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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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Dr. Ronald Ruff - Raising Children to Thrive

5/13/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's QUALITY OF LIFE Podcast features Dr. Ronald Ruff who discusses his book, "Raising Children to Thrive: Affect Hunger & Responsive, Sensitive Parenting." In this world of information overload and constant distraction, parents are experiencing an urgent need for direction on how to raise their children based on the cutting-edge science of child development. New research shows that infants possess considerable social and emotional capacity to engage their parents in ways that run far deeper than ever before realized. After running a private practice for forty-eight years, Dr. Ruff, a veteran psychologist, has created an essential resource for parents who are searching for evidence-based, best practice models to help them raise happy, kind, and self-aware kids. The book is available on pre-order now, and will be out on June 11, 2024. More at https://ronaldruff.com/

Duration:00:41:14

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Jo Clark - Experiencing Gettysburg in the Footsteps of Ancestors

5/12/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear about her roots travel experiences in Gettysburg, where she literally stepped in the footsteps of her ancestors. Read her article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/ Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd

Duration:00:49:07

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Christy Wood - Horse Care, Colic, and Common Sense

5/11/2024
It's all about Horse Care, Colic, and Common Sense on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/ The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

Duration:00:54:31

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Marni Patterson - A Walk Through Ancient & Modern History in Northern Greece

5/10/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Marni Patterson talks about her 10-day experience in Northern Greece where she traveled through centuries of history. Hear how she walked in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Paul the Apostle, saw monasteries that date back to the 11th century, monuments to World War I, met revolutionary heroes, and saw tragic reminders of Nazi occupation. She also discovered some fascinating women's history. You can read her article about it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ancient-northern-greece/ Marni Patterson is a freelance travel writer, photographer and videographer in Phoenix, AZ who writes about destination travel, local customs and cultures, and history. Keep up with her at https://mptravelwriting.com Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

Duration:00:34:32

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Singer-Songwriter Ted Brown - Solstice Canyon Loop Album

5/9/2024
Best known as longtime guitarist, vocalist and collaborator in the Greg Johnson Band, Ted Brown has released his third studio album "Solstice Canyon Loop." Hear all about it on this episode of Big Blend Radio, along with some banter about his move from New Zealand to the US, his music career and songwriting, and some conversation on music history. The album “Solstice Canyon Loop” is a reminiscence of a journey. From Ted’s crazy, dangerous troubled twenties in his hometown of AK New Zealand, to his restoration to sanity in Los Angeles CA. He was able to start again in the U.S. and had time to really pause and reflect on this during the lockdown months of the pandemic. Plus, Ted really got in touch with the memory of some of those who never made it. Calling on members of his 70’s Country cover band, The Electric Fields, Ted assembled some of his favorite L.A. guys to play on the record. Notably, Dusty Wakeman on Bass (Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Buck Owens), Mark Hart on Keys (Crowded House, Supertramp), Joel Martin on Guitar (Grateful to the Core, Pearl), Tim Walker on Pedal Steel (Glen Campbell, Jimmy Webb, The White Buffalo) and CalArts Alum and musician extraordinaire Rob Anderson on Drums. Ben King, Ted’s Greg Johnson bandmate, added sweet harmonies from his studio in NZ. More at http://www.tedbrownsongs.net/

Duration:00:47:21

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Filmmaker Jennifer Takaki - Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story

5/9/2024
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features filmmaker Jennifer Takaki who discusses the making of the documentary, "Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story," and how photographer Corky Lee influenced her work. For 50 years, Chinese American photographer Corky Lee documented the celebrations, struggles, and daily lives of Asian American Pacific Islanders with epic focus. Determined to push mainstream media to include AAPI culture in the visual record of American history, Lee produced an astonishing archive of nearly a million compelling photographs. His work takes on new urgency with the alarming rise in anti-Asian attacks during the Covid pandemic. Jennifer Takaki’s intimate portrait reveals the triumphs and tragedies of the man behind the lens. Learn more at: https://photographicjustice.com/ The film will have a nationwide US television release, premiering Monday, May 13 at 10/9C on PBS (check local listings) and on PBS apps to follow. More at: https://www.pbs.org/show/photographic-justice-the-corky-lee-story/ Filmmaker Jennifer Takaki is a fourth generation Japanese American from Colorado. She began her career in journalism at a Denver TV station and later moved to Hong Kong to work with Encore International. In Hong Kong she produced English-based news programming broadcast in China, India, and the Middle East via Rupert Murdoch’s STAR-TV. In New York, she produced and directed “Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story” which premiered at DOC NYC and was supported by the Ford Foundation and The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). She was awarded the prestigious Better Angels Lavine Fellowship in 2023.

Duration:00:14:46

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Author Jennifer Moorhead - Broken Bayou

5/8/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Louisiana author, writer, and filmmaker Jennifer Moorhead, who discusses her novel, "Broken Bayou." In this debut thriller, a troubled child psychologist returns to a small Louisiana town to protect her secrets but winds up having to protect her life. More: https://www.jennifermoorhead.com/ Published by Thomas & Mercer and out on July 1, 2024, "Broken Bayou" available for pre-order on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/wph65pyp For more about Books Forward, visit https://booksforward.com/

Duration:00:34:15

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Dr. Jackie Eubany - Women's Heart Health

5/8/2024
Did You Know that Heart Disease remains the Number One Killer of Women in the United States, killing more women than breast and lung cancer combined? In honor of Women's Health Month, this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast is all about Heart Health for Women. Hear about prevention, along with easy (and fun) lifestyle and dietary changes that can boost heart health. Dr. Jacqueline Eubany is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book, "Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story." More: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ New episodes of "Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie" air every 2nd Wednesday at 12pm PST. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

Duration:00:32:19

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Wine Tours, Brews & Photography Adventures in Asheville

5/7/2024
Celebrate National Tourism Day with episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on wine and photography tours, plus, the city's famous brewery scene. 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/ - Chris & Bonnie Allen - Asheville Photo Tours: https://ashevillephoto.tours/ - Ryan & Terri Watts - Asheville Wine Tours: https://www.ashevillewinetours.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/

Duration:00:51:02

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Mike Guardia - Medics and Nurses in Combat

5/6/2024
In honor of National Nurses Day (May 6, 2024) and National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Military Monday" Show with award-winning military historian and author Mike Guardia, focuses on medics and nurses in combat. Hear about WWII combat nurse Lt. Avis Schorer (nee Dagit) who served with an evacuation hospital in North Africa and Italy; and Alfred Velazquez Rascon, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a medic near Long Khánh Province during the Vietnam War. 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:00:44:49

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Shelley Whizin - Embracing Self-Care

5/5/2024
As a Mother's Day Tribute to Nurturing Yourself, this episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin focuses on how to embrace self-care. As Shelley says, "Celebrating Mother’s Day often revolves around honoring the incredible women who have nurtured us. Yet, amidst the busyness of life and caretaking responsibilities, many mothers forget a crucial person in their nurturing equation: themselves. This Mother’s Day let’s explore the beautiful journey of self-care and reflect on the importance of mothering oneself with as much love and tenderness as we give to others." Read her article about it all, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/embrace-self-care/ 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:00:51:04

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Johnny Schaefer and Paco Silva - A Taste of Mexico

5/5/2024
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Get a Taste of Mexico on this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast with award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer, and his filmmaker husband Paco Silva. Enjoy this conversation covering music and filmmaking, Mexican cuisine, travel, history 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/ CELEBRATE MEXICO: - MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/13lB2AwcrN2j1rZ5A8ybGo?si=4a88d15420b549d7 - ARTICLES & PODCASTS: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/mexico-latin-america/ - FOOD & RECIPES: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/mexican-food/

Duration:01:31:32

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Linda Kissam and Candy Lesher - Exploring the Arts of Cooking Like a Dame

5/4/2024
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," and Chef Candy Lesher, talks about the virtual cooking class series, Cooking Like a Dame, that is now offered by the Phoenix Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI PHX). This chapter is very involved in cultivating Arizona’s future culinarians through the high school C-CAP program (Careers Through Culinary Arts.) If you’ve found yourself in a cooking rut, you’re in luck. Take your kitchen skills to the next level with online cooking classes taught by world-class chefs. Learn more about the program in Linda's article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-the-art-of-cooking-like-a-dame-in-the-virtual-kitchen/ Plus, check out Chef Candy Lesher's Vegetarian Tortilla Soup recipe as discussed on the show: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/vegetarian-tortilla-soup/ Learn more about Chef Lesher at https://www.yourkitchenrx.com/ 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:00:32:10

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Rick San Nicolas - Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i

5/3/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeling a deep connection to the environment and its historical significance. He finds inspiration in the ancient Hawaiian featherwork tradition, particularly in the regalia worn by Hawaiian Royalty and warriors. This year Rick travels to Washington D.C. to present his featherwork for inclusion in the collection of the Museum of the Department of Interior as well as having it on display in the office of Secretary Deborah Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He is also a consulting advisor in historical featherwork on the upcoming TV Series "Chief of War," starring Jason Momoa. More at: https://www.hawaiianfeathers.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:00:59:45

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Wonderful Ways to Experience and Explore California's Sequoia Country

5/2/2024
From hiking and cycling to kayaking and downtown public art and history walks, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the various ways to explore and experience Tulare County. 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. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia, Cassidy Collins - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Kristy Martin - Porterville Chamber of Commerce Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast: - Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Visit Visalia - https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Tulare Chamber of Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Porterville Chamber of Commerce - https://www.portervillechamber.org/

Duration:00:31:38

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Peggy Fiandaca - A Taste of May

5/1/2024
From Mother's Day (May 12) and National Wine Day (May 25) to Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27) and National Asparagus Month, Get a Taste of May on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast. Hear about spring growth in the LVD Winery vineyard, Peggy's wine term of the month, and special events and new wine releases in the tasting room. Of course, we always chat about seasonal food and wine pairings, and Peggy's latest recipe. This month it's how to make Fresh Asparagus with Blender Hollandaise. Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/fresh-asparagus-with-blender-hollandaise/ 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:00:34:40

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Faye Brenner - Collywobbles: Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety

4/30/2024
An irresistible compulsion to travel and a nervous affliction: put these together and you get the collywobbles, that jittery feeling one gets from anxiety. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" Travel Show features author and world traveler Faye Brenner who chats about some of her travel experiences and her book "Collywobbles: Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety." Part memoir and part travelogue, "Collywobbles" takes readers on amusing journeys from climbing up to the gargoyles atop Notre Dame to crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam, all the while wrought with multiple anxieties - from the fear of heights to the fear of getting lost. As she seeks ways to overcome her angst, Faye continues to pursue worldly pleasures in the arts, food, phalluses, and, oddly enough, toilets. More at https://www.fayebrenner.com/

Duration:00:39:43

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Guitarist Michael Kessler - “Gravel Road” Album

4/29/2024
Guitarist Michael Kessler joins Big Blend Radio for a fun conversation about his music and new album "Gravel Road," the Wisconsin music scene, plus, being a Horologist (a person that makes or repairs watches or clocks). Kessler worked with Milwaukee producer/musician/engineer Gary Tanin at Daystorm Music to take on the full-length album "Gravel Road." Primarily a solo affair with guest musicians, Kessler recruited Georgia Rae to add fiddle while Tanin enlisted Chicken Wire Empire’s Ernest Brusubardis IV (fiddle) and Joe Vent on Bass. On "Gravel Road," Kessler draws influence from Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Funk, and Blues resulting in an acoustic melting pot. The album is out now in all digital outlets.

Duration:00:36:59

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Poet Lauren Martin - Night of the Hawk

4/28/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Earth Month and National Poetry Month with Lauren Martin who discusses her book, "Night of the Hawk: Poems" which will be out on May 14, 2024 through She Writes Press. A powerful and wise poetry collection on shamanism, feminism, and disability, "Night of the Hawk" tells untold stories of the marginalized. Inspired by the Lauren's own experiences as an aging woman living with chronic illness, the poems in this collection will inspire readers to seek compassion and kindness in an often inhospitable world. LAUREN MARTIN is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá, and to the writing of this collection of poems. More at: https://www.laurenmartin.net/

Duration:00:50:34

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Joey Stuckey - Guitars, Jazz and Poetry

4/28/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Celebrates April being International Guitar Month, Jazz Apprecation Month, and National Poetry Month. 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: * International Guitar & Jazz Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2wd3886f * Poet Seaborn Jones on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2cre7den

Duration:01:20:22