Big Daily Blend

Big Blend Radio Network

The Big Daily Blend podcast celebrates holidays and observances, music and pop culture, historic happenings, and even new legistlature. Check the episode notes for music playlists, and related articles, recipes, puzzles, and more.

  1. 6H AGO

    Art, Community & Celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in Tucson

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" Show, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Foundation, shares updates on the latest exhibits, visiting artists, and the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation highlights Ted DeGrazia’s artistic legacy, the gallery’s focus on Southwest culture, and its continued role as a creative hub connecting art, history, and community. CURRENT ROTATING EXHIBITS (through Jan. 28, 2026): - Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia – expressive works from 1945–1963 capturing movement, energy, and emotion. - DeGrazia’s Pastels – soft, impressionistic pieces (1953–1978), many displayed for the first time. - Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia – vibrant, tactile works on ceramic forms featuring angels, Madonnas, and Southwest motifs. THE LITTLE GALLERY GUEST ARTISTS (Nov 2025 – Apr 2026): Rotating local and regional artists showcase oil, digital, and mixed media works, including paintings, ceramics, fused glass, photography, and landscapes by Mark Prusten, Max Hewlett, Caleb Gutierrez, Alisa Raines, Carole Fisher & Suzanne Hodges, Ambika Wauters, Joanna Pregon, Erik Sletten, Anna Lee Keefer, Mary Sherwood, and Wendy Islas. LA FIESTA DE GUADALUPE – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025: This free annual celebration honors Mexico’s patron saint with mariachi music, Folklorico dancers, Yaqui Deer Dancers, local food, art vendors, and fun for all ages. Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org  🎙️ Listen to Tales of Ted DeGrazia:  https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com  This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    25 min
  2. 1D AGO

    Art, History & Honor: National Parks Arts Foundation

    This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice. This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/  🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/  📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks. In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    57 min
  3. 2D AGO

    End-of-Year Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

    From festive markets to winter hiking trails, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the many ways to enjoy Tulare County as the year winds down. Discover the region’s charming local events, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make this destination shine during the holiday season. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/   - Donnette Silva Carter – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/   - Daniel Huecker – Sequoia Parks Conservancy: https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/   - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/   🎧 This conversation explores the shopping, seasonal events, and culinary experiences that make Tulare County and California’s Sequoia Country a vibrant end-of-year destination. From vendor fairs and local food trails to winter adventures and guided programs in the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/  Takeaways: • Tulare County offers a wide variety of holiday shopping and craft markets. • Local eateries showcase flavors from tacos to Mediterranean fare. • Outdoor winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and stargazing. • Sequoia Parks Conservancy hosts guided hikes and astronomy programs. • The region celebrates its agricultural bounty and community traditions. 📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    33 min
  4. 5D AGO

    Exploring Louisiana’s Historic River Road

    In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, hosts Terri and Ron Guthrie explore the River Road region of Louisiana, uncovering the fascinating history, plantations, and cultural significance that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. They visit and discuss some of the area’s most iconic sites including Destrehan Plantation — the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River Valley — and Oak Alley Plantation, world-famous for its stunning canopy of oak trees and rich history. The conversation also highlights Houmas House and the Great River Road Museum, which presents an unfiltered look at Louisiana’s complex and layered past. Throughout the episode, Terri and Ron reflect on the beauty of the Mississippi River, its impact on commerce and culture, and how its story is interwoven with the development of Louisiana’s plantations and small towns. The region’s culinary traditions, from rice and sugar production to modern-day Southern cuisine, also take center stage. ✨ As the conversation unfolds, it was discovered that their River Road journey followed part of the historic Jefferson Highway, a transcontinental route connecting Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans. The highway was officially established in November 1915 during a meeting in New Orleans, led by Edwin T. Meredith of Iowa with representatives from across the Louisiana Purchase states. Their vision created what became known as “The Palms to Pines Highway.” This month marks the 115th anniversary of that historic meeting — making it the perfect time to celebrate the Jefferson Highway’s ongoing connection to the people, heritage, and landscapes of Louisiana’s River Road region. 🦆 With November being National Rice Awareness Month, this episode also touches on the area’s rice-growing history, which helped shape the region’s economy and cuisine. 🌐 Plan Your Visit - Houmas House and Gardens – https://www.houmashouse.com/  - Great River Road Museum – https://greatriverroadmuseum.org/  - Oak Alley Plantation – https://www.oakalleyplantation.com/  - Destrehan Plantation – https://www.destrehanplantation.org/  - Visit Ascension Parish – https://visitlasweetspot.com/  - Louisiana’s River Parishes – https://lariverparishes.com/tourist-commission/  - Visit Jefferson Parish – https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/  🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  ✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio,” “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” and “Jefferson Highway” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    27 min
  5. 5D AGO

    Jim Hinckley on “Route 66 100 Years” – Celebrating the Mother Road’s Legacy

    In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.” From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana. Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work: - https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/  📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    53 min

About

The Big Daily Blend podcast celebrates holidays and observances, music and pop culture, historic happenings, and even new legistlature. Check the episode notes for music playlists, and related articles, recipes, puzzles, and more.