Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll

Big Blend Radio Network

Big Blend Radio’s ”Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll” Podcast is all about music, issue-driven conversations, and a little shenanigans!

  1. JAN 28

    Beyond the Stage: The Elvis Experience with Matt Stone

    This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Rants, Raves & Rock ’N Roll" Podcast features Matt Stone, a talented Elvis tribute artist and vocalist who has been performing as Elvis Presley since the age of 12. Now 22, Matt Stone has been internationally recognized by the Elvis Presley Estate, featured on SiriusXM Elvis Radio, and praised by many of Elvis’ closest friends and family. He has performed on some of the very same stages Elvis played in the 1950s — sometimes by chance, including the historic Memorial Auditorium (now the Martin Marietta Center) in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Elvis performed in 1955. Recorded by Mr. & Mrs. Wild — music interview hosts, concertgoers, and owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, as well as cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast — this conversation dives beyond the jumpsuit and into the artistry behind the performance. Matt shares his journey into becoming an Elvis tribute artist, his musical influences, unforgettable (and sometimes wild) fan interactions, the craftsmanship behind his costumes and vintage equipment, and what it means to perform in historically significant venues. He also reflects on his international performances, favorite Elvis songs and films, and what’s next in his career. After the interview, Mr. & Mrs. Wild had the opportunity to experience Matt Stone’s authentic and captivating live show — further underscoring the power of live music and creative performance. LINKS & RESOURCES - Matt Stone: https://www.mattstoneaselvis.com/  - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  - Mr & Mrs Wild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KWhk3hzhX/  - Mr & Mrs Wild on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mrandmrswildmusic   - Adventures in Asheville Podcast: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/  This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s Elvis Month (Memphis) programming and also celebrates International Creativity Month, honoring creative expression through music, performance, and storytelling. It is also featured on the Big Daily Blend and Toast to The Arts Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    13 min
  2. JAN 27

    Beyond the Stage with Mr & Mrs Wild

    This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Rants, Raves & Rock ’N Roll" Podcast features Steve and Karen Wilson — better known as Mr. & Mrs. Wild — lifelong music lovers, dedicated concertgoers, and the newest rock music interview hosts joining the network. Beyond the stage, they are also the owners of The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast. In this conversation, the focus is on music and creativity — from the power of live performances and evolving concert culture to the lasting influence of Southern rock, hard rock, and metal. The discussion explores why tribute bands play a vital role in preserving music history through creative interpretation, how early musical influences shape lifelong expression, and why supporting live music remains essential.  This episode sets the stage for Mr. & Mrs. Wild’s upcoming musician interviews, including their conversation with Elvis tribute artist Matt Stone, airing January 28. They recently interviewed Alan Rueda of the Stone Whiskey band, which is available here: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/rocking-asheville/  This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s International Creativity Month programming and is also featured on the "Big Daily Blend" and "Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channels, celebrating creative expression through music, performance, and storytelling. LINKS & RESOURCES - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  - Mr & Mrs Wild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KWhk3hzhX/  - Mr & Mrs Wild on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@mrandmrswildmusic   - Adventures in Asheville Podcast: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/  - Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    48 min
  3. JAN 13

    Glendora: Isabelle Armand on Her Mississippi Delta Documentary

    "A moving testament to the Mississippi Delta, Glendora reveals how the bonds of family and home transform structural scarcity into profound community resilience." Nancy J. Reid, Big Blend Radio In this episode of Big Blend Radio, filmmaker, cinematographer, and writer Isabelle Armand discusses her feature documentary GLENDORA, an intimate, five-year collaboration with a small African-American community in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.  Created with—and by—the people who live there, GLENDORA captures daily life through personal testimonies and shared rituals such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. Isabelle shares how sound, atmosphere, and visual storytelling play a vital role in transporting viewers into the town, revealing both its challenges and its deep cultural richness. Music emerges as a powerful thread connecting generations in Glendora, from church hymns and gospel traditions to local rappers creating their own music videos. The town’s cultural identity is also rooted in Delta blues history, as Glendora is the birthplace of the son of legendary bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson, reflecting a legacy of music as expression, memory, and resilience. The conversation further explores the importance of historical context and collective memory. Glendora is part of the Civil Rights Trail, and it is also where Emmett Till was murdered in 1955—a defining event that continues to shape the town’s identity and the broader understanding of racial injustice in America. GLENDORA makes its World Premiere at DWF: NY 2026, screening Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM at Regal Union Square in New York City. Visit: https://glendora.my.canva.site/ and https://danceswithfilms.com/glendora/

    15 min
  4. JAN 7

    Rocking Asheville - Stone Whiskey, Music & Mountain Magic

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, hosts Steve and Karen Wilson spotlight Asheville’s creative spirit through a conversation with Alan Rueda, lead singer and founder of the North Carolina–based rock band Stone Whiskey. Stone Whiskey recently filmed their powerful music video “Nowhere to Go” at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and other iconic Asheville locations, using music and storytelling to help bring positive exposure to the city following Hurricane Helene. The video captures Asheville’s mountain magic, artistic energy, and sense of place — turning the city itself into part of the band’s story. Alan shares insights into the band’s creative process, their commitment to producing visually engaging music videos, and how Asheville’s vibrant music scene continues to inspire artists. The conversation also explores how the music industry has evolved post-COVID, the importance of live performances, and why staying relevant and connected to audiences matters more than ever. This episode celebrates how music, travel, and community intersect — and how artists like Stone Whiskey are helping amplify Asheville’s voice through creativity and collaboration. 🎬 Watch Stone Whiskey’s music video “Nowhere to Go”: https://youtu.be/DZAXo_ogzsg?si=vF0V1w5MNUpoBPj5  Featured Links - Stone Whiskey Band: https://stonewhiskeyband.com/  - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  LISTEN  - New episodes air every 1st Tuesday – Listen: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/  - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    41 min

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Big Blend Radio’s ”Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll” Podcast is all about music, issue-driven conversations, and a little shenanigans!