On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone takes listeners to Abruzzo, Italy, where she dined on a historic trabocco—a traditional wooden fishing structure turned extraordinary seafood restaurant.

Debbie shares the history of these fascinating coastal platforms, originally designed for fishing, and now repurposed for unique dining experiences like the one she had at Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio. From fresh seafood and regional pasta to local wines and seaside views, this episode blends history, cuisine, and atmosphere into an unforgettable Italian travel story.

📌 Key Takeaways:
• Abruzzo is a diverse central Italian region with mountains and coastlines.
• Trabocchi are historic fishing machines, now iconic coastal structures.
• Dining on a trabocco combines local cuisine with historical ambiance.
• Punta Cavalluccio serves flavorful seafood and regional pasta like Sagneti.
• Guests can choose from over 60 wine labels.
• Meals are designed to be relaxed, immersive, and memorable.
• Culinary tourism reveals local stories and traditions.
• Debbie hints at future travel plans in Spain and beyond.

📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dining-at-a-trabocco-along-italys-picturesque-adriatic-coast/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/
🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Channel:
https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Dining on a Trabocco in Abruzzo

In Part 2 of this Big Blend Radio California Employment Law Podcast series covering Minimum Wage Laws, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the latest wage increases impacting healthcare and hospitality workers in California. With living costs on the rise and pandemic aftershocks still rippling through the workforce, these new minimum wage mandates are creating both opportunities and legal challenges. This episode breaks down what these increases mean for employers and employees, and why staying legally informed is more critical than ever.

📖 Read & Listen to Part One:
“Midyear Reminder of New California Minimum Wage Laws 2025” – Covers the FAST Recovery Act, federal complications, and broader wage law updates.
https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025/

📖 Read the current article:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025-part-2/
👨‍⚖️ About Ward Heinrichs: http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/
🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

California Minimum Wage Changes 2025: Health Care and Hospitality Workers

In celebration of International Self-Care Day, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany—author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”—explores why self-care is essential for heart health. From the importance of sleep and mindfulness to the evolving role of AI in healthcare, this episode offers practical and empowering ways to prioritize your well-being, especially for caregivers and women at risk for heart disease.

Dr. Jackie shares how stress management, learning about your own health, and even travel can all be powerful self-care tools. The conversation emphasizes that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s vital.

📘 Learn more about her book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/
🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Why Self-Care Matters for Heart Health

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show highlights the vibrant and welcoming community of Bunkie, Louisiana, which has been recognized as the Jefferson Highway Community of 2025. The conversation showcases Bunkie’s deep historical roots, growing tourism efforts, and the pride residents take in their culture and heritage.

Featured Guests:
- Roger Bell – Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association
- Brenda Sampson – Mayor of Bunkie, Louisiana
- Wilbert Carmouche – Executive Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism
- Mary Guillory – Co-Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism
- Lynette Clarke – Bunkie Historian

From railroad history and agricultural traditions to mouthwatering local cuisine (especially boudin!), the discussion celebrates what makes Bunkie such a unique and engaging stop along the Jefferson Highway. The episode also touches on community collaboration, future tourism plans, and the value of preserving cultural landmarks and stories. Learn more at https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Bunkie, Louisiana: Jefferson Highway Community of 2025

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity throughout Los Angeles.

Featured Guests:
🌳 Joe Laskin – Director of Development, North East Trees – https://www.northeasttrees.org/
🌿 Cheryl Leutjen – Author of “Love Earth Now” and “Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees – https://cherylleutjen.com/


Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change.

📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

*** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East Trees

Greening Los Angeles: The Transformative Work of North East Trees

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “English Connection” with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours—explores the unique charm and cultural richness of England’s small towns and villages. From quaint pubs and vibrant village greens to the culinary traditions and walking paths that connect communities, Glynn highlights how these rural areas are vital to the nation’s heritage and sustainable future. The conversation also touches on local business support, historical village names, and even graveyard etiquette, offering a thoughtful glimpse into the everyday life—and deeper legacy—of England’s countryside communities.

🎧 Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every 4th Saturday to share stories about England’s past and present, and to help listeners explore their family roots.

📍 Learn more in Glynn’s companion article:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/experience-englands-charming-villages/
🎙 Listen to more of Glynn’s episodes: https://english-connection.podbean.com/

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels.
🎧 Explore more shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Discover the Charm of English Villages

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, shares the fascinating stories behind the permanent exhibit “DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends.” Created in 1975, the series was inspired by traditional Papago (now Tohono O’odham, meaning “desert people”) legends, including The Creation of the World, The Monster of Quitovac, The Eagle-Man, and Ho’ok. Through vivid, expressive imagery, DeGrazia honored these Indigenous stories, helping preserve their cultural significance through visual storytelling.

Lance also talks about the life and legacy of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, whose bold work remains among the most reproduced in the world. The conversation covers DeGrazia's deep ties to Native American and Mexican heritage, his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, and his influence on generations of art lovers.

You'll also hear about the current rotating exhibits on display through September 3, 2025: “Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera,” “Louise Serpa’s Portraits of Ted DeGrazia,” and “The Way of the Cross.”

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Open 361 days a year, the gallery offers a unique glimpse into the artistic spirit of the Southwest.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org
🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday
📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com
This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Ted DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends

Part 2 of 3 in our “Main Streets, Villages, Historic Downtowns & Plazas” series celebrating Independent Retailer Month!

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a lively panel discussion exploring the vital role of Main Streets and historic downtowns in shaping community identity, boosting local economies, and enhancing cultural tourism. From the preservation of architecture and museums to the rise of food trails, local bookstores, and festivals, our guests highlight how small-town authenticity and community engagement drive revitalization and lasting impact.

🎧 Panel Guests:
- Jeffrey Spear – Food Writer & Award-Winning Cookbook Author: https://spearwrites.com/
- Clifford Garstang – Award-Winning Author & Editor: https://cliffordgarstang.com/
- Matt Cost – Award-Winning Author: https://www.mattcost.net/
- Diane Dobry – Travel Writer: https://gettinghungary.com/ & https://discoverydaze.com/

🕰️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:47 – Community & Tourism
05:32 – Authenticity in Downtowns & Villages
08:11 – Personal Experiences in Downtowns
10:51 – Historical Significance of Villages
13:31 – Balancing Modern Needs with Historical Integrity
16:05 – The Role of Bookstores in Community
18:55 – Culinary Experiences in Downtowns
21:30 – Conclusion and Future of Main Streets
26:46 – Exploring Bardstown: The Bourbon Capital
28:44 – Culinary Delights of Staunton
30:25 – Brunswick, Maine: A Seafood Paradise
32:06 – Sag Harbor: A Taste of the Hamptons
35:20 – The Great Bagel Debate
36:52 – Winter Park: Art and History
38:20 – Museums in Downtowns
43:16 – Libraries: The Heart of the Community
47:53 – Hammond: Cajun and Creole Influences
51:17 – Revitalization Success Stories
54:08 – Culinary Adventures in Historic Downtowns
56:29 – Future Destinations & Final Thoughts

🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned:
- Main Street America: https://mainstreet.org/
- Brunswick, Maine: https://mainstreetmaine.org/brunswick-me/
- Hammond, Louisiana: https://www.downtownhammondla.com/visitors
- Sag Harbor, New York: https://discoverydaze.com/2021/11/15/sag-harbor-li-a-walk-through-history/
- Staunton, Virginia: https://visitstaunton.com/
- Park Avenue District, Florida: https://parkavenuedistrict.com/
- Bardstown, Kentucky: https://www.visitbardstown.com/

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's “Vacation Station” and “Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

The Heart of the Community: Main Streets, Historic Downtowns & Villages

Join us for an inspiring "Success Express" conversation with Jason Ball, as he shares his remarkable pivot from a thriving career in broadcast journalism to co-owning the charming Old Ranch Inn in Palm Springs with his husband. But Jason's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there! He also delves into the exciting venture of launching his  "Life After News" podcast and the "Desert Dispatch" Palm Springs newsletter, demonstrating how passion and adaptable skills can lead to diverse new paths.

This engaging episode offers an honest look at the exhilarating challenges and profound rewards of entrepreneurship across multiple platforms. Jason also provides a compelling insider's perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, discussing the critical importance of supporting local news and the vital role investigative reporting plays in our communities. Discover the invaluable, transferable skills that journalists possess and why adaptability is not just a buzzword, but an essential trait in today's fast-paced world, whether you're breaking news, making beds, or creating new media.

This discussion highlights the significance of community, the future of journalism in a digital age, and the unpredictable nature of life that often leads to our most fulfilling ventures.

Key Takeaways:
- Life is unpredictable, and embracing change can lead to new and diverse opportunities.
- The journey from a corporate career to multi-faceted entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding.
- Journalists possess a wealth of transferable skills, invaluable in diverse fields like hospitality and new media.
- Supporting local journalism is crucial for community engagement and informed citizens.
- Adaptability is the cornerstone of success in both career transitions and the evolving media landscape.

Chapters:
00:00 Embracing Change in Life and Career
06:47 The Journey of Running an Inn
11:21 Life After News: Transitioning Careers
18:49 The Evolution of Media and Newsletters
21:05 The Evolution of Podcasting and Journalism
23:56 Navigating the New Media Landscape
25:22 The Importance of Adaptability in Journalism
29:29 The Shift to Remote Work and Technology in Media
33:05 The Journey into Journalism
37:23 Supporting Local Journalism and Its Challenges

Keep up with Jason:
- Old Ranch Inn in Palm Springs: https://oldranchinn.com/  
- Life After News Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-news/id1814231257
- Desert Dispatch Newsletter: https://desertdispatch.beehiiv.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Channel.

The Art of Adaptation: Life After Journalism

Join Big Blend Radio for an intimate and insightful conversation with bestselling author, respected psychologist, and marital expert Bonnie Comfort. In this episode, Bonnie delves into her powerful new memoir, "Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets, and Sacrifice" (She Writes Press, June 17, 2025).

Prepare for an unvarnished look at the complexities of marriage as Bonnie shares her personal journey and professional expertise. We explore the often-unspoken realities of expectations, communication challenges, and intimacy, and examine the profound impact of societal norms on personal relationships. From navigating trust and betrayal to the vital importance of self-discovery, Bonnie encourages an open dialogue about the triumphs and tribulations that define long-term commitment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love, partnership, and the courageous journey of staying married.

Learn more and get your copy of "Staying Married is the Hardest Part" at http://bonniecomfort.com

Chapter Notes:
00:00 – Introduction to Bonnie Comfort and Her Memoir
02:45 – The Realities of Marriage and Parenthood
05:37 – Disillusionment in Relationships: When Fantasy Meets Reality
08:00 – The Impact of Power Dynamics in Relationships
10:44 – Communication and Sexuality in Marriage: Breaking the Silence
13:35 – The Influence of Pornography on Relationships
16:24 – Navigating Consent and Boundaries: Essential Conversations
18:53 – The Challenges of Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal
21:42 – Expectations and Reality in Marriage: Bridging the Gap
24:20 – The Importance of Open Dialogue: Fostering True Connection
26:52 – Conclusion and Reflections on Marriage: A Journey of Growth


Bonnie Comfort: Staying Married is the Hardest Part

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.

New tracks tagged #BigBlendRadio