚 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/ 

Uncovering Family Roots: A Journey Through Ancestry

Celebrate National Family Month with this heartfelt and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend podcast, where we dive into the rich and emotional world of genealogy and family history.
In this powerful conversation, our guests share personal stories of uncovering their roots, exploring the emotional impact of their discoveries, and the profound connections forged through understanding ancestry. From the complexities of adoption to the joys of discovering hidden family stories, this episode highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and empathy in shaping our identities and navigating life.
Whether you’re new to genealogy or deep into your family history journey, this episode offers inspiration, support, and a sense of community.
🎙️ Featured Guests:* Johnny Schaefer - Award-winning singer/songwriter. https://hearjohnny.com/ * Glynn Burrows – Family history expert, Norfolk Tours UK. https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Julie Ryan McGue – Author, memoirist, and speaker. https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ * Jo Clark – Travel writer & family history researcher. https://recipestravelculture.com/ &  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Cherie Claire – Travel writer & author. https://www.cherieclaire.net/ * Kimberly Hess – Author & family history researcher. https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ * Diane Dobry – Memoirist & travel writer. https://hungarianaquarian.com/ & https://gettinghungary.com/ 
🧬 Key Takeaways:- National Family Month emphasizes the importance of family bonds.- Genealogy research uncovers emotional and impactful family stories.- Writing and storytelling preserve family legacies.- Adoption stories reveal the complexity of identity and belonging.- Online and travel communities support family history research.- Exploring ancestry deepens cultural and personal understanding.- Diaries, documents, and travel can connect us to our past.- Empathy and acceptance are vital when reflecting on historical injustices.
🎧 Also featured on our Quality of Life and Way Back When shows.🔗 Explore More Big Blend Radio Podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork