Big Blend Radio

Echoes of Valor - The Battle of Gettysburg and Gela’s WWII Legacy

In honor of Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Way Back When show explores two pivotal military history destinations—Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Gela, Sicily—revealing the powerful stories they hold and the enduring human cost of war.
Author and military historian Mir Bahmanyar shares the gripping history of Gela, the first European city liberated during World War II. Hear his recent interview with us covering his acclaimed book "The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/mir-bahmanyar-the-houdini-club/ 
Author Matthew Langdon Cost delves into Gettysburg and the heroic efforts of Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine during the Civil War’s most decisive battle, depicted in his historical novel "At Every Hazard: Joshua Chamberlain and the Civil War. "
 
More than a look back, this conversation invites listeners to visit these historic places, reflect on the profound human sacrifices made, and gain a deeper appreciation for both soldiers and civilians affected by war.
Learn more about our guests:
-- Mir Bahmanyar: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/
-- Matthew Langdon Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/
Chapters:
00:00 – Honoring Sacrifice: Memorial Day Reflections
03:05 – The Human Cost of War
06:01 – Patriotism and Personal Choices
09:08 – The Impact of War on Society
12:13 – Documenting the Stories of War
15:04 – The Houdini Club: Tales of Resilience
23:40 – Exploring Sicily's Historical Significance
28:01 – The Dark Side of Technology and Warfare
30:20 – The Power of Technology for Good
32:10 – Introduction to Gettysburg and Joshua Chamberlain
35:22 – The Pivotal Role of Joshua Chamberlain
41:04 – The Importance of Historical Memory
46:01 – The Significance of Gettysburg Today
 
Listen to more episodes of Way Back When: https://way-back-when-history.podbean.com/

Celebrating 116 Years of Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, to honor the life and legacy of Ted DeGrazia on what would be his 116th birthday (Flag Day, June 14).
Known as one of the most reproduced artists in the world, DeGrazia captured the spirit of the Southwest through bold, expressive paintings that reflected the region’s people, cultures, and landscapes. From his deep connections to Native American and Mexican traditions, to his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, DeGrazia’s work continues to inspire generations.
🎧 In This Episode:* The history and mission of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark in Tucson* Stories behind current exhibits: Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera and Louise Serpa's Portraits of Ted DeGrazia (on display through Sept. 3, 2025)* DeGrazia’s ongoing influence on art, culture, and community dialogue
📍 Did You Know?* DeGrazia once made his own flag* He was featured and honored by Arizona Highways for his unique artistic voice* The gallery provides a cool and creative escape during Tucson’s hot summers
🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com 

Bay Area Bluesman James Byfield - Lemon Live Album

Join hosts Lisa D. Smith and Joey Stuckey on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s MUSIC TALKS Show as they chat with award-winning Bay Area bluesman James Byfield, also known as Blind Lemon Pledge, about his dynamic new live album, LEMON LIVE!
Following the success of his chart-topping 2024 acoustic blues release Oh So Good, Lemon Live! captures the raw energy, soul, and musical finesse of the Blind Lemon Pledge Band in performance. Since his debut release in 2009, James has crafted a compelling career both as a studio recording artist and live performer, showcasing his versatile style throughout Northern California and beyond. Keep up with James and his music: https://blindlemon-pledge.com/ 
🎵 In this conversation, you'll hear about:- The art of musical storytelling and the magic of live performance- How geography influences musical style and identity- The balance between collaboration and production perfection- James’s evolving journey in blues music and upcoming projects- Favorite live albums, musical heroes like The Allman Brothers, Miles Davis, Van Morrison & The Doors, and dream collaborations
This episode is full of insights, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the joy and purpose of making music.
🎸 About Joey Stuckey:Known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia – the “Southern Rock Capital of the World” – Joey is a blind, award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. Explore his inspiring work at  https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
🎙️ Tune in to Big Blend Radio’s MUSIC TALKS with Joey Stuckey every 4th Sunday at 12pm EST.📲 Subscribe: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/ 

Wine It Up in Oregon, California, Arizona, Hungary & Beyond!

Join us as we Wine It Up and toast to National Wine Day with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's Eat, Drink & Be Merry show! This celebration explores the unique characteristics of wines from Oregon, California, Arizona, and Hungary, along with delicious wine pairings and personal wine journeys. 
From vineyard updates to charcuterie boards and the rise of orange wine, this lively roundtable uncorks the diversity of global wine experiences and highlights why every day is worth celebrating with a good glass of wine.
🎙️ Featured Guests:- Peggy Fiandaca – LDV Winery (Arizona) – https://ldvwinery.com - Dave Specter – Bells Up Winery (Oregon) – https://bellsupwinery.com - Jo Clark – Food/Wine/Travel Writer – https://recipestravelculture.com & https://haveglasswilltravel.com - Sharon K. Kurtz – Travel Writer & Photographer – https://sharonkkurtz.com - Clifford Garstang – Author & World Traveler – https://cliffordgarstang.com - Diane Dobry – Travel Writer & Hungarian Wine Expert – https://gettinghungary.com 
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Show:- Sharon's Article on Folktale Winery & Vineyards:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sipping-stories-at-folktale-winery-vineyards - Jo’s Article, Podcast & Travel Guide on Sonoma County:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sonoma-county-offers-more-than-great-vineyards - Diane's Go-To for Hungarian Wines: http://tastehungary.us 
🍷 For more episodes on food, wine, and cooking, visit:https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com 

Author Jeremy D. Baker - The Guilty Sleep

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Jeremy D. Baker, author of the crime thriller, "The Guilty Sleep." A former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent and combat veteran, Jeremy shares how his military service and personal journey with PTSD have deeply influenced his writing.
The conversation explores the healing power of storytelling, the complex realities of crime and military life, and the powerful themes woven into "The Guilty Sleep." Jeremy offers compelling insights into human trafficking and transnational crime, highlighting how fiction can be a force for awareness and change. He also discusses the future of his work, including potential screen adaptations.
Jeremy D. Baker grew up in Italy, Florida, and Maryland. Over the past two decades, his national security career has spanned counterterrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, climate resilience, and cybersecurity. He now lives with his family in Maryland. Visit: https://www.jeremydbaker.com/ 

Giving Their Tomorrow for Our Today

In honor of National Military Month and Memorial Day, this poignant episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours in England—reflects on how we can respectfully remember those who lived through and lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
Glynn shares personal insights into the deeply rooted culture of remembrance in the UK, where nearly every village, town, and city has a war memorial bearing the names of locals who sacrificed their lives. These tributes serve as daily reminders of a shared history of loss and resilience. Learn more in Glynn’s companion article, "What Does Memorial Weekend Mean to You?" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-does-memorial-weekend-mean-to-you/ 
Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday, sharing stories that spotlight England as a travel destination and delve into family history research. Listen to more of his episodes here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 
This episode also features on our Big Daily Blend and Way Back When podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network at: Big Blend Radio Network on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Road Trip USA: Southeast to Southwest - Part 2

Get ready to hit the road with Big Blend Radio! In honor of National Road Trip Day, we're excited to bring you Part Two of our special "ROAD TRIP ROAD" podcast series. This episode takes you on an incredible journey from the Southeast to the Southwest, uncovering hidden gems and popular spots in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arizona!
We've got an amazing lineup of guests sharing their insights and stories:- Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, share their local expertise. https://www.lion-rose.com/ Terri Guthrie, a world traveler and travel writer, offers her unique perspectives on hitting the open road. https://travelwithterri.net/ Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, talks about the delights of the Southwest. https://ldvwinery.com/ 
Tune in for their expert advice and inspiring tales to fuel your wanderlust! Plus, don't forget to check out our Road Trip Music Playlist on Spotify for the perfect travel soundtrack. Listen: https://tinyurl.com/sf4x7rat  
Want even more travel inspiration? Be sure to subscribe to our Big Blend Newsletter for exclusive content, and keep an eye out for our special Road Trip USA Map feature in the upcoming Bumper Issue of Big Blend Express Podcast Magazine! Subscribe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/join-us/ 

Road Trip USA: Southeast to Southwest - Part One

Hit the open road with Big Blend Radio! In honor of National Road Trip Day, with Part One of our special "ROAD TRIP ROAD" podcast series. We're taking you on an epic journey from the Southeast to the Southwest. Discover hidden gems and popular spots across Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado.
This episode features an amazing roster of guests:- Jeffrey Spear: Branding expert, food/travel writer, and author: https://spearwrites.contently.com/ & https://www.studiospear.com/ - Jo Clark: Food/wine/travel writer and photographer: https://recipestravelculture.com & https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ - Sharon K. Kurtz: Travel writer and photographer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ - Eva Eldridge: Road tripper, travel writer, and book industry expert: https://evaeldridge.com/ - Kathleen Walls: Travel writer and author: https://americanroads.net/ - Tiffany Bertram: Owner/innkeeper of Tiffany's B&B: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com /- Cherith L. Fluker: Freelance travel writer: https://whatcherithinks.com/ 
Tune in for insights, stories, and expert advice to fuel your wanderlust. Plus, find the perfect soundtrack for your travels with our Road Trip Music Playlist on Spotify! Listen: https://tinyurl.com/sf4x7rat 
Want more travel inspiration? Subscribe to our Big Blend Newsletter for exclusive content, and keep an eye out for our special Road Trip USA Map feature in the upcoming Bumper Issue of Big Blend Express Podcast Magazine. Subscribe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/join-us/