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 legislature. Check the episode notes for music playlists, and related articles, recipes, puzzles, and more.

  1. 1d ago

    The National Hotel – Oklahoma City’s Historic Art Deco Gem

    Step inside one of Oklahoma City’s most remarkable historic restorations with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast. In Part 1 of our three-part Oklahoma City series, Travel Journalist Terri Guthrie takes us inside The National Hotel, a luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection property housed within Oklahoma City’s historic First National Center. Originally opened in 1931 as First National Bank, this Art Deco and Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a sophisticated hotel while preserving its soaring Great Hall, historic murals, marble columns, original architectural details, and massive bank vault — now home to The Vault cocktail bar. Recorded on-site at The National, this episode also features Terri’s conversations with Amanda Clark, Director of Sales & Catering, who shares the building’s history and restoration, and Chef Jason Jonilonis, Director of Culinary, who talks about the hotel’s restaurants, dining experiences, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, and the impressive beverage program. We explore the Great Hall, Tellers, Stock & Bond, The Gilded Acorn, The Vault, the hotel’s guest rooms and Presidential Suite, its weekend high teas, shopping and amenities, and why The National is more than a hotel — it’s a destination within downtown Oklahoma City. The episode also highlights Oklahoma City as an easy getaway from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a walkable destination filled with museums, parks, gardens, dining, culture, and entertainment. What a way to celebrate America 250 and American Adventures Month (August)! Plan your stay: https://www.thenationalokc.com/  Stay tuned for more of Terri’s Oklahoma City adventures! 🏨 Visit The National Hotel: https://www.thenationalokc.com/  🎙️ Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/  📻 Travel with Terri airs every other Tuesday: https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast  📰 The Luxe Explorer Magazine: https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine  🌎 Travel with Terri highlights on Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/terri-guthrie

  2. 1d ago

    Victoria, British Columbia: Gardens, Castles, Culture & Family Adventure

    Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure.  Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island. From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway. They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe. For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures. - Read their companion article:  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia  - And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child    - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com  - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/  - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/

  3. 2d ago

    Exploring Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest & Sanctuary: A South Carolina Swamp Adventure

    Celebrate American Adventures Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast featuring writer Jo Clark who takes us into the wild and wonderful world of Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary in Harleyville, South Carolina—an extraordinary old-growth forest and swamp ecosystem filled with ancient trees, wildlife, birds, waterways, and fascinating history. Jo shares her experience exploring this remarkable sanctuary, which is home to 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees, more than 150 bird species, hundreds of vertebrate and plant species, alligators, and other unique wildlife. The conversation also explores the history behind the forest, including the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company and how land once threatened by logging was ultimately preserved. The sanctuary and nearby Congaree National Park trace part of their history to the same former timberland holdings. The episode also highlights the many ways visitors can experience the forest, from its elevated boardwalk and guided bird walks to seasonal paddling, nighttime excursions, UV flashlight adventures, and spectacular synchronized firefly viewing. Jo explains why timing your visit matters, including how spring's higher water levels can make kayaking possible and how different seasons offer different wildlife experiences. Accessibility and trip planning are also part of the conversation, including available wheelchairs and binoculars, nearby lodging at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Santee, dining at the long-established Clark's Restaurant, and the importance of checking current hours and booking special programs in advance. Whether you're interested in nature travel, birding, wildlife, South Carolina road trips, old-growth forests, conservation, or unique outdoor adventures, this episode offers plenty of inspiration—and another destination to add to Jo's ever-growing travel list. 📖 Read Jo's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/audubon-francis-beidler-forest-center-sanctuary  📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/  📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ | https://recipestravelculture.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/  🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/

  4. 5d ago

    End-of-Summer Adventures in California's Sequoia Country

    Wrap up summer with an unforgettable adventure in California's Sequoia Country, home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the welcoming communities of Tulare County. In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" podcast, discover family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, seasonal produce, and exciting community events that make late summer one of the best times to visit. Learn about the National Park Service's 110th anniversary celebration, Junior Ranger Day, the upcoming Dark Sky Festival, scenic shuttle services, Crystal Cave, Mineral King, farmers markets, golf, museums, and local dining experiences. Whether you're planning one last summer getaway or looking ahead to a quieter fall escape, this episode shares travel tips, park highlights, and local experiences for visitors of all ages. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm  * Shannon Schroth – Exeter Chamber of Commerce: https://www.exeterchamber.com/  📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/  🎧 Listen to more California's Sequoia Country podcast episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-podcast  📖 Explore Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-magazine  📡 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels.

  5. Aug 2

    American Jukebox: Celebrating American Artists & Their Musical Legacy

    Celebrate American Artists Appreciation Month with another 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.

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