Eat, Drink and Be Merry

What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this shared and uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories. Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life a...

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, join Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, for a fascinating journey through the remarkable story of one of America's most beloved foods—the peanut. Discover how peanuts became an American staple, from their agricultural importance and the groundbreaking innovations of George Washington Carver to their role during wartime, family tra...

From the icy waters of Alaska to the vineyards of southeastern Arizona, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" celebrates the art of pairing exceptional seafood with outstanding wines. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery, welcomes special guest Sena Wheeler, co-owner of Sena Sea, a fifth-generation family-owned wild Alaska seafood company.  Together they explore how pre...

Happy Summer! On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" Show, Robert Schueller of Melissa's Produce joins us for a virtual summer foodie shopping spree to stock the brand-new digital Big Blend Media House — pantry, fridge, freezer, wine cellar, backyard grill, poolside bar, and wellness retreat included. From Petite Pinkglow and Colada Royale pineapples to dragon fruit, tree-...

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive. From...

We're heading back to Bells Up Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley with winemaker and co-owner Dave Specter! In this Big Blend Radio "Getting to Know You" interview, Dave talks about turning a dead Christmas tree farm into a thriving boutique winery, the music-inspired story behind the Bells Up name, rare grapes you won't find anywhere else in the Willamette Valley — including a sparkling Seyval...

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this shared flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana.  Located right along the historic Jefferson Highw...

Celebrate National Candy Month with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Matthew Luna, owner of Desert Freeze Dried and grandson of Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Sitting in for Donna, Matthew shares his expertise in the fascinating world of freeze drying and the innovative ways this technology is transforming food preservation a...

In this special and shared "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast, we go beyond the glass to learn more about Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery and one of Arizona's pioneering voices in wine. From the unique terroir and volcanic soils of southeastern Arizona to the art and science of winemaking, Peggy shares the story behind her vineyard, her passion...

Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month with this special "Success Express" episode of Big Blend Radio featuring longtime Big Blend friend Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations and Produce Expert for Melissa's Produce. Known nationally as "The Produce Dude," Robert has spent nearly three decades helping consumers discover fresh fruits and vegetables, understand seasonal produc...

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...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the renowned wine region of Willamette Valley, where rolling vineyards, welcoming tasting rooms, and unforgettable culinary experiences create a dream destination for wine lovers and travelers alike. In this engaging episode that celebrates Oregon Wine Month, Jo shares her adventures visitin...

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Noah Howard of Tour Cayuga shares the flavors, history, and scenic beauty that make Cayuga County a standout destination in the Finger Lakes region. Known as “History’s Hometown,” Cayuga County offers a rich blend of wine tourism, craft beverages, l...

Celebrate spring with picnics, pasta, and perfectly paired wines in this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, shares expert tips for planning unforgettable outdoor dining experiences, from choosing the right wines to pairing them with easy, travel-friendly foods. In honor of seasonal celebrations like International N...

Get to know the heart behind The Peanut Patch in this special and shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “The Peanut Patch” Podcast featuring Donna George, owner of the beloved family-run store in Yuma, Arizona. Through seven fun and insightful questions, Donna shares her personal journey in running a small business, her passion for food and community, and her adventures traveling to all 50 states. F...

Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates its 2-year anniversary with a special behind-the-scenes conversation exploring Jo’s journey as a travel writer, storyteller, and creator of the new "Jo Goes Everywhere!" Digital Podcast Magazine. From global adventures spanning Louisiana to Namibia, to experimenting with sangria recipes and discovering local fla...

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel "Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Jo Clark shares her delicious journey through Lafayette—a destination often called the “Happiest City in America.” From iconic Cajun dishes to immersive cultural experiences, Jo takes us on a flavorful tour of Lafayette’s vibrant food...

Get a taste of Yuma, Arizona this spring in this shared and flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. As the season winds down before the summer closure in May, Donna shares insider tips on Yuma’s rich history, local food specialties, and must-experience activities, making it the perfect time to plan a visi...

April is National Food Month, and we are kicking it off with a masterclass in the "Art of the Sandwich." From National Sourdough Bread Day (April 1) to National Picnic Day (April 23), this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" Show is your essential guide to elevating every bite with the perfect pour. Peggy (co-owner of LDV Winery) breaks down the fundamental rules of pairing:...

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford. Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity o...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," sits down with Scott Kelley, winemaker and co-founder of Paul O’Brien Winery, to explore the distinctive wines and terroir of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Often considered one of Oregon’s hidden wine gems, the Umpqua Valley offers diverse microclimates and soils that allow winem...

It’s National Peanut Month and National Nutrition Month, and we’re celebrating with Donna George from The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona!  In this episode of "The Peanut Patch" Podcast on Big Blend Radio, discover surprising facts about peanuts (did you know they’re actually a legume?), the health benefits of peanut butter, and delicious ways to enjoy nutritious snacks like trail mix, dark chocolat...

Spring and summer are prime time for white wine—and knowing how to choose and pair it makes all the difference.  In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery shares expert insights on acidity, balance, and how to avoid “flabby” wines that lack structure. Peggy explains practical wine tasting techniques—how to evaluate legs and viscosit...

In this special onsite episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith and Nancy J. Reid join regular cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson (The Lion & The Rose B&B) at Souther Williams Vineyard in Fletcher, North Carolina — just a short, scenic drive from Asheville. During a live wine tasting with owner Ken Parker, the conversation explores the growth of the N...

Welcome to the final installment of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas", shared as part of our Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast. Today is the Foodie Finale! Greenville’s culinary scene is thriving, blending historic atmosphere with modern flavor.  Along with telling you about some of our favorite experiences like The Ashen Rose Bar & Grill, Pedd...