Big Blend Radio

Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.
The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.
Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.
🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

Romance in the Heart of the Dallas Arts District

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie are joined by Steven Fryatt at the luxurious Fairmont Dallas Hotel, an iconic property perfectly positioned in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.
They share highlights from their stay at the Fairmont Dallas, known for its sophisticated style, spacious rooms, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers. From the hotel’s inviting public spaces and standout dining options to its rooftop pool offering a relaxing urban retreat, the Fairmont provides an elegant yet welcoming home base for exploring downtown Dallas.
The conversation also explores the surrounding Dallas Arts District—home to world-class museums, performance venues, and parks—along with why Dallas makes a fantastic destination for romantic getaways, family travel, and culture lovers. Looking ahead, they touch on Dallas’ role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city, adding to the city’s global appeal. Together, the episode paints a complete picture of Dallas as a destination where luxury lodging, arts, and vibrant city energy come together seamlessly.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES* Fairmont Dallas Hotel: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/dallas/fairmont-dallas.html * Dallas Arts District: https://www.dallasartsdistrict.org/ * Visit Dallas: https://www.visitdallas.com/ * Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ * New episodes air every Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Chesapeake Stories & Coastal Charm: Exploring Maryland’s Eastern Shore

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, hosts and travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough take us on a journey through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exploring charming waterfront towns, historic inns, wildlife refuges, and vibrant local culture along the Chesapeake Bay.
Their travels begin on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows, before moving through Kent County with stops in Chestertown and Rock Hall, where fresh seafood, waterfront views, and the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge highlight the region’s strong connection to nature and conservation. Continuing through Wicomico County, they explore Salisbury’s parks, zoo, historic homes, breweries, and centuries-old landmarks like Pemberton Hall.
The journey wraps up with memorable experiences on Tilghman Island, Oxford, Easton, and St. Michaels, featuring ferry rides, maritime history, art museums, Civil War stories, coastal cuisine, ghost tours, and a deep sense of community that defines the Eastern Shore. Along the way, they reflect on slow travel, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions.
🌐 Follow Ryan & Joelle's adventures: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
🎧 New episodes air every second Monday on Big Blend Radio. Listen to more episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on the Vacation Station and Parks & Travel podcast channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Gift of Presence: Bringing Light to Others

In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, Live & Die Happy Coach, explores the power of presence, listening, and nourishment during the holiday season. 
Shelley discusses how truly being present in conversations, offering genuine empathy, and sharing the nourishment of food—both physically and emotionally—can illuminate the lives of those around us. She reflects on finding joy even in dark times and emphasizes how small moments of connection can bring light, unity, and understanding into our relationships.
📘 Read Shelley’s article: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/the-gift-of-presence 
📚 Get her book – “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory & Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley — new episodes drop the first Sunday of each month: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 

Wine Friendly Holiday Season: Beaujolais, Risotto & New Recipe Magazine

Celebrate the holiday season with wine, food, and festive cheer in this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Hear about the joyful traditions surrounding Beaujolais—especially Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic wine of the season known for its fresh, celebratory spirit.
The conversation also dives into holiday entertaining, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why wine clubs make meaningful gifts. Peggy shares tips for making the perfect Mushroom Risotto. Along the way, learn about vineyard seasonality, terroir-driven wines like LDV Winery's Rhyolite series, and how food and wine create lasting holiday memories.
📘 NEW! Wine & Bites Digital Podcast & Recipe MagazineThis episode also celebrates the launch of WINE & BITES — Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine. This monthly digital publication includes the latest podcast episodes, recipes, wine & food pairing tips, and more — including the Mushroom Risotto recipe featured in this show.👉 Read the new issue here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend." Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Inside the Launch of Southwest Travel & Life Magazine

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam — the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva — sits down with Josh Dunn, President and Founder of Premier Media Group, to explore the revival of print travel media and the launch of the new magazine, "Southwest Travel & Life."
Josh shares insights into why print travel magazines are making a comeback, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the challenges and rewards of publishing in today’s media landscape. The conversation dives into experiential travel, culinary tourism, agritourism, and the art of building trust with readers through quality content and talented writers.
Covering destinations across Arizona, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah, Southwest Travel & Life aims to inspire travelers through immersive stories, stunning photography, and meaningful experiences. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how passion, leadership, and creativity are shaping the future of travel media.
🔗 Read Linda's article about the Launch of "Southwest Travel + Life" Magazine: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/the-launch-of-southwest-travel-and 
🔗 Learn more about Josh Dunn and Premier Media Group:https://www.premiermedia.net 
🔗 Explore more episodes featuring Linda Kissam: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 
🔗 Follow Diva Linda’s blog and adventures:https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" and "Vacation Station" Podcast Channel. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dancer and Choreographer Artis Olds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumboot dance, exploring how these rhythmic traditions serve as powerful forms of communication, storytelling, and celebration.
He reflects on his personal journey from corporate America into professional dance, highlighting the transformative power of movement in building confidence, resilience, and community among youth. The conversation dives into the importance of arts education, the healing and connective energy of performance, and the value of creating space for creativity without pressure. Through thoughtful insights and lived experience, Artis illuminates how dance reflects history, honors culture, and strengthens our shared humanity.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 
 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Winter Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm, welcoming events that make this region a must-visit during the colder months.
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/ - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
✨ This conversation explores winter hiking, birding events, cozy culinary favorites, indoor museums, and the beloved Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, now celebrating its 100th year. You’ll learn why Tulare County is an incredible place to enjoy both outdoor adventures and community celebrations throughout the season.  Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork