Episodes

  • One of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in which 230,000 people perished, will be National Geographic's biggest docuseries of autumn, 'Tsunami: Race Against Time.'

    This episode of Big Blend Radio features Barry Hirshorn, the seismologist who, in 2004, was tracking all the data as it trickled in. During the chaos, Hirshorn had to make sense of data so extreme as to be unreal. In 2004, Indian Ocean countries lacked the technology that could warn them, so Hirshorn knew that, based on his data, untold numbers of deaths were happening live. He raced to get the message to the remaining countries oblivious to the imminent calamity.

    Premiering November 24, 2024, the series provides a 360-degree view into the heart-stopping events of 2004. It features personal accounts from survivors and scientists who raced against time to understand the catastrophe and warn the world. Told minute-by-minute through harrowing videos of survival – some seen for the first time – the four-part series offers an immersive look at the destructive wave as it surged across 14 countries.

    TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME Premieres Across Two Nights, beginning Nov. 24, 2024 at 9/8c on National Geographic. All Episodes Stream Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu

  • On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author and journalist Simon Parkin discusses his new book, "The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice."

    The first book to chart the history of the world’s largest collection of seeds, "The Forbidden Garden" shares the story of the Siege of Leningrad and how from 1941 to 1944, the scientists in the seed bank had to face an impossible choice each day: eat the collection to prevent starvation, or protect their life’s work to help end world hunger? More at https://www.simonparkin.com/

    This episode is cohosted by Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    Check out Big Blend Radio's network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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  • Happy World Urbanism Day, aka World City Planning Day! This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features Sara C. Bronin who discusses her book, "KEY TO THE CITY: How Zoning Shapes Our World."

    Zoning codes have become the most significant regulatory power of local government, determining how we experience our cities. Yet zoning remains invisible. In "Key to the City," Sara reveals the impact of zoning—for good and ill—in cities across the country, from Hartford to Baltimore and Las Vegas to Chicago. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm.

    Along with being an author, Sara is an architect, attorney, Cornell University professor, and founder of the National Zoning Atlas. More at https://www.sarabronin.com/ and https://www.zoningatlas.org/

    Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd Monday and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including the "Big Daily Blend," "Women Making History," and "Garden Gossip." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features renowned entomologist and professor Barrett Klein, PhD who examines the phenomenon of how humans and insects relate on a cultural level in his new book, "THE INSECT EPIPHANY: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture" (Timber Press | Hachette; Oct 2024).

    Our world would look very different if we didn’t have insects—not just because they’re pollinators who play a crucial role in our environments, but because they inspire so many aspects of our culture. “The spellbinding diversity of insects is complemented by a diversity of humans and cultures,” Klein says, resulting in boundless inspiration and innovation.

    THE INSECT EPIPHANY explores the ways we use insects’ bodies (for silk, pigments, food, medicine), how we try to recreate them (for flight technology, architecture, social structures), and how we mimic them (for fighting, yoga, music, fashion). More at https://www.pupating.org/

    Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  • Due to the recent devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeast USA, and in honor of October being Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month and National Animal Safety and Protection Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show focuses on how to help pets, and grieving pet parents, after the hurricane disasters.

    NON-PROFITS TO SUPPORT:- https://www.humanesociety.org - https://bestfriends.org/ - https://furkids.org/ - https://animalcenter.org/

    PLUS, CHECK OUT BIG BLEND'S "HEALING AFTER HELENE" ONLINE MUSIC & BOOK EVENT + WEEKLY PODCASTS: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/healing-after-helene/

    Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features acclaimed author Christopher Brown who discusses his new book, "A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys, and Other Wild Places."

    A NATURAL HISTORY OF EMPTY LOTS is a genre-bending blend of naturalism, memoir, and social manifesto for rewilding the city, the self, and society. Through his keen examination of abandoned industrial sites, empty lots, and deserted agricultural land, Brown discovers that even in these so-called "ruined landscapes" nature's resilience shines.

    Inspired by its unfailing persistence to return, Brown shows us how easy it can be to bring the wilds back to these damaged places and why it is critical that we do. Over the course of twenty years, Brown documented these liminal spaces, explored them with his son, and even built his home in Austin, Texas on a brownfield site bisected by oil pipelines.

    Infused with Brown's deep love of nature and a constant sense of awe, A NATURAL HISTORY OF EMPTY LOTS combines field notes from Brown's travels with his personal story as he traverses the nexus of the city and the wilds. More at https://christopherbrown.com/

    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/

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features science journalist and author Lisa M. Baril, author of "The Age of Melt: What Glaciers, Ice Mummies, and Ancient Artifacts Teach Us about Climate, Culture, and a Future without Ice."

    Around the world, ice has preserved some of history’s most fascinating artifacts, such as the skeleton of an Iron Age horse, wooden arrows with bird-feather fletching, and even a baby mammoth. Yet, these incredible pieces of history were only discovered as the ice began to do what we all feared: melt.

    Lisa M. Baril traveled all over the world studying ice and its effect on humans. In THE AGE OF MELT, she explores the shifting view that humans have long held of glaciers—from fear, to awe, to conquest. More: https://www.lisabaril.com/

    Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features Jeff Reed, showrunner and cinematographer of the new National Geographic series, "National Parks: USA." Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/z42Ph8A2Uh8?feature=shared

    From Zion and Yellowstone to Katmai, the Everglades and Olympic, each park presents its own cast of animal characters. This five-part series features a blend of wildlife weaved seamlessly with stories of rich culture, history and geological landmarks. Along with a discussion about the biodiversity in our parks, and the threats some species are facing, Jeff also talks about how they captured some of the incredible footage you can see in the series.

    Starting Sept. 8, 2024, "National Parks: USA" Is available on the National Geographic channel on Hulu: https://on.natgeo.com/3Qor0Ko

    Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday, with expisodes througout the month, in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork Images featured, courtesy of National Geographic.

  • This Big Blend Radio "Women Making History" Podcast Panel discussion features guests who share how they work to protect the environment and talk about women they admire who work to protect the earth. Hear about environmentally activist women (and girls) of the past and present who are skilled in writing and the arts, hospitality and tourism, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, progressive end-of-life care, cultivating community and peaceful cultural traditions, citizen science, and so much more!

    FEATURED GUESTS:- LINDA BALLOU, travel writer, author, and podcaster. Hear her podcast about South America that also includes a segment about land conservationist Kristine Tompkins: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/lost-angel-travel-adventures-in-south-america/

    - MARIA CHAMBERLAIN, co-owner and innkeeper of The Inn at Oxbow Acres, a beautiful and sustainable Bed & Breakfast in Milan, New Hampshire. learn more: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/

    - SHARON K. KURTZ, travel writer and photographer. See her article about Christy Walton's eco-ranch Rancho Cacachilas in Baja California Sur: https://sharonkkurtz.com/authentic-adventures-at-rancho-cacachilas-baja-california-sur/

    - EVA ELDRIDGE, travel writer and editor, talks about consumers who embrace environmentally practices in their homes and gardens like she does in Tucson, Arizona. See: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/eva-eldridge/

    - LEA BROVEDANI, trust expert and end-of-life doula, talks about green burials and women pioneers in this new eco-friendly technology. Visit: https://souljourneydoula.com/

    - CHERYL LEUTJEN is the author of “Love Earth Now: The Power of Doing One Thing Every Day,” a candid, often humorous exploration that reveals her own imperfect journey toward living an eco-friendly lifestyle. More: https://cherylleutjen.com/

    - ROSE PALMER is a travel writer and author. Read her article about Sadako Sasaki who survived the Hiroshima bombing but then died 10 years later from leukemia, and started the movement to make origami paper cranes as a symbol for peace: https://quiltripping.com/childrens-peace-monument-and-sadako-sasaki-stroy/

    - JO CLARK is a travel writer and photographer who talks about Kelly Chigumbura of Zimbabwe, the head of THE BRAVE ONES who are women in charge of the protection and conservation of 11,000 elephants in Phundundu Wildlife Park. Check out Jo's article about her visit to Etosha National Park in Namibia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/etosha-national-park-safari/

    - ELAINE A. POWERS is a retired laboratory biologist who writes science-based children’s book and continues her work as a citizen scientist for iguana conservation, serving on the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group. More: https://elaineapowers.com/

  • Celebrate National Wellness Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast with Judy Karnia who gives an overview of forest bathing its benefits.

    Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Judy Karnia is a travel writer, life coach, and nature therapist. As a forest therapy guide, she is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and leads walks to help people connect with nature, which can improve their physical and mental health. Learn more and book a forest bathing session with Judy here: https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/guide-profile/judyk/

    Follow Judy's travel adventures at https://judykarnia.com/

    Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  • A small portion of America's historic tallgrass prairie is preserved in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. Only about 4% of tallgrass prairie still exists and it is one of the most diverse biological environments on earth.

    In celebration of American Adventures Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Show features travel writer Kathleen Walls who shares her Tallgrass Prairie experiences touring the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Konza Prairie Biological Station in Kansas. Read her story, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/flint-hills-tallgrass-an-amazing-ecosystem/

    Kathleen Walls is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways at https://www.americanroads.net/. She is also an author. See her books at https://katywalls.com/

    This podcast is also shared on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Nature Connection" shows. Keep up with Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  • We're going on a wildlife safari through Etosha National Park in Namibia on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark.

