Episodes

  • From the Oz Museum and the Ad Astra Missile Silo to the World's Largest Belt Buckle and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA travel writer Kathleen Walls focuses on interesting oddities and troadside attractions in Kansas. Read Kathleen's article about it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/theres-something-odd-in-kansas/

    Kathleen Walls is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways at https://www.americanroads.net

    A member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, her articles and photographs have appeared in numerous magazines and online publications.

    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

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Association features Ange Chew, Executive Director of Discover Surrey. Hear about Surrey''s vast natural beauty, global dining, affordable accommodations and rich, vibrant culture.

    A vibrant mosaic awaits in Surrey, the second largest city in British Columbia by population, next to Vancouver. t’s a diverse, complex and authentic region that’s experiencing change at a rapid pace, but taking it all in stride. Plan your visit to Surrey, B.C, here: https://discoversurreybc.com/

    Learn more about the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association at https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    Photos courtesy of Discover Surrey BC.

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  • Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month in Tulare County! From park adventures to community events, it's all about summer fun on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast.

    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, and Alida Verduzco Silva - Tulare County Resource Management Agency.

    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/

  • It's all about beautiful Slovenia on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz. Located in Central Europe, Slovenia offers breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich history, and a solid commitment to eco-friendly practices.

    Over half of Slovenia's terrain is covered in pristine forests, making it a leader in forest conservation and green initiatives. This compact country boasts numerous protected areas, including the majestic Triglav National Park. Read Sharon's article about her experiences here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-green-slovenia/

    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/

  • Celebrate Great Outdoors Month and National Rivers Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show that focuses on Itasca State Park in Minnesota and the Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls.

    FEATURED GUESTS:- ROGER BELL, President of the Jefferson Highway Association. Info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ - CONNIE COX - Lead Interpretive Naturalist at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. More: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage - JESSICA TJARKS - Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls, Iowa. More: http://www.empressboatclub.org/

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

    Featured photo of Mississippi Headwaters with People, Copyright (2024), State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. Reprinted with Permission courtesy of MN DNR. Photo of Empress Boat, courtesy Empress Boat Club.

  • From writers and authors to innkeepers and pet sitters, travel advisors and destination experts, this shared Big Blend Radio "Women Making History" Podcast Panel Discussion focuses on Women Who Travel the World.

    FEATURED GUESTS:* Innkeeper Karen Wilson: https://www.lion-rose.com/ * Innkeeper Tiffany Bertram: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ * Pet sitter Angela Laws: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ * Travel advisor Cheryl Ogle: https://heywannago.com/ * Writer & Editor Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ * K. Nicole Connell of Natchitoches Tourism: https://natchitoches.com/ * Travel writer and author Linda Ballou: https://lostangeladventures.com/ * Travel writer & phographer Jo Clark: https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Travel writer & photographer Sharon Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ * Food, wine and travel writer Dr. Diane Dobry: https://gettinghungary.com/ * Travel writer and author Kathleen Walls: https://americanroads.net/

    Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" podcast is hosted and produced by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter publishing team behind Big Blend Magazines, and full-time travelers on the Love Your Parks Tour. Episodes are daily with a monthly panel discussion every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/

  • In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and Oceans Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, is all about the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.

    The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands along the coastline of North Carolina. It boasts 100-plus miles of wide-open shoreline, charming villages and towns, and plenty of historical attractions. From the history of flight to lighthouses, wild horses, beaches, shopping and dining, there’s something for everyone. Check out Debbie's article and video feature, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/lots-to-love-about-the-outer-banks/ 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 "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows is all about the oceans, seas, rivers, and outdoor experiences you can enjoy in the United Kingdom. From walking coastal paths to cruising on a narrowboat, check out Glynn's article that spotlights some of the beautiful and memorable adventures you can have, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/oceans-seas-and-rivers-of-england

    Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um

    Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/

  • It's all about attention to detail and exemplary customer service on this special Hospitality Insider episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show. Hear about the unique guest experiences provided by the boutique hotels that are part of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.

    FEATURED GUESTS:* Robert Hunt - General Manager of Alcazar Palm Springs. Visit: https://alcazarpalmsprings.com/ * Karima Zaki - Vice President of Operations of Town and Desert Hospitality. Visit: https://townanddesert.com * Adam Ramirez, owner of Luxe Hospitality Consulting LLC. Visit: www.luxehospitalityrevpar.com 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/

    Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://palm-springs-sunshine-stays.podbean.com/

  • Finish this sentence ..... "Before I die, I want to visit _____"

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani, Lea talks about fulfilling your bucket list, especially in regards to travel. Even if you are not able to travel anymore, there are still ways to get whet your wanderlust appetite.

    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

  • Have you ever needed a vacation after your vacation? Are you trying to balance travel while working remotely? From jet lag to cramming too much on your itinerary, this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle, focuses on the various ways you can avoid travel burnout.

    Check out Cheryl's blog on how she balances travel an work, here: https://tinyurl.com/497t3sv3

    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 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

  • In honor of Juneteenth, this episode of Big Blend Radio features author and writer Tamara J. Walker who discusses her book, "Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad," which is a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.

    Part historical exploration, part travel memoir, "Beyond the Shores" reveals poignant histories of a diverse group of African American expats who left the United States (and its racism) behind, building new lives abroad. Learn about Florence Mills, the would-be Josephine Baker of her day, in Paris, Richard Wright, the author turned actor and filmmaker, in Buenos Aires, and more.

    Along with being Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University, Tamara is the author of “Exquisite Slaves: Race, Clothing, and Status in Colonial Lima.” More: https://www.tamarajwalker.com/

    She is also a co-founder of The Wandering Scholar, a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to make international education opportunities accessible to students from low-income backgrounds. More: https://www.thewanderingscholar.org/

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast focuses on the 44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival which will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024, in the air-conditioned Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured Guests are Dr. Shane Rasmussen – NSU Professor of English & Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, and K. Nicole Connell – Communications Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau.

    This family-friendly festival features a curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors, traditional crafts persons, craft demonstrations, a Kidfest, narrative sessions, a Jambalaya Cookoff, along with the Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, and live entertainment. In honor of this year’s theme, The Old Songs Live Forever, the festival will feature three stages of music.

    MORE INFO:* For a full details and the event schedule, visit https://www.nsula.edu/the-44th-annual-natchitoches-nsu-folk-festival/ * Check out the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@natchitochesnsufolkfestiva3855 * Watch this Big Blend Radio video showcasing the 40th Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival: https://youtu.be/oJdUlGg568k?feature=shared * Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/

    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: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/

  • From food and brews, to museums, lodging, and hiking, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Janice Sakata-Schultze who gives a local's inside scoop on "The Best of Golden, Colorado."

    Highlights include Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro, Woody's Wood-fired Pizza, Gilden Mill Food Hall, Clear Creek Trail, Coors Brewery Tours, The Eddy Hotel, and Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite.

    READ JANICE'S ARTICLES ABOUT GOLDEN, COLORADO:* Coors Brewery: https://tinyurl.com/4x4hcymz * Woody's Wood-fired-Pizza: https://tinyurl.com/3n6j4h6e * Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro: https://tinyurl.com/3vzmchhp * The Eddy Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/mrx6zbmy * Golden Mill: https://tinyurl.com/4acundhb

    Based in Golden, Colorado, Janice Sakata-Schultze is a travel writer, blogger, photographer, and certified advisor. She specializes in culinary, active adventure and wellness travel. Follow her adventures at https://www.sanseitraveler.com/

    Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

  • 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

  • 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.

  • From Frank Lloyd Wright to 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

  • 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.

  • 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/