Variety adds the spice to quality of life, and that’s what Big Blend Radio shows are all about! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and publishers of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine and Parks & Travel Magazine, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station travel show, travel writer Linda Kissam talks about her three-month sailing and fishing adventure in Alaska, exploring Ketchikan, Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, and Hydaburg. Read her story and see photos here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/experiencing-alaska-by-private-boat/
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," and Chef Candy Lesher, who provide an overview of Les Dames d’ Escoffier International (LDEI), an international organization of women leaders who provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropic events for the larger Phoenix community. It is the only organization of its kind: a world society of professional women of high achievement in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Its purpose is to provide a system for communication and networking among its members. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/les-dames-d-escoffier-international-ldei-phoenix-arizona/
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Nandita Godbole, author of the book, “Seven Pots of Tea: An Ayurvedic Approach to Sips & Nosh,” and writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” “Seven Pots of Tea” is the first cookbook of its kind allowing readers to explore Ayurveda through tea by way of dozens of simple recipes for the contemporary kitchen. It’s a thoughtful approach to “taking tea”. There’s a bit of history, holistic wisdom, and health goals found in this book. It’s presented in an easy, approachable format with lots of wonderful photos to guide the way.
Read Linda’s review and see a sample recipe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/seven-pots-of-tea-an-ayurvedic-approach-to-sips-and-nosh/
Featured music on this episode is “Lotus Blossom” by Michael and Spider.
This episode of Big Blend Radio's Garden Gossip show features travel writer Linda Kissam and Matt Adamson of the Tucson Botanical Gardens located in Tucson, Arizona.
Located on the site of the historic Porter property, the Canadian Garden Council and the American Public Gardens Association named Tucson Botanical Gardens as one of the top 10 North American Gardens worth traveling for. Among mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants while offering a lush oasis in the heart of Tucson.
Read Linda's article about her visit here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/arizona-finds-tucson-botanical-garden/
This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel and food writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” and Shelley Whizin, author of "What Do You Bring to the Table: A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life.” Read Linda's article about the book, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-do-you-bring-to-the-table/
As Founder of the Soul Diving Institute, Shelley guides you how to build awareness that what you bring to the table of life is always more important than what you get from it. Using brief Happy Mindful Meditations before cooking is a way to re-acquaint and connect with an Essence of yours, a mini "Soul Diving" which you then carry over to your food preparation. The energy of that Essence is key, since you are your own CEO (Chief Energy Officer).
Featured music is “Diva Bossa Nova” by guitarist Micha Schellhaas.
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam, President of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, discusses tourism and travel writing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers AssnTM (IFWTWA) is a not-for-profit global network of writers, authors, bloggers, content creators, editors, radio & television hosts, photojournalists, podcasters, and videographers who report on the travel, culinary, beverage, and hospitality fields. They include industry professionals who run hotels, public relations firms, theme attractions, convention and visitor bureaus, destination management organizations, and tourism boards. More at https://www.ifwtwa.org/
This episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on Earth Sanctuary in Langley, on Whidbey Island in Washington State. Earth Sanctuary is a tranquil, yet ever evolving, 72-acre retreat featuring self-guided or formal walking tours. Here one can experience beauty, tranquility and spiritual adventure. Within the private park you will find a nature reserve with beautiful wildlife ponds, approximately 15,000 native plants from 80 species and 3,250 trees from more than 30 species, a stupa, and phenomenal natural and man-placed sculptures.
Featured guests include travel writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wne & Shopping Diva,” and Chuck Pettis, founder of Earth Sanctuary. Read Linda's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/earth-sanctuary-on-whidbey-island-washington/
Featured music is “Lotus Blossom” by Michael and Spider. More: https://michaelandspider.bandcamp.com/
Focusing on Travel, Food and Wine Pairings, this Big Blend Radio Summer Party features:
- LINDA KISSAM “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” - Travel writer and President of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association http://allingoodtaste.info/
- HILARIE LARSON - Wine educator, sommelier, travel writer, and owner of Northwinds Wine Consulting. https://www.northwindswineconsulting.com/
- ANNETTE LEWIS - Innkeeper and co-owner of Dancing Moon Bed & Breakfast in Palisade, CO https://www.dancingmoonbnb.com/
- Plus, music by guitarist MICHA SCHELLHAAS http://michamusic.com/
Demarie Winery is on the Roero side of the Tanaro River in Italy. The vineyards are on both sides of the river in 14 different locations producing some of the best wines of the Piedmont. Since its founding in 1957, three generations have kept up this winery by cultivating 74 special acres that yield exemplary examples of the region’s unique terroir. The Demarie Giovanni family calls the region and the village of Vezza d’Alba home. This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry Show features Paolo Demarie and writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” Featured music is “Diva Bossa Nova” by guitarist Micha Schellhaas.
Read Linda’s story: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/demarie-wines-taste-italian-typicity/
This episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on the Yuma Bird, Nature & History Festival held annually in January, in Yuma, Arizona, known as the “Gateway to the Great Southwest.” Featured guests are travel writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” festival bird watching guide Daniel Steward who is a Wildlife Biologist for the US Army Yuma Proving Ground, and festival co-organizer Yvonne Peach who owns the Coronado Motor Hotel and Yuma Landing Bar & Grill, and runs the Historical Society Museum of Aviation & Tourism. Featured music is “Ocotillo” by Michael and Spider. Read Linda's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/yuma-arizona-be-inspired-at-the-rivers-edge/
Raising a glass and sharing stories of noteworthy women in history, this episode of Big Blend Radio's Happy Hour Show features:
- Amy Dugan - Director of Visit Greeley in Northeast Colorado
- Author / speaker and trust expert Lea Brovedani “The Trust Architect"
- Travel writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”
- Kelli West - Director of Marketing & Communications at Natchitoches Tourism in Northwest Louisiana.
Featured music is “Rise” by Nicki Kris.
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink and Be Merry show focuses on the quality estate wines produced at Kenefick Ranch in Napa Valley, California. Featured guests include founder Dr Tom Kenefick and writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” Read Linda's article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/taste-zero-compromise-kenefick-ranch-wines/
Featured music is “California Days” by Josh Pfeiffer. https://joshpfeiffer.com/
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer Linda Kissam shares her guided tour experience of San Ildefonso Pueblo just outside Santa Fe in Northern New Mexico. Elmer Torres, guide and former governor of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, as well as Joanne Hudson of Tourism Santa Fe, also join the conversation. Read Linda's article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/visiting-the-magnificent-pueblos-of-new-mexico/
Featured music is "Great Blue Sky" by Evren Ozan, see: http://ozanmusic.com/
When a vineyard is in sync with its environment, wines of great complexity and appeal are possible. Mt. Beautiful wines from New Zealand are a product of just that scenario. This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry show features Robert Watkins - CEO, and writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” More at: https://www.mtbeautiful.com/
Featured music is "High on the Mountain" by Shelley King - https://www.shelleyking.com/
This episode of Big Blend Radio covers California's Ti-Valley district in the East Bay region, with featured guests travel writer Linda Kissam, Robin Fahr of Visit Tri-Valley, California, and Eric Wall of BottleTaps.
Just east of San Francisco, this region is home to 60 award-winning wineries in Livermore Wine Country, foodie inspired restaurants, delicious brew pubs, an ice cream trail, charismatic downtowns, malls, shopping outlets, and unspoiled hiking trails. Read Linda's Tri-Valley article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/tri-valley-showcases-wines-beer-parks-and-unique-eateries/
Featured music on the show is “Diva Linda’s Boss Nova” by Micha Schellhaas.
Travel writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva” shares her three day boutique experience in Palm Springs, California. Plus, special guests Michael C. Green of the Palm Springs Small Hotel Tourism Business Improvement District and Triangle Inn Palm Springs, and Tim Bannister of Celebrity Tours, join in this Big Blend Radio conversation. Read Linda's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/palm-springs-california-a-nod-to-elegance-tradition-and-contemporary-times/
Tualatin Valley's wineries and tasting rooms include a fun mix of suburban wineries located on downtown main streets, as well as rural wineries located on the slopes of mountains.
Featured guests on this episode of Big Blend Radio include travel writer Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’, artist and winemaker Andrew Beckham of Beckham Estate Vineyard, and Sylke Neal-Finnegan of Washington County Visitors Association. Read Linda's story: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/oregons-tualatin-valley-wine-region/
Featured music is ‘Holy Water’ by www.AllisonAugust.com
From the Christmas Markets in Europe to artist studio tours in the Pacific Northwest Linda Kissam knows and loves shopping! Hear her Big Blend Radio conversation with Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith where she chats about her favorite shopping destinations, and sends them on a Love Your Parks Tour story mission to find and document as many unique shopping destinations as possible!
Known as the ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’, travel writer Linda Kissam is a longtime Big Blend Radio guest and magazine contributor sharing stories about her food, wine, shopping and travel adventures across the country and around the world. A seasoned writer with a background in publicity and tourism management, Linda is also the President of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. Keep up with Linda's adventures at www.AllinGoodTaste.info and follow the Love Your Parks Tour at www.LoveYourParksTour.com
Lafayette is considered to be the center of Acadiana, the area of Cajun and Louisiana Creole culture in the state. From swamp boat tours to rum tasting, zydeco breakfasts and tours of the Tabasco Factory, travel writer Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’, Benjamin J. Berthelot - President & CEO of Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, and Captain Tucker Friedman - Owner of Atchafalaya Basin Landing & Marina, share what makes Lafayette such a unique and fun destination. See Linda's travel story here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/authentic-lafayette-louisiana/
Featured music is ‘Luke’s Stomp’ by www.JohnnyMastro.com
Big Blend Radio's Happy Hour show celebrates the Willamette Valley Wine Country in Oregon, known for producing elegant Pinot Noirs, crisp Chardonnays, and striking Rieslings!
Featured Guests include:
- Big Blend travel writer Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’ (pictured)
- Morgen McLaughlin - Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wineries
- Taylor Pfaff - CEO of Left Coast Estate in Rickreall, Oregon (pictured).
See Linda's Willamette Valley Wine story here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/tasting-willamette-valley-wine-country/
Featured music is “Willamette Fog” from the album “Parting Is” by guitarist www.JonDurant.com
