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. Aug 2

    American Jukebox: Celebrating American Artists & Their Musical Legacy

    Celebrate American Artists Appreciation Month with this shared edition of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox! Every first Sunday, award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer joins Lisa D. Smith to explore the music, artists, and stories that celebrate America's rich musical heritage as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration. This month's playlist shines a spotlight on influential American artists whose music has shaped generations. Johnny and Lisa discuss legendary and groundbreaking performers including Laura Nyro, Sam Cooke, Keb' Mo', Zakiya Hooker, Makana, and Shelley King, while also highlighting the many artists they've inspired. Along the way, they explore blues, soul, Americana, gospel, protest music, regional influences, collaboration, and the enduring power of great songwriting. 🎵 Hear the music! The complete American Jukebox experience—including the featured songs—is available on Mixcloud. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast platform, follow along with the companion Spotify playlist featuring today's selections plus many more musical discoveries. Listen with the Music: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/american-jukebox-celebrating-american-artists  🎧 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m3TvV7PlVXyBcl34DH1pR?si=e84afe08ee9b4396  🎙️ Explore all American Jukebox episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/american-jukebox  🎵 Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/  🏠 Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/  New episodes air every first Sunday as Johnny and Lisa continue celebrating the songs, artists, and stories that define America's musical legacy through the America 250 celebration leading up to July 4, 2027.

  2. Jul 11

    Mistress of Puppets: America's All-Female Metallica Tribute

    This episode of Beyond the Stage on Big Blend Radio's "Rants, Raves & Rock 'N Roll" Podcast features the members of Mistress of Puppets, America's only all-female Metallica tribute band, recorded backstage at Asheville Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina. Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with Kelly "Mama Het" Mader (lead vocals & guitar), Jen Phipps (lead guitar), Michelle Graves (drums), and Beth McPherson (bass) to explore the band's journey, their love of Metallica's music, and what it's like bringing one of the world's greatest metal bands to life on stage. Based in Dallas, Texas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, Mistress of Puppets has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances packed with the power and precision of Metallica's legendary catalog. Beyond celebrating classic thrash metal, the band is inspiring a new generation of female musicians by proving that heavy metal belongs to everyone. The conversation covers each member's musical background, favorite Metallica songs to perform, memorable concerts, touring, dream opening acts, and the excitement of opening for Nita Strauss, acclaimed guitarist for Alice Cooper. They also discuss side projects, the importance of supporting live music, and why friendship is one of the band's greatest strengths. Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild—owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio's Adventures in Asheville Podcast—this episode of the Beyond the Stage series celebrates musicians, creativity, and the passion that keeps rock and metal thriving. LINKS & RESOURCES: - Mistress of Puppets: https://www.mistressofpuppets.com  - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/

  3. May 22

    Beyond the Stage: Jada’s Priest, Knoxville’s Judas Priest Tribute Band

    This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Beyond the Stage" episode features the full lineup of Jada’s Priest, a powerhouse tribute band dedicated to the legendary music of Judas Priest. Recorded onsite at Mars Theatre Brewing Company in Mars Hill NC — a restored 1940s theater transformed into a brewery and live music venue — this episode of the Beyond the Stage series dives into the passion, musicianship, and energy behind one of Tennessee’s premier metal tribute acts. Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with all members of the band including “Jada” Leslie England (vocals), Bruce England (guitar), Ella Marston (guitar), Pepper TN (bass), and Karman Gossett (drums) to talk about their musical backgrounds, performing iconic Judas Priest songs, and what it takes to recreate the sound and spirit of one of heavy metal’s most influential bands. Based in Knoxville, Jada’s Priest is committed to honoring the Metal Gods through electrifying live performances that celebrate the raw energy, soaring vocals, and twin-guitar attack that helped define classic heavy metal. Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild — owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville Podcast — this episode celebrates live music, tribute artistry, and the enduring power of metal culture. LINKS & RESOURCES Jada’s Priest: https://jadaspriest.com/  Jada’s Priest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/774224932435854/  Jada’s Priest on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NJM-NrUZNx0  Mars Theatre Brewing Company: https://www.marstheatrebrewingco.com/  The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/

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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!