Produced by Big Blend Radio, the Big Daily Blend is a themed podcast that celebrates holidays and observances, pop culture, and historic happenings. Broadcasting daily,  you can follow the podcast below or listen to the shows on your favorite podcast outlet

Big Daily Blend Podcast - 2024-2025

Big Blend Radio "Quality of Life" podcasts and expert interviews that focus on health and wellness, family and parenting, education, personal development, style and beauty, and more.

Quality of Life Podcast - 2024-2025

Big Blend Radio "Vacation Station" travel podcast Interviews focusing on Travel, Recreation, Destinations, and Events. Hosts are Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, including Vacation Station travel magazine.

Vacation Station Travel Podcast: 2024-2025

Big Blend Radio interviews about food, wine and travel writing, with select writer members of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). See www.IFWTWA.org.

International Food Wine Travel Writers Association

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on unique small weddings and elopements in Asheville, North Carolina. Hear about getting hitched on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a historic Victorian Mansion, a record store, and more, plus, romantic places that may lead to that special engagement! 

Featured Guests:
- Steve & Karen Wilson @thelionandtherose2246 - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/
- Jay Schulz - Photographer and owner of Spartan Photography. More: https://spartanphotography.zenfolio.com/

Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show: http://tinyurl.com/3ewrb9b4

Small Weddings and Elopements in Asheville, North Carolina

From farmers' markets and agricultural events to farm-to-table dining, museums,  botanial gardens, and farmcentric attractions and activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Thursday "California Sequoia Country" Show with the Sequoia Tourism Council focuses the farm and agricultural experience you can have in Tulare County.

Featured Guests from Sequoia Tourism Council:
- Donnette Silva Carter - Tulare Chamber or Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/
- Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Info: https://www.visitvisalia.com/

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: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

Farm Fun in California's Sequoia Country

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates 17 years of podcasting, plus the Big Weekly Blend podcast expanding to become the Big Daily Blend, and themed show that celebrates holidays and observances, pop culture and historic happenings. 

FEATURED GUESTS:
- Johnny Schaefer - Award-winning  vocalist and songwriter who co-hosts Big Daily Blend every 1st Sunday. More:  https://hearjohnny.com/
- Eva Eldridge – Travel writer and editor who writes various Big Blend publications. More: https://evaeldridge.com/
- Steve Schneickert - Actor, performer, and Big Blend Radio's Hollywood Historian. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/steve-schneickert-hollywood-history/

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them; and its essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers.” Leonard Bernstein

BIG WINDY MUSIC MIX Playlist:
- YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/5n7b5szy
- Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/3jdtawvj

PUZZLE OF THE DAY: Big Windy Crossword Puzzle: http://tinyurl.com/46c38mpp

RECIPE OF THE DAY is the Ultimate Black Bean Burgers by Chef Candy Lesher: http://tinyurl.com/36wk672x

MOVIES & BOOKS OF THE DAY: "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wind in the Willows."

Big Blend Radio Celebrates 17 Years and a New Daily Podcast

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin shares advice on how to face one's fears and embrace the adventure of following your dreams. Read her article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/face-your-fears-to-move-forward-on-your-dreams/

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/isV4JySxM4g

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: https://tinyurl.com/5xmkm227

Shelley Whizin - Facing Your Fears to Follow Your Dreams

In celebration of National Fourth Grader Day that's observed every second Monday of January, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features Ivan Levin, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Communications for the National Park Trust, who discusses the organization's initiatives to introduce kids to parks where they can learn, play, and be inspired to become America’s strongest, most diverse generation of park stewards.

One of their key programs is Annual Kids To Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors. More at https://parktrust.org/

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.” Theodore Roosevelt 

BOOK OF THE DAY is "The Great Weather Diviner" by Rob Long and Andrew Dolberg. Hear their Big Blend Radio interview: http://tinyurl.com/5ews6849

MUSIC OF THE DAY is the new "Bearings" album by traveling composer Ben Cosgrove. Hear his latest Big Blend Radio interview: http://tinyurl.com/57cumfvk

MOVIE OF THE DAY is Steve Schneickert's Hollywood History podcast on National Parks: http://tinyurl.com/2p9yhxsb

PUZZLE OF THE DAY is an online jigsaw puzzle of Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park. See: http://tinyurl.com/uwu3a29d

RECIPE OF THE DAY is a list of tips from cookbook author Ruth Milstein on planning a family picnic in the park.  See: http://tinyurl.com/pkb8snv9

Ivan Levin - Celebrating Kids in Parks

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Fahad Siddiqui, co-founder of Our Story Media Group that publish history books for kids promoting multicultural education and empathy. Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rugQ6ZZnmJI

Our increasingly interconnected world demands a globally-focused education system for kids, which is why Fahad Siddiqui co-founded Our Story! With bright, colorful illustrations, the Our Story book series introduces kids to influential historical figures, many of whom are overlooked in Western curriculums. Written for children ages 8-12, Our Story books focus on historical role models such as Mansa Musa and Fatima Al-Fihri, inspiring kids to reach their full potential. Our Story is also partnering with CAMFED to fund a full day's education for a girl in need for each book purchased. 

Learn more at https://www.ourstory.media/

Fahad Siddiqui - Our Story Multicultural History Books for Kids

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Dave DeGolyer from Explore Steuben, who shares what to experience in Corning and Steuben County, up in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York.   

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mW2i4tiq_Yw

Between the extraordinary landscape and outdoor adventures, the charming small towns, the variety and affordability of activities, the accessibility of the region, the first-rate culinary options and award-winning wineries, world-renowned art, and the laid-back, unpretentious vibe that distinguishes the region’s personality, it’s difficult to find anywhere quite like Steuben County. Plan your visit: http://www.exploresteuben.com/

SAVE THE DATE: September 8-11, 2024 for the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2024 Professional Development Conference. Learn more at https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Dave DeGolyer - Explore Steuben County in Upstate New York

In celebration of International Creativity Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features Steve Piacente who shares how creativity is a key ingredient for the recipe of life. Hear about his books, life coaching practice, and new commercial photography venture. 

Steve Piacente is the owner of Next Phase Life Coaching, a novelist, photogragher, former journalist, and Director of Training at The Communication Center in Washington, D.C. His novels include, “Bella,” “Pretender,” and “Bootlicker.” His latest non-fiction book is “Your New Fighting Stance: Good Enough Isn’t, and You Know It.”  Steve’s books are available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/3rn6et9u

You can learn more about Steve's life coaching services at https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and view and purchase his photography at https://www.piacentephotos.com/

QUOTES OF THE DAY are:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." (Einstein)
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." (Jack London)

MUSIC OF THE DAY is "Here's to Life" by Shirley Horne.

MOVIES OF THE DAY: "Once Upon a Time in America," and "As Good as it Gets."

PUZZLE OF THE DAY is an online jigsaw puzzle of a deer in snow, photo by Steve Piacente. See: http://tinyurl.com/2tjby55s

Steve Piacente - Celebrating Creativity in Life

In celebration of National Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features nature photographer Margot Carrera Margot Carrera Fine Art Photography & Design  who talks with Nancy & Lisa about orchids, sacred geometry, the health and wellness benefits plants provide, and more. View Margot's photography and designer gifts at http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it.” Confucius

PUZZLE OF THE DAY is an online jigsaw puzzle of orchid blossoms. Photo by Margot Carrera: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/nature-connection-plants-and-parks/
 
MUSIC OF THE DAY is "Black Orchid" and "Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants" album by Stevie Wonder. Listen on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/bdfynakn
Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/4emxx4nb

BOOKS OF THE DAY: "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, and "Hi Cacti: Growing Houseplants & Happiness" by Sabine Palermo - interview here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sabine-palermo-hi-cacti/

MOVIES OF THE DAY: "Adaptation" with Nicolas Cage - see: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268126/

Margot Carrera - Orchids and Houseplants

Edward C. Green is a medical anthropologist, former Harvard AIDS Prevention Project director, and former member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward he discusses his memoir, “On the Fringe: Confessions of a Maverick Anthropologist," that shares his personal and professional adventures as a rebel researcher and intrepid traveler.  "On the Fringe" is available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ydmvf52n

For more about Books Forward, visit https://booksforward.com/

Author Edward C. Green - On The Fringe

In celebration of National Arkansas day (January 11), this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show features Tiffany Bertram, innkeeper and owner of Tiffany's Bed & Breakfast near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hear about the Natural State's parks and destinations, music and movie pop culture, food, history, and more. Check out Tiffany's B&B here: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The sound of the blues, rhythm and blues, country music, is what we lived for, black and white alike. It gave you the strength to sit on one of those throbbing Allis-Chalmers tractors all day if you knew you were gonna hear something on the radio or maybe see a show that evening." Levon Helm 

ARKANSAS BLEND MUSIC PLAYLIST:
- YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/8yddwpn2
- Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/56pevwyh

PUZZLE OF THE DAY: Playing Cards Mural in Hot Springs online line jigsaw puzzle: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwzsme

RECIPES OF THE DAY: Breakfast at Tiffany's recipes for Green Chile Egg Bake and Coconut Banana Bread: http://tinyurl.com/yvwawx2c

BOOK OF THE DAY: "The Vapors: A Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Springs, America's Forgotten Capital of Vice" by David Hill

MOVIES OF THE DAY: "Sling Blade," "Walk the Line," and "The First Boys of Spring."

Tiffany Bertram - Amazing Arkansas!

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families.

This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be.

📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/

✈️ Read her family travel stories:
- London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/
- Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/
- Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/

🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/
🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/
🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Exploring the World with Kids: Family Travel Insights with Eileen Cotter Wright

Big Blend Radio interview about the World of Wine with Hilarie Larson, Certified Specialist of Wine; wine industry consultant with her company North Winds Wine Consulting; food, wine and travel writer; and member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Watch for her article and interview on French Wines in the Mar/Apr 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine. www.NorthWindsWineConsulting.com

Hilarie Larson: World of Wine

Big Blend Radio interview about Warm Winter Travel Destinations in Belize and Mexico, with travel writer and photographer John Lamkin, editor of FWT Magazine, published by the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Featured in the December 2015 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/0039965665934825f02a7?page=50

Latin America Winter Travel with John Lamkin

Big Blend Radio with travel writer Sandra  Chambers about 3 Luxury Spa Destinations in Hawaii and North Carolina A member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, Sandra is a freelance travel writer for a number of regional and local lifestyle publications. Article and interview featured in the Jan/Feb 2016 Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine > http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=54

Sandra Chambers: Luxury Spa Destinations

Big Blend Radio interview with food, wine and travel writer Robin Dohrn-Simpson about San Diego's Wine Country. Robin is a member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writer's Association - www.ifwtwa.org.

Robin Dohrn-Simpson: San Diego Wine Country

Big Blend Radio interview with travel writer and blogger Melanie Kaminski about her visit to historic Yuma, Arizona 'Gateway to the Great Southwest'. Melanie is a member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, and publisher of LA-Explorer.com. Read her article about Yuma in Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine > http://www.bigblendnetwork.com/exploring-historic-yuma.html

Melanie Kaminski Explores Historic Yuma Arizona

Select Big Blend Radio interviews that are featured in the digital, interactive Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine and Parks & Travel Magazine. Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers.