Episodes
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From hiking through tropical rainforests to outrigger surfing, it's all about Costa Rica on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou." Hear about Linda's recent 13-day trip to Costa Rica with Overseas Adventure Travel.
You can read Linda's articles about her trip NABBW.org here:- Part 1: From the Lush Rainforests to the Shining Sea: https://tinyurl.com/3x6t9ked - Part 2: A Little Country with a Big Heart: https://tinyurl.com/46p4mrks
Watch Linda's YouTube playlist of short videos from her recent visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUfBG36FykHl4ZkQ5vsX9OVS1BfX8Bj6l
To learn more about Linda’s adventures with Active Central/South American tours in Costa Rica, read her essay "Tough Cookies in Costa Rica" in her travel collection "Lost Angel Walkabout" which is available on her site at https://tinyurl.com/yc6y6vmk
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
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This episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on the Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting “Pickett’s Charge up Cemetery Ridge” at the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. The innovative Gettysburg Cyclorama was the work of father-son painter duo Henri Philippoteaux (1815 – 1884), and Paul Philippoteaux (1846 – 1923). Read Victoria's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/dioramas-cycloramas-and-the-painters-philippoteaux
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
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Missing episodes?
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Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Scott Kendall who talks about his week long family vacation exploring the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Hear about the destination's golf, boating, hiking, eating, relaxing, and lodging opportunities. Read Scott's article about his trip, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/adventures-in-lake-of-the-ozarks-missouri/
Scott Kendall is Editor of PlayStayEat.com as well as a freelance travel writer, photographer, and videographer based in The Woodlands, Texas. He has traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe, including several trips to Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, England, Ireland, and France. More: https://playstayeat.com/
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/
Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m
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Celebrating Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Podcast features Don Hafner, who along with his wife Shelly, went to all 59 of the National Parks in 59 weeks during 2014/15. To date, they have visited 62 of America's National Parks, 48 US States, 22 foreign countries, and at least 30 national parks overseas. They've been north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Tropic of Capricorn, swam in all five oceans, and visited 5 of the 7 continents. Don is host to #ParkChat held on Wednesdays at 9pm EST on Twitter (X). Follow him @59NationalParks on Twitter (X) and Instagram.
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From Frank Lloyd Wright to the Flight 93 National Memorial, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Show features Eric Knopsnyder who shares what to experience in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Located just east of Pittsburgh, this beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation venues, historic sites & attractions, family activities, scenic road trip adventures, and world class resorts. More: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/
Learn more about the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association at https://www.ifwtwa.org/
Follow this podcast on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/39nvjppe
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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features mixed medoa artist Chelsea Bighorn, the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Chelsea Bighorn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Her tribal affiliations are the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes from Montana and the Shoshone-Paiute from Northern Nevada. Bighorn's work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Using this process, she tells her personal history through her art. Bighorn has shown her work at the Museum of Contemporary Native Art, SITE Santa Fe, The Balzar Gallery and her work is currently on display at The Center for Native Futures in Chicago, IL. She graduated with honors from The Institute of American Indian Arts in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts. More: http://www.chelseabighorn.com/
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/
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From gourmet trail mix to Spanish peanuts, this shared episode of "The Peanut Patch," a Big Blend Radio Foodie Podcast with Donna George, focuses on super snacks for road trippers and outdoor adventurers.
Open from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, culinary gifts, and sweet treats. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/
The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday at 12pm Arizona. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/
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In celebration of June being Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast with the Sequoia Tourism Council focuses on the upcoming Hike and Heal Sequoia National Park Wilderness Wellness Retreats. These retreats are facilitated by Sydney and Barry Williams of Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy Field Institute. Starting in June, there will be three retreats this summer.
FEATURED GUESTS:- NICOLE STIVERS of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Lake Kaweah. They fund and enable park projects and programs that protect, preserve, and provide access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Visit https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/ - SYDNEY WILLIAMS - Author, and Founder & CEO of Hiking My Feelings. This unique organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature.More at: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/
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. Plan your visit to Tulare County at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/
Select featured photos are by Barry Williams / Hiking Your Feelings.
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From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the majestic Machu Picchu and the shores of Lake Titicaca, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz covers her immersive experiences with Intrepid Travel in Peru. Read about her journey that took her deep into the vibrant tapestry of local communities, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/journeying-through-peru/
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://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5
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/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/
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Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show that focuses on the various Hiking Opportunities you can enjoy in Asheville, North Carolina.
Featured Guests:- Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Jennifer "Jenny" Gruhn, PhD - Owner and Biologist of Asheville Hiking Tours. More: https://www.ashevillehikingtours.com/
Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/
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This is episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas.
Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/
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/
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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Jessica Carter, Director of Parks and Public Engagement at Save the Redwoods League, who discusses the 3rd Annual California State Parks Week happening June 12-16, 2024.
Through over 200 special in-person community events and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates California’s 280 state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. California State Parks Week is presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation.
Visit:* https://castateparksweek.org/ * https://www.parks.ca.gov/ * https://www.savetheredwoods.org/ * https://parkscalifornia.org/ * https://www.calparks.org/
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," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
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Celebrate National Walking Month and Small Business Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle. From getting a local's lay of the land and an insider's lowdown on the best shops, restaurants, events, and places to visit, to being kind on the wallet and a healthy activity inbetween culinary indulgences, hear about the myraid of ways walking tours can amp up your vacation experience.
Check out Cheryl's blog on Walking Tours, which includes some great (and free) recommendations: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/walking-tours-to-celebrate-national-walking-month/
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/
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From the Andes to Patagonia, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" covers her 17-day sojourn into South America with Overseas Adventure Travel. You can read her stories on her South American experiences on NABBW.org here:* Chile: https://tinyurl.com/5n8caxzj* Patagonia: https://tinyurl.com/33ffa7be
When Linda visited Chile and Patagonia, conservation efforts spearheaded by Kristine Tompkins were underway. When her husband, Doug Tompkins, died in a kayaking accident in 2015, she picked up the pieces of their shared dream to purchase millions of acres in Patagonia and Chile with the plan to give the land to the government to create a national park system that would rival the one we enjoy here in the U.S. In this Ted Talk she provides all the details with images of the transformation she is leading in Patagonia and Chile. https://youtu.be/UWothcLpazU?si=pwm6HXxkzWnjcnzM
In 2023 National Geographic produced the film "Wild Life" spotlighting Tompkins efforts. Trailer: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/wild-life
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
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On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear about her roots travel experiences in Gettysburg, where she literally stepped in the footsteps of her ancestors. Read her article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/
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
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This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeling a deep connection to the environment and its historical significance. He finds inspiration in the ancient Hawaiian featherwork tradition, particularly in the regalia worn by Hawaiian Royalty and warriors.
This year Rick travels to Washington D.C. to present his featherwork for inclusion in the collection of the Museum of the Department of Interior as well as having it on display in the office of Secretary Deborah Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He is also a consulting advisor in historical featherwork on the upcoming TV Series "Chief of War," starring Jason Momoa. More at: https://www.hawaiianfeathers.com/
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/
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From hiking and cycling to kayaking and downtown public art and history walks, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the various ways to explore and experience Tulare County.
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 Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia, Cassidy Collins - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Kristy Martin - Porterville Chamber of Commerce
Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast:- Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Visit Visalia - https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Tulare Chamber of Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Porterville Chamber of Commerce - https://www.portervillechamber.org/
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It's all about winter adventures in Jasper National Park on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz. Here she uncovered the magic of winter in the Canadian Rockies, from the captivating Maligne Canyon Icewalk to the tranquil allure of snowshoeing on Pyramid Lake.
Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada and covers more than 4,000 square miles of natural wonders. Known for its abundant wildlife and extensive trail network; visitors from all over the world travel here to experience this very special place in all seasons. Read Sharon's article about her adventures here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-adventure-in-jasper-national-park
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://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5
Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/
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From Joshua Tree National Park to the fascinating Integratron, it's all about Great Road Tripping Adventures on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show.
FEATURED GUESTS:* KIMBERLI MUNKRES from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, a consortium of independently-owned boutique hotels in the desert resort community of Palm Springs, in Southern California. View the hotels and sign up the the monthly Boutiquely Palm Springs newsletter here: https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/
* SANDI HEMMERLEIN is a writer and photojournalist. Based in L.A. but constantly on the prowl for new adventure, she spends most of her time nurturing her interest in birds, animals, neon, historic theaters, puppets, folk art, trains, and stained glass. Sandi documents everything on her own website https://www.avoidingregret.com which complements her work for PBS SoCal (as producer of the digital series SoCal Wanderer), Atlas Obscura, Los Angeles Magazine, Stacker, and many others.
* KEVIN CARLOW has been a seeker of the strange and mysterious since his early childhood, spent reading in dusty corners of libraries and running amok in the woods of Massachusetts. While making a living in the service industry full-time in the Coachella Valley these days, he also has years of experience blogging and writing professionally about topics as varied as cocktails, movies, and tarot-reading. More: https://crypticcocktails.com/
Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://palm-springs-sunshine-stays.podbean.com/
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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/
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