Big Blend Radio

Artist Lakin Epaloose in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.  Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Reservations required, 20-person limit. Details and reservations: https://home.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/03212025-nr-april-updates.htmLearn more and view Lakin’s art: https://www.lakinepalooseart.com/Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Celebrate Spring Holidays and Traditions with The Peanut Patch

Get ready for Spring Celebrations like Easter weekend, Brunch Parties, and Mother's Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George. So many foodie ideas to make happen and treats to enjoy!
Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, culinary gifts, and sweet treats including homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/  
Check out Donna's recipes that include all kinds of delicious favorites from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads, and even pasta dishes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

Spring Adventures in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and Tulare County, California

From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California.
Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.  
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include - Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Donnette Silva Carter - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, http://www.tularechamber.org/ 
Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Arizona Wine and Food Trends 2025

The wine industry is experiencing a lot of change. From climate change and water issues to demographic spending shifts, wineries must navigate these changes to stay relevant and successful. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast focuses on Wine & Food Trends in Arizona, as well as the growing wine and culinary scene in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale. 
ON THIS EPISODE:- PEGGY FIANDACA, along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, owns and operates LDV Winery. More: https://ldvwinery.com/ *** Plus, check out Peggy's Southwestern Pesto Shrimp Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/southwestern-pesto-shrimp/ 
- SUSIE TIMM - President & CEO of Knife & Fork Media Group. More: https://knifeandforkmedia.com/ 
- SHANNAN METCALF-PERCIBALLI - Editor and Publisher of Edible Phoenix. More: https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj 
This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Success Express, and "Women Making History." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Settling Into Austin: A Southwest Perspective

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about moving to from Dallas to the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Sharon's discovered a whole different side of Austin beyond downtown—where legendary BBQ, scenic wineries, and live music venues create a uniquely Texan experience. Hear about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood, Austin City Live, the annual Bat Fest, and the iconic bluebonnet bloom in the spring. 
Whether you're a longtime Austinite or just curious about what makes this city special, this episode will highlight both the well-known attractions and the hidden gems that make Austin such a great place to live.  
Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/. 
Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/  
This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Super Fun Adventures in Asheville 2025

Happy National Fun Day! Asheville, North Carolina is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and is welcoming visitors back with open arms. Airing live from The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, this episode focuses on some of the unique experiences you can enjoy in Asheville such as the WNC Nature Center, Axeville Throwing Club, Asheville Pinball Museum, and more.Traveling to Asheville directly helps support the local businesses and regional community, and there is so much to do from brewery hopping and rooftop cocktails to public art viewing and shopping, chasing waterfalls and hiking, and visiting some of the area’s iconic attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, and the North Carolina Arboretum. ON THIS EPISODE OF BIG BLEND RADIO'S "ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE" SHOW:* STEVE & KAREN WILSON – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. This charming lodging destination is back open and welcoming visitors.  More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ * CINDY SMITH - Director of Development of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. The WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. More: https://wildwnc.org/* GLEN MERCHANT – Owner and founder of Axeville, the first axe throwing club in Asheville.  Opened in 2019, the club is designed to allow guests to safely throw axes at targets while enjoying local beer, cider and wine selections in a modern and cozy space.  More: https://throwaxeville.com/

Author Maura Casey - Saving Ellen

Celebrating Women's History Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning journalist Maura Casey who discusses her debut memoir, "Saving Ellen: A Memoir of Hope and Recovery” (Skyhorse Publishing, April 1, 2025). The book crafts a vivid and poignant narrative of a working-class family’s resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis.
Growing up in a family torn by addiction and financial hardship, Maura’s early years were shaped by instability and survival. Cared for by Dr. Mary Hawking (sibling of Stephen Hawking), her sister Ellen’s life-threatening battle with kidney disease added another layer of heartache, but it also deepened Maura’s understanding of courage and family bonds. Through it all, Maura has reframed the pain of her past, uncovering hope and meaning even in life’s darkest chapters. More: https://www.caseyink.com/ 
For over 30 years, Casey was an opinion writer for three New England newspapers and The New York Times, where she had a seat on the exalted Times editorial board. Today, Casey writes a weekly column, Casey’s Catch, at https://maurac.substack.com    

Author Joan Fernandez - Saving Vincent

We all know Vincent van Gogh, but who was the powerhouse woman who turned his failed art career into an international success?
In celebration of Women's History Month, and the birth anniversary of artist Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853), this episode of Big Blend Radio features author Joan Fernandez who discusses her book, "Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh." Releasing April 15, 2025 through She Writes Press, this historical fiction novel reveals the hidden true story of the woman who made Vincent van Gogh the artistic giant he is today.
Joan Fernandez is a novelist who brings to light courageous women’s brilliant deeds in history. “Saving Vincent” was recognized by the American Writing Awards, winning their 2024 art award. More: https://www.joanfernandezauthor.com/