Success Express

Big Blend Radio Network

Welcome to Big Blend Radio’s ”Success Express” Channel featuring podcasts and interviews covering Business & Career, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Law & HR, Education, Personal and Professional Development.

  1. JAN 23

    World Ag Expo: The Global Heart of Agriculture & Agribusiness in Tulare, California

    The World Ag Expo® is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind, and this episode of Big Blend Radio takes listeners inside its global reach and local impact.  Featured guests Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Lausten, Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center®, share insights into why Tulare County stands at the heart of agriculture—feeding communities across the nation and around the world. Held February 10–12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center® in Tulare, California, World Ag Expo® provides a powerful platform for networking, education, and business development in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The event hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees from over 70 countries each year. In this conversation, Megan and Donnette explore how innovation and technology are transforming modern agriculture, the importance of public engagement in understanding food systems, and the significant economic impact the expo delivers to the local community. The discussion also highlights the role of volunteers, educational seminars, international connections, and local food vendors—including popular features like the wine and cheese pavilion—that make World Ag Expo a truly immersive agricultural experience. Whether you’re involved in farming, agribusiness, economic development, agritourism, or simply curious about where our food comes from, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the world’s most influential agricultural events. Featured Guests: – Donnette Silva Carter, CEO, Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ – Megan Lausten, Marketing Director, International Agri-Center®: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/  Plan Your Visit: - World Ag Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/  - Sequoia Tourism Council: http://discoverthesequoias.com/

    36 min
  2. JAN 5

    Postcards with a Purpose: How Visual Storytelling Makes You Heard

    How do you truly get your message across in today’s distraction-filled world? On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast we talk with author, life coach, photographer, and communication expert Steve Piacente about his innovative project, “Postcards with a Purpose,” which blends photography with powerful communication lessons. Steve shares why preparation is essential for successful presentations, how addressing the WIFM (“What’s In It For Me?”) factor keeps audiences engaged, and why storytelling and visuals are more important than ever as attention spans shrink. He also explains how slides should support—not compete with—the speaker, why reading from scripts can hurt your impact, and how energy, curiosity, and connection help ensure your message is truly heard. This conversation is packed with practical insights for professionals, speakers, leaders, and creatives who want to communicate more effectively and connect more deeply with their audiences. STEVE PIACENTE is an author of fiction and non-fiction, certified life coach, photographer, former journalist, and Director of Training at The Communication Center. He is also the owner of Next Phase Life Coaching. Learn more about Steve’s life coaching and books: https://www.stevepiacente.com/  Explore Steve’s photography: https://www.piacentephotos.com/  Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevepiacente/  Read “Postcards with a Purpose” on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/focus-shapes-message-steve-piacente-5y3ke  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/message-inside-frame-steve-piacente-dg1ye  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-message-needs-lens-2-steve-piacente-cksze

    17 min
  3. 12/19/2025

    Kindness vs. Niceness: Why Effective Leaders Must Have Difficult Conversations

    In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the critical difference between being nice and being kind in supervision and leadership. Rita explains how a culture of niceness can actually undermine communication, accountability, and trust, while kindness—rooted in authenticity, clarity, and care—supports employee success and healthy workplace relationships. This conversation highlights why difficult conversations are not only necessary but essential for growth, and how leaders can be kind, firm, and effective at the same time. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: • Niceness can mask avoidance and unclear expectations. • Kindness involves honesty, support, and accountability. • Difficult conversations are essential for growth and success. • Authentic leadership builds trust and respect. • Avoiding conflict weakens communication and performance. • Kindness does not mean avoiding hard truths. • Effective supervision balances care with clear boundaries. • Being “nice” all the time is unrealistic and exhausting. • Leaders should focus on helping team members succeed. • Clear communication fosters healthy workplace cultures. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/  🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  🔹 Explore more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    24 min
  4. 12/07/2025

    Inside the Launch of Southwest Travel & Life

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam — the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva — sits down with Josh Dunn, President and Founder of Premier Media Group, to explore the revival of print travel media and the launch of the new magazine, "Southwest Travel & Life." Josh shares insights into why print travel magazines are making a comeback, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the challenges and rewards of publishing in today’s media landscape. The conversation dives into experiential travel, culinary tourism, agritourism, and the art of building trust with readers through quality content and talented writers. Covering destinations across Arizona, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah, Southwest Travel & Life aims to inspire travelers through immersive stories, stunning photography, and meaningful experiences. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how passion, leadership, and creativity are shaping the future of travel media. 🔗 Read Linda's article about the Launch of "Southwest Travel + Life" Magazine: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/the-launch-of-southwest-travel-and  🔗 Learn more about Josh Dunn and Premier Media Group: https://www.premiermedia.net  🔗 Explore more episodes featuring Linda Kissam: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/  🔗 Follow Diva Linda’s blog and adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/  🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" and "Vacation Station" Podcast Channel. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    40 min

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Welcome to Big Blend Radio’s ”Success Express” Channel featuring podcasts and interviews covering Business & Career, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Law & HR, Education, Personal and Professional Development.