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. 5h ago

    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.

  2. 5d ago

    Travel New Orleans with Terri: Favorite Jazz Clubs, Restaurants & Must-See Experiences

    Discover the best of New Orleans, Louisiana, with travel journalist Terri Guthrie on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast. Building on her previous tour of the iconic Roosevelt Hotel, Terri shares her personal favorite places to experience the authentic soul of the Crescent City—from legendary jazz clubs and unforgettable Creole cuisine to historic neighborhoods, cocktail culture, and must-see attractions. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, Terri offers insider recommendations for where to stay, eat, listen to live music, and experience the rich history and culture that make New Orleans one of America's most beloved destinations. In this episode: - Why The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel makes the perfect home base - Traditional and upscale jazz venues including Preservation Hall, Jazz Playhouse, Fritzel's European Jazz Pub, Three Muses Jazz Club, and Commander's Palace Jazz Brunch - Outstanding dining experiences at Restaurant R'evolution, Delacroix, and Commander's Palace - The legendary Sazerac Bar and Sazerac House Experience - Touring the Garden District in a vintage Cadillac - Behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World - Visiting the acclaimed National WWII Museum - Riding Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service along the Gulf Coast This episode is a wonderful companion to Terri's exclusive interview inside The Roosevelt Hotel: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-roosevelt-new-orleans  Plus, check out the Official Sazerac Cocktail Recipe: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-new-orleans-with-terri  Keep up with Terri's travels: https://TravelwithTerri.com  Listen to the Travel with Terri Podcast: https://TravelwithTerri.com/podcast  Read The Luxe Explorer digital magazine: https://TravelwithTerri.com/magazine  This episode also celebrates America's rich cultural heritage as part of America 250, highlighting one of the nation's most iconic cities where music, food, architecture, transportation history, and storytelling come together.

  3. Jul 25

    Pirates: The Brutal Truth Behind the Legend

    In preparation for International Pirate Month (August) and International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Show separates pirate myths from historical reality while exploring England's fascinating maritime heritage. Join historian, genealogist, tour guide, and Norfok Tours founder Glynn Burrows as he uncovers the brutal truth behind piracy, revealing how real pirates lived, why they became legendary, and how England's coastal history shaped centuries of maritime adventure. From notorious pirates and privateers to merchant ships, naval history, and the evolution of piracy, this engaging conversation looks beyond Hollywood stereotypes to explore the people, places, and events that continue to capture our imagination. Whether you're fascinated by maritime history, planning a trip to England's historic ports, or simply curious about the legends behind pirate lore, this episode offers a captivating journey into Britain's seafaring past. 📖 Read Glynn's companion article: Pirates: The Brutal Truth Behind the Legend https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pirates-the-brutal-truth-behind-the-legend  ⚓ Related Reading: Historic Ships of England https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/jvrj/#p=8  🌐 Visit English Connection: https://EnglishConnection.uk  📚 Explore Glynn's English Connection Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-magazine  🎙️ Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday, sharing fascinating stories about England's history, heritage, genealogy, culture, and travel destinations. Listen to more episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-podcast  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Way Back When, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels.

  4. Jul 23

    The Story of America's Early Motor Camping

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the fascinating story of America's early motor camping movement and how it forever changed road travel, tourism, and hospitality across the United States. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Their featured guest is Daniel Hershberger, roadside historian, researcher, and presenter at the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration in Joplin, Missouri. Long before today's RV parks, campgrounds, and roadside motels, adventurous motorists packed tents and supplies into their automobiles and headed out to explore America's growing network of highways. Daniel shares how motor camping evolved from a practical way to travel into a nationwide pastime that helped shape roadside tourism, local businesses, and the American road trip tradition. The conversation also explores the evolution of tourist camps, the rise of auto courts and motels, the development of roadside hospitality, and the important role the Jefferson Highway played in connecting communities and encouraging travel across North America. Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Daniel Hershberger will be one of the featured presenters, sharing his research on America's early motor camping movement and roadside tourism. The event also includes special Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/.  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. Visit: https://jeffersonhighway.org/  LEARN MORE:  - Plan your own Jefferson Highway adventure with the new Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/  - Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/  - Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

  5. Jul 21

    Exploring Vancouver, Washington: Hidden Gems, History & Columbia River Beauty

    In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the hidden gems, fascinating history, and scenic beauty of Vancouver, Washington—a destination that deserves a spot on every Pacific Northwest itinerary. Located along the Columbia River just across from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver blends rich American history with vibrant waterfront experiences, beautiful parks, and easy access to some of the Northwest's most spectacular landscapes.  Lisa shares highlights from visiting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the first U.S. military post in the Pacific Northwest, strolling historic Officer's Row, exploring Pearson Field, one of America's oldest operating airfields, and taking in breathtaking views throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The episode also includes a day trip into Portland to experience the famous International Rose Test Garden and historic Pittock Mansion, along with recommendations for riverfront dining, local wineries, and a stay at the stylish Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront.  Whether you're planning a Pacific Northwest road trip, exploring destinations for America's 250th birthday, or simply looking for a city that blends history, nature, music, and culinary experiences, Vancouver, Washington offers an unforgettable adventure. 🗺️ Vancouver, Washington Travel Planning Resources - Visit Vancouver Washington: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/  - Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront: https://www.vancouverwaterfronthotel.com/  - Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm  - Pearson Field at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/pearson.htm  - Officer's Row: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-and-museums/officers-row/  - Whipple Creek Regional Park: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/whipple-creek-regional-park  - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge  - Cape Horn Overlook: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/cape-horn-overlook  🌹 Continue Your Pacific Northwest Adventure - Lisa's companion episode, "Exploring Portland, Oregon: The Rose City": https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/e/portland-oregon-rose-city/  KEEP UP WITH LISA - Follow Lisa's Stories: https://writerlisa.com/   - Follow Lisa on Substack: https://substack.com/@allabouttravelwithlisa  - Subscribe to Journey Jukebox: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/   - Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596   - Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1

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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.