This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the upcoming Annual Jefferson Highway Conference 2025 happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma, with the Sociability Caravan running June 2-4. Plus, hear about the formation of the Jefferson Highway, as well as some of the McAlester's fascinating history.

FEATURED GUESTS:
- ROGER BELL - Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association
- BILLY SUMNER - Tourism Manager of City of McAlester. Visit: https://travelmcalester.com/
- ADELINE WHISENHUNT - Conference Organizer and Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway Association.


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

Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma

Feeling angry in 2025? Join the club. (No, seriously, we have some important things to discuss!)

In this episode we sit down with Kallie Klug to discuss all things anger: what it really is, what it does in the body, and what the hell to do with it once it’s here. 

So many of us shy away from anger and even couple it with shame. Why? Suppressed anger can express itself as stomach issues, jaw and shoulder pain, and irritating chronic symptoms. In this episode Kallie teaches us how to have conversation with tension in our body, process full body rage and interpersonal rage, and tune into safety in difficult times — necessary skills for improving physical and mental health. 

With studies showing that the prefrontal cortex shuts down during conflict, knowing how to take space and listen to your body is so important for effective communication and community building. This episode is for anyone who wants to improve their life by learning somatic exercises for anger, with specific tips for travelers and activists. 

- Email the new travel segment at hellounrulytravel@gmail.com
- Episode #71 on people pleasing: https://wanderwoman.online/index.php/2024/08/09/how-to-stop-people-pleasing-somatics-kallie-klug/
- KaliSomatics: https://kalisomatics.com

- Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT 
- Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel 
- Donate to the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories,  Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com 
- Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

#83 What Anger Teaches Us In 2025 And Beyond - Somatic Anger Release Exercises With Kallie Klug

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about moving to from Dallas to the southwest side of Austin, Texas.

Sharon's discovered a whole different side of Austin beyond downtown—where legendary BBQ, scenic wineries, and live music venues create a uniquely Texan experience. Hear about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood, Austin City Live, the annual Bat Fest, and the iconic bluebonnet bloom in the spring. 

Whether you're a longtime Austinite or just curious about what makes this city special, this episode will highlight both the well-known attractions and the hidden gems that make Austin such a great place to live.  

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/.

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/ 

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Settling Into Austin: A Southwest Perspective

Happy National Fun Day! Asheville, North Carolina is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and is welcoming visitors back with open arms. Airing live from The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, this episode focuses on some of the unique experiences you can enjoy in Asheville such as the WNC Nature Center, Axeville Throwing Club, Asheville Pinball Museum, and more.

Traveling to Asheville directly helps support the local businesses and regional community, and there is so much to do from brewery hopping and rooftop cocktails to public art viewing and shopping, chasing waterfalls and hiking, and visiting some of the area’s iconic attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, and the North Carolina Arboretum.

ON THIS EPISODE OF BIG BLEND RADIO'S "ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE" SHOW:
* STEVE & KAREN WILSON – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. This charming lodging destination is back open and welcoming visitors.  More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 

* CINDY SMITH - Director of Development of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. The WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. More: https://wildwnc.org/

* GLEN MERCHANT – Owner and founder of Axeville, the first axe throwing club in Asheville.  Opened in 2019, the club is designed to allow guests to safely throw axes at targets while enjoying local beer, cider and wine selections in a modern and cozy space.  More: https://throwaxeville.com/

Super Fun Adventures in Asheville 2025

From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California.

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.  

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include 
- Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
- Donnette Silva Carter - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, http://www.tularechamber.org/

Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

Spring Adventures in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and Tulare County, California

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.

Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, they will have something for you to celebrate. More: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/

Save the date for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12-16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Lafayette, Louisiana is the Happiest City in America

It's all about Gwinnett County on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark. 

Located less than 10 miles from Atlanta, Gwinnett County is in the northern part of Georgia and holds sixteen distinct cities that form part of the metro-Atlanta area including Duluth, Norcross, and Lilburn. 

As Jo shares on this episode, Gwinnett County has a variety of things to do that will delight travelers looking for parks and hiking trails or live music and craft cocktails. Explore the walkable areas and cute shops in these outlying cities that make traveling fun. Plan your visit with Jo's article about her experiences in Gwinnett County, here: https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/
 
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


Exploring Gwinnett County in Northern Georgia

Enjoy this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, digital content creators, freelance travel writers, photographers, founders and publishers of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a grand adventure across continents, Joelle and Ryan believe that travel is more than just a trip; it is an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth. Check out their Travel Writer Success Insider Q&A here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/travel-writer-success-insider-joelle-machia-and-ryan-slough/ 

Wanderers Compass is rooted in immersive travel—where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Through curated itineraries, firsthand storytelling, and a commitment to uncovering the world’s hidden gems, Joelle and Ryan share their journeys with the hope of inspiring others to explore with purpose and curiosity. Follow their adventures at https://www.wandererscompass.com/

New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast air every second Monday at 4pm PST / 7pm EST here: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 

Travel Writer Success Insider with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough

It's all about Cruising the Bahamas on this episode of Big Blend Radio's travel podcast "Journey Jukebox with Lisa." Plus, hear about various cruise options for all travel wants, budgets, and age groups, and how a travel advisor can save you time and money when planning your vacation

CHECK OUT LISA'S NEW YEAR CARIBBEAN GROUP CRUISE: https://writerlisa.com/2025/04/14/celebrate-new-years-in-belize-on-a-cruise/

HEAR LISA'S PODCAST ON CRUSING THE BAHAMAS: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/experience-the-bahamas-with-msc-cruises/

JOURNEY JUKEBOX MUSIC PLAYLIST on SPOTIFY (updated each episode):  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648

LISA EVANS is a travel writer and photographer, travel advisor, and author of "100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die."  More at https://writerlisa.com/ and https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans

New episodes of Big Blend Radio’s ”Journey Jukebox with Lisa” Podcast air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST. Follow the podcast from your favorite platform here:  https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

Cruising the Caribbean

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" Podcast, Linda talks about her recent day trip to Ojai, California where she experienced art, nature and hiking trails, and some fun food and wine destinations. 

You can learn more about the Ojai Studio Artist Tours here: https://www.ojaistudioartists.org/

Follow Linda Ballou'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 on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared

This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Vacation Station" Travel Channel. Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Adventures in Ojai, California

The Unruly Travel & Living Podcast sits down with experts who share illuminating ideas, how-to tips, and personal stories on travel, alternative lifestyles, veganism, nature, queerness, and off-grid living. 

Calen Otto, host of the Unruly Podcast, is a writer, activist, and avid traveler. They've been to over 30 countries, 20 national parks and 5 continents on an extremely small budget, exploring the intersections of social justice and alternative living along the way. With gritty beginnings of crossing the USA with only a bike and $300, they now help newbies and experienced wanderers alike travel as ethically, creatively, and colorfully as possible.

Tune in for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income.

UNRULYTRAVEL.COM | Subscribe For New Episodes Monthly

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 #travel podcast