Big Blend Radio

Celebrating the World of Creativity

May the Fourth Be With You! In honor of Creative Beginnings Month—and with a nod to Star Wars Day—this inspiring Big Blend Radio panel discussion encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace creativity in all its forms.
Our special guests share how they launched their careers and reflect on the power of creative expression in music, writing, travel, food, business, and art. From award-winning authors and travel writers to branding experts and singer-songwriters, this lively conversation is a celebration of fresh starts and imaginative journeys.
🎙️ Featured Guests:Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter and cohost of Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend."  https://hearjohnny.com/    
Jo Clark – Travel writer, photographer, and host of Jo Goes Everywhere podcast.  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ + https://recipestravelculture.com/ 
Barbara Redding – Award-winning travel writer, photographer, and former journalist. https://barbararedding.com/ 
Jeffrey Spear – Graphic designer, branding expert, food writer, and author.  https://spearwrites.contently.com/ + https://www.studiospear.com / 
Matt Cost – Prolific author of history and mystery novels, with a background in education.  https://www.mattcost.net/ 
🔗 Related Reads & Interviews Mentioned in the Episode:Jo Clark’s Sonoma Sidecar Adventure: https://recipestravelculture.com/exciting-time-in-sonoma/ 
Jeffrey Spear’s Book Interview on "My Life in Gluttony": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffrey-spear-my-life-in-gluttony/ 
Matt Cost’s Latest Novel Interview on "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/matt-cost-the-not-so-merry-adventures-of-max-creed/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" and "Success Express" shows. Explore more Big Blend Radio Network podcasts:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Indulge Guilt-Free with Coco Polo Bliss Sugarless Chocolates

On this tasty episode of Big Blend Radio, travel and food writer Linda Kissam—aka the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”—shares her review of Coco Polo Bliss sugarless chocolate. She describes it as “a hidden gem in the candy aisle,” and dives into the brand’s rich, creamy texture and deliciously bold flavors.
Crafted for chocolate lovers who want to avoid added sugars without giving up indulgence, Coco Polo Bliss is GMO-free, sustainably made, and perfect for anyone living a low-sugar or low-carb lifestyle. With its beautiful packaging and clean ingredients, it also makes a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion worth celebrating with a healthier sweet treat.
👉 Read Linda’s full review: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-foodies-guide-to-sugarless-chocolates/ 🎧 Listen to Diva Linda on Big Blend Radio (first Saturdays):  https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 

Artist Residency Programs in Hawai'i National Parks

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.
These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/  📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks.
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows.📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

BBQ the Southwestern Way: Sauces, Salsas & Sides to Savor

From super salsas and savory dips to gourmet BBQ sauces, pickles, and relishes—grilling season is heating up "Southwestern Style"! In this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George, we’re serving up spicy inspiration and culinary creativity straight from the heart of Yuma, Arizona.
The Peanut Patch is a beloved Southwest tradition, known for farm-fresh peanuts, nuts, dried fruit, gourmet goodies, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, and irresistible treats like homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop year-round online at https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
Looking for kitchen inspiration? Check out Donna’s delicious recipes—from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads and pasta dishes:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
The Peanut Patch Podcast airs every 1st Friday. Listen and follow the show here:  https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Giant Sequoias, Taco Trails & Spring Adventures

From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast highlights the best seasonal experiences in Tulare County, California — the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Discover what to see and do in this stunning region known for its towering giant sequoia trees, outdoor adventures, vibrant agricultural towns, and cultural events.
Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:🌮 Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management AgencyAlida shares details about the new Tulare County Travel App, the popular Taco Trail, and must-see spring activities across the region.🔗 https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
🌲 Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParksHolly discusses the exciting reopening of Crystal Cave, top waterfall hikes, and the awe-inspiring giant sequoias named after General Sherman, General Grant, and Brigadier Charles Young.🔗 https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm 
🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. 🎧 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Success Insider with Author Mike Nemeth

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's Success Insider series, we chat with award-winning author Mike Nemeth, whose five compelling novels—A Tissue Full of Lies, Defiled, The Undiscovered Country, The Two Lives of Eddie Kovacs, and Parker’s Choice—have earned accolades in Southern Fiction, Romantic Mystery/Suspense, and Diverse & Multicultural Mystery/Suspense.
A former tech executive turned full-time author, Mike's work explores the provocative theme that morality and legality are not always aligned, challenging readers to think critically in an increasingly secular world. His writing has been featured in The New York Times, Georgia Magazine, Southern Writers’ Magazine, Deep South Magazine, and more.
🔗 Read Mike’s answers to our 10 Success Insider Questions:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-with-mike-nemeth/ 📚 Explore his books and author journey:  https://mikenemethauthor.com/ 📲 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Explore Historic LA Roadside Attractions with Mimi Slawoff

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's ROAD TRIP RADIO, travel writer Mimi Slawoff shares highlights from her new book, "Historic Los Angeles Roadsides" (Reedy Press). 
Discover quirky and historic spots along Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Highway, and more—from Redondo Beach and Malibu to Hollywood and downtown LA. Get the inside scoop on LA’s fascinating roadside history and hidden gems. Learn more at https://mimislawoff.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Subscribe:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Escape to Lake Murray State Park - Oklahoma’s Outdoor Paradise

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her insider tips on what to see and do at Lake Murray State Park—the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma, located in the beautiful Chickasaw Country. Covering over 12,500 acres with a stunning 5,700-acre man-made lake, Lake Murray is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike.
Terri recounts decades of family adventures in this lush area known for its mature trees, rolling hills, and abundance of activities. Learn about the park's diverse amenities, including scenic hiking trails, sandy beaches, campgrounds, ATV and motorcycle areas, an 18-hole golf course, marina, floating cabins, snack shops, restaurants, and more.
Read Terri’s full article about Lake Murray State Park here:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/escape-to-lake-murray-oklahoma-state-park/ 
With travel experience across 60 countries and 6 continents, Terri brings her passion for luxury accommodations, cultural immersion, local gastronomy, and historic attractions to every episode. Follow her adventures at https://travelwithterri.net/  
Tune in to new episodes of "Travel with Terri" every 4th Monday at 6 PM CST. Follow and subscribe: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/    
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels. Subscribe to the full network here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork