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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06/11/2024

Healing After Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Beyond - Part 4

Big Blend Radio's monthly "Adventures in Asheville" Show are now weekly to focus on the relief and recovery work happening post Hurricane Helene in Asheville, great Western North Carolina and all areas affected including Florida (including Hurricane Milton recovery efforts), Virginia, South Carolina, East Tennesse, and Georgia. 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/  - 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  PLUS,  HEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT from: - Mark Rechler of Circus Mind Band - https://www.circusmindband.com/  - John Storch of The Cravens Band - https://cravenmusic.net/  - Author Mike Nemeth - https://mikenemethauthor.com/  - Musical duo Dennis Haklar & Steffie Moonlady - https://dennishaklar.com/ and https://steffiemoonlady.com/ 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/ 
41m
03/11/2024

The Gifts of Gratitude

Celebrate National Gratitude Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show! FEATURED GUESTS: - JOHNNY SCHAEFER - Award-winning singer/songwriter, cohost of the Big Daily Blend show every 1st Sunday, and creator of the Gratitude Club Facebook Group. More: Johnny at https://hearjohnny.com/  - PETER LOVENHEIM - Acclaimed author and journalist whose new book, "GIFT SHOP OF GRATITUDE: A Journal to Explore the Journey of Your Life," will be out on Nov 12, 2024. More info and preorders: https://peterlovenheim.com/  SHELLEY WHIZIN - Transformational life coach and author of "What Do You Bring To The Table: A Savory, Sensory, and Inspirational Guide to Living A Yummy Delicious Life." More: https://shelleywhizin.com/  - DIANE DOBRY – Food, wine, and travel writer. See: http://gettinghungary.com/, https://discoverydaze.com/, https://hungarianaquarian.com/  - GLYNN BURROWS - Family history expert and owner of Norfolk Tours in England. More: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/  TAKE GRATITUDE ACTION: - Answer Glynn's article WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR? here https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-are-your-grateful-for/ by joining Johnny's GRATITUDE FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/137233742979118  - Read Shelley's POWER OF GRATITUDE article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-power-of-gratitude/ LISTEN TO GRATITUDE MUSIC PLAYLISTS: - Johnny's GRATITUDE MUSIC PLAYLIST on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36u8e1LjfihpOZd3LDHTzu?si=14005cd196374ee2  - Lisa's THANKSGIVING MUSIC MIX PLAYLIST on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OUgs37rLO2blBVRcJSaJz?si=511f7e41a6eb459d 
1h 14m
29/10/2024

The World Of Train Travel

From Murder Mystery Fun on the Orient Express to Soaking Up the Views on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, and Experiencing America on Amtrak, this episode of Big Blend Radio's VACATION STATION Travel Podcast explores the world of train travel!  FEATURED GUESTS WHO ARE ALL TRAIN TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS: - BARBARA REDDING - Travel writer and photographer. See her story on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: https://barbararedding.com/a-rolling-history-ride-in-durango/ - ROSE PALMER - Travel writer and photographer. See her train travel stories from Europe and England: * https://quiltripping.com/luxury-without-murder-orient-express/  * https://quiltripping.com/merry-christmas-train-trip-a-british-pullman-day-trip-to-the-winchester-christmas-market/  - DIANE DOBRY - Travel, food, and wine writer. Follow her adventures at https://gettinghungary.com/ and http://discoverydaze.com/  - EVA ELDRIDGE - World Traveler, writer, and editor. More: https://evaeldridge.com/  - VICTORIA CHICK - Contemporary figurative artist and early 19/20th century print collector. More: https://victoriachick.com/  - DAVID KRISO - Travel writer and speaker at https://dektraveljournal.com/. Hear his interview about Amtrak travel: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-joys-of-amtrak-travel/  PLUS, we close the show with Steve Schneickert's Hollywood History segment covering Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in the historic California gold rush town of Jamestown. 
1h 52m
29/10/2024

Healing After Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Beyond - Part 3

Now weekly, Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville - Healing After Helene" Podcasts focus on the relief and recovery work happening post Hurricane Helene in Asheville, Western North Carolina, and beyond. 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. See their GOFUNDME fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-asheville-bed-breakfast-hurricane-recovery  - SAVANNAH TRANTHAM - Co-Founder and Executive Director of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit that coordinates wildlife rehabilitation efforts in western North Carolina by providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife, supporting the wildlife rehabilitation network, and offering conservation education to the community. More at: https://www.appalachianwild.org/  PLUS,  HEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT from: - Australian singer/songwriter Dino Jag - https://dinojag.com/  - Stone Whiskey Band - https://stonewhiskeyband.com/  - Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours UK - https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ - Singer/songwriter Lisa Sniderman "AOEDE" - https://www.aoedemuse.com/  - Psychotherapist and author Jane Seskin - https://www.olderwisershorter.com/  - Arizona singer/songwriter Rachel Mari Kimber - https://freeyourspiritheal.wixsite.com/love  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/  VISITING ASHEVILLE INFO:  * OPEN ROADS & PLACES: https://always.exploreasheville.com/travel-advisory  * OPEN PARKS - https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation/  Follow Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
44m
23/10/2024

Witchy Women Throughout History

From Germany and Poland, to England, New Orleans, Salem, Connecticut, Virginia, and South Carolina, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast focuses on Women Who were Shunned as Witches Throughout in History. FEATURED GUESTS - MATT COST, award-winning author of history and mysteries, discusses the life and legacy of Marie Laveau, known as the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans." More about Matt's books: https://www.mattcost.net/  - KATHLEEN WALLS, travel writer & author, talks about her visit to the Wizard of Oz Museum in Kansas, and Grace Sherwood, known as the "Witch of Pungo" in Virginia Beach. Check out Katy's story about her adventures in Kansas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/theres-something-odd-in-kansas/  - ARYN YOUNGLESS, a writer and genealogist, talks about witch panic and trials in the US and how to research any possible witchy family history. Read her blog post about it all here: https://genealogybyaryn.substack.com/p/i-danced-for-the-devil?  - BARBARA REDDING, travel writer, talks about how both Germany and Poland were superstitious about witches in the Middle Ages and how hundreds of poor women were burned at the stake due to no fault of their own.  Follow Barbara's world travels at https://barbararedding.com/  - JO CLARK, travel writer and photographer, talks about  Mary Ingleman, the main target of the witch trials that took place in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1792. Keep up with Jo's adventures and podcast at https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/  - JUDY KARNIA, travel writer, talks about her "witchy" and "non-witchy" experiences in Salem, Massachusetts, known for its famous witch trials in 1692. Read her travel story, here: https://rovology.com/united-states/more-than-witches-art-and-history-in-salem-ma/  Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast features a new panel discussion every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/   This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
55m
22/10/2024

Healing After Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Beyond - Part 2

New episodes of our monthly Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Show are now weekly to focus on the relief and recovery work happening post Hurricane Helene in Asheville, great Western North Carolina and all areas affected including Florida (including Hurricane Milton recovery efforts), Virginia, South Carolina, East Tennesse, and Georgia. 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: https://www.lion-rose.com/     - CINDY SMITH - Director of Development of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. More: https://wildwnc.org/   - JAYDEN MARTIN - Spa Manager of Massage on Wheels & Asheville Massage & Bodywork (MOWAMB). More: https://www.ashevillemassagebodywork.com/  PARKS ARE NOW OPENING IN ASHEVILLE. See the list, here: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation/  PLUS, HEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT from: - Anthony Corder of Tora Tora: https://www.toratoramusic.com/  - Recording Artist Joey Stuckey: https://joeystuckey.com/  - Multi-instrumentalist Marlon Cherry: https://marloncherry1.bandcamp.com/album/fever-dreaming-in-lo-fi  - Transformational Life Coach Shelley Whizin: https://shelleywhizin.com/  - Jon Dawson of Third of Never: https://www.electricforgiveness.com/  - Author Kimberly Hess: https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/  - Guitarist Pierre Bensusan: https://www.pierrebensusan.com/  - Poet Lauren Martin: https://www.laurenmartin.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/ 
52m
15/10/2024

Healing After Hurricane Helene in Asheville & Beyond - Part One

As of now, new episodes of our monthly Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Show will be weekly to focus on the relief and recovery work happening post Hurricane Helene in Asheville, great Western North Carolina and all areas affected including Florida (including Hurricaen Milton recovery efforts), Virginia, South Carolina, East Tennesse, and Georgia. 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: https://www.lion-rose.com/     - JAY SCHULZ - 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/  PLUS,  HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT from: * Steve Blaze of Lillian Axe Band - https://www.lillianaxe.com/  * Sully & Kev of The Walk-A-Bout Band - https://www.facebook.com/walkaboutband1/  * Hollywood Historian Steve Schneickert - https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/steve-schneickert-hollywood-history/  * Lea Brovedani "Soul Journey Doula" - https://souljourneydoula.com/  * Author Clifford Garstang - https://cliffordgarstang.com/  * Singer-songwriter Pamela Bedwell - https://pamelabedwellandpke.com/  * Travel writer Jo Clark - https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/  CHECK OUT OUR "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE EVENT + LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS YOU CAN SUPPORT, &  A COOL MUSIC PLAYLIST, HERE: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/healing-after-helene/  Follow Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/    
52m
06/10/2024

Let's Celebrate the Fall Season!

Celebrate the Fall Season with this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show that features a lively discussion on food, beer and wine, travel and events, family tradtions, and more. FEATURED GUESTS: - JOHNNY SCHAEFER – Award-winning singer/songwriter and cohost of the Big Daily Blend show every 1st Sunday. See: https://hearjohnny.com/  - WARD HEINRICHS – San Diego employment attorney. See: https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/  - TIFFANY BERTRAM – Co-owner of Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast near Hot Springs, Arkansas. See: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/  - LISA EVANS – Travel writer and author of "100 Things To Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die." See: https://writerlisa.com/  - JO CLARK – Travel writer and photographer. See: https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ and https://recipestravelculture.com/  - CLIFFORD GARSTANG – Editor, writer, and author. See: https://cliffordgarstang.com/  - DIANE DOBRY – Food, wine, and travel writer. See: http://gettinghungary.com/, https://discoverydaze.com/,  https://hungarianaquarian.com/  PLUS, CHECK OUT: - Johnn Schaefer's Halloween Song "Who Put The Ghosts There?" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8og6SKnABfw?feature=shared  - Big Blend Radio's "Hello October" Music Playlist on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6MsNG24qzf2BCmNDa5UWYv?si=50484a76675f4e44  - Jo Clark's Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing article: https://recipestravelculture.com/ultimate-halloween-candy-wine-pairings/ 
1h 17m