Road Trip Radio

Big Blend Radio Network

Take a virtual adventure across America and beyond on Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio podcast. Hear expert conversations and stories covering scenic byways, historic routes and highways, parks, landmarks, roadside attractions, unique lodging and dining destinations, and more!

  1. 5D AGO

    Jefferson Highway & Route 66: Crossroads of American History

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares insights on the connections between the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66, along with a glimpse of the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. From early 20th-century road development to modern-day road trip adventures, this conversation explores how these iconic highways helped shape American travel, culture, and tourism. Roger highlights Joplin’s role as a historic crossroads, discusses the evolution of highway systems, and shares why every community along these routes has a unique story to tell. Hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving America’s historic highways. The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide website: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/  The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com

    52 min
  2. FEB 28

    Find Your Heart on the Jefferson Highway in Greenville, TX: Part 2 - Growth, Integrity & Local Soul

    Welcome back to Day 2 of our special Jefferson Highway 4-part series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." After exploring the incredible history at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Part 1, today we look at the living, breathing pulse of this Northeast Texas community. Recorded in the heart of downtown at Prairie Coffee House, we sit down with local leaders and residents to discuss how Greenville is growing—and doing it with integrity. In this episode: * Stacey Foley (Greenville Tourism Manager): Our "tour guide" shares the inside scoop on Greenville’s attractions and community spirit. * Randy Tarpley (Tarpley Realtors): Insights into the booming housing market and why people are flocking to Greenville. * Hannah Bywater (Greenville Chamber of Commerce): Discussing local business growth and the town's welcoming atmosphere. * Local Perspectives: Residents Xachary Aguilar and Natalie Pegg share why this city is the perfect place to live, work, and visit. We also highlight how Greenville is preserving its past while building its future, including the amazing Lofts on Lee vacation rentals right above us! Links Mentioned: * Greenville Tourism: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/  * The Route: https://jeffersonhighway.org/  * Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas  * Part 1 of the Podcast Series: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one  * Prairie Coffee House:https://prairiecoffeeco.com/  * Tarpley Realtors: https://www.tarpleyrealtors.com/  * Greenville Chamber of Commerce:  https://www.greenvillechamber.com/  * Stay Updated: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/

    34 min
  3. FEB 27

    Find Your Heart on the Jefferson Highway in Greenville, Texas: Part One - The Hero & The Heritage

    Welcome to Part One of our special 4-Part series: "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." The historic Jefferson Highway is a 115-year-old international treasure, stretching from the pines of Winnipeg to the palms of New Orleans. Today, we anchor in Northeast Texas to explore why Greenville is the ultimate "Homebase" for your Texas Jefferson Highway adventure. We’re driving through the historic Blackland cotton fields, visiting the "Highway Sisters" of Bonham and Denison, and diving deep into the soul of the region at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum. Our guest, Susan Lanning, shares the incredible legacy of one of America’s most decorated soldiers and the "White Gold" industry that built this community. In This Episode: * The Homebase: Why the Comfort Suites is the perfect base for your trip. * The Drive: Navigating the history of the Blackland Prairie and the stunning Bonham courthouse. * The Legend: Susan Lanning on Audie Murphy and the American Cotton Museum. * Mascot Update: Priscilla the Sock Monkey and Stinky the Donkey hit the road! Resources & Links: * Greenville Tourism: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/   * The Museum: https://cottonmuseum.com/   * The Route: https://jeffersonhighway.org/   * Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas  * Stay Updated: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/

    17 min
  4. JAN 23

    Colo, Iowa: Preserving Highway History at the Reed-Niland Corner

    This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show takes us to the historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, Iowa, a beloved crossroads and symbol of Americana along the Jefferson Highway. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. The featured guest is Brenda McGuire of the historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, Iowa. Follow the Reed-Niland Corner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Reed-Niland-Corner-100064692456354/  The conversation dives into the history of COLO, a small farming community with deep roots tied to agriculture, travel, and hospitality — and a name with a memorable backstory. Local lore shares that COLO was named after a dog belonging to a railroad official, a detail that perfectly reflects the town’s small-town charm and Americana spirit.  Hear how Charlie Reed originally started the gas station to help travelers, how community members are preserving the Reed-Niland Corner through a museum and community events, and why community engagement is essential to keeping Jefferson Highway stories alive. From historic markers and nostalgic road trips to hot beef sandwiches, homemade pies, and pie-eating contests, this episode celebrates slow travel and living history. JEFFERSON HIGHWAY RESOURCES The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  -  The Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/  - Jefferson Highway Dispatch – A Substack "newsletter" publication: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/  - The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When" and "Road Trip Radio, podcast channels.  Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    50 min
  5. JAN 6

    Oklahoma Route 66: The Heart of The Mother Road

    Recorded on location at the Oklahoma Historical Society, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast celebrates the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 and explores why Oklahoma is considered the heart of the Mother Road. Travel writer and host Terri Guthrie is joined by Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and a board member of both the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission and the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Together, they dive into the cultural, historical, and emotional legacy of Route 66—from its role during the Great Depression to its lasting symbolism of freedom, mobility, and Americana. The conversation highlights Oklahoma’s 400+ mile stretch of Route 66, the towns and museums that preserve its stories, the revival of neon signage, and how modern travelers can experience the route beyond the interstate. This episode also explores family road trips, ancestry travel, and the community-driven efforts breathing new life into the Mother Road ahead of its 100th anniversary. OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 TRAVEL RESOURCES - Oklahoma Historical Society: https://www.okhistory.org/  - Oklahoma Route 66: https://oklahomaroute66.com/  - Travel Oklahoma: https://www.travelok.com/  FOLLOW TERRI'S ADVENTURES - https://travelwithterri.net/  - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/   LISTEN  - New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend," podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    44 min
  6. JAN 3

    Discovering Casper: A Road Tripping Destination in Wyoming

    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 travelers seeking wide-open landscapes and authentic Western charm. Linda and Annette dive into fly fishing on the North Platte River, scenic picnics and photography in Fremont Canyon, and the area’s deep historical roots tied to the Oregon Trail and Pony Express. The conversation also highlights Casper’s growing culinary scene, unique downtown shopping, vibrant arts community, and cultural events such as rodeos and Indian relay races. From hiking, skiing, wildlife photography, and camping to boutique lodging, RVing, and local festivals, this episode showcases the diverse experiences that make Casper a must-visit destination. 📖 Read Linda’s article on Casper: https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/discovering-casper   🔗 Learn more about Casper, Wyoming and start planning your visit: https://www.visitcasper.com/  🔗 Explore more episodes featuring Linda Kissam: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj  🔗 Follow Diva Linda’s blog and adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/  🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Road Trip Radio," "Parks & Travel," and "Vacation Station" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    35 min

About

Take a virtual adventure across America and beyond on Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio podcast. Hear expert conversations and stories covering scenic byways, historic routes and highways, parks, landmarks, roadside attractions, unique lodging and dining destinations, and more!