Parks & Travel

Journey to the driest place on Earth as travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Atacama Desert in Chile. From the hissing Tatio Geysers at 14,000 feet to the surreal "white gold" salt flats and the ancient paths of the Inca Trail, discover why this destination is a must for any "bucket list" traveler.  Debbie shares her insider tips on acclimating to the altitude, finding the best local guides,...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie share their unforgettable journey through the islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia, exploring breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons and visiting pearl farms to discovering the secrets of Tahitian vanilla and enjoying authentic...

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beman Dawes and Bertie Dawes. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree pl...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features travel photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie Vandergriff, who recently served as artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston is a passionate travel photographer who has visited all 50...

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants...

Discover how music and nature beautifully intersect in this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring composer and conductor Luke Diamond and conservation advocate and author Elaine A. Powers. Based in Tucson, Luke is developing "Breathing in the Awe," an ambitious collection of ten original choral works inspired by visits to U.S. national parks. Performed by the Tucson Masterworks Chorale, t...

In this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Show, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the history, legends, and living culture of Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations. From the iconic Moai statues and the enduring mysteries surrounding their construction and transport to the powerful traditions of the Rapa Nui people, Debbie shares insi...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel writer Lisa Evans takes listeners to historic St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States and a must-visit destination as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. From the iconic Castillo de San Marcos to the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Lisa shar...

As Gettysburg, Pennsylvania prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) explores how history, community, and culture come together in one of the nation’s most iconic destinations. Featured guest Mary Grace Kauffman of Destination Gettysburg shares how the town i...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show celebrates the 93rd anniversaries of Death Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park, while spotlighting the impact of artist residencies through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). As part of the first installment of the Big Blend Radio NPAF "Artists in Parks" Retrospective, Tanya Ortega (NPAF Founder) and Lisa D....

As winter begins to fade, this episode explores the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit of California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. From towering sequoias and seasonal wildflowers to agricultural traditions, historic sites, and family-friendly activities, the conversation highlights why late winter is a special time to explore the region. Featured guests from the Sequoia...

Travel writer and author Kathleen Walls joins Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station Travel" Podcast to explore the fascinating history, natural beauty, and modern-day appeal of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Once an exclusive winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll Island is now a state park destination offering historic hotels and cottages, scenic biking trails, wildlife encounters, cultu...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beauty, and lesser-known treasures. The conversation begins with the remarkable story of May Rindge, known as the “Queen of Malibu,” whose fierce determination helped protect the region from the expansion of the...

Recorded on location in St. Augustine, Florida, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and living heritage of America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Travel writer Terri Guthrie discusses St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial roots and iconic landmarks, including the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, both of w...

As part of our Book Blitz Month programming, award-winning author, explorer, photographer, and cetacean specialist James Michael Dorsey joins Big Blend Radio to share stories from a lifetime of global exploration.  Hear how writing, photography, and storytelling serve as artistic tools for cultural preservation. From crafting personal travel narratives to documenting oral traditions, this episode...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the vibrant coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas, where sun, sea, culture, and history come together. From horseback riding on the beach and fishing along the coast to visiting the South Texas State Aquarium, Sharon shares firsthand experiences that sh...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Show," host Linda Kissam, the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva, welcomes Annette Pitts, CEO of Visit Casper, to explore why Casper, Wyoming is an ideal road tripping destination packed with outdoor adventure, history, arts, culture, and culinary experiences. Centrally located in Wyoming, Casper makes an easy and rewarding stop for...

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), who joins us to discuss Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication—a year-long celebration spotlighting 10 years of artist interviews connecting art, national parks, and public lands. The Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective (2016–20...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast explores the incredible federal parks and public lands of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. From towering giant sequoias and rich wildlife habitats to cultural heritage and night skies,...

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" Podcast, we explore the joy of birding in the Great Lakes region with expert birder, educator, and author Dexter Patterson, host of the Bird Joy podcast and co-founder of Wisconsin’s BIPOC Birding Club. Dexter shares insights from his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes: Best Little Book of Birds, an accessible and beautifully designed...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences. From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to...

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice. 📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights": https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-norther...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, hosts and travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough take us on a journey through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exploring charming waterfront towns, historic inns, wildlife refuges, and vibrant local culture along the Chesapeake Bay. Their travels begin on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows, before moving through Kent County with...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep c...

From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm...