Quality of Life Radio

Big Blend Radio Network
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Expert Big Blend Radio interviews, conversations and podcasts focusing on Health and Wellness, Family and Relationships, Education, Beauty and Style, and Personal Development.

  1. 4H AGO

    Photography, Inclusion and the Power of National Parks

    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 U.S. states, over 30 countries, and countless destinations around the world. Houston also happens to have Down syndrome, and through his photography he shares a powerful message of inclusion, compassion, and possibility. In this inspiring conversation, Houston and Katie discuss their journey applying for artist residencies, their experiences exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and their advocacy for greater accessibility in national parks and travel destinations. They talk about how photography allows Houston to communicate his unique perspective on the world, and how travel and art can break down barriers while encouraging people to think beyond limitations. The discussion also explores the importance of inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible trails, and how creative storytelling can help change perceptions about disability. Through their work, Houston and Katie hope to inspire others to explore the world, embrace new adventures, and recognize that every life has value and every person has worth. Houston’s photography reflects his personal mission: to help make the world a better place through art, travel, and compassion. Houston and Katie’s story highlights how creativity, perseverance, and community support can open doors to meaningful opportunities—both in national parks and far beyond. LEARN MORE: - Houston’s photography and travel stories: https://www.downsandtowns.com/  - National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/  - NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/  - Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/

    42 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Spring Cleaning Your Relationships: Practical Tips for Lasting Love

    In this inspiring conversation, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin shares practical tools and heartfelt insights on how to spring clean your relationships and create deeper, more meaningful connections. From the power of presence and gratitude to taking personal responsibility in communication, Shelley offers simple yet powerful ways to nurture love in everyday life. The discussion explores how daily love vows can strengthen bonds, why emotional awareness matters, and how small intentional shifts can transform relationship dynamics. Shelley also introduces her new e-book, Daily Love Vows, designed to help couples and individuals cultivate lasting love through mindful daily practices.   ✨ Read Shelley’s related article on Substack:  https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/spring-cleaning-your-relationships  📘 Get the NEW Daily Love Vows e-Book:  https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/books-resources/daily-love-vows  Whether you're looking to refresh your partnership, strengthen family connections, or improve communication, this episode offers practical wisdom for building healthier, more loving relationships.  Shelley Whizin is known as the Live & Die Happy Coach, a transformational guide who has spent over four decades honoring the full arc of the human experience. As an author, interdisciplinary life coach, wedding planner and officiant, and end-of-life midwife, Shelley specializes in the sacred art of connection. Learn more at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

    54 min

  3. FEB 19

    Narrative as Medicine: A Brush with the Afterlife with Author Sally Dukes

    "My heart was very loud... it would gurgle and swirl. People could hear me before I entered a room." In this inspiring episode, psychotherapist, educator, and author Sally Dukes joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, "drummer girl," and the life-changing journey that shaped it.  Born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD), Sally faced a near-death experience at a young age—a moment in the "Orange Machine" that forever transformed her understanding of life, death, and the "Purple Love" of the afterlife. In this heartfelt and intimate audio feature, Sally explores: - The Therapeutic Journey: How her childhood trauma and heart journey guided her path as a therapist. - Inner Stillness & Outer Travel: How meditation, travel, silence, and deep self-reflection became a pilgrimage toward truth. - Storytelling as Medicine: The process of writing a memoir as a tool for self-discovery and healing. - Being Present: Navigating today’s distraction-filled world by leaning into silence and stillness. From the medical threshold to meaningful journeys in the outer world, this thoughtful discussion offers comfort, perspective, and encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or their own spiritual path. Pre-Order "drummer girl" (Launching March 17, 2026) and learn more about Sally Dukes at https://www.sallydukes.com/

    33 min

  4. FEB 19

    Wheelchair Mafia: Travel, Photography & Rescuing Disabled Dogs

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the power of travel, photography, and compassion for animals, featuring co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and special guest Cade Martin — commercial photographer and world traveler. Cade shares how a family trip to Thailand unexpectedly led to his heartwarming mini-documentary “Wheelchair Mafia,” spotlighting a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates disabled dogs. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of animal rescue, the cultural insights gained through travel, and how storytelling through photography can inspire kindness and global awareness. Listeners will also hear about the vital work of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation and how communities and volunteers help give vulnerable animals a second chance at life. 🔗 Learn more: • Cade Martin • The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation • TrustedHousesitters • The Steppes of Henry Foundation 🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes.

    32 min

  5. FEB 18

    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

  6. FEB 11

    Understanding Women’s Heart Health: Prevention, Diabetes & Lifestyle

    In celebration of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany highlights the importance of heart health—especially for women. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Heart Healthy Living" focuses on prevention, early detection, and the need for greater awareness around women and heart disease. Dr. Jackie discusses how women often experience unrecognized heart attacks, the seriousness of congenital heart defects, and how conditions like diabetes significantly increase cardiovascular risk. The conversation also explores stress management techniques, the benefits of regular physical activity, and why the Mediterranean diet continues to be a heart-healthy standard. Beyond diet and exercise, Dr. Jackie emphasizes the powerful role of community, human connection, and mental well-being in supporting overall cardiovascular health. 📘 Get Dr. Jackie’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Heart-Disease-Real-story/dp/1534909842  🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & "Big Daily Blend "podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    21 min

  7. FEB 2

    Daily Love Vows: 365 Invitations to Choose Love

    "Weddings are a moment, but relationships are living beings." In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's 'Soul Diving Sunday' Podcast with Shelley Whizin "Live & Die Happy Coach," we celebrate the launch of her new e-book, "Daily Love Vows: 365 Invitations to Choose Love." Shelley discusses the 'Third Entity'—the living bond between two people—and why love isn't a one-time promise, but a daily practice. Learn how to move past the 'loudness' of life to return to presence, intimacy, and joy through simple, powerful daily rituals. SPECIAL GIFT: In honor of National Wedding Month, Shelley is offering FREE digital access to the entire book throughout February. Read for free here: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/books-resources/daily-love-vows READ Shelley's article: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/is-your-relationship-a-living-being Shelley Whizin is known as the Live & Die Happy Coach, a transformational guide who has spent over four decades honoring the full arc of the human experience. As an author, interdisciplinary life coach, wedding planner and officiant, and end-of-life midwife, Shelley specializes in the sacred art of connection. Learn more at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com As part of Big Blend Radio's National Wedding Month programming, this episode is also featured on the "Big Daily Blend" and "Quality of Life" Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    42 min

  8. JAN 30

    Backyarding in 2026: Landscapes for People, Pets & the Planet

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes. The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living. Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools.  We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life. Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/  As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Expert Big Blend Radio interviews, conversations and podcasts focusing on Health and Wellness, Family and Relationships, Education, Beauty and Style, and Personal Development.

Information

  • Creator
    Big Blend Radio Network
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Big Blend Radio and Magazines
  • Show Website
    Quality of Life Radio