Big Blend Radio

Why Communities Need Green Spaces

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.
Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.
🎧 In this episode:* Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters* Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience* Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere
🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/ 
🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Jeffrey Spear - My Life in Gluttony

On this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show, presented in collaboration with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Jeffrey Spear, author of the mouthwatering book “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure.”
From indulging in street food like char-grilled mouse in Malawi to tracking down the best hot dogs in New York City, Jeffrey shares the unforgettable meals, flavors, and foodie moments that have defined his travels across the globe. With stops in Ghana, South Africa, Lebanon, Paris, Serbia, and beyond, Spear shows us that culinary curiosity can turn any trip into a gastronomic adventure.
Tune in as Jeffrey discusses:- His philosophy of “living to eat”  - His most surprising and exotic food finds- The 96 travel-inspired recipes featured in his book- Memorable moments from travels in the U.S. and abroad
Whether you're a food lover, travel enthusiast, or just curious about global cuisines, this episode will awaken your taste buds and spark your wanderlust!
📖 Grab your copy of “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Gluttony-Culinary-Adventure/dp/0988919117 
🍲 Try Jeffrey’s featured recipe – Mućkalica - here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffrey-spear-my-life-in-gluttony/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio “Vacation Station” Travel Channel! Explore even more engaging shows on the Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Mir Bahmanyar - The Houdini Club

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s WAY BACK WHEN History Show features Mir Bahmanyar—acclaimed author, military historian, and TV/film producer—discussing his gripping new book, "The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII," releasing April 22, 2025.
A former U.S. Army Ranger who served in the Second Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Mir Bahmanyar brings unmatched authenticity to the story of WWII’s elite “Darby’s Rangers.” He shares the untold, uncensored saga of the original Army Ranger battalions—highlighting their brutal training, combat missions across North Africa, Sicily, France, and Italy, and the legendary POW escapes that earned them the nickname “The Houdini Club.”
Bahmanyar draws from firsthand interviews, personal correspondence, and newly uncovered historical sources to portray the raw courage and human drama behind one of America’s most daring military units. His military expertise, deep research, and storytelling make this episode a must-listen for history lovers, military buffs, cultural travelers, and fans of WWII true stories.
Mir Bahmanyar holds a B.A. in History from University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in War Studies from King's College London. Mir served on the Board of Directors for the 75th Ranger Regiment Association and was an Associate Historian of the World War Two Ranger Battalions Association. Learn more about his work and books: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/ 
Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's WAY BACK WHEN History show, here: https://way-back-when-history.podbean.com/ 

Art Museums in the 21st Century

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas (pictured), and even the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain—this episode of Big Blend Radio’s WORLD OF ART podcast with artist and art historian Victoria Chick concludes her three-part series on the History of Art Museums, highlighting the evolution and innovation of 21st-century art museums in America.
This art-focused podcast explores how modern museums are redefining the way we experience and interact with art, from cutting-edge architecture and community engagement to the transformation of museum collections and their exhibits.
Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She’s also a contemporary figurative artist and a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints. Learn more about her work and the museum initiative, and explore her three-part article series on the history of art museums:
PART ONE: The Origins of Art Museums: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-a-history-part-one  
PART TWO: Growth of Art Museums in the 19th and 20th Centuries: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-a-history-part-two    
PART THREE: 21st-Century Art Museums in America: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-pt-3 
🎨 Visit Victoria Chick’s portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ 
🎙️ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's World of Art Podcast every 3rd Saturday for engaging conversations on art history, contemporary art, museum culture, and more: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Way Back When and Toast to The Arts podcast channels. Explore the entire network of educational and arts-focused shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Let's Make Pizza with Chef Ivan Flowers!

In this flavorful shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Happy Hour" shows, 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor Chef Ivan Flowers serves up everything you need to know about crafting the perfect homemade pizza. From dough-making secrets and topping techniques to fun facts about regional pizza styles, this episode is a delicious deep dive into everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Chef Ivan also dishes on who he and his wife Tracy would invite to their ultimate pizza party—bringing personality, warmth, and plenty of foodie inspiration to the mic.
Whether you're gearing up for National Pizza Party Day on May 16, 2025, or just craving a slice of kitchen creativity, this episode is your go-to guide for pizza night success.
Plus, check out Chef Ivan’s DIY Pizza Dough recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 

The Formula for Giving Feedback

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever we dive into the art of giving effective feedback—especially in supervisory roles, though the strategies apply across many relationships and settings. We start by reflecting on last month’s insights and move into what brain research tells us about how people receive feedback—spoiler: negative feedback hits harder than the positive kind.
You’ll learn why preparation is key, how to shift the dynamic from confrontation to collaboration, and why brevity and conversation matter. We also introduce the powerful J-O-I-N formula (Join, Observation, Impact, Need) to help you structure feedback in a way that builds understanding instead of defensiveness.
We walk through real-world examples, share two common pitfalls to avoid, and explore common reactions and how to respond effectively.
Whether you're leading a team or navigating everyday communication, this episode will give you practical tools to deliver feedback that actually makes a difference.                        
LISTEN TO LAST MONTH'S PODCAST ON THE BENEFITS OF FEEDBACK: https://youtu.be/fSAi0EAWgWg?feature=shared                          
Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/ 
Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

How to Lead With Integrity in an Uncertain World

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Business and Career Show, leading trust expert Lea Brovedani “The Trust Architect” shares advice on How to Lead With Integrity in an Uncertain World.
A main focus in her latest book, “Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World," the Five Tenets include: Commitment, Caring, Consistency, Competence, and Communication.  
Lea Brovedani is an author, speaker and workshop facilitator who is one of North America’s leading experts on trust. She has been named Top Thought Leaders on Trust by the organization Trust Across America. Her other book is “TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader." Learn more at https://leabrovedani.com/ 
Lea is also a certified death doula where she helps people prepare for their end-of-life. Learn more: https://souljourneydoula.com/ 

Life After Loss For Pets and Their People

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show focuses on life after loss for both pets and their humans.
ON THIS EPISODE:
- Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, grief counselor, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
- Lea Brovedani, a certified end-of-life doula, also known as a death midwife. Listen to her "Soul Journey Doula" podcast series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2cARmdtpFgKMM8Semws42Z&feature=shared
Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/