Big Blend Radio

Autumn Adventures on the Historic Jefferson Highway

It’s time for Fall Fun on the Historic Jefferson Highway! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we celebrate autumn travel along the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretching from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Featured guests share the unique charm, seasonal beauty, and vibrant community spirit that make the Jefferson Highway an unforgettable fall road trip experience:
- Beth Hilburn – Owner of the Hi-Way Café & Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. * Hi-Way Café: https://hi-waycafe.com/ * Western Motel: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-motel-in-vinita-oklahoma-2/ 
- Aaron Perry & Cassandra Ringel – Owners of Gearhead Curios & Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas. Visit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gearhead-curios-and-petrol-motor-quart/# 
- Glenda Smith – Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in Minnesota. Visit Owatonna: https://visitowatonna.org/ 
From local cafes and culinary events to vintage roadside attractions, community festivals, and fall landscapes, this conversation highlights how small towns along the Jefferson Highway bring together history, culture, and hospitality. The guests also share their stories of community engagement, historic preservation, and the creative ways they attract travelers looking for authentic, nostalgic road trip experiences.
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway,” stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.
🔗 Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
🔗 Sign up for updates on Jefferson Highway maps, the travel directory, and the upcoming travel guide: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📅 This podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Kristy Tolley - 100 Things to Do in North Carolina Before You Die

Travel journalist and author Kristy Tolley joins Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station podcast to talk about her new book, 100 Things to Do in North Carolina Before You Die. From fall foliage and food trails to hidden gems, historic landmarks, music heritage, and coastal escapes, Kristy shares highlights from across the Tar Heel State and insider tips for creating unforgettable adventures.
We first connected with Kristy on our Adventures in Asheville podcast with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, when she released 100 Things to Do in Asheville Before You Die. Listen to that episode here: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/ 
👉 Get Kristy’s Book: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-north-carolina-before-you-die 
👉 Follow Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristytolley 
✨ Takeaways from this episode:- North Carolina has must-do seasonal activities all year.- The Biltmore Estate is a key holiday destination.- Fall foliage and Krispy Kreme are NC icons.- NASCAR, moonshine, music, and history shape the state’s culture.- Hidden gems like the Museum of the House Cat make NC unique.- Supporting local businesses is vital, especially after disasters.

Experience a Wellness Mecca at The Springs Resort & Spa

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone shares her rejuvenating experience at The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
From soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs to enjoying spa treatments, unique aqua activities, and delicious culinary options, Debbie highlights the restorative power of wellness travel. She also reflects on the importance of sleep, relaxation, and self-care, especially during the hectic holiday season.
📌 Key Takeaways:• Pagosa Springs is a premier wellness destination.• The Springs Resort has recently undergone a major transformation.• Hot springs, spa treatments, and relaxation enhance well-being.• Sleep is a vital part of overall health and wellness.• Contrast bathing provides therapeutic benefits.• Unique aqua activities add fun to the experience.• Culinary offerings are varied and flavorful.• Walkability makes exploring the resort easy and enjoyable.• Self-care is essential during busy or stressful times.• Travel can refresh both body and mind.
📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/experience-a-wellness-mecca-at-the-springs-resort-spa/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ Thsi episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Vacation Station” Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Celebrate the magic of fall and the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we journey through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terrie Guthrie explores the spectacular Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: ¡Mundo México! event, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2, 2025.
The conversation highlights how the Dallas Arboretum, a premier fall attraction, has been transformed with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash to create an unprecedented celebration of Mexican living culture, contemporary art, and biodiversity. We delve into the stunning pumpkin village, creative art installations, and the importance of this event in fostering community engagement and creating lasting family memories. Discover why this immersive cultural experience positions Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
Key Takeaways:- The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved year-round destination.- The event features a festival-wide transformation with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash.- ¡Mundo México! celebrates Mexican culture, art, and biodiversity.- The pumpkin village is a main highlight, showcasing creative pumpkin houses inspired by Mexican regions.- The gardens feature plants and art installations that tell cultural stories.- Family-friendly events at the Arboretum are designed to create lasting memories.- The festival has helped position Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Dallas Arboretum website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ 
Follow Terri’s adventures:https://travelwithterri.net/    https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/  https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri   https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas   
🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Garden Gossip, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On The Edge – A Musical Journey with Dave Bainbridge

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, musician and composer Dave Bainbridge discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Blending folk, rock, progressive, jazz, and modern classical influences with lyrics in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the album features an all-star cast of musicians including Simon Phillips, Troy Donockley, Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, and more.
Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.
📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5 🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.com 

The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the fascinating life and work of Eric Gibberd, an artist who found inspiration and success in New Mexico.
The conversation explores Gibberd’s early challenges, his artistic journey from London to the American Southwest, and the influence of Cézanne on his approach to form and abstraction. It also highlights the importance of artistic communities, education, and libraries in nurturing creativity, as well as the role of community engagement in shaping the future of local art initiatives and museums.
Read Victoria’s Article: The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd (1897–1972): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-eric-gibberd-1897-1972/ 
About Victoria Chick:Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
More to Explore- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts channel.Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dog-Friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip

In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio Show takes you on a dog-friendly journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.
Featured guests Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast, share their experiences traveling with their dog to iconic distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Preservation Distillery. Along the way, they highlight the pet-friendly Bourbon Barrel Cottages, the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace, and the growing international appeal of bourbon tourism.
You’ll also hear from Jay Ballard of Bourbon Barrel Cottages about their accommodations, tours, and event spaces, plus Lynn Aubrey of Buffalo Trace Distillery who shares the history and current visitor experience at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery.
This lively conversation blends travel, history, bourbon, and hospitality with great tips for planning a Kentucky getaway — especially for those traveling with pets.
📝 Read Steve & Karen’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/ 
🎙️ Featured Guests* Steve & Karen Wilson – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast. Sharing their dog-friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip experience. 🌐 https://lion-rose.com 
*Jay Ballard – Overview of Bourbon Barrel Cottages and tour options, plus their event facilities. 🌐 https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/ 
* Lynn Aubrey – Insights on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the current visitor experience at the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. 🌐 https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/ 
📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Big Daily Blend, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Vacation Station, and Pet Connection Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Unlocking the Power of One-on-One Meetings

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses the value of one-on-one meetings in the workplace.
These regular check-ins are essential for building relationships, clarifying expectations, and fostering open communication. Rita shares how one-on-ones can help navigate organizational change, strengthen supervisor-employee trust, and provide a consistent forum for feedback and support—even in remote work environments.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• One-on-one meetings are vital for relationship building.• Regular check-ins help address issues before they escalate.• Scheduling and honoring meetings demonstrates respect.• Two-way conversations are critical for effective communication.• Feedback drives continuous improvement and engagement.• Meetings prevent burnout and disengagement.• Structure and consistency enhance productivity.• Listening is just as important as speaking.• Supervisors must foster supportive, communicative environments.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork