Big Blend Radio

Vibrant Harvest: Growing a Kaleidoscope of Color in Your Garden

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.
We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color. 
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/ 🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

New California Employment Laws 2026: Minimum Wage and More

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the upcoming changes to California’s minimum wage laws, effective January 2026. 
The discussion covers minimum wage increases across sectors, challenges for small businesses competing with larger employers, and significant wage hikes in the healthcare industry. Ward also explains compliance requirements for exempt employees, the consequences of wage violations, and strategies for avoiding costly mistakes. This episode is essential for both employers and employees navigating California’s evolving wage landscape.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/new-california-employment-laws-for 
👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating 110 years of the Historic Jefferson Highway

This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans. 
Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing mission to map, preserve, and promote this international heritage road.
Learn how traveling the Jefferson Highway supports small towns, preserves historic corridors, and continues America’s tradition of discovery through road-tripping and cultural connection. Visit the Jefferson Highway Association at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
We also highlight two major new resources now available for modern travelers:🌐 NEW: Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website – The brand-new online guide featuring updated travel directories, lodging, historic stops, attractions, and community resources along the route. The interactive map is in progress, but the directories are fully live. The quarterly digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide publication will be out in January 2026. Visit https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📰 NEW: Jefferson Highway Dispatch – Our new Substack publication offering traveler insights, historical stories, updates from the road, special features, and community spotlights. Subscribe: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Magical Moments in Morocco with Wilderness Travel

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Global Adventures with Debbie Stone, we celebrate an exciting milestone — the launch of Debbie’s brand-new Global Adventures Digital Magazine, where each podcast episode now integrates with her immersive travel stories and photography.
This week, Debbie takes listeners on a dazzling journey through Morocco, based on her recent private tour with Wilderness Travel. From the Imperial cities of Rabat and Fez to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Debbie recounts “pinch-me” moments filled with history, culture, culinary discoveries, and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
She also shares smart travel tips, insights into local customs, and stories from unique accommodations that elevated her Moroccan adventure into something extraordinary.
🌍 Read the Morocco feature in her new Global Adventures Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Christmas in Paris: Romance, Lights & Holiday Magic

Experience the magic of Christmas in Paris in this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show. Terri shares what makes the City of Lights one of the most enchanting and romantic destinations during the holiday season.
From sparkling Eiffel Tower nights to cozy Christmas markets, decadent Parisian hot chocolate, iconic churches, romantic proposal spots, and unforgettable Seine River views, this conversation captures the full wonder of Paris at Christmastime. You’ll also hear personal anecdotes, cultural highlights, and insider recommendations for making the most of a holiday visit to this world-famous city.
⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS* Paris transforms into a magical wonderland at Christmas.* The city’s lights and markets create a festive, romantic atmosphere.* Galleries Lafayette is a must-visit for holiday décor and shopping.* Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour after sunset — an unforgettable experience.* Christmas markets abound across Paris and Europe.* Historic churches such as Notre Dame offer cultural and spiritual depth.* Parisian hot chocolate is rich, traditional, and a holiday essential.* The Latin Quarter is charming for wandering and soaking in Christmas spirit.* Top proposal spot: the Eiffel Tower lawn.
🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Damage the Pearl: Third of Never’s Creative Leap from Album to Film

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Rants, Raves & Rock ‘n Roll" show, we jam with Jon Dawson of Third of Never about their brand new album and soundtrack, “Damage the Pearl.” The project grew from a collection of songs into a full-on road-movie film collaboration with director Brent Clark — a creative leap that celebrates the band’s instinct, individuality, and unstoppable drive.
Jon shares the serendipitous (and sometimes hilarious) chain of events that shaped Third of Never: chance meetings, cross-state collaborations, legendary guest musicians, and the fearless blending of genres that gives the band its signature sound. We talk creative process, surviving the modern music landscape, turning life into art, and how music becomes both escape and emotional anchor.
This conversation spotlights how embracing your creative instincts leads to unexpected magic — whether you’re scoring a film, building a band, or crafting songs that hit straight to the soul.
Learn more at: https://www.thirdofnever.com 
A perfect fit for Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day (Nov 24), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Mark Storey: Behind His Dark Voodoo Magic Album

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Show with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), Joey welcomes his friend and fellow musician Mark Storey, whose debut album “Dark Voodoo Magic” released October 31, 2025. They dive into Mark’s creative process, the emotional storytelling behind his songs, and the unique blend of blues-rock energy that defines his sound.
Mark shares what it was like to write, perform, and produce the entire album himself—from vocals and guitar to drums, bass, and blues harp—along with creating his own visuals and music videos. Joey, who mastered the album, highlights Mark’s honesty, groove, and swampy voodoo vibe that makes this project stand out.
📌 Key Takeaways- Mark Storey’s debut album “Dark Voodoo Magic” showcases his talent as a multi-instrumentalist and producer.- Joey Stuckey’s collaboration and mastering work played a key role in the final sound.- Mark performs every instrument on the album.- Slide guitar and swampy rhythms help define his dark voodoo blues-rock style.- Honesty and emotional storytelling sit at the heart of his songwriting.- Visual creativity—videos, artwork, atmosphere—enhances the music’s impact.- Influences include blues, classic rock, Detroit rock ’n’ roll, and voodoo-groove aesthetics.- The album reflects years of growth, craft, and personal exploration.
💻 Learn more about Mark Storey & follow his music:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gcnv5nWpV/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markstoreymusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mark271058TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markstorey562  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markstorey562?  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0k25jI1a2Z8N2fQdBRuIRu?si=ell6w8a6TG66XzkT0y6aTw Bandcamp: https://markstorey1.bandcamp.com/album/dark-voodoo-magic-3 
🎶 Learn more about Joey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
📺 Follow Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

A Visit to Windsor Castle and Historic Runnymede in England

Join historian and UK tour guide Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours for a fascinating journey through the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Windsor Castle and nearby Runnymede, the birthplace of the Magna Carta. From medieval fortifications to royal traditions, Glynn explains what makes Windsor Castle such an extraordinary place to visit — and what travelers should know before they go.
He also touches on the importance of respecting historical sites, why Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace serve very different purposes, and what makes the Magna Carta at Runnymede a cornerstone of democratic history.
Read Glynn’s full article:Windsor Castle & Runnymede: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-windsor-castle-and-runnymede/ 
Learn more about Glynn & book a custom tour:Norfolk Tours: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
Listen to Glynn’s monthly podcast (airs every 4th Saturday):English Connection Podcast: https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork