Big Blend Radio

Exploring the Legacy of Artist Arthur Kraft

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, where artist and art historian Victoria Chick delves into the life and legacy of Arthur Kraft (1922-1977). This talented Kansas City artist is known for his murals, mosaics, and significant contributions to public art. 
The conversation explores:- Kraft’s artistic journey from a young age- Kansas City’s vibrant artistic history and his place within it- The importance of public art in shaping community identity- Challenges artists face in preserving their work amid shifting perceptions- Personal connections and the role of solitude in the creative process- The need to preserve artistic heritage for future generations
Also featured is a discussion tying in the influence of Thomas Hart Benton, further grounding the conversation in Kansas City’s rich artistic lineage.
Featured images are courtesy of Pat & Randy Kelly, owners of Kelly's Westport Inn — listen for Pat’s interview coming up next!
Read Victoria’s Articles:- The Life and Legacy of Artist Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ - Exploring Thomas Hart Benton & ‘Country’: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ 
Victoria Chick 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/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 
This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts and BIg Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Burger Bliss, Part One: Hamburger Happy Hour

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Hamburger Happy Hour Party” kicks off our 3-part “Burger Bliss” Series, celebrating National Sandwich Month and the lead-up to Labor Day Weekend grilling! This fun and flavorful group chat brings together food writers, world travelers, and burger lovers to swap stories, recipes, and favorite burger destinations from across America and around the globe.
From traditional backyard bites to creative gourmet stacks, we explore how hamburgers connect us through nostalgia, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. We also take a tasty trip around the world to sample unique international burger variations, reminisce about memorable burger moments, and admit our fast food guilty pleasures.
Chapters:00:00 – Hamburger Happy Hour Introduction02:53 – Exploring Favorite Burgers05:27 – Happy Hour Conversations: Who Would You Invite?10:37 – Memorable Burger Experiences16:09 – Unique Burger Ingredients and Preferences23:50 – Global Burger Adventures35:14 – Unique International Burger Experiences38:26 – Fast Food Favorites and Experiments
Featured Guests:- Jeffrey Spear – Food writer & author of My Life in Gluttony. Shares his Peppercorn Crusted Burgers Recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ 
- Jo Clark – Food, wine & travel writer (Have Glass Will Travel). Shares her adventures during Gwinnett Burger Week in Georgia.* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Article: https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/ * Podcast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-gwinnett-county-georgia/ 
- Cheryl Ogle – World traveler, travel advisor & owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel. * Website: https://heywannago.com/ 
- Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter & world traveler. Released his new single “Find a Place” on the day of this recording.* Website: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Song Info: https://hearjohnny.com/epk-for-find-a-place 
🎧 This Happy Hour episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
🔥 Stay Tuned! This is just Part One of our 3-part Burger Bliss Series. Don’t miss Parts 2 & 3, where we’ll serve up even more mouthwatering recipes, travel destinations, and burger-loving stories. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube for all the delicious fun: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio  

Self-Awareness – A Leader’s Secret Superpower

Discover why self-awareness is one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Supervision Matters” Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever shares how self-awareness helps leaders build trust, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and create stronger, more effective teams.
You’ll learn practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, fostering it within organizations, and using it to enhance workplace performance and innovation.
📄 Key Topics:- Self-awareness in leadership- Building trust and team culture- Communication and personal boundaries- Conflict resolution and self-management- Encouraging self-awareness in teams
🔗 Resources & Links:🌐 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🎙️ Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 📚 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring the Wild: Alaska and Yukon Road Trip

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!
Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her epic three-week road trip through Alaska and the Yukon. From bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park to exploring the rugged beauty of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Kluane National Park, Rose’s journey is filled with adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery. She also talks about navigating the legendary Alcan Highway, making the most of car rentals in Alaska, and her stay at the luxurious yet remote Tincup Wilderness Lodge. Along the way, she samples surprising culinary delights and offers practical tips for planning travel in these vast and wild destinations.
🌐 Read Rose's article about her stay at the Tincup Wilderness Lodge: https://quiltripping.com/tincup-wilderness-lodge-review/ 
🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
🎧 Subscribe to the Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Road Trip Radio, and Big Daily Blend Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Heidi Yewman - Dumb Girl Memoir

“Dumb Girl” (She Writes Press, Aug. 19, 2025) is an inspiring memoir of a woman who overcomes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of her early life to blossom into a gun violence prevention activist.
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features award-winning author and activist Heidi Yewman, who talks about her powerful new memoir, “Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control”.
In Dumb Girl, Heidi chronicles her life from surviving childhood abuse in a toxic environment to becoming a leading voice against gun violence. The title reflects the deep-seated struggles with self-worth shaped by her early experiences, and the book explores themes of trauma, resilience, forgiveness, and the power of community.
During this heartfelt conversation, Heidi shares how sports became a refuge, how activism provided an outlet for personal pain, and why storytelling is essential for healing and connection. She also addresses the urgent issues of gun violence, youth safety, and generational trauma—offering insights on why open, honest conversations are necessary to drive change.
Key Takeaways:- The meaning behind the title Dumb Girl and its connection to self-perception.- How childhood experiences shape identity and mental health.- The role of sports and community in fostering resilience.- Activism as a transformative path from trauma.- Why sharing stories helps lift shame and build connection.- Forgiveness as a challenging but vital part of healing.- The ongoing impact of gun violence on children and families.
🎧 Listen in and learn more about Heidi at: https://heidiyewman.com/  

‘Glow Trap’ – Matt Cost’s Twisty Final Clay Wolfe Mystery

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s A Toast to The Arts podcast, award-winning author Matt Cost talks about his latest release, Glow Trap, the sixth and final book in his Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery series. 
From the origins of the “glowy” nickname for extremist groups to the fascinating world of art theft, Matt shares the research and creative process behind this twist-filled conclusion to Clay Wolfe’s saga. Along the way, he reflects on writing 18 books in just over five years, the challenges of crafting layered characters, and what’s next for his storytelling journey.
Learn more about Matt Cost at: https://www.mattcost.net/ 
Subscribe to the podcast: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

Medford’s Award-Winning Wine, Beer & Culinary Treasures

Celebrate American Adventures Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, as we explore the vibrant food, wine, and beer scene of Medford, Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.  
This Southern Oregon region is home to the Rogue Valley American Viticultural Area, recently named the #2 Best Wine Region in the United States by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
From over 70 wine varietals to craft breweries, fertile farmlands, and seasonal events, Medford offers a delicious mix of flavors and experiences. It’s also the hometown of two culinary legends: the world-famous Harry & David, known for gourmet gift baskets and artisanal treats, and the award-winning Rogue Creamery, celebrated for its world-class blue cheese. You can also visit Crater Lake National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder and perfect picnic destination. 
The conversation highlights how the region blends winemaking innovation with deep-rooted traditions, supports sustainable agriculture, and embraces the beauty of each season—especially in the fall. You’ll also hear about outdoor adventures, community hospitality, and how Travel Medford makes it easy to plan your visit.
🍷 Plan your trip: https://www.travelmedford.org/ 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 🍷 Discover  the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA): https://ifwtwa.org 
📢 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photos courtesy Travel Medford. 

First Class Hair Transplant Experience in Istanbul

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie and her husband Ron share their firsthand experience with a growing travel trend: medical tourism.
In this candid conversation, Ron details his journey to Istanbul, Turkey, for a hair transplant. He and Terri discuss the surprising affordability and high quality of medical procedures in Turkey, a country rapidly becoming a global leader in this field. Ron walks us through the entire process, from the pre-procedure consultations and the surgery itself, to the crucial post-op care and his recovery.
More than just a medical procedure, this episode highlights how the hospitality and comprehensive support provided in Turkey transformed the experience into an organized, stress-free, and even enjoyable vacation. 
Key Takeaways:- Turkey is a leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for hair transplants.- The cost of procedures in Turkey can be significantly lower than in the U.S.- Medical tourism packages often include travel, accommodation, and a complete care plan.- The hair transplant process involves careful planning and skilled execution for successful results.- Turkish hospitality and a welcoming environment are key factors in the positive patient experience.- A successful medical tourism journey can lead to renewed confidence and personal growth.
LEARN MORE: Read the accompanying article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/first-class-hair-transplant-experience-in-istanbul/ 
LISTEN TO MORE TRAVEL WITH TERRI: New episodes air every Tuesday: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, and Quality of Life podcast channels. More: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork