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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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So Much to Experience in New York State

1/14/2025
Celebrate Travel Tuesday and National Shop for Travel Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA that features Ross D. Levi, Executive Director of the New York State Division of Tourism. From the Adirondacks and the Fingerlakes to Saratoga and the Big Apple, hear about the Empire State's seasonal activities and attractions thoughout its eleven travel regions, and some of the big celebrations and events coming up including the 2025 Bicentennial of the Erie Canal Completion, 2025 PGA Ryder Cup, Great Gatsby 100th Anniversary, America 250, and 2026 FIFA World Cup. Plan your New York State experience here: https://www.iloveny.com/ For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Duration:00:34:53

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New California Employment Laws for 2025

1/13/2025
This episode of Big Blend Radio's California Employment Law podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs focuses on the new California Employment Laws for 2025. Check out Ward's list of new laws and regulations, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/new-california-employment-laws-for-2025/ New laws covered in the podcast and article include: - Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) - Reproductive Loss Leave Mediation Program - Paid Family Leave (PFL) Vacation Protection - Leave for Victims of Crimes - Minimum Wage & Salary - Use of Driver’s License Restrictions - Freelance Worker Protection Act - Voluntary Captive Audience Meetings Based in San Diego, California, Ward represents both employers and employees in almost all areas of labor law. More: https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ Ward Heinrichs appears on Big Blend Radio very 4th Wednesday. Follow his podcast appearences here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3jXMGjBdJrHc4zxpoWFP5O

Duration:00:53:39

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A Taste Of Santa Rosa, California

1/12/2025
From wine tasting and fine dining to safari adventures, this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark gives us all a taste of Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County in Northern Calfornia. Read Jo's article about it all here: https://fwtmagazine.com/fall-in-love-with-santa-rosa-one-taste-at-a-time/ Check out more of Jo's articles about her visit to Sonoma County, here: * The Most Exciting Time in Sonoma: https://recipestravelculture.com/exciting-time-in-sonoma/ * Top Four Parks in Sonoma: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/top-4-parks-to-visit-in-sonoma-county/ 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:00:52:25

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How to Become a Horse Show Judge

1/11/2025
It's all about How to Become a Horse Show Judge on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Main Points of Discussion include: - Ring stewarding - Getting your foot in the door - References from show managers - Know the rule book for each association - Apply, get accepted, and go to a judge’s seminar - Getting carded 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:00:46:17

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Chef Insider: Ivan Flowers

1/11/2025
As part of Big Blend Radio's 18th Anniversary celebration, this episode looks back on 15 years of Chef Ivan Flowers' being an expert guest along with a lighthearted then-and-now discussion of his career as a 5-Star Chef and now Culinary Instructor. Learn more about Chef Ivan Flowers here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/chef-ivan-flowers/ Check out this list of Chef Ivan's Recipes & Big Blend Radio Podcast episodes here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/ivan-flowers/

Duration:00:40:26

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Exploring the Village of Barnes, England

1/10/2025
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Diane Dobry talks about her visit to Barnes, a charming village in London, England. From musician Marc Bolan's Memorial and the Olympic Sound Studios to upscale High Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens, read her story about her adventures, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/barnes-uk-the-little-village-with-big-distinction/ Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

Duration:00:34:13

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Winter Adventures in America's National Parks

1/9/2025
From Yellowstone and Bryce to Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast with travel writer Rose Palmer focuses on the wonderful and different winter experiences you can in America's National Parks. Check out Rose's National Park Stories: https://quiltripping.com/category/travel/north-america/usa/national-parks/ Follow Rose's adventures on her site: https://quiltripping.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station" Channels. Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Duration:00:56:33

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Five Steps to Good Heart Health in 2025

1/8/2025
From gentle cardio exercises like walking and yoga to a enjoying wholesome and nutritious meals, this episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast celebrates Staying Healthy Month by sharing five ways to creating a heart-healthy lifestyle this year. 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. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

Duration:00:25:45

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Relax, Restore & Rejuvenate in Asheville, North Carolina

1/7/2025
Are you ready to shrug off the stresses of 2024 and step into a relaxed and rejuvenated 2025? This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast shares how you can renew your body, mind, and spirit while helping this beautiful city renew after Hurricane Helene. Life is a journey and so is this recovery effort. So together, let's make it all happen! Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson "Mr & Mrs Wild, who own and run The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Melissa Long of Wake Foot Sanctuary, known for their thoughtfully formulated herbal soaks and rejuvenating massages that will de-stress and re-energize. More: https://wakespa.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Podcast Channels including "Quaility of Life" and "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Duration:00:42:21

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Big Blend Radio 18th Anniversary Show Celebrates Travel

1/7/2025
Big Blend Radio is celebrating 18 Years of Podcasting! Join us for this 3rd show of four days of celebrating this birthday milestone with mother-daughter hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith who travel full-time on their Love your Parks Tour while hosting the shows and publishing the digital series of Big Blend Magazines. Hear where and what our guests were up to when they were 18 years old...and, what music they were listening to. WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU LISTENING TO AT 18? Let us know in the comments, and we'll add it to our special (and growing) playlist on Spotify which you can listen to here: https://tinyurl.com/bdc3d99d FEATURED TRAVEL GUESTS: - Tiffany Bertram and her husband Bob own and run Tiffany's Bed & Breakfast that's located just outside Hot Springs, Arkansas. They're celebrating an anniversary too! More: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ - Lisa Evans is a travel writer, travel advisor, and author of "100 Things to do in Coastal Mississippi Before Your Die." More: https://writerlisa.com/ and https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-coastal-mississippi-before-you-die/ SPECIAL MESSAGES FROM TRAVEL FRIENDS: - Linda Ballou - Travel writer, author, and host of the Big Blend Radio "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast. More: https://lostangeladventures.com/ and http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and, hosts of the Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ LISTEN TO ALL SHOWS IN THIS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL HERE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm200_APQLsGkaiem6jlmg_b&feature=shared

Duration:01:25:07

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Big Blend Radio 18th Anniversary Show Celebrates Music

1/6/2025
Big Blend Radio is celebrating 18 Years of Podcasting! Join us for this 2nd show of three days of celebrating this birthday milestone with mother-daughter hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith who travel full-time on their Love your Parks Tour while hosting the shows and publishing the digital series of Big Blend Magazines. Hear where and what our guests were up to when they were 18 years old...and, what music they were listening to. WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU LISTENING TO AT 18? Let us know in the comments, and we'll add it to our special (and growing) playlist on Spotify which you can listen to here: https://tinyurl.com/bdc3d99d FEATURED MUSICAL GUESTS: - Pierre Bensusan - Acclaimed acoustic guitar virtuoso, vocalist, and composer. More: https://www.pierrebensusan.com/ - Lisa Sniderman - Singer, songwriter and playwright. More: https://www.aoedemuse.com/ SPECIAL MESSAGES FROM MUSICAL FRIENDS: - Joey Stuckey - Award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, and the official music ambassador for his home town of Macon, Georgia. More: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ - Nicki Kris - Singer, songwriter, and podcaster. More: https://www.nickikris.com/

Duration:01:57:22

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The Life and Work of a Transformational Life Coach

1/5/2025
This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin focuses on the work she does as a transformational life coach. You can check out the Q&A with her as well as the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 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 Shelley here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk

Duration:00:59:07

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Big Blend Radio 18th Year Anniversary Party

1/5/2025
Big Blend Radio is celebrating 18 Years of Podcasting! Starting with this Party, join us for three days of shows celebrating this birthday milestone with mother-daughter hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith who travel full-time on their Love your Parks Tour while hosting the shows and publishing the digital series of Big Blend Magazines. Hear where and what our guests were up to when they were 18 years old...and, what music they were listening to. WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU LISTENING TO AT 18? Let us know in the comments, and we'll add it to our special (and growing) playlist on Spotify which you can listen to here: https://tinyurl.com/bdc3d99d FEATURED PARTY GUESTS: - JOHNNY SCHAEFER - Award-winning singer-songwriter and cohost of our Big Daily Blend podcast every 1st Sunday. More @hearjohnny and https://hearjohnny.com/ - EVA ELDRIDGE - Travel and fiction writer, editor, and publishing expert. More: https://evaeldridge.com/ - JON DURANT - Acclaimed guitarist, composer, and producer. More: https://www.jondurant.com/ - BARBARA REDDING - Award-winning travel writer and photographer. More: https://barbararedding.com/ - SHARON K. KURTZ - Award-winning travel writer, photographer and podcaster. More: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ - JAMES BYFIELD - Singer/songwriter, roots musician and founder of the San Francisco blues-based band Blind Lemon Pledge. More: https://blindlemon-pledge.com/ - JO CLARK - Travel writer, photographer and podcaster. More: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ and https://recipestravelculture.com/ - KATHLEEN WALLS - Travel writer and author of fiction and non-fiction. More: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/ - CHUCK & MIKELYN WUSTMAN - Owners and innkeepers of The Bird & Butterfly Inn in Jasper, Texas. More: https://thebirdandbutterflyinn.com/ PECIAL MESSAGES FROM - GLYNN BURROWS - Owner of Norfolk Tours in England. More: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ - JULIE SUMAN - Travel writer and photographer. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/julie-dee-suman-travel-writer-and-photographer/

Duration:01:49:29

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Tasting the Exceptional Pinots of Ghost Hill Cellars in Oregon

1/4/2025
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Cameron Bower of Ghost Hill Cellars. Nuzzled in the heart of Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley, Ghost Hill Cellars stands as a marvelous example of exceptional winemaking craftsmanship, particularly renowned for its exquisite pinot noir offerings. Read Linda's article about her tasting experience, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-unforgettable-pinot-noir-experience-at-ghost-hill-cellars/ Learn more about Ghost Hill Cellars at https://www.ghosthillcellars.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/ This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Duration:00:38:05

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National Parks Arts Foundation Artist Residencies 2025

1/3/2025
This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Hear about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, and Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Plus, this year's opportunities for park destinations and artists of all genres to be part of their programming. NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs, and Workshops inspired by our National Parks, National Monuments, and World Heritage Sites. NPAF has supported over 300 programs, over 120 artists, and been the conduit for over a million dollars in artwork donations. Watch for Big Blend Radio's NPAF Retrospective, a digital publication featuring 8 years of podcast interviews with artists and park representatives! Keep up with us by getting our newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ Learn more: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Duration:00:49:44

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January is Healthy and Delicious at The Peanut Patch

1/3/2025
Get a Taste of January and Celebrate National Staying Healthy Month, Veganuary, Hot Tea Month, Hot Soup Month, and more with this episode of "The Peanut Patch," a Big Blend Radio foodie podcast featuring Donna George. Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, culinary gifts, and sweet treats including homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/ Check out Donna's recipes that include all kinds of delicious favorites from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday at 12pm Arizona Time. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/

Duration:00:20:30

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Discover California's Sequoia Country in 2025

1/2/2025
Are seeing those iconic Giant Sequoia Trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, on your bucket list? From hiking and wildlife watching to chasing waterfalls, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on what you can experience in these must-visit parks and forests, as well as their charming local art and agricultural communities that make up Tulare County, California including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include - Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia, https://www.visitvisalia.com/ Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

Duration:00:59:39

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Vegan Food and Wine Pairings

1/1/2025
Celebrate International Veganuary Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca and Chef Candy Lesher who discuss vegan food and wine pairings. Check out Chef Candy's vegan Cannellini Casserole Recipe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/cannellini-casserole/ Along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, Peggy Fiandaca owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona. Learn more at https://ldvwinery.com/ Chef Candy Lesher is a culinary wellness coach based in Phoenix, Arizona. View more recipes and learn about how she helps clients achieve their health goals at https://www.yourkitchenrx.com/ "Wine Time with Peggy" airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including the "Big Daily Blend," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Duration:00:52:20

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Visiting Maui and Supporting the Island's Renewal

1/1/2025
This episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz focuses on how visiting Maui in Hawai'i is a vital step in supporting the island's renewal after the deadly wildfires that devastated Lahaina in August 2023. From outrigger canoeing to cycling down a volcano, read Sharon's article about what you can experience in Maui, as well as how you can help support this magical and culturally historic destination, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/visiting-maui-a-vital-step-in-supporting-the-islands-renewal/ 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://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/ 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/.

Duration:00:37:00

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Carlsbad is a Must-Visit Southern California Destination

12/30/2024
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA that features Kim Sidoriak, President & CEO of Visit Carlsbad. Located in North San Diego County in Southern California, Carlsbad is a coastal playground and the ultimate destination to unwind and enjoy an unforgettable escape. Carlsbad offers abundant access to seven miles of pristine beaches and outdoor activities including surfing, golfing, biking, hiking trails and pickleball courts. A variety of luxury and budget friendly hotels are available for all visitors. Attractions including LEGOLAND® California Resort, Museum of Making Music and the iconic Flower Fields, provide an ideal family experience. Championship caliber golf courses, a vibrant culinary scene and brewery scene, relaxing spa experiences and much more awaits. Plan your Carlsbad experience here: https://visitcarlsbad.com/ For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Duration:00:25:50