March 18, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer and author Linda Ballou discusses her new novel, “Embrace of the Wild,” that’s inspired by on the life of equestrian explorer and travel writer Isabella Lucy Bird. It shares the story of raw courage and fierce strength of a plucky English woman’s un-flinching desire to be free. More: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/
Featured music is "Freedom Has a Way" by James Saunders.
March 17, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, comics journalist Andy Warner returns to the show to discuss his second National Parks Arts Foundation residency in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Warner is a New York Times bestselling comics journalist and artist, whose comics range between journalism, documentary and memoir. He has published two books of nonfiction history in comic form, and is a contributing editor of The Nib, an online publication for nonfiction comics. His newest book, “This Land is My Land,” is a collection of true stories about flawed utopias and artistic environments. https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/
Keep up with Andy at www.AndyWarnerComics.com
Featured music on this episode is “A Day in Hawai’i” by Makana. https://www.makanamusic.com/
March 16, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Friday Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features travel writer and tour leader Sharon Kurtz who shares her recent adventures in Egypt.
Hear about what it was like to explore the Valley of the Kings during the pandemic, along with her private visit to King Tutankhamun’s Tomb. Read her story here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/my-tete-a-tete-with-king-tut-in-the-valley-of-the-kings/
This episode also features Steve Schneickert who Recalls Egyptian Hollywood History.
March 16, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Along with the annual “Way of the Cross” exhibit, Lance discusses the three latest Ted DeGrazia exhibits “Tempera Paintings,” “Celestial Music,” and “Abstract Paintings.” DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is home to over 15,000 originals of Ted DeGrazia art pieces including oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures. There are six permanent collections on display and several rotating exhibitions each year. More: https://degrazia.org
![Spring in Costa Mesa, California - Jenny Wedge on Big Blend Radio]()
March 14, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio 2nd Friday Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features Jenny Wedge, Director of Public & Community Relations at Travel Costa Mesa. Hear what there is to see and do this spring and summer in Costa Mesa, in Southern California.
Known as the “City of The Arts” Costa Mesa is also home to beautiful local parks, is close to the beaches, and offers unique shopping and dining opportunities. It is also near Southern California’s major theme parks such as Disneyland. Health officials recently announced (literally right after this podcast recording), that as early as April 1, California will allow certain outdoor activities to resume with capacity restrictions, including the reopening of theme parks, which may open at 15% capacity when their respective counties enter the state's red tier designation. More: https://www.travelcostamesa.com/
Featured music on this episode is “California Days” by Josh Pfeiffer.
March 2, 2021
Always be ready for the worst day of your life: This is the mantra that Becca Aldaine has grown up with. Her family is part of a community of doomsday preppers, a neighborhood that prioritizes survivalist training over class trips or senior prom.
Becca’s story is the backbone of the young adult novel “Prepped” by Bethany Mangle who joins Big Blend Radio to discuss her writing and latest book that explores themes from her Korean identity, sisterhood, and finding your place within your family and the world. More: https://www.bethanymangle.com/
Featured music is “Two Young Hearts” by Dino Jag. https://dinojag.com/
February 28, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Quality of Life show features Dr. Jackie Eubany, a board certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story.” She discusses how getting outside for a walk or hike is good cardio for your heart, calms hypertension and stress, and is a good way to be active while keeping social distance. Read her article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/why-parks-are-good-for-your-heart/
Featured music on this episode is “Walk With Me” by Jennifer Saran. http://jennifersaran.com/
February 25, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on the new film DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER, with director Simon Bird and star Monica Dolan. Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel, DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER is a funny yet sweet coming-of-age story about single motherhood and Metallica. Daniel was supposed to spend the summer with his dad and his dad’s new wife in Florida, but when his dad cancels the trip Daniel and his mom suddenly face the prospect of six long weeks together. An epic war of wills ensues in their suburban home as Daniel just wants to listen to heavy metal and start a band while his mom hopes to rekindle the fun times they used to have together.
Featured music is “Time, Why, Explain” by Sandtimer. Special thanks to Norfolk Tours UK. https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/
February 24, 2021
Less than an hour north of Denver, roam more than 500 large carnivores – including over 200 bears, 70 African lions, and 70 tigers. Now living at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado, these wild animals and the stories of their rescue, often from heartbreaking conditions, are the focal point of the newly released and groundbreaking book “Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado,” written by sanctuary volunteers and Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger.
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Kent Drotar, along with authors Mark and Melanie, who discuss The Wild Animal Sanctuary and their book “Forever Wild, Forever Home.” Featured music on this episode is “Freedom Has a Way” by James Saunders.
More: https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/
February 23, 2021
It's all about Stories, Music & Movies on this episode of Big Blend Radio's Champagne Sundays Party featuring:
- Steve Schneickert - Hollywood History expert in San Jose, CA
- Michael Ely - Singer-songwriter in Tucson, AZ Michael and Spider
- Mark Navarro Photography - Photographer in Tucson, AZ
- Glynn Burrows - Historian and owner of Norfolk Tours & Visit Breckland
- Lea Brovedani - "The Trust Architect" and author of “Trust Me” in Philadelphia, PA
- Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast in Asheville, NC
February 18, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Douglas MacKenzie, Director of Media Relations at Visit Phoenix, gives an overview of what to see and do in Phoenix, Arizona tis spring including the great outdoors, farms and culinary scene, museums and attractions, and lodging destinations. More at https://www.visitphoenix.com/
Music is "Rock Gardens, Swimming Pools and Barbecues" by Michael and Spider.
Special thank you to the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association - https://www.ifwtwa.org/
February 18, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Show features Katharine Manning, author of “The Empathetic Workplace” that teaches readers the five steps to respond to trauma at work. This critical resource gives managers, HR, and anyone who may come into contact with someone in trauma — including workplace violence, harassment, assault, bias, illness, addiction, fraud, bankruptcy, and more — the tools they need to be prepared for what lies ahead. More: http://www.katharinemanning.com/
Featured music is “Falling to Pieces” by Nicki Kris.
February 17, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Noreen Kompanik, a San Diego based freelance travel writer and photographer, who talks about the ways travel writing enriches lives. Hear about her recent and upcoming travel adventures and follow her travels at https://noreenkompanik.com/
Featured music is "California Days" by Josh Pfeiffer. https://joshpfeiffer.com/
Special thank you to the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) https://www.ifwtwa.org/
February 16, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio features husband-and-wife duo Deborah and Pat Mastelotto, who discuss their album "A Romantic’s Guide to King Crimson.” The new 12-track album of reinvented King Crimson material spans the band’s entire history, revisiting classics including “Matte Kudasai,” “Heartbeat,” “Moonchild,” “Elephant Talk,” “Peace,” “Exiles,” and “Sleepless.” More at https://www.patmastelotto.com/
February 16, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning actor Tanna Frederick discusses her Southern California non-profit organization Project Save Our Surf that is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans. More: https://psosurf.onuniverse.com/
Featured music is: “Underwater, Above Water” from the album “A Hawai’i Interlude” by Makana. https://www.makanamusic.com/
Special thank you to fine art nature photographer Margot Carrera https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/
February 14, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, English teacher and author Jefferson Marshall talks about his Texas State Park Adventures book series for kids including “The Creatures of Caprock Canyons” and “The Palo Duro Lighthouse Race.” More: https://texasstateparkadventures.com/
February 12, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio features reggae singer-songwriter Annicia Banks who talks about her debut EP “Up Front” with Raw Vue Music, her world travels, and cooking. The EP will introduce her own original songs, including a collaboration with the late and legendary Bob Andy, with the first single a cover of the Dennis Brown hit "Love Has Found Its Way" featuring original saxophonist Dean Fraser. More: http://www.rawvuemusic.com/
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Annicia has toured the Caribbean, United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe, using the dulcet tones of her voice to provide background support for internationally acclaimed reggae artists Judy Mowatt (of I-Threes fame), Bunny Wailer (original member of The Wailers), Sister Carol, and the legendary "Crown Prince of Reggae" Dennis Emmanuel Brown.
Special thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation.
