Big Blend Radio

Big Blend Radio Network

Viva Variety! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!

  1. 2D AGO

    Embracing the Year of the Fire Horse: Independence, Adventure & Transformation

    In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, travel writer and equestrian Linda Ballou explores the powerful symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology. From themes of fierce independence and bold adventure to the profound bond between humans and horses, Linda shares personal insights, spiritual reflections, and heartfelt storytelling that encourage listeners to embrace change and live authentically. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the importance of writing from the heart, and how the Fire Horse energy can spark transformation in our lives. Whether you’re drawn to astrology, horses, personal growth, or meaningful travel, this uplifting conversation invites you to “giddy up” and welcome new possibilities. 📝 Read Linda’s article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/a-rare-chinese-astrological-event-the-year-of-the-fire-horse-is-galloping-toward-us-equestrian-linda-ballou-says-let-the-adventure-begin/  🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com  https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com  🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    29 min
  2. 3D AGO

    Journey Through St Augustine: A Must Visit for America’s 250th Birthday

    In this 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 shares highlights from her immersive visit to this charming coastal city. Discover how the convenient Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine makes exploring easy, why culinary tasting tours are a delicious way to experience local culture, and what makes the historic St. Francis Inn such a memorable place to stay. The conversation also explores St. Augustine’s layered Spanish, British, and Native American heritage, its vibrant arts scene, and why history lovers will find endless stories around every corner. Whether you're planning a heritage getaway, a food-focused trip, or looking ahead to America’s Semi-quincentennial celebrations, St. Augustine offers an unforgettable blend of history, hospitality, and coastal charm. LISA'S ST. AUGUSTINE ARTICLES - Rovology.com: https://rovology.com/united-states/a-history-lovers-guide-to-visiting-st-augustine-fl/  - Wander with Wonder: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/things-to-do-in-st-augustine-fl/  - She Buys Travel: https://shebuystravel.com/st-francis-inn-bed-and-breakfast-st-augustine-fl/  MAGAZINE, SUBSTACK & MUSIC PLAYLIST * NEW: Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1  * Subscribe to Journey Jukebox on Big Blend Media's Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/  * Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596  📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

    39 min
  3. 4D AGO

    Adventures in Kissimmee, Florida: Vacation Homes, Nature & Family Fun

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer and expert Terri Guthrie shares her firsthand experiences exploring Kissimmee, Florida — one of the Sunshine State’s most family-friendly vacation destinations. Known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World, Kissimmee offers an impressive range of vacation rentals, themed accommodations, and spacious resorts that make traveling with family easy and comfortable. Terri highlights why these home-style stays are especially appealing for spring break and multi-generational getaways. The conversation also dives into Kissimmee’s diverse culinary scene rooted in its rich Hispanic heritage, exciting outdoor adventures like airboat tours and wildlife encounters, and the area’s fascinating cowboy history. From dining at the iconic Columbia Restaurant to exploring nature and culture, Terri explains why Kissimmee is far more than just a gateway to Orlando — it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you're planning spring break, a family vacation, or a warm-weather escape, this episode offers helpful insights and travel tips to inspire your next Florida adventure. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES • Terri’s Kissimmee Story on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/adventures-in-kissimmee-florida  • Experience Kissimmee Tourism: https://www.experiencekissimmee.com/  • Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/  • New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

    33 min
  4. 4D AGO

    Inside the World of Food, Wine & Travel Writing: How IFWTWA Empowers Storytellers

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we go behind the scenes of the global organization that connects and supports professional storytellers in the food, wine, and travel industries. Hear from IFWTWA leadership about how the association empowers writers through networking, professional development webinars, press trips, contests, and its annual conference. Discover how storytelling fosters authentic travel experiences, how social media and branding elevate visibility, and why human connection remains at the heart of impactful travel journalism. With more than 240 members worldwide, IFWTWA continues to grow as a vibrant community for writers, photographers, bloggers, and destinations seeking meaningful collaboration. 👥 Featured IFWTWA Leaders * Cori Solomon – President & Membership Chair; Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com/  * Susan Lanier-Graham – Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/  * Robin O’Neal Smith – Treasurer & 2025 Conference Co-Chair (Contests): https://RobinONealSmith.com  * Andrew Harris – 2nd Vice President & Culinary Advisor; 2026 Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com  * Kathryn (Kat) Anderson – Social Media Committee Chair: https://coffeeandmascara.org  * Amy Piper – Editor-in-Chief of IFWTWA's "Food, Wine, Travel" Magazine: https://FollowthePiper.com  * Judi Cohen (Traveling Judi) – Secretary, Professional Development Webinars: https://www.travelingjudi.com  * Pam Baker – Marketing Committee Chair: https://PamandGaryBaker.com  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  📰 Check out Food, Wine, Travel Magazine: https://fwtmagazine.com/  🎧 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast:  https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  📰 Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

    31 min

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About

Viva Variety! Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, Big Blend Radio educates, entertains and inspires! Topics include: Music, Books & The Arts; Travel & Recreation; Food & Drink; National Parks & Public Lands; History & Culture; Nature & Environment; Home & Garden; Family & Education; Business & Career; and much more!