Society & Culture
Big Blend Radio Network
Viva Variety! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!
Total 154 episodes
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04/12/2024

Visiting and Supporting Asheville This Holiday Season

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on visiting Asheville and supporting this popular mountain destination post Hurricane Helene. Featured Guests - KAREN WILSON, who along with her husband Steve, owns and runs The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/     ** See their GoFundMe page:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-asheville-bed-breakfast-hurricane-recovery  - JAY SCHULTZ - Retired Army Officer and owner of Spartan Photography known for his drone and aerial work (as seen in the podcast photo). More: https://spartanphotography.zenfolio.com/  ** Also follow his social media accounts for his giveaway: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spartan.Photo  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartanphotoavl/  - NICOLE WILL - Co-Founder of Asheville Wellness Tours that offers customizable wellness and yoga retreats and experiences in the mountains of Western North Carolina. More at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/  *** See their GOFUNDMe Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-asheville-wellness-tours-recovery  LINKS OF SUPPORT (Thanks Nicole): * Elderflower Care: https://www.elderflowercommunity.org/  * Conserving Carolina: https://conservingcarolina.org/   * Asheville GreenWorks: https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/  * Mountain True: https://mountaintrue.org/  * WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant Fund (For profit businesses with fewer than 100 employees - not industry specific!): https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/wnc-strong-rebuilding-together-grants-2/   * WE ARE Grant (Women Owned Businesses): https://weareasheville.org/pages/founding-member * Explore Asheville Voluntourism:  https://www.exploreasheville.com/article/voluntourism-ways-give-back-when-visiting-asheville   Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
25m
03/12/2024

Supporting Parks, The Arts, Kids and Military Families

'Tis the Season of Giving and this episode of Big Blend Radio explores the myriad of ways to support our parks, the arts, military, kids and families, and more. Enjoy these inspiring conversations that offer practical ideas for giving back.  ON THIS EPISODE: - IVAN LEVIN gives an overview of the preservation and educational programs that the National Park Trust offers. Established in 1983, this non-profit dedicates 86% of its resources to park preservation and its youth, family, and military programs. Visit https://parktrust.org/   - CHRISTY WOOD, world champion horse trainer and author,  talks about her fundraising efforts to support the Independence Fund in purchasing all-terrain track chairs and funding caregiver programs for wounded veterans. Visit: https://independencefund.org/ and keep up with Christy at https://wdnhorse.com/  - VICTORIA CHICK, an artist based in Silver City, New Mexico, talks about raising funds to build the Southwest ​Regional ​Museum ​of ​Art ​and ​Art ​Center, ​which would be the first fine art museum in southwest New Mexico. Learn more at https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ and visit Victoria's site at https://victoriachick.com/  - CLIFFORD GARSTANG, an author and writer based in Staunton, Virginia talks about some of his local non-profits including the Heifetz International Music Institute - https://heifetzinstitute.org/; the Staunton Music Festival - https://www.stauntonmusicfestival.org/, and the American Shakespeare Center - https://americanshakespearecenter.com/. Learn more about Cliff's writing at https://cliffordgarstang.com/  - LISA EVANS, travel writer and author, talks about the Operational Christmas Child program through Samaritan's Purse, see: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/. She also discusses ways to give back to areas in need, and how to be a "Good Samaritan" during the holiday travel season. Keep up with Lisa at: https://writerlisa.com/ 
1h
26/11/2024

Aviation History - USA to UK and Europe

In celebration of November being National Aviation History Month, this is Part One of Two Episodes focusing on the history of flight, from America to England, and across to Europe. Hear about famous pilots, the creation of gliders and airplanes, and about aviation related museums and destinations you can visit. FEATURED GUESTS: - DEBBIE STONE, travel writer, talks about her visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Read her story: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/lots-to-love-about-the-outer-banks/ - GLYNN BURROWS is a historian and owner of Norfolk Tours in England. Read his article about US WWII Airfields in the UK:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/norfolks-us-airfields-during-wwii/  - ARYN YOUNGLESS, a writer and genealogist, talks about the life and career of pilot Bessie Coleman. Read her article about this aviation pioneer: https://genealogybyaryn.substack.com/p/the-life-of-bessie-coleman   - JO CLARK, travel writer, talks about Harris Hill, the glider-soaring capital of America that's located near Elmira, in Big Flats, New York. Check out her story about the history and visitor experience: https://recipestravelculture.com/amazing-glider-soaring-over-finger-lakes/  - MIKE DOWD is an aviation history buff, as well as a pilot, engineer, and mechanic. Hear about his flight history and noteworthy pilots he met along his journey.  LISTEN TO PART TWO of this AVIATION HISTORY SHOW SERIES ON BIG BLEND RADIO HERE: https://youtu.be/J1dUp1WgES8 CHECK OUT OUR BIG BLEND AVIATION HISTORY GUIDE featuring podcasts, interviews, articles, books, and documentary films, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/aviation-history-guide/ 
1h 21m
25/11/2024

Celebrate the Holiday Season at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

Featuring Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on holiday gift ideas, seasonal events and current exhibits at this Tucson landmark. Hear about the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe, held on Dec. 8, 2024, that honors Mexico’s patron saint with music, dancing and performances including mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, and Yaqui Deer Dancers. Piñatas filled with treats are hoisted hourly for the kids while vendors offer regional food, southwestern fare, and souvenirs. The event is free and open to the public.  Plus, on Dec. 21, visit the Gallery from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m for an evening of music, art, wine, and hors de oeuvres at Noches de DeGrazia! While you enjoy the magical ambiance of the Gallery after dark,  enjoy last minute holiday shopping. Event is also free to attend. Current exhibits featuring southwest artist Ted DeGrazia's work include, "Roadrunners," "Enamel on Copper Paintings," and “DeGrazia’s Textile Designs for Fuller Fabrics.”  Along with the property's unique architecture and Ted DeGrazia's art, The Little Gallery is also host to visiting artists. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is home to over 15,000 originals of Ted DeGrazia art pieces including oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures. There are six permanent collections on display and several rotating exhibitions each year. More: http://www.degrazia.org/  This Big Blend Radio "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" podcast airs every 4th Sunday. Follow the show here: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com/ 
19m
19/11/2024

A Visit to Lucille Ball's Hometown

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Tamara MC who shares her adventures exploring comedic icon Lucille Ball's hometown in Chautauqua County, New York.  Offering a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment history, and small-town charm this adventure included a visit to the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, along with the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Lucy's childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane, and Lake View Cemetery, Lucy's final resting place. More at: https://lucydesi.com/  Dr. Tamara MC is a seasoned travel journalist and cultural linguist from the United States with a track record of publications in high-profile lifestyle and travel outlets. With a keen focus on ecotourism, sustainability, wildlife, hiking, t cycling, gastronomy, and cultural tourism, Tamara brings a unique depth to her storytelling. Tamara has an impressive command of over eight languages and has ventured to nearly 80 countries, primarily solo. More at  https://tamaramc.com/  Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m  This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," and "Women Making History." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
54m
12/11/2024

Healing After Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Beyond - Part 5

Big Blend Radio's monthly "Adventures in Asheville" Show is now weekly to focus on the relief and recovery work happening post Hurricane Helene in Asheville, great Western North Carolina and all areas affected. FEATURED GUESTS - STEVE & KAREN WILSON "Mr & Mrs Wild," who cohost the show and own The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More at https://www.lion-rose.com/   *** See their GOFUNDME Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-asheville-bed-breakfast-hurricane-recovery  - JAY SCHULTZ - Retired Army Officer and owner of Spartan Photography known for his drone and aerial work (as seen in the podcast photo). More: https://spartanphotography.zenfolio.com/  - KRISTA STEARNS - Owner of Mountain Mural Tours known for their colorful urban art tour through Downtown Asheville with its amazing collection of murals, graffiti, sculpture, and street art installations. More: https://mountainmuraltours.com/ and check out the Asheville Independent Restaurants Association that she talks about: https://airasheville.org/  PLUS,  HEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT from: - Singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer at https://hearjohnny.com/  - Poet and writer Susan Cummins Miller at http://www.susancumminsmiller.com/  - Musician James Byfield "Blind Lemon Pledge" at https://www.blindlemon-pledge.com/  - Author & travel writer Kathleen Walls at https://katywalls.com/ and https://www.americanroads.net/  CHECK OUT OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT + LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS YOU CAN SUPPORT + A COOL PLAYLIST OF MUSIC FROM THE MUSICIANS WHO SUPPORTED THE EVENT, HERE: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/healing-after-helene/  Follow Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
38m