Select Big Blend Radio "A Toast to The Arts" podcasts and interviews that focus on music, books, film, theater, dance, performing and visual arts, and entertainment.

A Toast to The Arts Podcast: 2024-2025

Select Big Blend Radio "Rants, Raves & Rock n Roll" interviews and podcasts.

RANTS, RAVES & ROCK 'N ROLL

Big Blend Radio podcasts focusing on Business & Career, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Law & HR, Education, Personal and Professional Development. Hosts are Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines. See: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/success-express/

Success Express Business and Career Podcast

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), who talks about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and Chaco Canyon and Fort Union in Northern New Mexico. Hear about how these artist residency opportunities are perfect for artists of all mediums, from painters and sculptors to photographers, composers, writers, musicians, and more.

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.  

Learn more: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

National Parks Arts Foundation Artist Residencies in 2024

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

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

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Stephen DiJoseph, a renowned Billboard-honored pianist, vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist. Hear about his partnership with Deko Entertainment (ADA/Warner Music Group) for his new record release, Songs Dreams Circumstance, that features 12 award-winning songs earning praise and recognition from critics and competitions. 

DiJoseph is reminiscent of such iconic and varied artists as Michael Hedges, Peter Gabriel, Keith Jarrett, Cat Stevens, and John Mayer. More at https://www.stephendijoseph.com/

Songs Dreams Circumstance

Stephen DiJoseph - Song Dreams Circumstance

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Michael J. Cooper discusses his latest historical fiction novel, "Wages of Empire." 

In the summer of 1914, 16-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor. Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, “Wages of Empire” follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

Learn more at https://michaeljcooper.net/

Author Michael J. Cooper - Wages of Empire

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" show with Joey Stuckey, the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, Joey draws on his extensive experience as a blind award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer to share insights into the art and process of music production. 

From preparing for that first recording session and managing nerves, to budgeting, collaboration, and finding balance between creativity and perfectionism, Joey offers invaluable advice for both emerging and seasoned musicians. The conversation also reflects on the growth that comes from mistakes, the evolving role of home versus professional studios, and the importance of celebrating milestones like Joey’s inspiring Alive Day.

Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/

What You’ll Learn in this Episode
- How to prepare for the recording studio and set realistic expectations
- Why budgeting and collaboration matter in music production
- The value of mistakes and celebrating creative milestones

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Joey Stuckey and His Journey
02:27 Preparing for the Recording Studio
09:32 Realistic Expectations in Music Production
16:09 The Role of Home Studios and Remote Collaboration
25:32 The Art of Communication in Music Production
36:35 The Role of a Producer vs. Engineer
38:22 Artistic Intent and the Creative Process
39:57 Understanding the Unconventional
41:30 Nerves and Performance Anxiety in Music
43:01 Creating a Comfortable Studio Environment
45:02 The Importance of Honest Feedback
46:32 The Growth Process in Music Production
47:24 Recognizing Diminishing Returns in Recording
49:20 The Balance of Creativity and Perfectionism
51:34 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Detours
54:04 Celebrating Triumphs: Joey Stuckey's Alive Day

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll," and "Success Express" podcast channels. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

The Art of Recording Music - Insights from Joey Stuckey

The Yuma Boogie, Brews and Blues Festival happens on February 6, 2016 at Gateway Park within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, in Yuma, Arizona.  Listen to the Big Blend Radio interviews with organizer Robb Bower, and festival performers Zac Harmon, guitarist Scott Rhiner from The Moanin’ Blacksnakes, drummer Ric Lee from The Bayou Brothers Band, and guitarist Billy Thompson. This interview was featured in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine > http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=12

Yuma River Daze Boogie Brews & Blues Festival 2016

Big Blend Radio interview with San Jose, CA based blues guitarist Daniel Castro. Recent two albums include 'No Surrender' and 'Desperate Rain'. Interview is featured in the March/April issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine > http://www.bigblendnetwork.com/daniel-castro-band.html

Daniel Castro Blues Band

Big Blend Radio interview with attorney S. Ward Heinrichs Esq., partner at Backstrom & Heinrichs in San Diego, about the new California Labors Laws in 2016.  Article and interview is featured in Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=70

Attorney Ward Heinrichs: California Labor Laws 2016

Big Blend Radio interview with blues harp player Johnny Mastro, founder of Johnny Mastro & Mama's Boys Blues Band in New Orleans, about their new album 'Never Trust The Living'. Front cover Blues Insider story and interview in Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=6

Johnny Mastro & Mama's Boys Blues Band

Big Blend Radio interview with NYC duo Brie Capone and David Kaufman of The Humble Grapes, about their new singles and upcoming EP. Interview featured in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine > http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=11

The Humble Grapes

Big Blend Radio interview with guitarist extraordinaire Micha Schellhaas, about his full length debut album DOUBLE TAKE that features Supertramp guitar legend Carl Verheyen and drummer Chad Wackerman, who is best known for his work with Frank Zappa and Allan Holdsworth. Featured in Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=9

Micha Schellhaas: Double Take

Big Blend Radio Interview with Donn LeVie Jr., award-winning author, speaker, and former Fortune 500 hiring manager, discusses his new book ‘Strategic Career Engagement: The Definitive Guide to Getting Hired and Promoted.’ Featured in Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/00399656682fc2d6eca6a?page=71

Donn LeVie Jr: Strategic Career Management

Big Blend radio interview with Lynn Wiese Sneyd of LWS Literary Services, about Why Every Writer Needs a Good Editor. Article and interview featured in Dec. 2015 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/0039965665934825f02a7?page=13

Lynn Weise Sneyd: Why Writers Need Good Editors

Big Blend Radio interview with Rick & Wendy Walleigh,  coauthors  of 'FROM SILICON VALLEY TO SWAZILAND: How One Couple Found Purpose and Adventure in an Encore Career.' Article and interview featured in July 2015 issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/003996566b8be16f439b4?page=78

Rick & Wendy Walleigh: From Silicon Valley to Swaziland

Big Blend Radio interview with S. Ward Heinrichs, Esq., Partner at Backstrom & Heinrichs Attorneys at Law in San Diego, California, about the Liability Issues of Hiring Contractors. Article and interview featured in Mar/Apr issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine> http://en.calameo.com/read/0039965668863c4c81464?page=86

Ward Heinrichs: Liability of Hiring Independent Contractors

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.