A Toast to The Arts

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier. Travel through i...

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press). Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a ment...

Experience the magic of outdoor theater in Asheville, North Carolina, on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, cohosted by Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's historic Montford District. Featured guest is Audrey Kopp of Montford Park Players, one of Asheville's most treasured performing arts organization...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), in a fascinating conversation about Gettysburg National Military Park, its enduring artistic legacy, and the vital role artists play in preserving America's history. As part of the ongoing Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective, Tanya explores how a...

Few bands have shaped music, fashion, and popular culture quite like Boy George & Culture Club. Perfect for Pride Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast, acclaimed filmmaker Alison Ellwood shares the story behind her compelling documentary chronicling the band's extraordinary rise, lasting influence, and enduring legacy. Known for celebrated music documentaries in...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia" Podcast, Executive Director Lance Laber shares the story behind the new "Ted DeGrazia's Painted Ponies" exhibit at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. Featuring paintings, watercolors, sculptures, carousel horses, and merry-go-round imagery, this colorful new exhibition celebrates Ted DeGrazia's lifelong...

In Part Two of this special Big Blend Radio “Music Success Insider” spotlight conversation, Joey Stuckey dives deeper into creativity, storytelling, media evolution, and the personal passions that shape his artistic life. From unconventional performance venues and community engagement to songwriting, curiosity, and the changing digital media landscape, Joey reflects on the experiences and inspirat...

Music has long been a powerful way to reflect the world around us, spark conversation, and inspire change. In this episode of Big Blend Radio, singer-songwriter Ken Newman discusses his thought-provoking new single, "Who Are the Bad Guys?", exploring how music can challenge perspectives while encouraging empathy and meaningful dialogue. Originally from San Francisco and now spending much of the ye...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast, author Samuel Garza Bernstein discusses his acclaimed new book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life," offering an intimate look at one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile performers. Best known for his roles in "How Green Was My Valley," "Lassie Come Home," "Planet of the Apes," and countless film, television, and stage productio...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author Pam Webber discusses her new novel, "Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love," the first book in a new World War II series inspired by the little-known "Miracle of Massawa" in Eritrea, North Africa. Set in 1942 during the height of World War II, the novel follows fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas as s...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and legacy of Fletcher Martin (1904–1979)—a self-taught American artist whose talent, determination, and keen powers of observation helped him become one of the most respected illustrators and muralists of his era. From humble beginnings in the American West to working as a...

In celebration of Dog Dad Day (June 20), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" series spotlights mystery and historical fiction author Matt Cost, whose love of dogs, storytelling, and creative adventure shines in both his books and everyday life. Through a fun seven-question game, Matt shares insights into his writing journey, favorite hobbies, life lessons, future goals, and the...

 Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward welcomes debut novelist Marianne Rabalais Sulser, whose historical novel "Like Snow Before Sun" is out now through Atmosphere Press.  Born and raised in central Louisiana and now based in Colorado, Marianne takes us deep into the world of 1750s Nova Scotia and the tragic history of the Acadian expulsion — a story she discovered throu...

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human. 🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! an...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America. In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have...

Discover the remarkable life, art, and enduring legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, the pioneering artist known as the "Mother of American Modernism," in this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring award-winning filmmakers Paul Wagner and Ellen Casey Wagner. Their acclaimed documentary, "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light," explores the iconic artist’s extraordinary journey through her own words, dra...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to the Arts” Podcast features debut author Emily Renk Hawthorne who discusses her breathtaking fantasy series "Of Mountains and Seas," inspired by Chinese mythology, folklore, and her Taiwanese heritage. Set in a hidden shapeshifting community along the Northern California coast, "Of Mountains and Seas" explores themes of power, belonging, conformity, gener...

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with award-winning author, editor, traveler, and former international lawyer Clifford Garstang about his fascinating journey from international development and law to a celebrated literary career. A longtime guest on Big Blend Radio, Clifford has joined us over the years to discuss his books, literature, writing life, and in...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone shares her immersive experiences exploring the vibrant culture, cuisine, music, and history of Buenos Aires, Argentina. From hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional empanadas and Argentine specialties to passionate tango performances, Debbie highlights the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Bueno...

In Part One of this special Big Blend Radio “Music Success Insider” series, we celebrate the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com and its Front Porch News newsletter by putting acclaimed musician, producer, and educator Joey Stuckey in the spotlight. Known as Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, Joey shares his inspiring journey through the music industry as a blind artist, producer, podcaster,...

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features acclaimed YA author Rocky Callen discussing her powerful and deeply personal novel, "A Breath Too Late." Inspired by her own struggles with depression and suicide ideation, Rocky shares how storytelling, art, friendship, and community can help foster healing, hope, and connection. Re-released through Sunderhau...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and work of artist Frank Lucien Heath, a West Coast painter known for his atmospheric landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and evocative use of light and fog. The conversation dives into Heath’s artistic training in San Francisco, the influence of historic world expositions on...

This episode of Big Blend Radio spotlights "Big Daily Blend" cohost and award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer  @hearjohnny  based in Southern California, in a special “Getting to Know You” conversation. In this inspiring and personal interview, Johnny shares his musical journey, creative influences, and the deeper purpose behind his songwriting. From emotional storytelling to the power o...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features members of Cracked Nut Creatives, current National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Blending classical music, multimedia storytelling, and environmental awareness, the artists explore the powerful relationship between music, nature, and place. Through their re...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Show, historian, tour guide, and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows takes us behind the scenes of England’s most iconic filming locations. From historic estates and ancient cities to modern studio sets, discover how British film and television bring history to life while preserving and showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage. T...