Eat, Drink and Be Merry

In celebration of National Fortune Cookie Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio explores the vibrant culture, cuisine, and heritage of Chinatowns around the world. From Singapore to San Francisco to Boston, discover how these neighborhoods serve as gateways to rich cultural traditions and unforgettable culinary experiences. Featured guests include: 🍜 Jeffrey Spear – Branding expert, food/travel wr...

Join us for a delightful "Happy Hour Hang Out" on Big Blend Radio as we celebrate National Picnic Month and Parks & Recreation Month! This engaging episode explores the pure joy of picnicking, the profound benefits of connecting with nature, and our favorite spots and foods for an outdoor feast from Arizona to England.  We dive into the calming practice of forest bathing, the therapeutic power...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Scott Kendall shares highlights from his journey through Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region. From visiting historic champagne houses and attending educational tastings to savoring an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Arba...

From backyard BBQs to sunny picnics, this fun and flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast celebrates all things summer wine and food. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, shares delicious seasonal wine and food pairing ideas, vineyard updates, and tips for entertaining during the warmer months. Tune in for: - Summer wine pairings & food ideas - Cookin...

In this fun and informative episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie” Podcast, Dr. Jacqueline Eubany—board-certified cardiologist and author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”—shares what she eats during a typical workday, on weekends, while traveling, and when dining out. The conversation covers practical tips for meal planning, managing a busy schedule, consul...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, co-hosts Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, founders of the Wanderers Compass Travel Blog, take us on an immersive journey through Edinburgh, Scotland—highlighting the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the magic of a traditional Scotch whisky tasting. From the legendary Crown Jewels to swords, armor, and tales of military conquest, dis...

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this fun and flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with host Linda Kissam, aka “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva.” Special guest Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce joins the show to talk about seasonal produce, healthy snacks, and gourmet goodies perfect for a memorable summer picnic. In this lively conversation, Li...

In celebration of National Candy Month, this sweet episode of Big Blend Radio's "Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George dives into the nostalgic charm of The Peanut Patch and explores how candy-making continues to evolve in creative and surprising ways.  Learn how freeze-dried candy is not only a great option for outdoor adventures but also a lighter, softer treat for movie nights and folks with...

Celebrate National Moonshine Day with this spirited episode of Big Blend Radio as we dive into the Moonshiner, Bootlegger, and Temperance history of Kansas. Featured guests include Kenneth J. Peak, author of Kansas Bootleggers and Kansas Temperance, and Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation. This fascinating conversation explores the complex world of moonshining and bootleggin...

Take your taste buds on a delicious journey to South America on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast! Host Peggy Fiandaca is joined by special guest Tamara Andersen, the talented recipe developer, cocktail mixologist, photographer, and writer behind the blog "Beyond Mere Sustenance." In this flavorful conversation, Tamara shares her passion for Peruvian cuisine and wine...

Join us as we Wine It Up and toast to National Wine Day with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's Eat, Drink & Be Merry show! This celebration explores the unique characteristics of wines from Oregon, California, Arizona, and Hungary, along with delicious wine pairings and personal wine journeys.  From vineyard updates to charcuterie boards and the rise of orange wine, this lively round...

Get ready to hit the open road! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Jefferson Highway Show, we're gearing up for National Road Trip Day (May 23) with guest Beth Hilburn, co-owner of the retro-charming Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. Nestled on both the historic Jefferson Highway and legendary Route 66, these roadside gems are must-stops for travelers seeking nostalgia,...

🍕 National Pizza Party Day is HERE! 🎉 Join us for a fun and delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's HAPPY HOUR as we celebrate everything pizza! From classic deep dish and thin crust debates to the age-old question of pineapple on pizza, we're diving deep into the world of everyone's favorite food. We explore unique pizza parlors and ask our fantastic guests the ultimate pizza party question: If...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast, travel writer and photographer Jo Clark shares her flavorful and fun-filled journey through Penn Yan, a charming town nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Founded by Pennsylvania Yankees, Penn Yan is rich in history and known for its scenic lakes, historic mills, and lush dairy pastures. Jo takes listeners on a culinary adve...

Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Mary Farah takes us on a journey through Southern Delaware, uncovering the region’s hidden gems and unexpected West Coast vibes. From a luxurious stay at Avenue Inn and Spa...

Mangia and salute! This delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast is all about Italian food and wine. Host Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, shares expert tips on pairing wine with Italian dishes, gives an update on the Arizona vineyard with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, and explores her Wine Term of the Month: “clones.” 👉 Plus, don’t mis...

On this tasty episode of Big Blend Radio, travel and food writer Linda Kissam—aka the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”—shares her review of Coco Polo Bliss sugarless chocolate. She describes it as “a hidden gem in the candy aisle,” and dives into the brand’s rich, creamy texture and deliciously bold flavors. Crafted for chocolate lovers who want to avoid added sugars without giving up indulgence,...

From super salsas and savory dips to gourmet BBQ sauces, pickles, and relishes—grilling season is heating up "Southwestern Style"! In this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George, we’re serving up spicy inspiration and culinary creativity straight from the heart of Yuma, Arizona. The Peanut Patch is a beloved Southwest tradition, known for farm-fresh pea...

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show, featuring Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Specialty Produce.  From ready-made crepes and specialty dessert sauces to juicy muscato grapes, sweet Ojai pixie tangerines, crisp jicama, savory shallots, flavorful Hatch chili pepper snacks and cooking products, and gourmet grilling kits, Rober...

On this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show, presented in collaboration with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Jeffrey Spear, author of the mouthwatering book “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure.” From indulging in street food like char-grilled mouse in Malawi to tracking down the best hot dog...

In this flavorful shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Happy Hour" shows, 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor Chef Ivan Flowers serves up everything you need to know about crafting the perfect homemade pizza. From dough-making secrets and topping techniques to fun facts about regional pizza styles, this episode is a delicious deep dive into everyone’s favorite comfo...

In celebration of National Garden Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features gardening expert Bevin Cohen who discusses his new book, "HERBS IN EVERY SEASON: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary," that's out now through Timber Press.  "Herbs in Every Season" offers gardeners, herbalists, cooks, and homesteaders a new way of looking at herbs throughout the year...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks about Agritopia, a culinary haven in Gilbert, Arizona, that invites food lovers to experience farm-to-table dining like never before.  With its community gardens, artisanal eateries, and vibrant farmer’s market, this unique planned urban farming development blends agriculture with gastronomy, creating a feast...

Get ready for Spring Celebrations like Easter weekend, Brunch Parties, and Mother's Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George. So many foodie ideas to make happen and treats to enjoy! Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medj...

The wine industry is experiencing a lot of change. From climate change and water issues to demographic spending shifts, wineries must navigate these changes to stay relevant and successful. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast focuses on Wine & Food Trends in Arizona, as well as the growing wine and culinary scene in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale.  ON THIS EPISODE:...