Big Blend Radio

Fall Adventures Await in Asheville, North Carolina

Get ready to embrace the colors, flavors, and festivities of autumn in Asheville! This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast highlights the best ways to experience fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains—from leaf peeping and haunted tours to festivals, food, and art.
Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of the beautifully restored Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the Montford Historic District—this lively conversation covers:
🍂 Breathtaking fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway👻 Haunted tours that dive into Asheville’s history and spooky side🚶 Outdoor adventures like hiking and ziplining in crisp autumn air🎨 Cultural festivals and Art in the Park featuring local artists🎶 Seasonal events that showcase Asheville’s vibrant community🍷 Food and drink experiences that celebrate fall flavors🎃 Halloween festivities that bring the city together in fun, festive ways🛏️ Cozy fall stays and unique hospitality at The Lion & The Rose B&B
🎧 From fall color drives and haunted history walks to art festivals, food, and Halloween fun—this episode is your seasonal guide to Asheville’s autumn charm.
🛏️ Learn more about Steve & Karen Wilson and their beautiful B&B: www.lion-rose.com 
🎙️ More Fall-Fun Asheville Episodes to Enjoy(Note: some interviews are pre-Hurricane Helene)* Ziplining: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/zipline-asheville/ * Montford Historic District: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/the-montford-historic-district-of-asheville-north-carolina/ * WNC Nature Center: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/wnc-nature-center/ * Chimney Rock State Park: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/adventures-at-chimney-rock-north-carolina/ * Ghostly Adventures: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/ghostly-adventures-in-asheville-north-carolina/ * 23 Must-Do Experiences: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/ 
🎧 "Adventures in Asheville" airs every 1st Tuesday of the month. Listen and follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
🌐 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Family Nature Adventures in San Antonio Hill Country

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her family’s multi-generational adventures in the San Antonio Hill Country. From exploring the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge Caverns and experiencing the breathtaking bat emergence at Bracken Bat Cave, to interacting with giraffes and exotic birds at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Terri highlights the wonder and joy of connecting with nature.
The conversation showcases the beauty, excitement, and educational value of outdoor experiences, and how they create unforgettable family memories. A perfect feature for Intergeneration Month, this episode reminds us of the value of shared travel experiences across all ages.
📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/texas-hill-country-travel-surprises 
🛎️ Plan your San Antonio trip: https://www.visitsanantonio.com/ 
🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Nature Connection, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Pots, Pans, and Protest: The Amazon Army of Kansas

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History Podcast, we explore the powerful story of the Amazon Army March of 1921 in Southeast Kansas. Thousands of women — armed not with weapons, but with pots, pans, and unshakable courage — marched to support miners demanding fair working conditions. This occurred on the historic Jefferson Highway.
Featured guests are:- Phyllis Bitner – Chair, Miners Hall Museum Foundation Board of Trustees. The Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas is dedicated to preserving and sharing Southeast Kansas coal mining history and its diverse immigrant culture. More: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ 
- Linda Knoll – Board Trustee of Miners Hall Museum and one of the founders. She is the playwright of Army of Amazons, the catalyst for the "Solidarity" mural project (1999–2000). Linda’s work has been featured through the Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau, honored with a Civil Rights Award by the NEA, and even nominated for an Emmy through PBS. More: https://www.amazonarmy.com/ 
Although this conversation premieres for Labor Day, the story of the Amazon Army is timeless — a reminder of how ordinary women made extraordinary contributions to justice, equality, and workers’ rights.
📖 Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the Amazon Army March02:33 – Historical Context of Franklin and Coal Mining05:34 – Immigrant Experiences and Community Development08:40 – Life in the Coal Mining Towns11:27 – The Role of Women in Labor Movements14:26 – The March of the Women: A Historical Perspective16:52 – Conditions of Miners and Their Families19:51 – Strikes and Labor Rights in the Mining Industry22:28 – The Impact of Gender on Labor Movements30:45 – The Hidden History of the Amazon Army33:54 – Women’s Rights and Social Justice36:05 – Resilience and the Fight for Rights37:16 – Moonshining and Economic Struggles41:51 – Preserving History and Future Projects48:43 – A Poetic Reflection on Struggles
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Women Making History," "Jefferson Highway," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun - Pastels, Ceramics & Brush Drawings

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Lance shares details about the gallery’s new rotating exhibits on view from September 5, 2025 through January 28, 2026. These special collections highlight different dimensions of the artistry of Ted DeGrazia, one of the most reproduced artists in the world.
The fall/winter exhibits include:- Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia (1945-1963): Bold, fluid works created without a pen, capturing children at play, ballerinas in motion, cowboys, horses, musicians, and miners.
- Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia: Figurative works painted on ceramic plates and sculptural forms, featuring beloved subjects like angels, madonnas, roadrunners, and petroglyph-inspired designs.
- DeGrazia’s Pastels (1953-1978): A rare showcase of impressionistic pastel drawings, many never before displayed, including live demonstration pieces created during public events.
This conversation also explores DeGrazia’s creative process, his impact on the Southwest art scene, and the gallery’s role as a cultural landmark and community hub in Tucson, Arizona.
🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com 
This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend" and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Burger Bliss, Part 3: Burger Culture and Places

