Big Blend Radio

When Travel Becomes a Pilgrimage: Lessons from the White Lions of South Africa

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul?In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey.
Shelley traveled in real physical pain — dealing with a bulging disc and sciatica — yet refused to stay home. What unfolded was a profound journey of healing, stillness, grief, and transformation. From a shattering 40-minute ceremony invoking Mother Earth and the white lions, to sitting in silence with wild lions on the African savanna, to confronting the brutal reality of canned hunting farms, this conversation goes deep into what it means to truly be present.
Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith — who has lived in both South Africa and Kenya — joins Shelley for a richly layered conversation about the cycle of life, the web of nature, trophy hunting, and the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Shelley's Article: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/the-lionesses-the-mothers-and-me - Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com - Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ - Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast - More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Love Is Strength: Pride Month and World Caring Day Special

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human.
🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! and director of the new documentary Brothers Broken — shares his journey from the San Francisco folk scene (alongside Jerry Garcia, Jefferson Airplane & Janis Joplin) to 46 years in Scientology, and his long road back to love and family.
🎵 Grammy Award-winning Melissa Manchester reflects on her anthem "A Better Rainbow" — written the morning of President Obama's second inauguration — and what it means to write a song as a prayer. She also shares news about her upcoming role in the musical Cagney and her new album Audacity with Ann Hampton Callaway.
The conversation moves through chosen family, the demonization of empathy, the science of gratitude, and why love is not a weakness — it's a muscle.
🎵 Music to Celebrate Pride Month & World Caring Day Playlist:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Lat96RCZV7cc6KKXjKq4n?si=n5ceqYt6R5ey_7M9d78nWA - YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHUZITwHVJI4crWLzr9x6gx8Mu6XWWvJ&si=a4dzNyU8vSWeUKEO 
📌 LINKS:🎬 Brothers Broken Documentary: https://www.brothersbroken.com 🎬 Watch/Stream Brothers Broken: https://geni.us/brothersbroken 🎵 Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com 🎵 Melissa Manchester: https://melissamanchester.com 🌐 Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Discover Tacoma & Pierce County: History & Art, Mount Rainier & The Salish Sea

Celebrate the beauty, culture, and adventure of Washington State on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast with travel writer Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Featured guest Matt Wakefield of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County shares insider tips on exploring Pierce County, a diverse destination where mountains, waterfront communities, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures come together.
From the iconic Mount Rainier to Tacoma's thriving arts scene, unique museums, scenic hiking trails, local culinary experiences, and hidden treasures, discover why Pierce County is an ideal destination for road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers alike.
PLAN YOUR VISIT- Read Linda's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pierce-county-tacoma-summer-travel-guide - Plan Your Visit to Pierce County: https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/ 
FOLLOW LINDA'S ADVENTURES- More about Linda:  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-writer-linda-kissam - Explore Linda's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine - Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast 
Video and photo footage courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County. 

Getting to Know Tanya Ortega: Art, Parks & Creative Legacy

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America.
In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have had on parks and surrounding communities over the past ten years, sharing how the residency program has grown to include painters, photographers, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists. She discusses the importance of making the arts accessible, fostering creative opportunities for artists of all ages, and building meaningful connections between people and public lands.
The episode also highlights Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the unique opportunities offered through NPAF artist residencies, while exploring the role of art in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring environmental stewardship, and helping people experience national parks in new and meaningful ways.
Enjoy a special “Getting to Know Tanya Ortega” segment, where she shares personal insights about her favorite parks, travel experiences, artistic inspirations, and the passion that continues to drive the National Parks Arts Foundation forward.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation and its artist residency programs at: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

Freeze-Dried Foods Explained: Candy, Fruit & More with Matthew Luna

Celebrate National Candy Month with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Matthew Luna, owner of Desert Freeze Dried and grandson of Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Sitting in for Donna, Matthew shares his expertise in the fascinating world of freeze drying and the innovative ways this technology is transforming food preservation and snacking.
Discover how foods ranging from candy and fruit to complete meals can be freeze dried to create lightweight, shelf-stable treats with unique textures and flavors. Matthew explains the science behind the process, discusses surprising foods that can—and can't—be freeze dried, and shares insights into consumer trends, outdoor recreation foods, emergency preparedness, and creative culinary possibilities.
Whether you're curious about freeze-dried candy, planning your next outdoor adventure, or simply fascinated by food science, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look at one of today's most innovative food trends.
Follow Desert Freeze Dried on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/desertfreezedriedcandy/ 
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday):https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

Summer Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

Celebrate summer in California’s Sequoia Country, where outdoor adventures, fresh local produce, community festivals, and iconic public lands come together in the heart of Tulare County.
In this episode, learn about seasonal activities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, family-friendly parks and trails, picnic destinations, and ways to enjoy the region responsibly through Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety practices. The conversation also highlights Tulare County's agricultural bounty, from farmers markets and fruit stands to locally grown treats and summertime flavors.
Along the way, discover community events, art, and cultural experiences in Visalia, Exeter, and beyond, along with practical travel tips for visiting Crystal Cave, navigating park shuttles, and making the most of summer in California's Sequoia Country.
FEATURED GUESTS FROM THE SEQUOIA TOURISM COUNCIL:- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Shannon Schroth– Exeter Chamber of Commerce: https://www.exeterchamber.com/ 
PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Getting to Know Peggy Fiandaca: Wine, Winemaking & Community

In this special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast, we go beyond the glass to learn more about Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery and one of Arizona's pioneering voices in wine.
From the unique terroir and volcanic soils of southeastern Arizona to the art and science of winemaking, Peggy shares the story behind her vineyard, her passion for wine education, and what inspires her work. Along the way, she discusses the role of sommeliers (today, June 3 is International Sommelier Day!), wine terminology, harvest preparation, favorite food and wine pairings, and upcoming winery events.
The conversation also explores the rich cultural and indigenous history of the region, the story behind the LDV Winery logo, the importance of community and philanthropy, and how storytelling helps connect people to the land, its heritage, and each other.
Whether you're a longtime wine enthusiast or just discovering Arizona's growing wine scene, this episode offers a personal look at the experiences, values, and passions that have shaped Peggy's remarkable journey.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com - Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ - Check out the "Wine & Bites" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/#p=1 - Visit Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Palm Springs Uncovered: Solo Travel, Boutique Hotels & Desert Relaxation

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the growing trend of solo travel and the unique charm of boutique hotels in Palm Springs.
Joining Sharon are Robert Hunt of Alcazar Palm Springs, and Kimberli Munkres of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. Together, they discuss why Palm Springs has become a favorite destination for solo travelers, wellness seekers, and anyone looking to relax and recharge in a welcoming desert setting.
The conversation covers the area's boutique hotel culture, renowned dining scene, arts and architecture, celebrity history, healing springs, outdoor recreation, and year-round festivals. Hear why Palm Springs' independently owned small hotels provide a personalized experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Whether you're planning a solo getaway, a wellness retreat, or a road trip through Southern California, this episode offers valuable insights into one of America's most beloved desert destinations.
📝 Read Sharon's accompanying article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/palm-springs-solo-travelers-guide 
🌴 Learn more about Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels: https://palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/ 
🏨 Discover Alcazar Palm Springs: https://alcazarpalmsprings.com/ 
📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 
🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:https://sharonkkurtz.com 
🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com