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 23

    Music For Our Parks: Celebrate National Park Week

    It's National Park Week! Every fourth Sunday, Joey Stuckey joins Lisa Smith on Big Blend Radio's Music Talks — and this time they're diving into the music inspired by America's national parks and public lands. Recorded right at the start of National Park Week (August 22–30, 2026), the conversation marks the National Park Service's 110th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence. Joey and Lisa dig into seven songs, starting with Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and moving through Doreen Taylor, John Denver, longtime Big Blend guest Wally Lawder, Joey's own "Oceanside," Ed Tree's "Chaco," and closing with Yusuf/Cat Stevens.  Along the way they talk studio gear, accessibility in the parks, bald eagles and the Endangered Species Act, the Gila Cliff Dwellings, and Hawaii memories — but they also get real about what's currently threatening these places: renewed oil, gas, and mineral leasing pressure around Chaco Canyon, a mining threat facing one of the largest bald eagle gatherings in the world near Haines, Alaska, and the border wall construction fight at Big Bend National Park. 📖 Read the full episode write-up with action links, songs, and more: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/music-for-our-parks-joey-stuckey  🎵 Listen to the full "Music for our Parks" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6td2w1P7IEUuyVSYsjEvyz  🌐 Visit Joey Stuckey's website: https://joeystuckey.com/  🎙️ Joey Stuckey joins Big Blend Radio every fourth Sunday for Music Talks. Listen to more episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/joey-stuckey

  2. 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.

  3. 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/

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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!