Celebrate National Sandwich Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Burger Bliss Series, where we explore burger culture from its origins to unique flavors and favorite local spots. From peanut butter “Elvis Burgers” and nostalgic drive-in cheeseburgers to gourmet creations and jalapeño bacon stacks, our guests share their tasty stories and culinary connections.
Featured Guests- Glynn Burrows – Norfolk Tours, England | https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ - Victoria Chick – Artist, World of Art Podcast | https://victoriachick.com/ - Lisa Evans – Travel writer & author | https://writerlisa.com/ - Beth Hilburn – Hi-Way Café, Vinita OK | https://hi-waycafe.com/ - Steve & Karen Wilson – The Lion & The Rose B&B, Asheville NC | https://lion-rose.com - Tiffany Bertram – Tiffany’s B&B, Hot Springs AR | https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ 
Episode Highlights- The Hamburger Name Debate (Hamburg, Germany connection)- Peanut Butter “Elvis Burger” & Elvis’s Tupelo cheeseburger stop- The new Jefferson Highway Burger at Hi-Way Café- Asheville’s favorite burger & beer pairings- Burger hotspots in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Listen to Burger Bliss 1 & 2:- Part 1: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/hamburger-happy-hour/ - Part 2: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/cooking-burgers/ 
Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Hamburger Origins with Glynn Burrows05:00 – Memorable Burger Stories with Victoria Chick10:30 – Elvis & Johnnie’s Drive-In with Lisa Evans15:30 – The J.H. Burger with Beth Hilburn20:00 – Asheville Favorites with Steve & Karen Wilson25:00 – Hot Springs Flavors with Tiffany Bertram30:00 – Wrap-Up: Burger Culture & Shared Food Memories

Burger Bliss, Part Two: Cooking Up the Perfect Burger

Celebrate National Sandwich Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Burger Bliss Series, we head into the kitchen (and fire up the grill!) to explore the art of cooking burgers — from creative vegetarian options to turkey, venison, and the classic all-American patty. Along the way, we dig into the joy of cooking, the importance of simplicity, cultural twists on burgers around the world, and even the future of food sustainability.
👉 Listen to Burger Bliss – Part One: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/hamburger-happy-hour/ 
Featured Guests & Recipes:* Angela Laws – Community Manager of TrustedHousesitters.com, on the quest for the perfect vegetarian burger.
* Shelley Whizin – Transformational Life Coach & author of What Do You Bring to the Table?, sharing her Turkey Meatloaf Burger Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/shelleys-savory-and-sweet-turkey-meatloaf-burgers/ 
* Chef Ivan Flowers – 5-Star Chef & Culinary Instructor, on crafting the perfect patty and his Classic American Hamburger Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/classic-american-burger-recipe/ 
* Ryan Slough – Travel writer (Wanderers Compass) sharing tips and health benefits of cooking flavorful Venison Burgers: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
More Burger Recipes from the Big Blend Archives:- Peppercorn Crusted Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ - ShackBurger: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-shackburger/ - Mushroom Provolone Burger: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/mushroom-provolone-burger/ - Vegetarian Italian Herb Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/viva-la-vegan-happy-hour-party-recipes/ - Ultimate Black Bean Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ultimate-black-bean-burgers/ 
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Burger Bliss Series02:03 – Exploring Vegetarian Burgers11:09 – Transformational Cooking with Shelley Whizin28:01 – The Joy of Burgers29:11 – Teaching Culinary Skills Through Burgers31:56 – Crafting the Perfect Burger Patty32:36 – Defining the Classic American Burger34:44 – Simplicity in Burger Restaurants36:51 – The Nostalgia of Burgers and Milkshakes39:04 – Cultural Variations of Burgers41:45 – Innovative Vegetarian Burger Options54:31 – The Future of Food: Bioengineering and Sustainability57:11 – Culinary Creativity: Merging Tradition with Innovation1:00:40 – Exploring Venison: Health Benefits and Cooking Techniques1:04:04 – The Art of the Burger: Crafting Deliciousness1:10:03 – Cultural Perspectives on Meat: A Global Journey1:18:32 – Whiskey and Burgers: The Perfect Pairing
🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
🔥 Stay tuned for Part Three of our Burger Bliss Series, where we’ll wrap things up with even more juicy burger fun. 👉 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Greenville, Texas: Arts, Culture & Heritage Along the Jefferson Highway

Celebrate the end of American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we travel to Greenville, Texas, a vibrant community located along the historic Jefferson Highway. Featured guests Stacy Foley (Tourism Manager) and Micah McBay (Community Engagement Director) from Greenville Tourism share what makes this destination a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the “Pines to Palms Highway” from Winnipeg to New Orleans.
Discover Greenville’s thriving arts and culture scene, including the historic Greenville Municipal Auditorium that has hosted world-famous performers, as well as community theater and live music venues. Foodies will love the city’s unique mom-and-pop restaurants, winery, and bustling farmers market, while travelers can stay in chic downtown lofts, cozy treehouses, trusted national brand hotels, and other family-friendly lodging options.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty of parks, trails, and recreational activities, and year-round festivals – like the Festival of the Arts – highlight the creativity and hospitality of the community. Greenville is also known for its budget-friendly travel options, with many free events and attractions that welcome visitors from near and far.
This conversation also highlights how the Jefferson Highway connects communities like Greenville, supporting local tourism, cultural heritage, and regional pride.
🔗 Plan Your Visit to Greenville, Texas: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/ 
🔗 Learn More about the Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
🔗 Explore the Upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📅 Follow the “Historic Jefferson Highway” Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Navigating Immigration Law in California: Employer & Employee Rights

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs is joined by Christina Liao Tong from The Law Offices of Jane Oak.
Together, they unpack the growing complexities of immigration law in California amidst increased ICE enforcement. The conversation addresses employer compliance with I-9 forms, the risks of paying workers under the table, and the legal challenges tied to undocumented workers. They also explore employee rights, proactive strategies for handling ICE visits, and the broader impact immigration policies have on families, including issues of child labor and trafficking.
About Ward Heinrichs: http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ About Christina Liao Tong: https://lawofficesofjaneoak.com/staff/christina-liao/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 This episode is also part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork