Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Cheryl Leutjen, author of "Love Earth Now: The Power of Doing One Thing Every Day." As a geologist, environmental law attorney, spiritual practitioner and, most importantly, devoted mother, Cheryl understands that most people don’t have an endless reservoir of time, money and energy to devote to Earth-friendly practices. That’s why she wrote "Love Earth Now," a candid, often humorous exploration that reveals her own imperfect journey toward living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Each chapter includes gentle prompts to help readers uncover their own capacity for making meaningful changes, one step at a time. More: https://loveearthnow.us/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

While the 11th Annual Jefferson Highway Conference is happening in Alexandria, Louisiana (April 24-27, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the experiences you can have in Louisiana on the Jefferson Highway Trail and just a few miles beyond. 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. FEATURED GUESTS: - ROGER BELL, President of the Jefferson Highway Association. Info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ - ARLENE GOULD, Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau: https://natchitoches.com/ LOUISIANA THEMED SPOTIFY MUSIC PLAYLIST created by Roger Bell: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2UdElnINGuWASVLQu6oToG?si=a59ee2ee5a374f3f BIG BLEND RADIO PLAYLIST OF PODCASTS COVERING LOUISIANA: https://soundcloud.com/bigblendradio/sets/jefferson-highway-louisiana LOUISIANA ARTICLES & PODCASTS ON NationalParkTraveling.com: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing-category/louisiana-articles/  

In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Debbie Stone who shares her adventures in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.  New River Gorge National Park conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville within the central part of southern WVA.  This is the newest National Park in the U.S., having been granted this status in 2020, bringing the total number of National Parks to 63. Read Debbie's article about her experiences here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-west-virginias-new-river-gorge-national-park/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" podcast with attorney Ward Heinrichs, hear why California employers should carefully consider how to fire employees and be aware of California severance, non-compete and defamation issues. Read Ward's article outlining it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/california-severance-non-compete-defamation-issues/ WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/AS9eybwG5GE  Based in San Diego, California, Ward represents both employers and employees in almost all areas of labor law. More:  https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/  Ward Heinrichs appears on Big Blend Radio very 4th Wednesday. Follow his podcast appearances here: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 

In Celebration of National Park Week, we are featuring this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie talks about her hiking adventures in El Chaltén, a small, Patagonian mountain town known as the “National Capital of Trekking” in Argentina. Located in the Southern Andes, in Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is set amid a valley between two rivers, at the foot of the unmistakable Cerro Chaltén or Mt. Fitz Roy. Check out Debbie's article and photos, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/el-chalten-hiking-adventures-in-argentine-patagonia  And, learn more about her experiences at Estancia Cerro Guido that borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/immerse-yourself-in-the-soul-stirring-landscape-of-patagonia/  Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, Debbie shares her adventures in Southern Patagonia, Chile.  Hear about her experiences at Estancia Cerro Guido that borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia. The ranch covers an area of roughly 250,000 acres and is the largest estancia in the area. Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Eighth Wonder of the World. Read her story here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/immerse-yourself-in-the-soul-stirring-landscape-of-patagonia/  Check out Debbie's adventures in El Chalten, Argentine Patagonia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/el-chalten-hiking-adventures-in-argentine-patagonia/  Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

After working in the climate-tech industry for the past fifteen years, debut author Aaron Arsenault is excited to inspire readers ages 9-12 to combat climate change. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, he discusses his climate fiction novel, “The Climate Diaries, Book One: The Academy” (Borrowed Planet Press, April 2024). "The Climate Diaries: Book One," takes readers on an eco-adventure with troublemaker Jax Wilkinson, who is recruited by a top secret organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of climate-fighters. Learn more at https://www.aaronarsenault.com/ 

In celebration of National Chickpea Day (April 21), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Cooking with Ruth" Show features Ruth Milstein who talks about the health benefits of eating chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, and the various ways to prepare them. See Ruth's Spicy Chicpea-Rice Burger Recipe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spicy-chickpea-rice-burgers-with-bbq-sauce/  Ruth Milstein is the author of the Gourmand awarding-winning recipe book, "Cooking with Love: Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine." Learn more here: https://www.ruthmilstein.com/  Listen to Big Blend Radio's 3rd Sunday "Cooking with Ruth" podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/yr9jp58n 

In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio with artist Victoria Chick is all about the art, life and legacy of George Catlin.  George Catlin was an American painter, author, and traveler, who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the American frontier. Many of the places he traveled through are parts of our National Park Service today. He explored the American West five times during the 1830s, and wrote about and painted portraits that depicted the life of the Plains Indians. Read Victoria's article about him here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/american-artist-author-traveler-george-catlin  VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/  Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624 

Celebrated composer and guitarist Jon Durant joins us on this episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS podcast where he discusses his new album "Momentarily." It's an amalgamation of transcultural, jazz-related styles, that gives way to euphoric, universally relatable grooves and soundscapes.  A trio recording featuring Durant alongside longtime musical partners Colin Edwin (bass) and Andi Pupato (drums/percussion), both legends in their own right, this musical jewel showcases rare mastery through individually compelling tracks and comprehensive arc. More at https://jondurant.bandcamp.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani focuses on earth-friendly memorials and burials. Featured guest is Alethea Valley, General Manager of the Point Arena Forest  for Better Place Forests.  Better Place Forests offers a sustainable memorial within a protected place in the forest for ashes of a loved one to be returned to the earth.  Each tree can accommodate more than one loved one and also beloved pets (which is not allowed in traditional settings).  The beautiful, peaceful setting is sustainable and safe for trees and the wider forest ecosystem.  More: https://www.betterplaceforests.com/  Sustainable Memorials Aligns with Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula: * Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices * Emotion - Honor feelings * Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning * Body - Increase comfort, health and safety * Practical - Create completions Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/  Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu 

Is escorted travel for you? On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle, hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly about escorted travel. See her blog post that outlines it all here: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/benefits-of-escorted-travel  On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/ 

From the Okavango Delta in Botswana to Zambia and Zimbabwe, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast highlights some of Linda's amazing adventures in Southern Africa.  You can read her story about the Botsawana elephants in Linda's book, "Lost Angel Unleashed," and about her safari adventures on NABBW.org here: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/botswana-highlights-on-the-ultimate-safari/  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 on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared  Photos featured are by Linda Ballou and Tom Schwab.

With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday  "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest.  Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/  Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA we discover some of the hidden gems and forgotten stories of Michigan with Amy Piper, author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" (Reedy Press). Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and photographer who specializes in luxury and multigenerational travel. She travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 41 countries and 45 states around the world. A native Michigander, she is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die” (Reedy Press) and is published in the book "Midwest Road Trip Adventures." More at https://followthepiper.com/ Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear all about beautiful and historic Georgetown, South Carolina. Named the Best Coastal Small Town by USA Today in 2018, Georgetown is rich in history, nature and outdoor adventures, good food, and friendly people.  READ JO'S ARTICLES ABOUT GEORGETOWN: * RecipesTravelCulture.com: https://tinyurl.com/swpnvvfp  * FoodieFlashpacker.com: https://tinyurl.com/ybedf5r5  * SheBuysTravel.com: https://tinyurl.com/y5ez47ef  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 

From training and setting boundaries to observing body language and building a relationship with your horse, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood is all about HORSE BEHAVIOR.  Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/  The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://shows.acast.com/abcs-of-horses 

South Africa offers a unique blend of nature, culture, ocean, and unique thrill-seeking experiences. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel journalist Bernie van der Linde shares why South Africa is known as "a world in one country," and discusses its diverse landscapes and experiences. Read her article that highlights some of her recommended must-dos when you visit the country: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/must-do-experiences-in-south-africa/  Bernie founded the travel blog https://travelbuddieslifestyle.com/ with her best friend and business partner, Petra, where they share their travel experiences of unique and luxurious destinations. Bernie’s love for exploring has taken her to many exotic locations around the world. Her passion for writing and travel has made her a trusted source of information and inspiration for the discerning traveller looking to explore the world in style.  Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Follow Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Shows with IFWTWA Here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-ifwtwa 

From the upcoming California Antique Farm Equipment Show (April 19-21, 2024) and next year's famous World Ag Expo (February 2025), to family-friendly attractions and activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio Celebrates Farming and Agriculture in Tulare, California. FEATURED GUESTS: - Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Visit: http://www.tularechamber.org/  - Megan Lausten from the International Agri-Center. Visit: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/  Tulare is a gateway city to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The city thrives on agricultural, and is internationally known for the Annual World Ag Expo which is held at the International Agri-Center which also features unique event spaces, and the AgVentures Learning Center for Kids and Ag Museum. Tulare has a charming historic downtown district with a beautiful series of murals, and is also home to the Tulare Outlet Shopping Center, and Tulare Historic Museum. 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Thursday “New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association” Show features innkeeper Kathy Hiatt, who owns and runs the historic Bottger Mansion of Old Town with her husband Steve, plus assistant innkeeper Jake Dunlap. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this romantic Bed & Breakfast is the perfect home base for an amazing variety of activities.  Bottger Mansion features easy access to any area destination, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities. From hot air ballooning and hiking, to wine tasting and sampling regional cuisine, visiting museums and gardens, and experiencing the arts and entertainment of the local cultures, as well as shopping for items unique to New Mexico, you’ll find there is never a shortage of things to do in Albuquerque.  More: https://bottger.com/  Stay New Mexico True and Visit: https://www.nmbba.org/