Big Blend Radio

Deal With It Now: Why Leaders Must Stop Ignoring Workplace Problems

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses why supervisors must address workplace issues early—before they escalate, spread, or damage trust.
Rita explains the ripple effect of ignoring problems, how open communication strengthens teams, and why leaders must create a safe environment for honest dialogue. This episode also ties directly into her foundational work on feedback, highlighting how giving and receiving timely feedback helps employees succeed and keeps organizations healthy.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• Ignoring problems causes bigger issues later.• Addressing concerns early prevents escalation.• Open communication builds trust and transparency.• Feedback is essential for employee success.• Leaders must be proactive, not avoidant.• Difficult conversations are part of healthy supervision.• Safe environments encourage honest communication.• Trust takes time to build but can be lost quickly.• Ignoring feedback leads to disengagement.• Reflective leadership practices support continual improvement.
🔗 Related Feedback Episodes:• Benefits of Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/feedback-basics/ • Giving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/giving-feedback/ • Receiving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/receiving-feedback/ 
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 All SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast Channel. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr. Matthew Restall: The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus

Historian and award-winning author Dr. Matthew Restall joins Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When" History Show to discuss his latest book, “The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus” (W. W. Norton, October 7, 2025).
A leading expert on Latin American and colonial history, Dr. Restall is the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History and Anthropology and Director of Latin American Studies at Penn State University. He is also the author of over 30 books, including "Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest" and "When Montezuma Met Cortés."
In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Restall untangles the nine myths—Columbus’s “nine lives”—that have shaped the explorer’s enduring cultural and political presence. From competing origin stories and beatification campaigns to fictionalized biographies, scandals, and shifting national narratives, he examines how Columbus became both a hero and an antihero in the American imagination.
While exploring the impact of Columbus’s voyages on Indigenous peoples, Dr. Restall also explains how immigration, patriotism, and modern identity politics have kept Columbus at the center of debates about history, morality, and national mythmaking. This episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced look at why Columbus still matters today—and why understanding his story requires examining multiple perspectives.
Learn more about Dr. Restall: http://matthewrestall.com/ 
In celebration of National Life Writing Month, which recognizes how stories, biographies, and personal histories shape our understanding of the world, this episode is also featured on the Big Daily Blend show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dogs, Children’s Books & Holiday Magic in NYC

Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show explores the magic of children’s literature, therapy dogs, and holiday traditions in New York City with special guest Andy Honda, MD, author of the "Koa’s Ruff Life" series. Andy shares how her real-life therapy dog, Koa, inspires her heartwarming stories—especially the newest book, "Koa’s Ruff Life: Christmas Time in New York City."
From Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows to the Rockefeller Center Tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, The Rockettes, The Nutcracker, and more, this conversation reveals how Koa’s real-life adventures bring comfort, learning, and joy to children of all backgrounds. Co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters also joins the discussion, highlighting the importance of pet care, animal interaction, and emotional wellness in families and communities.
Learn more at:🐾 Koa’s Ruff Life: https://www.koasrufflife.com 🐾 Andy Honda, MD: https://www.andyhondamd.com 🐾 TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com 🎧 More “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” "Quality of Life," and "Toast to The Arts" podcast channel. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Holiday Gifts for Outdoor Travel Lovers

Celebrate the season of giving with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, where adventurer and author Linda Ballou shares a curated list of her favorite travel and adventure books—perfect holiday gifts for the explorers in your life.
Linda discusses why these narratives resonate with readers, how they inspire real-world adventures, and what makes storytelling such a powerful tool for connecting to nature, culture, and personal growth. She also reflects on the unique contributions women bring to adventure writing and reads an excerpt from her own book, “Lost Angel Unleashed: Stories from the Heart.”
📚 Books Featured in This Episode:* The Trail: A Novel — Ethan Gallogly* The River’s Daughter — Bridget Crocker* Baboons for Lunch and Other Sordid Adventures — James Michael Dorsey* Endless Horizons: A Global Backpacker’s Quest for Adventure, Connection and Discovery — Paul W. Neville* Two Sticks, One Path: A Journey Beyond Fear on the Colorado Trail — Darrow Kirkpatrick* Wilderness: The Gateway to the Soul — Scott Stillman* Lost Angel Unleashed: Stories from the Heart — Linda Ballou
📝 Read Linda’s article with more adventure book gift ideas:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-suggests-gifts-for-the-adventure-travel-junkie-in-your-life-awesome-adventure-travel-books/ 
🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST.  Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” "Parks & Travel," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring New Brunswick, Canada: Indigenous Heritage, Sea Caves & The Bay of Fundy

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans continues her Canadian adventures as she explores the Indigenous history, cultural heritage, and natural wonders of New Brunswick. 
From learning with First Nations Storytellers to experiencing the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy, Lisa uncovers powerful histories, geological marvels, and heartfelt community stories. Highlights include a visit to St. Martins Sea Caves, the scenic Fundy Trail Parkway, the tidal-access-only Ministers Island, and historic Partridge Island, along with delicious coastal cuisine and memorable local encounters.
Destinations featured: St. Martins, Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks, Ministers Island, Partridge Island, Beaver Harbor, Fundy Trail Parkway, Saint John area. 
Listen to Part One of Lisa's Canadian Journey: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/e/st-john-new-brunswick/ 
Travel Resources & Links Mentioned:* First Nations Storytellers: https://www.firstnationsstorytellers.com/ * Ministers Island: https://www.ministersisland.net/ * Partridge Island History: https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=191 * Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park: https://www.parcsnbparks.ca/en/parks/33/hopewell-rocks-provincial-park * St. Martins Sea Caves: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/saint-john/listing/st-martins-sea-caves/ 
🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by travel:👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 
📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans 
📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday  🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 

Adventures in Springfield, Missouri: The Birthplace of Route 66

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us on a journey through the heart of Missouri, focusing on the vibrant city of Springfield, famously known as the birthplace of Route 66. Join us as we explore the rich history of America's Mother Road, celebrate the annual vintage car festival, and reminisce about cherished family road trips to destinations like Branson.
We dive into the must-see attractions, from the massive, original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the highly-rated Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, to the natural wonders of the "Cave State," where you can take a unique ride-through tour at Fantastic Caverns. Finally, we uncover Springfield's surprising and diverse culinary scene, including the exceptional dining at Hotel Vandivort. It's an episode packed with history, nature, and adventure! 
🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ In celebration of Geography Awareness Week (November 17–21), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," “Vacation Station," and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring the World with Kids: Family Travel Insights with Eileen Cotter Wright

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families.
This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be.
📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/ 
✈️ Read her family travel stories:- London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/ - Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/ - Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/ 
🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Michael Engelhard - No Place Like Nome

Award-winning author and anthropologist Michael Engelhard joins Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When" History Show to discuss his new book, “No Place Like Nome: The Bering Strait Seen Through Its Most Storied City.”
Blending anthropology, history, personal reflection, and vivid storytelling, Engelhard explores the legendary city of Nome, Alaska—a cultural, ecological, and historical crossroads where the legacies of millennia still shape the present. From mammoths and shaman hoards to Cold War landmarks, reindeer herders, adventurers, hustlers, drummers, dancers, and whalers, his book highlights a region steeped in myth, resilience, and human ingenuity.
In this lively conversation, Engelhard discusses cultural migration across the Bering Strait, the impact of climate change on Arctic landscapes, the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and the powerful role of storytelling and language in preserving Indigenous cultures. He also shares insights into the origins of Nome’s name and how its past continues to echo through environmental, social, and cultural challenges today. 
Learn more and get the book: https://michaelengelhard.com/ 
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month and National Life Writing Month through an exploration of history, culture, community, and place, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast channels. Explore the network, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork