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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!

Location:

Tucson, AZ

Networks:

BlogTalkRadio

Description:

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!

Twitter:

@BigBlendMag

Language:

English

Contact:

P.O. Box 90153 Tucson, AZ 85752 7604753308


Episodes
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Artist Chelsea Bighorn in Saguaro National Park

6/7/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features mixed medoa artist Chelsea Bighorn, the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Chelsea Bighorn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Her tribal affiliations are the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes from Montana and the Shoshone-Paiute from Northern Nevada. Bighorn's work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Using this process, she tells her personal history through her art. Bighorn has shown her work at the Museum of Contemporary Native Art, SITE Santa Fe, The Balzar Gallery and her work is currently on display at The Center for Native Futures in Chicago, IL. She graduated with honors from The Institute of American Indian Arts in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts. More: http://www.chelseabighorn.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Duration:00:33:38

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Super Snacks for Road Trippers and Outdoor Adventurers

6/7/2024
From gourmet trail mix to Spanish peanuts, this inaugural episode of "The Peanut Patch," a Big Blend Radio Foodie Podcast with Donna George, focuses on super snacks for road trippers and outdoor adventurers. Open from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, culinary gifts, and sweet treats. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/ The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday at 12pm Arizona. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/

Duration:00:22:22

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Celebrating Donuts Around the World

6/7/2024
Celebrate National Donut Day on this episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz and host Lisa D. Smith who discuss National Donut Day History, and all types of donuts you can enjoy around the world. Read about the donuts Sharon tasted (and many other tasty dishes) in Poland in her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-taste-of-poland-from-michelin-stars-to-hidden-gems/ Check out Terri Bailey's All American Donut Recipe, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-all-american-donut/

Duration:00:14:17

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Hiking Your Feelings in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

6/6/2024
In celebration of June being Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast with the Sequoia Tourism Council focuses on the upcoming Hike and Heal Sequoia National Park Wilderness Wellness Retreats. These retreats are facilitated by Sydney and Barry Williams of Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy Field Institute. Starting in June, there will be three retreats this summer. FEATURED GUESTS: - NICOLE STIVERS of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Lake Kaweah. They fund and enable park projects and programs that protect, preserve, and provide access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Visit https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/ - SYDNEY WILLIAMS - Author, and Founder & CEO of Hiking My Feelings. This unique organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. More at: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/ Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake. Plan your visit to Tulare County at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ Select featured photos are by Barry Williams / Hiking Your Feelings.

Duration:00:38:37

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Peggy Fiandaca - Sangria & Summer Wines

6/5/2024
From Rosé Week (June 17-23, 2024) to Syrah Week (July 22-28, 2024), get a Taste of Summer on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast. Hear what's happening in the LDV Winery Vineyard, Peggy's wine term of the month, and special events and new wine releases in the tasting room. Plus, Peggy shares seasonal wine pairing tips and discusses LDV Winery's Sangria Recipes that you can see here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ldv-winery-sangria-recipes/ Featuring Peggy Fiandaca, who along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona, "Wine Time with Peggy" airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm PT / 7pm ET. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj Learn more about LDV Winery at https://ldvwinery.com/

Duration:00:46:31

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Sharon K. Kurtz - Journeying Through Peru

6/5/2024
From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the majestic Machu Picchu and the shores of Lake Titicaca, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz covers her immersive experiences with Intrepid Travel in Peru. Read about her journey that took her deep into the vibrant tapestry of local communities, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/journeying-through-peru/ Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5 Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/

Duration:00:25:49

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Hiking Adventures in Asheville, North Carolina

6/4/2024
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show that focuses on the various Hiking Opportunities you can enjoy in Asheville, North Carolina. Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Jennifer "Jenny" Gruhn, PhD - Owner and Biologist of Asheville Hiking Tours. More: https://www.ashevillehikingtours.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/

Duration:00:42:22

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The Real Red Tails National Geographic Documentary

6/3/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Military Monday" Show with award-winning military historian and author Mike Guardia features Dr. Brian Smith, President and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, who discusses the new National Geographic documentary "The Real Red Tails." Out now, "The Real Red Tails" shares the story of the astonishing discovery of a WWII-era P-39 airplane in Lake Huron, Michigan. Tuskegee pilot Frank Moody perished in the crash, but the significance of what he and his fellow airmen accomplished survives to this day. This fascinating one-hour National Geographic documentary special explores the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as the mission to solve this 80-year-old mystery. Mike Guardia is the author of over 20 other military history books including "The Combat Diaries: True Stories from the Frontlines of World War II." His latest book is the Amazon best-seller, “Fire in the Hole: Tales of Combat with the 1st Engineer Battalion in Vietnam.” More: https://mikeguardia.com/ Mike Guardia appears on Big Blend Radio's military history shows every 1st Monday. Follow his podcast here: https://mike-guardia-military-monday.podbean.com/

