Big Blend Radio

The Descendant: Linda Stasi Reveals a Hidden Italian American Saga

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Linda Stasi discusses her powerful new historical novel The Descendant, arriving March 10, 2026 and available now for pre-order.
Inspired by real family history, the book uncovers a sweeping Italian immigrant saga that stretches from Sicily to the coal mines and ranchlands of the American West. Linda shares how deep journalistic research led her to shocking discoveries about labor exploitation, early Mafia networks, and the overlooked role of immigrant women in shaping the West.
The conversation explores the tragic legacy of the Ludlow Massacre, the roots of cultural stereotypes, and why stories of resilience and reinvention still matter today. From rebellious cowgirls to bootlegging empires, The Descendant challenges the myth of the “John Wayne West” and re-centers the multicultural reality of American history.
📘 The Descendant releases March 10, 2026 — pre-order your copy now.🔗 Learn more about Linda Stasi: https://lindastasi.com 
📰 Read our complete review on Substack:https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-descendant 

AI and the Future of Music with Joey Stuckey

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks with Joey Stuckey," Joey shares key insights from his recent experiences at industry events including the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show and The Recording Academy’s Grammy Week. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming music creation, performance, and accessibility.
Joey discusses the growing role of AI in the music industry, from tools that support musicians with disabilities to emerging concerns around copyright, ownership, safety, and environmental impact. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI training data, protecting digital identity, and balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.
This forward-looking episode offers valuable perspective for musicians, creators, and music lovers navigating the evolving intersection of technology and artistry.
🎸 About Joey StuckeyJoey Stuckey is Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, an award-winning blind guitarist, producer, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio. He is a passionate advocate for accessibility and innovation in music. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 

Evolution of Art Materials: Pencils - From Silver Wire to Graphite

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick wraps up her three-part “Evolution of Art Materials” series with a fascinating glimpse into the history of pencils and drawing tools.
From early silver wire to the discovery of graphite, this engaging conversation explores how natural resources have shaped artistic innovation for centuries. Victoria explains why pencils were once considered a military material, how erasers evolved, and what artists should know about lightfastness in colored pencils. The discussion also highlights the enduring connection between nature, chemistry, and creative expression, along with the role of art materials in restoration, education, and community engagement.
Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico, and is known for making art history accessible and engaging for artists and enthusiasts alike.
🔗 Read Victoria’s companion article: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/evolution-of-art-materials  MORE TO EXPLORE* Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 

Building a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works at Work

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares practical, sustainable self-care strategies for leaders, supervisors, employers, and employees alike.
In today’s demanding work environments, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Rita discusses how daily routines, supportive systems, healthy boundaries, and positive self-talk can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and improve workplace culture. She also explains how leaders who model healthy habits create more productive, engaged, and balanced teams.
In recognition of National Leadership Day, this conversation is a timely reminder that modeling healthy habits is part of great leadership.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 
🔹 NEW! Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 
🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 

Narrative as Medicine: A Brush with the Afterlife with Author Sally Dukes

"My heart was very loud... it would gurgle and swirl. People could hear me before I entered a room."
In this inspiring episode, psychotherapist, educator, and author Sally Dukes joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, "drummer girl," and the life-changing journey that shaped it. 
Born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD), Sally faced a near-death experience at a young age—a moment in the "Orange Machine" that forever transformed her understanding of life, death, and the "Purple Love" of the afterlife.
In this heartfelt and intimate audio feature, Sally explores:- The Therapeutic Journey: How her childhood trauma and heart journey guided her path as a therapist.
- Inner Stillness & Outer Travel: How meditation, travel, silence, and deep self-reflection became a pilgrimage toward truth.
- Storytelling as Medicine: The process of writing a memoir as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
- Being Present: Navigating today’s distraction-filled world by leaning into silence and stillness.
From the medical threshold to meaningful journeys in the outer world, this thoughtful discussion offers comfort, perspective, and encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or their own spiritual path.
Pre-Order "drummer girl" (Launching March 17, 2026) and learn more about Sally Dukes at https://www.sallydukes.com/ 

Wheelchair Mafia: Travel, Photography & Rescuing Disabled Dogs

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the power of travel, photography, and compassion for animals, featuring co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and special guest Cade Martin — commercial photographer and world traveler.
Cade shares how a family trip to Thailand unexpectedly led to his heartwarming mini-documentary “Wheelchair Mafia,” spotlighting a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates disabled dogs. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of animal rescue, the cultural insights gained through travel, and how storytelling through photography can inspire kindness and global awareness.Listeners will also hear about the vital work of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation and how communities and volunteers help give vulnerable animals a second chance at life.
🔗 Learn more:• Cade Martin• The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation• TrustedHousesitters• The Steppes of Henry Foundation🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes.
 

Embracing the Year of the Fire Horse: Independence, Adventure & Transformation

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, travel writer and equestrian Linda Ballou explores the powerful symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology.
From themes of fierce independence and bold adventure to the profound bond between humans and horses, Linda shares personal insights, spiritual reflections, and heartfelt storytelling that encourage listeners to embrace change and live authentically. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the importance of writing from the heart, and how the Fire Horse energy can spark transformation in our lives.
Whether you’re drawn to astrology, horses, personal growth, or meaningful travel, this uplifting conversation invites you to “giddy up” and welcome new possibilities.
📝 Read Linda’s article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/a-rare-chinese-astrological-event-the-year-of-the-fire-horse-is-galloping-toward-us-equestrian-linda-ballou-says-let-the-adventure-begin/ 
🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Journey Through St Augustine: A Must Visit for America’s 250th Birthday

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel writer Lisa Evans takes listeners to historic St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States and a must-visit destination as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.
From the iconic Castillo de San Marcos to the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Lisa shares highlights from her immersive visit to this charming coastal city. Discover how the convenient Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine makes exploring easy, why culinary tasting tours are a delicious way to experience local culture, and what makes the historic St. Francis Inn such a memorable place to stay.
The conversation also explores St. Augustine’s layered Spanish, British, and Native American heritage, its vibrant arts scene, and why history lovers will find endless stories around every corner.
Whether you're planning a heritage getaway, a food-focused trip, or looking ahead to America’s Semi-quincentennial celebrations, St. Augustine offers an unforgettable blend of history, hospitality, and coastal charm.
LISA'S ST. AUGUSTINE ARTICLES- Rovology.com: https://rovology.com/united-states/a-history-lovers-guide-to-visiting-st-augustine-fl/ - Wander with Wonder: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/things-to-do-in-st-augustine-fl/ - She Buys Travel: https://shebuystravel.com/st-francis-inn-bed-and-breakfast-st-augustine-fl/ 
MAGAZINE, SUBSTACK & MUSIC PLAYLIST* NEW: Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 * Subscribe to Journey Jukebox on Big Blend Media's Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/ * Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596 
📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/