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 travel podcast with interviews on Parks & Public Lands, Historic Sites, and their local communities, destinations, and recreational opportunities. Hosts are Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter duo who travel full-time on their Love Your Parks Tour and publish Big Blend Magazines including Big Blend's Parks & Travel Magazine. More: https://nationalparktraveling.com/

Parks and Travel Podcast - 2024-2025

Big Blend Radio interviews focusing on Nature, Wildlife, Science, and the Environment. Hosts are Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, along with frequent guest co-host nature photographer Margot Carrera.

Nature Connection Podcast - 2024-2025

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), 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 with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," focuses on the world of coral farming. Featured guest is guitarist and aqua-culure specialist Micha Schellhaas, owner of Desert Coral Ranch in Joshua Tree, California.

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/4aAJcrOtU4I

Follow Micha's coral farming work at https://www.desertcoralranch.com/ or on https://www.instagram.com/desertcoralranch/

Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9wmudu

Linda Kissam and Micha Schellhaas - Coral Farming Insider

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

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 "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou," Linda takes us on a Colorado River rafting adventure in the Grand Canyon. "Rafting in the Wake of Georgie White - Woman of the River" is a Solas Award story in her book, "Lost Angel Unleashed."

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/v6D6iPy0rJI

Follow Linda's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/

Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com/

Linda Ballou - Rafting in the Wake of Georgie White

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast celebrates Take A Walk Outdoors Day (Every January 20th) with some fun pop culture highlights, walking destination ideas, and a Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" excerpt of an interview with cardiologist Dr. Jackie Eubany who shares advice on walking outdoors, and how much one needs to walk for improved heart health. Read her article about it here: http://tinyurl.com/yhez6xyu

FACEBOOK WALKING GROUP: Join us at #OneHourWalk - https://www.onehourwalk.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

SONG OF THE DAY: "Walking Boss" by The Walk-A-Bout Band. Listen: https://youtu.be/jqWS_TZIHPo?feature=shared

DOG WALKING ADVENTURE VIDEO with Lucy in the Pisgah National Forest: https://youtu.be/5di5oVKXh8Q?feature=shared

MOVIE OF THE DAY" "Wild" (2014) featuring Reese Witherspoon & Laura Dern

BOOKS & READING: 
* "Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail" by award-winning author Ben Montgomery. Listen to the Big Blend Radio Interview: http://tinyurl.com/2s3cmbun
* "Walks Far Man: In Step with History on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Jim Ostdick. Listen to the Big Blend Radio interviews:  http://tinyurl.com/yt5t67ak

Big Daily Blend - Take a Walk Outside

From Africa and Asia to North America, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast celebrates National Squirrel Appreciation Day (Every January 21st) with some fun facts about squirrels and their small rodent families. 

SONG OF THE DAY: Ray Stevens, "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival": https://youtu.be/K16fG1sDagU?feature=shared

TRAVELING BIRD (SQUIRREL) FEEDER videos on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSquirrels

Big Daily Blend - For the Love of Squirrels

From Dodge City to Paola, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates Kansas, "The Sunflower State," which was admitted to the Union as our 34th US State on January 29, 1861. Along with some music, movie, and literary pop culture, hear about the state's history, parks, and famous travel routes like Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway, and the Santa Fe and Pony Express National Historic Trails. 

PLAYLIST of BLEND RADIO Podcasts featuring Kansas: 
* YouTube:  http://tinyurl.com/pc9nhces
* Soundcloud: http://tinyurl.com/4hbhakk3

FAMOUS KANSAS - Check out this list on Wikipedia: http://tinyurl.com/3cykh42h

Big Daily Blend - Celebrating Kansas, The Sunflower State

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.

Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.

🎧 In this episode:
* Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters
* Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience
* Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere

🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/

🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork


Why Communities Need Green Spaces

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.