Big Blend Radio

Sipping Adventures Through Asheville, North Carolina

From craft cocktails and local wines to creative distilling and resilient food culture, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast uncorks the rich and evolving culinary and beverage scene of Asheville, North Carolina.
Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of the charming Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the Montford Historic District—this lively conversation features:🍷 Ryan Watts, Co-owner of Asheville Wine Tours – www.ashevillewinetours.com 🥃 Joe Ragazzo, Interim CEO of Two Trees Distilling – www.twotreesdistilling.com 
Together, the panel explores:- Asheville’s thriving status as Beer City USA- The post-Hurricane Helene recovery and resilience of local wineries and distilleries- Unique regional innovations like bourbon aged in hurricane-damaged oak- The growth of North Carolina’s wine industry and its $6 billion economic impact- The rise of custom wine tours, seasonal spirits, and elevated tasting experiences- Community support, culinary creativity, and spontaneous tourism trends
From engraved bottles and scenic rooftop cocktails to certified wine guides and virtual tastings, this flavorful episode is packed with insights into Asheville’s delicious future.
🛏️ Learn more about Steve & Karen Wilson and their beautifully restored B&B: www.lion-rose.com 
🗓️ "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, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels.🌐 Explore more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Oyster Delights: Recipes, Traditions & Sustainable Flavor

Celebrate the World of Oysters with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Show. From indulgent recipes and regional oyster experiences to sustainability, oyster farming, and tradition, this lively conversation explores oysters from sea to table.
Featured guests and their resources include:🍽️ Jeffrey Spear – Food writer and author of My Life in Gluttony. He shares his indulgent Oyster Pot Pie recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffs-oyster-pot-pie/ 
🌊 Kathleen Walls – Food, wine, and travel writer, author, and publisher of American Roads. She shares her oyster travel and dining stories:* Port St. Joe Restaurants: https://www.foodieflashpacker.com/port-st-joe-restaurants/ * OBX Oyster Adventures: https://americanroads.net/blog_obx.htm * Oyster Experiences in Onslow County: https://americanroads.net/fantastic_experiences_onslow_county_5-13-2023.html * Elite Street - Fall 2015: https://www.americanroads.net/elite_street_fall2015.htm 
📷 Sharon K. Kurtz – Award-winning food, wine, and travel writer and photographer. She shares her favorite oyster article:* Favorite Oysters from Coast to Coast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/favorite-oysters-from-coast-to-coast/ * Website: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 
👨‍🍳 Chef Ivan Flowers – Five-star chef and culinary instructor who shares two delicious oyster recipes:* Grilled Oysters Rockefeller: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/grilled-oysters-rockefeller/ * Fried Oysters (Digital Flipbook): https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/knqg/#p=29 
🎄 Jo Clark – Food, wine, and travel writer at Have Glass Will Travel. She shares insights into oyster traditions and a comforting stew recipe:* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Oyster Stew Recipe & Christmas Traditions: http://www.recipestravelculture.com/Oyster-Stew-christmas-food-traditions/ 
This episode dives into:- Oyster varieties and regional flavors- Cooking techniques from grilling to baking and stew- Food traditions and personal memories- Beverage pairings including wine, beer, and even tequila- Sustainability and the environmental benefits of oyster farming- Tips on storing, shucking, and serving oysters safely- Why oysters are both a culinary treat and a cultural treasure
🎧 Explore the culinary, coastal, and cultural world of oysters—delicious, sustainable, and full of flavor! 

Handlebar Highlights: Global Cycling Adventures

Welcome to Part 2 of "Handlebar Highlights," where we embark on Global Cycling Adventures! On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, renowned travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us on a fascinating journey across the world, sharing her personal experiences from six incredible cycling destinations.
Join the conversation as Terri highlights her adventures in Brazil, Amsterdam, England, Paris, Japan, and Mexico. Each chapter of her journey delves into the unique aspects of cycling in these countries—from the scenic beauty of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beaches to the cultural richness of Amsterdam and the unforgettable culinary delights of Mexico. This discussion emphasizes the profound joy of exploring new places on two wheels and the deep connections made through travel.
Whether you're planning your next international trip or simply dreaming of exploring the world, this episode offers a unique perspective on how cycling can transform your travel experience.
Key Takeaways:- Discover why Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities to explore by bike.- Learn about the unique cycling cultures in cities like Amsterdam, which has more bikes than people.- Find out how cycling in Paris allows you to cover more ground and see iconic landmarks.- Understand the value of guided biking tours for a unique cultural and culinary experience.- Hear about serene and immersive cycling opportunities, from Japan's rice fields to Mexico's vibrant neighborhoods.- Gain insights into how traveling by bike connects you with the local environment and culture.
Where to Learn More:- Read Terri’s accompanying article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/handlebar-highlights-global-cycling-adventures/ - Check out Part 1 "American Cycling Adventures" podcast and article:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/handlebar-highlights-american-cycling-adventures/ 
Listen to more from Travel with Terri: Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station podcast channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Purposeful Shopping at the Western National Parks Store in Tucson, Arizona

In celebration of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4, 2020), this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Parks & Travel” Show shines a spotlight on the Western National Parks (WNP) and their remarkable National Parks Store in Tucson, Arizona.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Johnson (Operations Manager) and Lauren Mooney (Chief Revenue Officer) of WNP, along with travel writer and editor Eva Eldridge, as we explore how retail, education, and community engagement play vital roles in supporting America’s national parks. From showcasing local and indigenous art to offering books and products that deepen visitor understanding, the store is more than a gift shop — it’s a hub for cultural connection and preservation.
Learn how your purchases at the National Parks Store and WNP visitor centers directly contribute to the interpretation and protection of our public lands. Whether you’re a traveler, a nature enthusiast, or a supporter of the arts, this episode invites you to shop with purpose and connect with the spirit of the parks.
🌐 Learn more:- Western National Parks: https://wnp.org/ - Eva’s Article:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-national-parks-store-in-tucson/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Images by Brad Sutton and Martha Lochert Photography, courtesy of WNP 

Random Acts of Happiness

In celebration of Happiness Happens Month, this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show features transformational life coach Shelley Whizin diving deep into the meaning of happiness—how it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and how it can coexist with grief and challenge.
Shelley discusses the power of resilience, the magic of random acts of kindness, and how we can all tap into a deeper sense of joy—even in a world filled with uncertainty. From self-acknowledgment to the cultural conditioning that often hides happiness, this heartfelt conversation offers practical tools for living more consciously and joyfully.
🧘 Key Takeaways:- Happiness is a sustained sense of well-being, not just fleeting joy- Finding joy during hard times builds emotional resilience- Random acts of kindness can profoundly impact others- Acknowledging yourself fosters inner happiness- Grief and happiness can exist side by side- Giving creates a ripple effect of joy- Societal norms often suppress expressions of happiness- Men may face unique challenges in embracing joy- Life is a journey—and enjoying the ride is essential
📘 Read Shelley’s article: Random Acts of Happinesshttps://blendradioandtv.com/listing/random-acts-of-happiness/ 
📚 Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday: https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Johnny Schaefer & Stephan Oberhoff: Music, Joy & Collaboration

Join us for an inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer, as he shares the story behind his upcoming single “Find a Place”, produced by acclaimed musician and producer Stephan Oberhoff.
Together, Johnny and Stephan dive into the creative process behind the song, celebrating the healing power of music and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and joy in artistic expression. They also reflect on the cultural richness of the Nashville music scene, the emotional power of string arrangements, and the importance of community in supporting the arts.
Keep up with:- Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ - Stephan Oberhoff: https://stephanoberhoff.com/ 
Released during American Artists Appreciation Month, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that music has the power to bring peace, connection, and deeper meaning to our lives.
💡 Key Takeaways- Johnny’s new single “Find a Place” emphasizes peace, joy, and spiritual grounding.- Artistic collaboration deepens the creative process.- Authenticity in music resonates across all stages of an artist’s journey.- Music can heal, uplift, and help us navigate difficult times.- Strings and orchestration add emotional depth to songs.- Nashville's diverse music culture fuels inspiration.- Community and storytelling are essential to lasting creative expression. 

Bears in Crisis: Exposing Florida’s Trophy Hunt Agenda

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Show, we expose the urgent threat facing Florida’s black bears: the proposed return of trophy hunting. Our featured guests—Adam Sugalski, founder of OneProtest, and Kathleen Walls, travel writer and animal rights activist—delve into the history, controversy, and consequences surrounding bear trophy hunting in the state.
Despite widespread public opposition, Florida officials are considering allowing trophy hunting again—this time with even more extreme and controversial methods. Proposed regulations include using dogs to chase down bears, and allowing bow hunting, both of which raise serious concerns about ethics, suffering, and safety. These changes reflect a broader shift: from traditional, regulated practices to high-tech and high-cruelty tactics that prioritize trophies over wildlife protection.
Key issues discussed include:- The cruelty of using dogs to hunt bears, often resulting in prolonged chases and violent encounters.- The dangers and suffering caused by bow hunting, which can leave bears wounded and dying slowly.- How modern technology—like GPS collars and high-powered optics—makes killing easier, reducing fair chase and undermining conservation claims.- The false narrative that trophy hunters are conservationists.- The economic motivations behind these changes, often benefiting landowners and developers.- How urban expansion is shrinking bear habitat, making coexistence—not killing—essential.- The growing role of public activism and protest in challenging these proposals and defending wildlife.
This conversation calls attention to the real motives behind trophy hunting and stresses the importance of ethical wildlife management rooted in science and compassion. If you're passionate about protecting animals and opposing cruelty disguised as tradition, this episode will inform, outrage, and inspire you to take action.
🎧 Learn more and get involved: https://www.beardefenders.org/ 📖 Read Kathleen Walls' article, The Bear Facts: https://www.americanroads.net/bear_5-9-2025.htm 🌱 Visit OneProtest: https://www.oneprotest.org/ 

Roche Harbor: A Boating Destination in Washington State

Celebrate American Adventures Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Diva Saturday” with travel writer Linda Kissam, the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” Linda joins us to share her recent private boating experience in Washington’s Roche Harbor, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic marine destinations.
This fun and insightful conversation highlights Roche Harbor’s unique local culture, from famous donuts and fresh fish dishes to scenic sculpture parks, historic gardens and trails, boutique shopping, and relaxing spa experiences. Linda also describes traditions like the nightly cannon ceremony that fosters a strong sense of community on the island.
We also explore the realities of boating life—navigating marina costs, docking reservations, waste and water management, and the growing role of technology like Starlink and electric carts. For anyone dreaming of coastal cruising or planning a water-based getaway, this episode is packed with practical tips and delightful travel insights.
🔗 Read Diva Linda’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/visiting-roche-harbor-washington-by-private-boat/ 🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 🌐 Linda’s travel blog: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 🎙️ Also hear this episode on Big Blend’s “Parks & Travel,” "Big Daily Blend," and “Vacation Station” podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork