Big Blend Radio

Cruising the West Coast of Africa with Crystal Cruises

From Cape Town, South Africa to Tema, Ghana—join us on this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) as award-winning food and travel writer Sucheta Rawal shares highlights from her luxury cruise journey aboard the Crystal Symphony up the stunning West Coast of Africa.
Discover what it’s like to explore Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, and Ghana in comfort and style. Sucheta dives into the ship's elegant accommodations, world-class dining, onboard entertainment and expert lectures, and culturally rich shoreline excursions.
A prolific writer and speaker, Sucheta Rawal has visited 126 countries across all 7 continents. She contributes to National Geographic, CNN, TIME Magazine, and more, and is the author of five travel-themed children's books. Her nonprofit, Go Eat Give, promotes responsible and meaningful travel. She’s also a TEDx speaker and will deliver her fourth TEDx talk this year in Manila.
✨ Read more about her West Africa experience: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/West-Africa-is-open-for-tourism--Here-s-how-you-can-visit-comfortably---.html 
🌍 Learn more about Sucheta Rawal: https://suchetarawal.com 
🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station Travel Channel.

Meet Marie Antoinette’s Favorite Painter with Author Judith Lissauer Cromwell

Who was Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun—and why is one of history’s most successful female artists still relatively unknown?
📘 In this episode, historian and biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell shares insights from her new book: “Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755–1842.” From 18th-century France to exile during the French Revolution, discover how this trailblazing portraitist overcame gender barriers to become a legend in her time.
🎧 Listen now + learn more: https://www.judithcromwell.com 
📌 Featured on Big Blend’s Podcast Channels:• Women Making History• A Toast to The Arts• Way Back WhenListen here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art of Remembrance: The History of Veterans Memorials

🎙️ In honor of Armed Forces Day (May 17, 2025) and the upcoming Memorial Day (May 26, 2025), we're revisiting this meaningful Big Blend Radio conversation with artist and art historian Victoria Chick.
In this episode, Victoria explores the evolution of Veterans Memorials in the United States, from their 19th-century beginnings to the powerful tributes we see today. She explains how, historically, memorials focused on glorifying victories or honoring rulers — and how that shifted to commemorating the sacrifice and service of individual soldiers.
🎨 Learn about the art, symbolism, and cultural significance behind some of America’s most notable veterans memorials.
 
📖 Read Victoria’s accompanying article here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/oamh/#p=68 
🎨 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 podcast channel. Explore the entire network of educational and arts-focused shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Pizza Party Happy Hour: Styles, Toppings, and Dream Guests!

🍕 National Pizza Party Day is HERE! 🎉 Join us for a fun and delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's HAPPY HOUR as we celebrate everything pizza! From classic deep dish and thin crust debates to the age-old question of pineapple on pizza, we're diving deep into the world of everyone's favorite food.
We explore unique pizza parlors and ask our fantastic guests the ultimate pizza party question: If you could invite ANY three people (alive, passed on, or fictional) to a pizza bash, who would they be and what kind of pizza are you serving?
Our special guests include:🍕 Peggy Fiandaca, LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com/ 🍕Jeffrey Spear, Branding Expert & Writer: https://spearwrites.contently.com/ & https://www.studiospear.com/ 🍕Rose Palmer, Travel Writer & Photographer (live from a cruise!): https://quiltripping.com/ 🍕Clifford Garstang, Acclaimed Author: https://cliffordgarstang.com/  
Craving some pizza inspiration? Check out these recipes and articles:🍕 Chef Ivan's Pizza Dough: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 🍕 Peggy's Quick & Fresh Marinara: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-quick-and-fresh-marinara-recipe/ 🍕 Giada's Positano Pizzas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/positano-pizzas/ 🍕 Spicy Veggie Pizza-Dilla: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spicy-veggie-pizza-dilla/ 🍕 Margherita French Bread Pizza: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/margherita-french-bread-pizza/ 🍕 5 Italian Foods You Won't Find in Italy: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/five-italian-foods-you-wont-find-in-italy/ 
Don't forget to check out this episode on the Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry channels of the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Master the Art of Receiving Feedback at Work

Stop dreading feedback and start using it to skyrocket your career! In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach Rita Sever ("SUPERVISION MATTERS" & "LEADING FOR JUSTICE" author), you'll discover a powerful 10-step process for effectively receiving feedback in the workplace.
Rita breaks down how to truly listen, understand, and utilize feedback – even when it's tough to hear. Learn practical strategies to remain open, clarify concerns, and transform critiques into actionable steps for professional growth.
Key Takeaways You'll Gain:- Step-by-step guidance on how to approach feedback conversations.- Tips to manage your defensiveness and cultivate a growth mindset.- How to ensure you understand the feedback you're receiving.- The importance of considering power dynamics in feedback situations.- Actionable strategies for responding and following up on feedback.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, mastering the art of receiving feedback is a game-changer. Tune in to gain valuable insights from leadership expert Rita Sever!
🔗 Resources Mentioned:- Rita Sever's Website: https://supervisionmatters.com/ - Part 1: Feedback Benefits & Basics: https://youtu.be/fSAi0EAWgWg - Part 2: The Formula for Giving Feedback: https://youtu.be/PYS22Z0SZaQ 
Listen to the full SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ Explore more business and career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

How to Understand Emotions and Build Trust

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business and Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect”, shares powerful insights on how to understand and manage emotions using the 6-Second Rule. Learn how to harness the power of emotional intelligence to strengthen both your personal and professional relationships.
A leading expert on trust, Lea breaks down the emotional tools and mindset needed to build credibility, connection, and confidence in the workplace. Her approach is based on years of experience and the core principles of her work in trust-building.
Lea has been named one of North America’s Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America. She’s an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, and her books include:📘 Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World📘 TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader
Beyond her work in leadership development, Lea is also a certified death doula, offering compassionate guidance and support for end-of-life planning.
🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work on trust: https://leabrovedani.com 🔗 Learn about her end-of-life care services: https://souljourneydoula.com 

Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward, we chat with debut author Deb Miller and her daughter Hadley Edwards about Deb’s inspiring new memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness (She Writes Press, June 24, 2025).
Blending memoir with cultural commentary, Deb shares how she broke free from the traditional "happily-ever-after" narrative to embrace a life built on self-discovery, courage, and personal fulfillment. Together with Hadley, she explores how today’s women can rewrite their own stories—without waiting for a prince to save the day.
From navigating societal expectations to examining the evolution of Disney princesses, this honest and hopeful conversation is perfect for listeners interested in women’s empowerment, memoirs by strong women, feminist perspectives, and personal growth journeys.
📘 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://forgetthefairytale.net 
🎧 Keep up with Big Blend Radio's Podcast Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Managing High Blood Pressure for Better Heart Health

In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie”, we observe National High Blood Pressure Education Month by diving into the realities of high blood pressure (hypertension) and its impact on heart health. Known as the “silent killer,” hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. and often presents no symptoms until a serious event, such as a stroke or heart attack, occurs.
Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, cardiologist and author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story,” shares key lifestyle tips to lower your blood pressure naturally:- Exercise more 🏃‍♀️- Eat less salt 🧂- Drink in moderation 🍷- Get better sleep 😴
🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 📘 Learn more: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday! Also on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & “Big Daily Blend” channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork