Big Blend Radio

Author Rudy Ruiz - The Border Between Us

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Literacy Month, Big Blend Radio welcomes award-winning author Rudy Ruiz to discuss his latest novel, The Border Between Us. Longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Ramón López, a young man growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border who dreams of becoming an artist in New York while navigating the weight of family expectations, cultural identity, and the sacrifices tied to the American Dream.
In this conversation, Ruiz shares insights on the immigrant experience, bilingualism, and the complexities of cultural identity. He reflects on family dynamics, the strength of women in his narrative, and the role of literacy in empowering dreams and aspirations. Ruiz also highlights how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and create community across borders.
Listen as we explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, resilience, and belonging, all through the lens of one of today’s most authentic voices in borderland literature.
Learn more about Rudy Ruiz and his work at: https://rudyruiz.com/ 

Discovering New Smyrna Beach, Florida: Nature, Cuisine & Culture

Travel writer and photographer Jo Clark takes us to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, a charming destination known for its family-friendly vibe, culinary adventures, cultural attractions, and nature experiences. From spotting dolphins and manatees to tasting salty mangrove honey and exploring art galleries, Jo shares a well-rounded guide to this laid-back coastal community.
You’ll hear about the area’s delicious seafood, unique museums, seasonal events, and accommodations that make New Smyrna Beach an ideal spot for both family vacations and romantic getaways.
📖 Read Jo's Article: https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/ 
🌴 Plan your trip: https://www.visitnsbfl.com/ 
🌍 Follow Jo's Travels:http://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ https://recipestravelculture.com/ 
🗓️ “Jo Goes Everywhere!” airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST on Big Blend Radio. Listen & Subscribe: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s Vacation Station and Parks & Travel podcast channels. Explore the network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Understanding the Quirky Nature of Horses

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood explores the fascinating quirks of horses—the playful, creative, and sometimes puzzling behaviors that reveal their personalities and well-being. From lips exploring the world to inventive boredom-busters, these quirks can be both entertaining and informative.
Christy explains how to distinguish between harmless quirks and harmful vices, why observation is key to understanding a horse’s needs, and how feeding practices and sensitivity affect behavior. With personal anecdotes and practical insights, this conversation highlights how quirks strengthen the bond between horse and rider while supporting mental health and happiness in horses.
🐴 Check out this fun video mentioned in the show: Appaloosa Playing Soccer – https://youtu.be/S8xIWoek8Ls?feature=shared 
Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. More at: https://wdnhorse.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Here Comes the Sun - Bill McKibben on Solar Power, Climate Action and the Economy

This episode of Big Blend Radio features renowned author, climate activist, and clean energy expert Bill McKibben, who talks about the transformative power of solar energy and his new book HERE COMES THE SUN: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization (W.W. Norton & Company; Aug. 19, 2025).
McKibben explains why solar power is now the cheapest energy on the planet and no longer an “alternative” but the mainstream solution for businesses, communities, and households. As he puts it, “We’re used to thinking of solar energy as the Whole Foods of energy—nice, but pricey. The reality is that it’s now the Costco of energy: cheap, available in bulk, and on the shelf.”
From the economic advantages of electrification and job creation, to the health impacts of moving away from fossil fuels, McKibben highlights how clean energy is reshaping policy, industry, and everyday life. He also shares insights on the upcoming Sun Day (Sept. 21, 2025), a nationwide grassroots mobilization he’s organizing alongside Denis Hayes (the original Earth Day founder) to raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of solar.
More:https://billmckibben.com/ https://www.sunday.earth/ 

Cruising North America's Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features travel writer, photographer, and IFWTWA Board Secretary Judi Cohen, also known as Traveling Judi. Judi shares her experience cruising all five Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines, highlighting the unique aspects of small ship cruising, the region’s cultural and historical significance, and local flavors discovered along the way.
From the historic charm of Mackinac Island and the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, the roaring thunder of Niagara Falls, the cityscapes of Chicago and Toronto, and the seasonal beauty of the waterways, Judi emphasizes how the Great Lakes connect Canada and the United States while offering travelers an unforgettable journey of discovery.
📖 Read Judi’s article, I Cruised All Five Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/i-cruised-all-five-great-lakes-with-victory-cruise-lines/ 
🌐 Follow Judi at https://travelingjudi.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast which is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" travel channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Code 3 Film Interview with Christopher Leone and Patrick Pianezza

This episode of Big Blend Radio features director Christopher Leone (Parallels) and screenwriter Patrick Pianezza, creators of the new film CODE 3, starring Rainn Wilson (The Office), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), and Aimee Carrero (Your Friends and Neighbors).
Opening in theaters nationwide on September 12, 2025 via AURA Entertainment, CODE 3 follows one intense, unpredictable, and hilariously real day in the life of two burnt-out paramedics. Inspired by actual paramedic stories, the film balances comedy and truth to highlight the financial struggles, emotional toll, teamwork, and underappreciation of EMS workers. More: https://www.instagram.com/code3movie/ 

The Canyon Spirit: A Luxurious Southwest Train Journey

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes you on a luxurious journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train. This unique experience, a rebranding of the Rocky Mountaineer for its U.S. routes, offers a chance to explore the American West in style.
Rose shares insights on the stunning landscapes, the attentive service, and the gourmet food that make the Canyon Spirit more than just a mode of transportation. It's a trip that reflects on the historical significance of rail travel in shaping American towns and economies, while focusing on the joy of sightseeing.
"This is luxury sightseeing travel," says Rose, "It's about enjoying the scenery."
Read more about the Canyon Spirit from Rose:- A Southwest National Park Adventure by Train on the Canyon Spirit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/a-southwest-national-park-adventure-by-train-on-the-canyon-spirit/ 
Detailed Canyon Spirit Review: https://quiltripping.com/detailed-canyon-spirit-review/ 
Explore more from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

America’s National Parks: Your Passport to Memories

Join us on the Parks & Travel Show as we chat with Stanley Anton from America's National Parks! Learn about the organization's mission to support the National Park Service and get the inside scoop on the exciting new Passport to the American Revolution. This special passport helps you discover nearly 50 national park sites tied to America's 250th anniversary, making history come alive for the whole family. Families can combine the passport program with the Junior Ranger program to encourage kids to learn, explore, and protect national parks while creating lifelong memories together.
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODEAbout America's National Parks: For over 70 years, the organization has supported the National Park Service, giving back over $183 million through purchases and donations. Their popular Passport to Your National Parks® program, started in 1986, allows visitors to collect stamps and create treasured family memories.
Learn More & Shop:- America’s National Parks: https://americasnationalparks.org/ - America’s National Parks Store Locator & Online Shop: https://americasnationalparks.org/shop-our-stores/ - Passport to the American Revolution: https://americasnationalparks.org/americas-250th/ 
Related Reading & Listening- Historic Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/history-comes-alive-in-lexington-and-concord-part-1/ - California’s Sequoia Country Podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to America’s National Parks02:57 – The Role of America’s National Parks05:53 – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary09:11 – New Passport to the American Revolution12:04 – Educational Initiatives & Junior Ranger Programs14:57 – Collecting Memories: The Passport Experience17:43 – Personal Park Experiences & Recommendations
Listen to More Big Blend Radio:- Subscribe to “Parks & Travel” on your favorite platform: https://parks-travel.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork