Big Blend Radio

Creative Travel: Exploring Global Crafts and Cultural Traditions

Celebrate National Craft Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, featuring travel writer, photographer, and textile enthusiast Rose Palmer who explores the fascinating connection between travel and textile arts. Known for her "Quilt Tripping" adventures, Rose shares how journeys around the world inspire creativity, cultural understanding, and new perspectives in quilting and crafts.
From the colors and textures found in global markets to traditional techniques like Japanese shibori and sashiko, Rose discusses how textile traditions reflect the stories, heritage, and identity of communities around the world. She also talks about craft-focused travel experiences such as quilting cruises, retreats, and workshops that bring makers together through shared creativity.
Hear how exploring local crafts deepens travel experiences, how quilts can tell powerful cultural stories, and why art and craft remain universal languages that connect people across borders. Rose also shares helpful tips for traveling with your craft supplies and finding meaningful craft experiences while exploring new destinations.
📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/creative-travel 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/ 
🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Breaking Democracy’s Chains: Metin Pekin on Reforming Politics Without Parties

Is modern democracy truly serving the people—or has it become controlled by powerful party systems?
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, we talk with author and entrepreneur Metin Pekin about his thought-provoking new book, "Breaking Democracy’s Chains: Freeing and Fortifying Democracy Against Hidden Capture."
Drawing from political theory, history, and real-world experience, Pekin explores how political parties have evolved from representative institutions into powerful gatekeepers that can centralize authority, deepen polarization, and limit genuine democratic participation. He discusses the historical roots of party politics, the influence of money and media on elections, and why he believes meaningful reform may require moving beyond traditional party structures.
The conversation examines ideas such as independent candidates, decentralized governance, local accountability, transparency in campaign financing, and empowering citizens through more direct representation. Whether listeners agree or disagree with his conclusions, Pekin’s arguments invite thoughtful discussion about the future of democratic systems around the world.
Learn more: https://www.metinpekin.com/ 
🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” series with Books Forward, highlighting new and thought-provoking books and the authors behind them. Visit: https://booksforward.com/ 

Birita: A Son’s Documentary About His Mother, Alzheimer’s, and the Healing Power of Art

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we talk with filmmaker, musician, and theater director Búi Dam about his powerful new documentary Birita, premiering at the renowned documentary festival CPH:DOX.
The deeply personal film follows Búi’s mother, celebrated Faroese actress Birita Mohr, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. In an extraordinary act of love and artistic exploration, Búi attempts to bring her back to the stage to perform King Lear, exploring whether creativity, music, and performance can reconnect memory, identity, and joy.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Faroe Islands, the film captures a family of theater-makers navigating caregiving, artistry, and resilience. The documentary reveals how storytelling, music, and family bonds can illuminate the human spirit—even as memory fades.
In this conversation, Búi shares the inspiration behind the film, the emotional journey of documenting his mother’s story, the role of music and art in Alzheimer’s care, and how personal storytelling can help raise awareness and compassion for families facing dementia.
🎬 Learn more about the film: https://biritafilm.com 
🎥 CPH:DOX Festival: https://cphdox.dk 
📲 Follow the film on social media: @biritafilm 
Through a moving blend of art, music, and family storytelling, Birita reminds us that emotional memory, creativity, and love can endure—even in the face of Alzheimer’s. 

Savor Southern Oregon: The Rogue Valley’s Premier Wine Event

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.
Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity of grape varietals—more than 70 in total—thanks to the area’s unique climate and agricultural landscape. Carole shares insider tips on exploring the region’s wineries, planning a tasting route, and experiencing the highly anticipated Savor Southern Oregon event (June 12 & 13, 2026) that celebrates the area’s food, wine, and artisan producers.
Beyond the vineyards, Southern Oregon offers an abundance of outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking and river adventures to visiting nearby natural wonders like Crater Lake National Park. Carol also shares travel tips for lodging, pairing local wines with regional cheeses and cuisine, and making the most of a Rogue Valley getaway.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie traveler, or outdoor adventurer, Southern Oregon offers a flavorful destination filled with unforgettable experiences.
Plan Your Visit:https://www.travelmedford.org/ https://savorsouthernoregon.com/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Behind the Mystery with Tucson Sisters in Crime

Celebrate National Reading Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" Podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of mystery writing and crime fiction with the Tucson Sisters in Crime who will be attending the upcoming Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona).
Featured guests include writer and editor Eva Eldridge, and authors Marty Eberhardt, D.R. Ransdell, Paula Winskye, and Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who share insights into their latest books, the creative process behind crafting crime stories, and the inspiration they draw from real places, history, and human psychology.
From the symbolism hidden within mysteries to the role of humor and dark themes in crime fiction, this lively discussion also highlights the power of author networking, the publishing journey, and the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier literary events.
LEARN MORE: - Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DR Ransdell: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - Marty Eberhardt: https://martyeberhardt.com/ - Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ - Paula F. Winskye: http://www.winskyebooks.com/ 
The Tucson Festival of Books takes place at the University of Arizona and is one of the largest book festivals in the United States, bringing together authors, readers, and publishing professionals for a weekend of panels, book signings, and literary celebration. More: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ 
The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a Southern Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime, featuring authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. More: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/ 

Exploring Kyoto: Japan’s Cultural Heart

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough journey to Kyoto, Japan, a destination widely regarded as the cultural heart of the country. Known for its historic temples, shrines, castles, and timeless traditions, Kyoto offers travelers a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern life.
Joelle and Ryan share insights from their experiences exploring Kyoto’s spiritual sites, learning about geisha traditions, and savoring local cuisine, including sake and Japanese whiskey. Along the way, they discuss the importance of etiquette, cultural respect, and open-minded curiosity when traveling in Japan.
From culinary discoveries to historical landmarks and meaningful cultural encounters, this episode highlights how immersive travel can deepen understanding and appreciation for one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations.
📝 Read their featured article: https://bigblendwandererscompass.substack.com/p/kyoto  
🌐 Follow Ryan & Joelle’s adventures:https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
🎧 Listen to the Wanderers Compass podcast: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
📖 Explore the Big Blend Radio Wanderers Compass Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/#p=1 

Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: Preserving History in New Smyrna Beach

Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the powerful stories preserved at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
This special episode celebrates the second anniversary of the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast and also recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting the importance of community storytelling and the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities. Walking along the quiet residential streets, visitors might easily pass a small white church on North Duss Street. Yet inside the historic Sacred Heart/St. Rita Church is something extraordinary—a living archive of African American history in coastal Volusia County.
Through photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and community voices, the museum shares stories of resilience, culture, and community leadership. This episode also explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned Florida Highwaymen artists, and the power of genealogy and local storytelling in preserving history for future generations.
Be sure to watch Jo’s social media channels for the upcoming launch of her new digital podcast magazine, "Have Glass Will Travel," which will feature travel stories, articles, and highlights from the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museumhttps://www.blackheritage.org/ - Read Jo's article: https://mainlymuseums.com/post/1421/mary-s-harrell-black-heritage-museum-preserving-history-in-new-smyrna-beach/ 
- Watch the New Smyrna Beach travel episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/egIxyOk8o7M?si=TpO56JJBgyT301j4 
- Read Jo’s New Smyrna Beach travel article https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/ 
- Follow Jo Clark:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
- New episodes air every 2nd Sunday: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Winemaking in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley with Paul O’Brien Wines

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," sits down with Scott Kelley, winemaker and co-founder of Paul O’Brien Winery, to explore the distinctive wines and terroir of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley.
Often considered one of Oregon’s hidden wine gems, the Umpqua Valley offers diverse microclimates and soils that allow winemakers to produce a remarkable range of varietals—from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Tempranillo and Fumé Blanc. Scott shares the story behind Paul O’Brien Winery, born from a decades-long friendship and a shared passion for crafting balanced, expressive wines.
The conversation dives into vineyard site selection, dry farming practices, the role of oak in winemaking, and how terroir shapes the character of each bottle. Linda and Scott also discuss wine education, tasting experiences, and the growing recognition of the Umpqua Valley as a destination for wine lovers and travelers alike.
RESOURCE LINKS: 📖 Read Linda’s article on Paul O’Brien Wines: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/winemaking-in-oregons-umpqua-valley 
🍷 Learn more about Paul O’Brien Winery: https://paulobrienwines.com/ 
📚 Explore Linda’s NEW Big Blend "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/ 
🌐 Visit Linda’s website: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/ 
🎙 Follow the "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Vacation Station" Travel Podcast. Discover more shows on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork