Big Blend Radio

Behind the Mystery with Tucson Sisters in Crime

Celebrate National Reading Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" Podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of mystery writing and crime fiction with the Tucson Sisters in Crime who will be attending the upcoming Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona).
Featured guests include writer and editor Eva Eldridge, and authors Marty Eberhardt, D.R. Ransdell, Paula Winskye, and Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who share insights into their latest books, the creative process behind crafting crime stories, and the inspiration they draw from real places, history, and human psychology.
From the symbolism hidden within mysteries to the role of humor and dark themes in crime fiction, this lively discussion also highlights the power of author networking, the publishing journey, and the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier literary events.
LEARN MORE: - Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DR Ransdell: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - Marty Eberhardt: https://martyeberhardt.com/ - Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ - Paula F. Winskye: http://www.winskyebooks.com/ 
The Tucson Festival of Books takes place at the University of Arizona and is one of the largest book festivals in the United States, bringing together authors, readers, and publishing professionals for a weekend of panels, book signings, and literary celebration. More: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ 
The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a Southern Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime, featuring authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. More: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/ 

Exploring Kyoto: Japan’s Cultural Heart

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough journey to Kyoto, Japan, a destination widely regarded as the cultural heart of the country. Known for its historic temples, shrines, castles, and timeless traditions, Kyoto offers travelers a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern life.
Joelle and Ryan share insights from their experiences exploring Kyoto’s spiritual sites, learning about geisha traditions, and savoring local cuisine, including sake and Japanese whiskey. Along the way, they discuss the importance of etiquette, cultural respect, and open-minded curiosity when traveling in Japan.
From culinary discoveries to historical landmarks and meaningful cultural encounters, this episode highlights how immersive travel can deepen understanding and appreciation for one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations.
📝 Read their featured article: https://bigblendwandererscompass.substack.com/p/kyoto  
🌐 Follow Ryan & Joelle’s adventures:https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
🎧 Listen to the Wanderers Compass podcast: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
📖 Explore the Big Blend Radio Wanderers Compass Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/#p=1 

Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: Preserving History in New Smyrna Beach

Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the powerful stories preserved at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
This special episode celebrates the second anniversary of the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast and also recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting the importance of community storytelling and the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities. Walking along the quiet residential streets, visitors might easily pass a small white church on North Duss Street. Yet inside the historic Sacred Heart/St. Rita Church is something extraordinary—a living archive of African American history in coastal Volusia County.
Through photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and community voices, the museum shares stories of resilience, culture, and community leadership. This episode also explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned Florida Highwaymen artists, and the power of genealogy and local storytelling in preserving history for future generations.
Be sure to watch Jo’s social media channels for the upcoming launch of her new digital podcast magazine, "Have Glass Will Travel," which will feature travel stories, articles, and highlights from the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museumhttps://www.blackheritage.org/ - Read Jo's article: https://mainlymuseums.com/post/1421/mary-s-harrell-black-heritage-museum-preserving-history-in-new-smyrna-beach/ 
- Watch the New Smyrna Beach travel episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/egIxyOk8o7M?si=TpO56JJBgyT301j4 
- Read Jo’s New Smyrna Beach travel article https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/ 
- Follow Jo Clark:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
- New episodes air every 2nd Sunday: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Winemaking in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley with Paul O’Brien Wines

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," sits down with Scott Kelley, winemaker and co-founder of Paul O’Brien Winery, to explore the distinctive wines and terroir of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley.
Often considered one of Oregon’s hidden wine gems, the Umpqua Valley offers diverse microclimates and soils that allow winemakers to produce a remarkable range of varietals—from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Tempranillo and Fumé Blanc. Scott shares the story behind Paul O’Brien Winery, born from a decades-long friendship and a shared passion for crafting balanced, expressive wines.
The conversation dives into vineyard site selection, dry farming practices, the role of oak in winemaking, and how terroir shapes the character of each bottle. Linda and Scott also discuss wine education, tasting experiences, and the growing recognition of the Umpqua Valley as a destination for wine lovers and travelers alike.
RESOURCE LINKS: 📖 Read Linda’s article on Paul O’Brien Wines: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/winemaking-in-oregons-umpqua-valley 
🍷 Learn more about Paul O’Brien Winery: https://paulobrienwines.com/ 
📚 Explore Linda’s NEW Big Blend "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/ 
🌐 Visit Linda’s website: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/ 
🎙 Follow the "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Vacation Station" Travel Podcast. Discover more shows on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Dawes Arboretum: How Beeman and Bertie Dawes Created a Living Museum of Trees

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beeman Dawes and Bertie Dawes.
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy.
In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy.
From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees.
🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Photography, Inclusion and the Power of National Parks

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features travel photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie Vandergriff, who recently served as artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston is a passionate travel photographer who has visited all 50 U.S. states, over 30 countries, and countless destinations around the world. Houston also happens to have Down syndrome, and through his photography he shares a powerful message of inclusion, compassion, and possibility.
In this inspiring conversation, Houston and Katie discuss their journey applying for artist residencies, their experiences exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and their advocacy for greater accessibility in national parks and travel destinations. They talk about how photography allows Houston to communicate his unique perspective on the world, and how travel and art can break down barriers while encouraging people to think beyond limitations.
The discussion also explores the importance of inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible trails, and how creative storytelling can help change perceptions about disability. Through their work, Houston and Katie hope to inspire others to explore the world, embrace new adventures, and recognize that every life has value and every person has worth.
Houston’s photography reflects his personal mission: to help make the world a better place through art, travel, and compassion.
Houston and Katie’s story highlights how creativity, perseverance, and community support can open doors to meaningful opportunities—both in national parks and far beyond.
LEARN MORE:- Houston’s photography and travel stories: https://www.downsandtowns.com/ 
- National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
- NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ 
- Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

The Power of Peanuts: Nutrition, Snacks & Recipes

It’s National Peanut Month and National Nutrition Month, and we’re celebrating with Donna George from The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona! 
In this episode of "The Peanut Patch" Podcast on Big Blend Radio, discover surprising facts about peanuts (did you know they’re actually a legume?), the health benefits of peanut butter, and delicious ways to enjoy nutritious snacks like trail mix, dark chocolate, Medjool dates, and freeze-dried fruits. Donna also shares insights into The Peanut Patch’s famous fresh peanut brittle and how their treats are made.
Whether you're looking for healthy snack inspiration or planning a visit to sunny Yuma, this episode is packed with flavor, fun facts, and food inspiration.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ 🎧 Listen: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Spring Flower-Powered Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants and strengthen local ecosystems. The conversation also highlights community celebrations and unique events that bring residents and visitors together each spring.
From the Tule River Parkway and Dry Creek Preserve to blooming meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, discover how spring transforms the landscape into a colorful playground for hikers, photographers, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:* Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Cathy Capone - Tule River Parkway Association https://www.tuleriverparkwayassociation.org/ 
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
NEW! CHECK OUT THE "CALIFORNIA SEQUOIA COUNTRY" DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/lhko/#p=1 
THIS EPISODE is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend", "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  
Photos: VisitVisalia.com & Big Blend Media