Duration:00:29:20

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How Travel Nourishes the Soul and Expands Life's Buffet

6/2/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin focuses on the personal growth benefits of travel. As Shelley says, "Travel isn’t just about checking off places on a map; it’s about diving headfirst into a yummy-delicious buffet of experiences, each one adding a unique flavor to the grand banquet of life." Read her article about how to "Savor the Journey," here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/how-travel-nourishes-the-soul-and-expands-lifes-buffet/ SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with her here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune into Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk

Duration:00:38:18

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Johnny Schaefer - Celebrate Pride Month

6/2/2024
Celebrate Pride Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast with award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer. Enjoy this conversation covering the history of Pride Month and LGBTQ rights, music to celebrate Pride Month, and more. Johnny Schaefer co-hosts the Big Daily Blend podcast every 1st Sunday. Keep up with him and his music at https://hearjohnny.com/ PRIDE MONTH MUSIC PLAYLIST * On YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/234jbn6h * On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc72k36b PLUS, listen to last year's Pride Month Podcast with Johnny Schaefer, author Gayla Turner, and singer/songwriter Jill Knight: https://tinyurl.com/38jwd8jm

Duration:01:08:32

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Tasting the Fine Wines of Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon

6/1/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Ponzi Vineyards' winemaker Max Bruening. Nestled in the rolling hills of Oregon’s revered Willamette Valley, Ponzi Vineyards continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its dedication to crafting exceptional wines that truly reflect the essence of the terroir. With a legacy of winemaking excellence that spans over four decades, the winery has established itself as a pioneer in the region, consistently producing wines of outstanding quality and distinction. Read Linda's review of three standout offerings from Ponzi Vineyards: the vibrant 2021 Ponzi Laurelwood Chardonnay, the elegant 2021 Ponzi Laurelwood Pinot Noir, and the exquisite 2019 Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve. Article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-taste-of-oregons-finest-wines-ponzi-vineyards/ Plus, see the recipe for Spring Nettle Pesto Recipe from Chef Nathan Jones at Ponzi Vineyards: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spring-nettle-pesto/ Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/

Duration:00:43:21

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Catching Up with Shelley King - Madam Mystic Album

5/31/2024
Award-winning Texas singer-songwriter and musician Shelley King returns to Big Blend Radio to catch us up about her active touring schedule and her 10th album "Madam Mystic." This is the third album that she has collaborated on with John Magnie and Steve Amedée, members of the renowned New Orleans group, The Subdudes. She also worked with esteemed musicians and vocalists Eric Thorin, Cindy Cashdollar, Will McFarlane, Shawn Camp, Carolyn Wonderland, Greta Cornett and Phuong Nguyen, Matt Skinner, and Tim Cook. Shelley King's decades-long journey in the music industry has been on her terms. She's taken on the roles of songwriter, band leader, studio producer, owner of her own label and publishing company, to self-release all of her work. Her talent, energy, commitment to the craft, and service to the community led her to be recognized by the Texas Legislature and appointed Official Texas State Musician. She’s won several Austin Music Awards, and had her songs recorded by several internationally known musicians. More at https://www.shelleyking.com/ This episode is featured on the following Big Blend Radio podcast channels: Big Daily Blend, Women Making History, A Toast to The Arts, and Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll. Keep up with our shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Duration:00:43:38

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Dr. Helen McKibben - Drop: Making Great Decisions

5/30/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Dr. Helen McKibben, a seasoned clinical therapist with over 35 years of experience, and the creator of the innovative and unique self-help technique, "Dropping to the Blank Screen." Hear about her new book “Drop: Making Great Decisions" that teaches how to use neuroscience to activate the brain in the way it is designed to work emotionally, and to change your brain's responses to yourself and other people. You can use your emotional instincts to make great decisions. Trust your brain and set yourself up for self-reliance. McKibben holds a doctorate in psychology, counseling licenses in multiple states, and national certification. She is passionate about neuroscience and the interaction between the brain and emotions. https://helenmckibben.com/

Duration:00:33:57

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Author Leo Daughtry - Talmadge Farm

5/29/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Leo Daughtry discusses his debut novel, "Talmadge Farm" that transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. It's a sweeping drama that follows three unforgettable families navigating the changing culture of North Carolina at a pivotal moment in history. "Talmadge Farm" (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author's personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, North Carolina, during periods of turbulent societal change. More at: https://www.leodaughtry.com/ Leo Daughtry is a life-long resident of North Carolina. After graduating from Wake Forest University and its School of Law, he established a private law practice in Smithfield, N.C. He was a member of the N.C. House and Senate for 28 years, including serving as House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader.

Duration:00:29:44

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Debbie Stone - Little Rock is an Arkansas Gem

5/28/2024
This is episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/ Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

Duration:00:32:23

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Innkeepers Baking for Soldiers

5/27/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Innkeepers who Bake for Activie Duty Military. Hear about their service and military heroes in their lives, and the treats they baked as part of the Soldiers' Angels program. FEATURED GUESTS: - Karen Wilson - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Tiffany Bertram - Tiffanys Bed & Breakfast near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visit: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ - Maria Chamberlain - The Inn at OxBow Acres in Milan, New Hampshire. Visit: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/ - Chef Rob Wezwick - US Airforce Veteran & Ash Street Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire. Visit: https://www.ashstreetinn.com/ Special shout out to Jay Shulz, Retired Army Officer & Owner of Spartan Photography for Baking for Soldiers with The Lion & The Rose B&B. Visit https://spartanphotography.zenfolio.com/ Learn more about the two main military support programs the inns collaborate with: * B&Bs for Vets: https://bandbsforvets.org/ * Soldiers Angels: https://soldiersangels.org/

Duration:00:45:33

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Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia's Textile Designs for Fuller Fabrics

5/26/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, talks about the new exhibist, "Ted DeGrazia's Textile Designs for Fuller Fabrics." From 1952 to 1956, Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia designed Southwestern novelty prints for Fuller Fabrics of New York. DeGrazia’s prints were sold nationwide in fabric stores and were featured in ready-to-wear fashions sold in hundreds of department stores. This exhibit features textile design watercolors, Fuller Fabrics yardage samples, and garments made with DeGrazia prints. This exhibit is on display now through January 2025. 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/

Duration:00:21:07

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Joey Stuckey - It's Summer Road Trippin' Time!

5/26/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Celebrates the Start of Summer Road Trippin' Season with a fun discussion about Road Trip Music, Books, Movies, and more! Special guest is Joey Stuckey, Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia "The Southern Rock Capital of the World. Joey, who co-hosts the Big Daily Blend podcast every 4th Sunday, is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, and sound engineer. More: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ BIG BLEND RADIO EXTRAS: * Summer Road Trip Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/53jk298y * Traveler's Tales Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3wnv8cdd * Roadside Attractions Online Crossword: https://tinyurl.com/y53vxeev * Steve Schneickert Recalls the Hollywood History of Travel Movies Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/a97kzd5w

Duration:01:12:06

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Fascinating Family History Research Stories & Findings

5/25/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows, he discusses Family History Research with three special guests, and everyone has some fascinating stories and findings from their genealogy adventures to share! Read Glynn's Family History Research article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-research-in-many-guises/ FEATURED GUESTS * ARYN YOUNGLESS is a writer and genealogist in the Los Angeles region. Visit: https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ * JO CLARK is a travel writer and photographer in South Carolina who is actively researching her family history in the UK. See her Gettysburg Family History story, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/ * ELAINE POWERS is a retired biologist and author in Tucson, Arizona and board member of the Tucson Sisters in Crime writers group. She's related to Edgar Allan Poe! Visit: https://elaineapowers.com/ GLYNN BURROWS is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. * Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Follow his podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History channel.

Duration:01:11:35

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Super Summer in Palm Springs, Southern California

5/25/2024
From lounging poolside to sunrise hiking adventures, shopping and dining, and sizzling summer lodging deals, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show is all about Having a Super Summer in Palm Springs, Southern California. FEATURED GUESTS: * KIMBERLI MUNKRES from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, a consortium of independently-owned boutique hotels in the desert resort community of Palm Springs, in Southern California. View the hotels and sign up the the monthly Boutiquely Palm Springs newsletter here: https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/ * KIMBER FOSTER is the Director of Palm Springs Tourism. Hear about her summer recommendations for unique activities and special events that include the upcoming Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (May 31-June 9, 2024), the performing arts, pet-friendly fun, and more. Visit: https://visitpalmsprings.com/ Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://palm-springs-sunshine-stays.podbean.com/

Duration:00:26:06