Quality of Life Radio

In celebration of National Garden Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features gardening expert Bevin Cohen who discusses his new book, "HERBS IN EVERY SEASON: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary," that's out now through Timber Press. "Herbs in Every Season" offers gardeners, herbalists, cooks, and homesteaders a new way of looking at herbs throughout the year, and from every angle. The photographed guide features information on gardening, cooking, and integrating herbs as part of a holistic wellness routine. Herbalists will learn how an herb’s growth habits inform its medicinal capabilities, and gardeners will gain insight into herbs as integral culinary plants for the kitchen garden, pollinator plants for perennial borders, and key ingredients for a home apothecary. Bevin Cohen is an author, herbalist, gardener, seed saver, and educator. He is the owner of Small House Farm, the founder of Michigan Seed Library Network, and offers workshops and lectures. More at: http://www.smallhousefarm.com/

April brings with it a powerful trio of reminders: it’s Stress Awareness Month, the Month of Hope, and home to Good Deeds Day on April 6. What do these have in common? They each invite us to pause, breathe, and take action—however small—that nourishes our minds, hearts, and communities. When stress threatens to consume us, one of the most impactful things we can do is plant a seed—literally or metaphorically—and watch something beautiful grow. This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin focuses on Planting Seeds of Hope. Check out her article that shares five heartwarming, hope-filled actions you can take this April to reduce stress and plant the seeds of something better: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/planting-seeds-of-hope/ And, check out the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with Shelley and her coaching programs, courses, and workshops here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" channel and "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrating Women's History Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning journalist Maura Casey who discusses her debut memoir, "Saving Ellen: A Memoir of Hope and Recovery” (Skyhorse Publishing, April 1, 2025). The book crafts a vivid and poignant narrative of a working-class family’s resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis. Growing up in a family torn by addiction and financial hardship, Maura’s early years were shaped by instability and survival. Cared for by Dr. Mary Hawking (sibling of Stephen Hawking), her sister Ellen’s life-threatening battle with kidney disease added another layer of heartache, but it also deepened Maura’s understanding of courage and family bonds. Through it all, Maura has reframed the pain of her past, uncovering hope and meaning even in life’s darkest chapters. More: https://www.caseyink.com/ For over 30 years, Casey was an opinion writer for three New England newspapers and The New York Times, where she had a seat on the exalted Times editorial board. Today, Casey writes a weekly column, Casey’s Catch, at https://maurac.substack.com

This episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast focuses on how obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. And, hear how achieving the ideal weight and body mass index can boost heart health. Dr. Jacqueline Eubany is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book, "Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story." More: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ New episodes of "Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie" air every 2nd Wednesday. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

March is Listening Awareness Month, and while we often think of listening as something we do for others, it truly begins with listening to ourselves. We live in a world filled with noise—external chatter, social media, news updates, and the constant hum of distractions. But how often do we pause and really listen—not just to others, but to our own inner wisdom? This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin focuses on the Art of Listening. You can read Shelley's article that offers tips on how to Master the Art of Listening, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-art-of-listening/ And, check out the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with Shelley and her coaching programs, courses, and workshops here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" channel and "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show with cohost musician Joey Stuckey celebrates World Peace and Understanding Day (Feb 23) that commemorates the first meeting of Rotary and is also part of February being World Understanding Month. We also discuss the recent Grammy Awards, the Power of Community, Sleep and Meditation, and Pizza! CHECK OUT OUR PEACE MUSIC PLAYLIST on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/463urhyf JOEY STUCKEY ‪is known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia "The Southern Rock Capital of the World." He's an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, and sound engineer. Visit: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ FEATURED GUESTS: - JOHNNY SCHAEFER is an awarding-winning singer-songwriter and cohost of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show every 4th Sunday. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ - GLYNN BURROWS is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England, and host of Big Blend Radio's "ENGLISH CONNECTION" Podcast. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Podcast Channel. Follow the BIG DAILY BLEND Show, here: https://big-daily-blend.podbean.com/

In observance of International Friendship Month, this final episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast series with death doula Lea Brovedani focuses on how to support a friend or colleague who is at their end-of-life. Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula: Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices Emotion - Honor feelings Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning Body - Increase comfort, health and safety Practical - Create completions Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ Listen to the rest of the podcast episodes here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a catch-up conversation with Dr. Kathy Gruver who talks about different ways to relieve stress, childhood trauma and internal family systems, and the world of psychedelics. Dr. Kathy Gruver is an award-winning author, professional speaker, hypnotherapist, and ACC life and executive certified coach with over 30 years of experience in mind/body medicine and human behavior. An entertainer and educator imbuing all her programs with practicality and passion. With a West Coast mentality and an East Coast delivery her humorous, down to earth, and engaging style has captivated hundreds of audiences on four continents, three cruise ships and a handful of islands. It’s been her true honor to have delivered two TEDx talks. Kathy has written eight books which have garnered 12 awards, hosted a TV series based on her first book and developed a stress reduction program for the US military. She has penned countless articles and appears regularly as a guest on radio, TV and in print media including the Dr. Phil Show. She has earned her PhD in natural health and has studied mind-body medicine at the famed Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard. For fun and stress relief Kathy does flying trapeze, aerial silks and plays Dungeons and Dragons. Keep up with Dr. Kathy Gruver at http://www.kathygruver.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show, Mark Rowlands talks about his new book, "The Word of Dog: What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life" (Liveright; Jan 28, 2025). Here, Rowlands shows us we could do a lot better than we’re doing simply by listening to the unspoken wisdom our dogs reveal to us every day of their happy, uncomplicated lives. Rowlands is professor and chair of the philosophy department at the University of Miami, a leading figure in the morality of animals, and author of twenty-three books on the philosophy of mind, the moral status of non-human animals, and cultural criticism. He is known within academic philosophy for his work on the animal mind and is one of the principal architects of the view known as vehicle externalism, or the extended mind, the view that thoughts, memories, desires and beliefs can be stored outside the brain and the skull. His works include Animal Rights (1998), The Body in Mind (1999), The Nature of Consciousness (2001), Animals Like Us (2002), and a personal memoir, The Philosopher and the Wolf (2008). Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

In observance of World Social Justice Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Leah Rothstein, a veteran community organizer, local housing program expert, and co-author of "Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law" (Liveright: June 2023), which will be released in paperback on March 4, 2025. In 2017 Richard Rothstein wrote "The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America." The book has sold more than 1 million copies and started a revolution in the housing industry by explaining America’s troubled housing situation. Newly educated and informed communities across the nation began to take action. As Richard toured the country educating local communities, the communities began reviewing their housing policies and initiating changes. Realizing direction was needed to help communities get started and move the process forward, Richard enlisted his daughter, Leah Rothstein, to co-author "Just Action." "Just Action" provides concrete examples of what communities can do to improve local housing policies. Paired with an active "Just Action Substack" column, challenging segregated housing is happening across the nation. Visit: https://www.justactionbook.org/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features author and writer Barbara Boyle who discusses her new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse.” From a high stress career in global advertising to a simple rural life in a barn in an Italian hill town, "Pinch Me" shares Barbara's journey of transformation through love, food and community in Piemonte. Discover how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy. It’s a tale filled with discoveries, disappointments, pleasures, frustrations, and triumphs. And given the gastronomic excellence of the region, she shares some special recipes as well. Get the book or learn more here: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/ More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/

Celebrate National Heart Month and International Friendship Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast that focuses on ways friends can help each other improve heart health. As Dr. Jackie explains, spending time with friends can help reduce stress, and group activities like yoga or walking can make exercise fun. Dr. Jacqueline Eubany is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book, "Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story." More: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ New episodes of "Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie" air every 2nd Wednesday. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue who discusses her new memoir, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood.” Julie McGue’s parents always longed for a big American family—and their adoption of Julie and her twin sister Jenny seemed to satisfy that yearning. But as the couple continue adding adopted and biological children to the family, tragedy strikes. Julie begins to see just how much her parents’ goals and dreams differ from her own. Author Julie Ryan McGue unravels the gripping tale of adopted twins facing the turbulent tides of love, loss and identity in suburban Chicago. As their family expands and secrets emerge, will their sisterly bond withstand the test of time? Dive into a memoir that explores the heart’s complexities and the fierce quest for belonging in “Twice the Family” (Feb. 4, 2025, She Writes Press) the much-anticipated prequel to McGue’s debut memoir “Twice a Daughter.” More at https://juliemcgueauthor.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin celebrates Self-Renewal Day (Feb. 2), a day dedicated to stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing activities that nurture our growth, maturity, and joy. It’s an opportunity to take a deep breath, reflect on our lives, and renew ourselves—mind, body, and spirit. Read Shelley's article about Self-Renewal, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-call-to-care-for-yourself/ And, check out the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with Shelley and her coaching programs, courses, and workshops here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition, about their wellness teas. Linda's tasting experience was informative and engaging, delving into the unique flavors, health benefits, and cultural significance of their teas. Read her story about it here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-tea-tasting-journey-with-amu-nutrition/ Hailing from Mongolia, Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition and entrepreneur by trade, is also a trained and certified ayurvedic nutritionist who has dedicated her life and career to supporting people’s journey to achieving optimal health. Khulan seeks to share Mongolia’s “food as medicine” philosophy with the American market, inviting consumers to experience tea not just as a beverage, but as a vital component of their self-care practices. Amu Nutrition’s Mongolian heritage is infused in every sip as the tea is made exclusively from wild harvested herbs sourced in the pristine Altai mountains of Mongolia. More: https://amu-nutrition.com/ Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

From Tangier, Morocco to Sunny Palm Springs in Southern California and the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, this episosde of Big Blend Radio closes off January (National Staying Healthy Month) and looks toward the renewal of spring with a focus on healthy travel destinations and experiences. FEATURED TRAVEL WRITER GUESTS: - BARBARA REDDING talks about her time at the luxurious Fairmont Tazi Palace in Tangier, Morocco. Follow Barbara's stories on her site: https://barbararedding.com/ * Read Barbara's Morocco Stories: - Travel Weekly: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Moroccan-opulence-at-Fairmont-Tazi-Palace-Tangier - Big Blend: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-magical-tour-of-morocco/ - DEBBIE STONE shares her rejuvenating experiences at The Spa at Séc-He in Palm Springs, one of the most luxurious hot mineral spring spa destinations in the country. Read her story here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-spa-at-sec-he-in-palm-springs/ * Follow her monthly podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ - KATHLEEN WALLS talks about her nature adventures in the pristine Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania that has its own Grand Canyon, is free from motor traffic, and where you can travel by foot, bicycle, horse, or even in a covered wagon. Read her story on her site: https://americanroads.net/endless_mountains_grand_canyon_121824.htm

If you could thank someone or something who inspired you career-wise, who or what would it be, and why? This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates National Thank You Month and International Creativity Month with hosts Nancy J. Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter team behind Big Blend Magazines. FEATURED GUESTS - JOHNNY SCHAEFER: Award-winning singer-songwriter and founder of the Gratitude Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones * Hear Johnny's song "Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella": https://youtu.be/sSW7-lf5-W4?feature=shared * Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ - EVA ELDRIDGE: Writer, editor, and publishing expert. * Eva's "Fort Windy" article: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/jxdy/#p=36 * Visit: https://evaeldridge.com/ - ELAINE A. POWERS: A retired biologist, actor and singer, a conservationist with a passion for reptiles, and author of over 25 science-based children’s stories and scripts. Visit: https://elaineapowers.com/ GRATITUDE RELATED ARTICLES & PODCASTS: - What Are You Grateful For? https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-are-you-grateful-for/ - The Benefits of Giving: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-benefits-of-giving/ - The Gifts of Gratitude: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-gifts-of-gratitude/ - The Power of Gratitude: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-power-of-gratitude/ - How Gratitude Can Build Trust: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/how-gratitude-builds-trust/ - Showing Sincere Appreciation in the Workplace: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/showing-sincere-appreciation-in-the-workplace/

What if you were just told you had three months to live? On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani, Lea discusses the priorities, wishes, and dreams you would want to fulfill in your final days. The domains she focuses on are: 1. Physical: Creating comfort in body and environment. 2. Emotional: Honouring feelings and healing relationships 3. Mental: Gleaning meaning and life review 4. Spiritual: Honouring beliefs and practices 5. Practical: After-death care and ceremonies Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu

From gentle cardio exercises like walking and yoga to a enjoying wholesome and nutritious meals, this episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING WITH DR JACKIE Podcast celebrates Staying Healthy Month by sharing five ways to creating a heart-healthy lifestyle this year. Dr. Jacqueline Eubany is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book, "Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story." More: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ New episodes of "Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie" air every 2nd Wednesday. Follow the Podcast: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

Are you ready to shrug off the stresses of 2024 and step into a relaxed and rejuvenated 2025? This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast shares how you can renew your body, mind, and spirit while helping this beautiful city renew after Hurricane Helene. Life is a journey and so is this recovery effort. So together, let's make it all happen! Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson "Mr & Mrs Wild, who own and run The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Melissa Long of Wake Foot Sanctuary, known for their thoughtfully formulated herbal soaks and rejuvenating massages that will de-stress and re-energize. More: https://wakespa.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Podcast Channels including "Quaility of Life" and "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with Shelley Whizin focuses on the work she does as a transformational life coach. You can check out the Q&A with her as well as the new seasonal Big Blend "Soul Diving" digital publication featuring her past articles and podcasts here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ylqx/#p=1 SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with Shelley here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk

This Big Blend Radio panel discussion delves into the world of Artificial Intelligence, from how and why it was created, to how it has advanced and is used today as an effective tool in numerous industries, as well as its proprietary dangers, especially regarding the arts. FEATURED GUESTS: - DR MARSCHALL RUNGE - Executive VP for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, dean of the Medical School, CEO of Michigan Medicine, and author of “Coded to Kill: A Techno-Medical Thriller.” More: https://www.codedtokill.com/ - JOEY STUCKEY - Award-winning blind guitarist, singer, songwriter, composer, producer, educator, sound engineer, and the music ambassador for Macon, Georgia. More: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ - MATT COST - Author of three mystery series: Mainely Mystery, Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery, and A Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mystery Series. He’s also written historical fiction novels. More: https://www.mattcost.net/ - JW JARVIS - Author of the thriller “Artificial Agent,” as well as the "First Responder" Series. More: https://www.authorjwjarvis.com/ - MICHAEL WOLK - Author of the immersive cyber novel “DevilsGame,” playwright, Broadway producer, and film producer. More: https://devilsgame.com/

It's all about Life Lessons from Family on this episode of Big Blend Radio's QUALITY OF LIFE Show. FEATURED GUESTS: - MICHAEL NEMETH - Author of "A Tissue of Lies" and other novels. Visit: https://mikenemethauthor.com/ - KIMBERLY HESS - Author of "A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran." Visit: https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ - JEFF NELLIGAN - Author of "Four Lessons From My Sons" and other parenting books. Visit: https://www.nelliganbooks.com/ - LISA EVANS - Travel writer and author of "100 Things To Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die." Visit: https://writerlisa.com/ - KATHLEEN WALLS - Travel writer and author of numerous travel guides and novels. Visit: https://katywalls.com/