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. FEB 17

    Inside the World of Food, Wine & Travel Writing: How IFWTWA Empowers Storytellers

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we go behind the scenes of the global organization that connects and supports professional storytellers in the food, wine, and travel industries. Hear from IFWTWA leadership about how the association empowers writers through networking, professional development webinars, press trips, contests, and its annual conference. Discover how storytelling fosters authentic travel experiences, how social media and branding elevate visibility, and why human connection remains at the heart of impactful travel journalism. With more than 240 members worldwide, IFWTWA continues to grow as a vibrant community for writers, photographers, bloggers, and destinations seeking meaningful collaboration. 👥 Featured IFWTWA Leaders * Cori Solomon – President & Membership Chair; Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com/  * Susan Lanier-Graham – Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/  * Robin O’Neal Smith – Treasurer & 2025 Conference Co-Chair (Contests): https://RobinONealSmith.com  * Andrew Harris – 2nd Vice President & Culinary Advisor; 2026 Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com  * Kathryn (Kat) Anderson – Social Media Committee Chair: https://coffeeandmascara.org  * Amy Piper – Editor-in-Chief of IFWTWA's "Food, Wine, Travel" Magazine: https://FollowthePiper.com  * Judi Cohen (Traveling Judi) – Secretary, Professional Development Webinars: https://www.travelingjudi.com  * Pam Baker – Marketing Committee Chair: https://PamandGaryBaker.com  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  📰 Check out Food, Wine, Travel Magazine: https://fwtmagazine.com/  🎧 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast:  https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  📰 Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

    31 min
  2. 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
  3. 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

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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.