    Etosha is the largest salt pan in Africa, and is Namibia’s largest wildlife sanctuary that's home to a wide variety of birdlife as well as lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, two different zebras, hyenas, springboks, elands, Black and White rhinos, and the elusive leopard. Read Jo's article about her experience here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/etosha-national-park-safari/

    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

  • It's all about foals, fillies, and colts on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Topics of is discussion include breeding, foal prep, birth assistance, post-birth care.

    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://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection," and "Nature Connection" podcast channels.

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features acclaimed climate and environmental scientist Rob Jackson who discusses his new book, "Into the Clear Blue Sky: The Path to Restoring Our Atmosphere."

    There aren’t many climate books that are clear-eyed about the enormity of the challenges before us and also optimistic. "Into the Clear Blue Sky" manages to reframe climate solutions in a narrative of optimism by focusing on the incredible innovators paving a new path forward. More at: https://robjacksonbooks.com/

    Rob Jackson is the Chair of the Global Carbon Project, a Senior Fellow at Stanford’s Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, and a professor of earth science at Stanford University. Through global scientific leadership and groundbreaking research, communications, and policy activities, Jackson’s work has reduced millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and improved human health, safety, and air and water quality. One of the top five most-cited climate and environmental scientists in the world, he has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, and his research has been covered in many outlets, including The New York Times, Scientific American, and The Washington Post.

    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/

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio features journalist and best-selling author David Lipsky who discusses his latest book, "The Parrot and The Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial."

    Now published in paperback, he turns his prodigious talent to the twin stories of our lifetime: climate change and truth. Lipsky explores how “anti-science” became virulent in American life—through the history of climate denial and its consequences. Featuring an indelible cast of heroes and villains, mavericks and swindlers, "The Parrot and the Igloo" delivers a real-life tragicomedy―one that captures the extraordinary dance of science, money, and the American character.

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features travel writer and photographer Julie Dee Suman who discusses the Osprey Conservation efforts and recreational, bird watching, and educational opportunities at Patuxent River Park in Maryland. Read her article about the park, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-patuxent-river-parks-osprey-population/

    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/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Channel.

  • Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast covering her recent visit to remote Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Isle Royale is one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country, averaging twenty to thirty thousand visitors annually.

    Established as the nation’s 25th national park in 1940, Isle Royale sits in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior and preserves more than 130,000 acres of land designated as wilderness. The park consists of one large island surrounded by over 450 smaller islands and encompasses 850 square miles. This includes submerged land, which extends four-plus miles out into the largest freshwater lake in the world. Check out Debbie's article and video feature, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/experience-the-allure-of-the-wild-at-michigans-isle-royale-national-park/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/

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Pet Connection" Podcast features award-winning author and journalist Wendy Lyons Sunshine who discusses her new book, "Tender Paws: How Science-Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs."

    Full of illustrative cases and thoughtful insights to support dog welfare and inspire your own pet parenting journey, "Tender Paws" explores parallels between human and canine research; delves into attachment theory, the effects of trauma, parenting styles, and sensory issues; and offers strategies that meet the needs of all dogs — often in unexpectedly simple ways. Out now, "Tender Paws" reveals why love alone isn’t always enough and how evidence-informed parenting practices can help. More: https://www.wendylsunshine.com/

    Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

    This episode also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

  • It's all about how to read and understand your horse's energy and emotions on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood.

    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://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection," and "Nature Connection" podcast channels.

  • Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month and National Forest Week with this episode of Big Blend Radio that was recorded onsite with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners and innkeepers of the The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the Montford Historic District in Asheville, North Carolina.

    Hear about author Wilma Dykeman and Jean Webb who worked to protect and preserve the French Broad and Swannenoa Rivers and the Asheville parks connected with the rivers on a 17-mile green path. Learn how Edith Vanderbilt honored her late husband's wishes of selling an 86,000-acre tract of the Biltmore Estate to create Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests east of the Mississippi River. And, find out about the Daughters of the American Revolution who planted 50,000 Spruce Trees to create the Jubilee Memorial Forest within the Pisgah National Forest on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

    RESOURCE LINKS:* The Lion & The Rose B&B: https://www.lion-rose.com/ * Wilma Dykman Legacy: https://www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org/ * Wilma Dykman Greenway: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/park-views-wilma-dykeman-greenway/ * Jean Webb Park: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/park-views-ashevilles-riverfront-parks/ * Asheville Greenworks: https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/ * Biltmore - America's Foresty Legacy: https://www.biltmore.com/blog/biltmore-the-birthplace-of-american-forestry/ * Jubilee Memorial Forest: https://www.ourstate.com/north-carolinas-forgotten-forest/

    This episode is featured on the following Big Blend Radio channels: Adventures in Asheville; Parks & Travel; Nature Connection; Women Making History; Big Daily Blend. Check out all of Big Blend Radio's Channels here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork