Big Blend Radio

Fresh Flavors of May with Melissa's Produce

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show, featuring Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Specialty Produce. 
From ready-made crepes and specialty dessert sauces to juicy muscato grapes, sweet Ojai pixie tangerines, crisp jicama, savory shallots, flavorful Hatch chili pepper snacks and cooking products, and gourmet grilling kits, Robert shares delicious ideas for Cinco de Mayo fiestas, Mother's Day brunches, springtime gatherings, and Memorial Weekend barbecues.
Discover fresh seasonal produce, festive ingredients, and tasty snacks that are perfect for all your May celebrations! Find Melissa’s products in grocery stores nationwide or shop online at https://www.melissas.com/    
Plus, plan your menus with ease by exploring their diverse recipe library: https://www.melissas.com/pages/recipe-categories 
This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s popular "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Songs That Tell Stories

Join us for a special National Tell a Story Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s BIG DAILY BLEND Show, featuring musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey! From emotional instrumentals and heartfelt folk to energetic classic rock and storytelling country tunes, we dive into the world of music that tells stories.
Don’t miss our curated Songs That Tell Stories Spotify playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/yymew7md. 
Joey Stuckey, known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, the “Southern Rock Capital of the World,” is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/. 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s popular channels: "Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll." Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork. 

Birding in the UK: Top Spots for Birdwatching

Celebrate National Go Birding Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show, featuring Glynn Burrows, owner of Norfolk Tours in England. Glynn shares his insights into birding in the UK, from spotting Kingfishers along the Norfolk Broads to witnessing Puffin colonies off the coast of Wales, and even catching breathtaking starling murmurations along the East Coast during migration season.
You can also read Glynn’s article about where and when to see the various birds that live in the British Isles and visit during the spring and autumn migrations: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/birding-in-the-uk/ 
Glynn appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 
This episode is also part of Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Nature Connection" podcast series. Explore our network of shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Discover NYC's Hidden Nature with Ryan Mandelbaum

Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck).
From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban nature, this episode is your gateway to the city's most surprising wild side. 🌆🦉
Whether you're a bird watcher, urban explorer, or a curious New Yorker, Ryan shows you how to take a walk on the wild side of the City That Never Sleeps.
🎧 Tune in via our "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore more episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 🌐 Learn more about Ryan Mandelbaum and "Wild NYC": http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/ 

Author Matt Cost - The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast featured acclaimed author Matt Cost who discusses the first installment of his new series, "The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed." 
Max Creed is a fictional person created to bring justice to those wronged by the ultra-wealthy in a world where the law overwhelmingly favors those with money and power. He is bound only by the laws of humanity and not those of the legal system.
A breathless thrill ride that will keep your heart pounding long after the last page is turned, "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed" is out now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Merry-Adventures-Max-Creed-ebook/dp/B0F3K8RD8L 
Learn more about Matt, his books and writing at https://www.mattcost.net/ 

Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas

On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.
Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.
We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.
🔗 Learn more:- Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Author J.E. Weiner – “The Wretched and Undone”

In this compelling episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by acclaimed debut author J.E. Weiner to discuss her haunting Southern Gothic novel, “The Wretched and Undone.” Set in the mysterious Texas Hill Country, this genre-defying tale blends real historical events, personal supernatural encounters, and a bold reimagining of the Western and Texas Noir genres—lifting silenced voices and illuminating long-buried truths.
🖋️ J.E. Weiner is a Northern California-based writer and novelist whose powerful storytelling bridges Southern Gothic, grit-lit, and historical fiction. Her manuscript for The Wretched and Undone was a 2024 Killer Nashville Top Pick and Claymore Award Finalist for Best Southern Gothic.
📚 In this episode, we explore:- The real-life supernatural experiences that inspired the novel- The art of blending genres like Texas Noir, Southern Gothic, and Western fiction- The historical underpinnings and cultural influences behind "The Wretched and Undone"
🔗 Connect & Learn More:Visit https://www.jeweiner.com to discover more about J.E. Weiner’s writing.
🎙️ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Are You an Administratively Exempt Employee?

This episode of Big Blend Radio's California Employment Law Podcast, featuring San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, observes National Administrative Professionals Day and Administrative Professionals Week by diving into a crucial workplace topic: Are You an Administratively Exempt Employee?
Exempt employees are typically those who receive a minimum required salary and perform specific duties as defined by state and/or federal law. If both salary and duty requirements are met, employers are generally not obligated to pay overtime or provide meal and rest breaks that are required for non-exempt employees.
Ward breaks down how administrative exemptions work, common pitfalls in employee classification, and how both workers and employers can ensure compliance with California labor laws.
📖 Learn more by reading Ward's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/are-you-an-administratively-exempt-employee/ 
👨‍⚖️ About Ward Heinrichs:Based in San Diego, California, Ward represents both employers and employees across nearly all areas of labor and employment law.🔗 More about Ward:  http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 
🎧 Ward Heinrichs joins Big Blend Radio every 4th Wednesday.📺 Follow his podcast appearances here: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊This episode is also available on Big Blend Radio’s "Success Express" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore our full network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork