Women Making History

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/

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/

From the Capitoline Museum in Rome to the Museum of Ennigaldi-Nanna (a princess of Babylon) and the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick is Part One of her three-part series on the history of Art Museums. This global themed show celebrates International Friendship Month and National Library Month since museums are also home to libraries! Victoria is the catalyst behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center project in Silver City, New Mexico. You can learn more about the Museum effort and read her article about the History of Art Museums (Part One), here: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-a-history-part-one Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/ Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Check out our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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/

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/

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

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates the 58th Annual World Ag Expo happening February 11-13, 2025 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. Hear about the expo's new Women in Ag pavillion, Seminars, Wine & Cheese pavillion, Ag Tours, the Toyota giveaway, and more. Visit: https://www.worldagexpo.com/ FEATURED GUESTS: - Donnette Silva Carter - CEO of Tulare Chamber in Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Megan Lausten - Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ More than 1,200 exhibitors display the latest in farm equipment, communications, and technology on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Free seminars focus on a variety of topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. World Ag Expo® is a can’t miss show for anyone in Ag, and for those interested in where their food comes from. An estimated average of 100,000 individuals from over 70 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year.

From Sculptors to Stained Glass Designers to Authors and Singer-Songwriters, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WOMEN MAKING HISTORY Podcast Celebrates Women in the World of Arts, as part of January being International Creativity Month. FEATURED GUESTS: - SHARON K. KURTZ is a travel writer and award-winning photographer. Hear about the folk artist women she met during her recent visit to Peru, and check out her article about it all, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/journeying-through-peru/ * Keep up with Sharon's adventures at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ - VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist, early 19th/20th century print collector, and the spearhead behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. Victoria talks about the life and legacy of sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis. Learn more about Edmonia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonia_Lewis * Keep up with Victoria here: https://victoriachick.com/ * Check out her museum project, here: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - CHRISTY WOOD is a world champion horse trainer, a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, a carded horse show judge, and author of three books. Hear about her new memoir, "Hoofprints Across Time: A Trail Ride to Remember" that shares her adventures on the 13-year progressive Chief Joseph Trail Ride https://wdnhorse.com/ - KIMBERLY HESS is the author of the biography "A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran." Hear about Agnes Northrop (1857-1953), who was a designer at Tiffany specializing in floral stained glass windows. "Garden Landscape," which she designed for Sarah B. Cochran's mansion in Dawson, Pennsylvania, was recently unveiled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art - see: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/899795 * Also watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVIouHWPFU * And, keep up with Kimberly here: https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ - ELAINE A POWERS is a retired biologist, actor and singer, a conservationist with a passion for reptiles, and the author of over 25 science-based children’s stories and scripts. Hear about her writing career and learn more about her books, here: https://elaineapowers.com/ - JOEY STUCKEY is and award-winning blind guitarist, singer, songwriter, composer, producer, educator, sound engineer, and the music ambassador for Macon, Georgia. He spotlights Georgia singer/songwriter Sue G. Wilkinson. hear her music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ui3Cs15jm1jIoK0Z2wfRL?si=4UD_lzjxRDmLE_jSgBi9JA * Keep up with Joey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast airs new episodes every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Toast to The Arts" channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

From food and drink to festivals and cultural experiences, nature and the great outdoors, history and the arts, and much more, this episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Arizona, the Grand Canyon State including it's WOMEN! Featured Guests: - EVA ELDRIDGE – Editor, writer, and book publishing expert. See: https://evaeldridge.com/ - PEGGY FIANDACA – Co-owner of LDV Winery. See: https://ldvwinery.com/ - JUDY KARNIA – Travel writer and nature therapy guide. See: https://judykarnia.com/ - DR RANDSDELL - Author, musician, and educator. See: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - ELAINE A. POWERS – Author, conservationist, actor/singer. See: https://elaineapowers.com/ - DR. MILLICENT EIDSON eyedson – Professor, author, and writer. See: https://drmayamaguire.com/

From Alaska to Hawaii, Southern California to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast dives into the backstory of Linda's books, writing, travels, and deep connection with the natural world. Read Linda's blog post about her writing adventures, here: https://lostangeladventures.com/f/writing-for-my-life Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared

In celebration of the Holiday Shopping Season, this episode of Big Blend Radio features author Kimberly Hess who gives an overview of her book, "A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran." A fantastic gift for women's history enthusiasts, Pennsylvania history buffs, and philanthropists, this groundbreaking biography covers the extraordinary life of Sarah. B. Cochran “The Coal Queen.” More: https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's WOMEN MAKING HISTORY Podcast focuses on Women in the World of Food and Wine. FEATURED GUESTS: - SHARON K. KURTZ is a travel writer and award-winning photographer. Hear about some of the amazing women chefs she met in Oakland, California, as featured in her article here: https://fwtmagazine.com/a-taste-of-oakland-three-women-chefs-bringing-their-unique-flavor-to-the-table/ Keep up with Sharon's adventures at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ - CAROLE BUMPUS is a food/travel writer and author. Hear about her new book, “Adventures on Land and Sea: Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and Along the Cote d’Azur." More: https://carolebumpus.com/ - PEGGY FIANDACA and her husband Curt Lawrence own and run LDV Winery, known for it's award-winning handcrafted estate wines produced in Arizona. More: https://ldvwinery.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast features a new panel discussion every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Success Express" channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Tamara MC who shares her adventures exploring comedic icon Lucille Ball's hometown in Chautauqua County, New York. Offering a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment history, and small-town charm this adventure included a visit to the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, along with the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Lucy's childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane, and Lake View Cemetery, Lucy's final resting place. More at: https://lucydesi.com/ Dr. Tamara MC is a seasoned travel journalist and cultural linguist from the United States with a track record of publications in high-profile lifestyle and travel outlets. With a keen focus on ecotourism, sustainability, wildlife, hiking, t cycling, gastronomy, and cultural tourism, Tamara brings a unique depth to her storytelling. Tamara has an impressive command of over eight languages and has ventured to nearly 80 countries, primarily solo. More at https://tamaramc.com/ Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," and "Women Making History." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrating the first episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast, Rose Palmer talks about her life as an award-winning travel writer and photographer after a diverse 25-year career as a PhD chemist. As she explores the world, she likes to focus her traveling lens on history, art, architecture, nature, soft adventures, and cruising in all its forms. Read her Success Insider Q&A and see some of her photography, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/travel-writer-success-insider-with-rose-palmer/ Follow Rose's adventures on her site: https://quiltripping.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Big Daily Blend," "Vacation Station," "Success Express," and "Women Making History." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features award-winning author Janine Kovac who discusses her memoir, "The Nutcracker Chronicles," that blends her personal life with the events in ballet’s most famous show: “The Nutcracker.” Out now, "The Nutcracker Chronicles” tells the story of Janine’s pursuit of an elusive dream that compels her to endure blistered toes, weekly weigh-ins, second-hand pointe shoes, and constant insults from her directors. Why can’t you just dance like a pretty girl? JANINE KOVAC enjoyed a twelve-year career as a professional ballet dancer in Iceland, Italy, San Francisco, and her hometown of El Paso, Texas. She is the author of “Brain Changer: A Mother’s Guide to Cognitive Science” and “Spinning: Choreography for Coming Home." More at: https://www.janinekovac.com/ More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio features director Juliette Eisner who discusses the new National Geographic docuseries, "The Stanford Prison Experiment: Unlocking The Truth." Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igUQwX6vZRU The series is slated to premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 8/7c on National Geographic and streaming next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Through unparalleled access, THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT: UNLOCKING THE TRUTH embarks on a gripping, ticking-clock journey through the six-day Stanford Prison Experiment with a deluge of reveals, new subjects and a smoking-gun archive. It weaves together shocking, poignant and sometimes humorous firsthand accounts from the very participants who were at the heart of the experiment. Then, in an unexpected turn, the series brings the participants to a replica film set of the “prison,” where they revisit pivotal moments and attempt to find consensus — and closure — about what really happened over the course of those six days.

Happy World Urbanism Day, aka World City Planning Day! This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features Sara C. Bronin who discusses her book, "KEY TO THE CITY: How Zoning Shapes Our World." Zoning codes have become the most significant regulatory power of local government, determining how we experience our cities. Yet zoning remains invisible. In "Key to the City," Sara reveals the impact of zoning—for good and ill—in cities across the country, from Hartford to Baltimore and Las Vegas to Chicago. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm. Along with being an author, Sara is an architect, attorney, Cornell University professor, and founder of the National Zoning Atlas. More at https://www.sarabronin.com/ and https://www.zoningatlas.org/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd Monday and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including the "Big Daily Blend," "Women Making History," and "Garden Gossip." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In honor of Wild Foods Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show with anthropologist, herbalist, and expert forager Lisa M. Rose. Hear about her beautiful book “Urban Foraging: Find, Gather and Cook 50 Wild Plants," that's out now through Timber Press. In "Urban Foraging," Lisa puts a metropolitan twist on scavenging for food. From wild apple to wood sorrel, this indispensable guide profiles 50 common edible plants that can be found in the concrete jungle. Interesting recipes show how to transform a harvest into new and creative cooking ideas such as wild apple tarte tatin, honeysuckle honey, and strawberry-knotweed pie. Plus, helpful entries detail how to gather food safely with added notes on further culinary uses and proper harvesting techniques. It’s the perfect companion for sidewalk scavengers, adventurous cooks, and all those who want to bring a bit of wildness to the dinner table. More: https://burdockandrose.com/

With today being National Mentoring Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Show features Illana Raia, a Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur and the founder of Etre, a mentorship program for girls. Hear about her new book "The Epic Mentor Guide" that shares never-before-seen work/life advice from Tyra Banks, Haben Girma, Hoda Kotb, Rebecca Minkoff, and more as they respond directly to the girls questions, creating a Holy Grail guide for all young women eyeing and entering the workforce. More: https://www.etregirls.com/

With today being International Artist Day, we are revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show with contemporary figurative artist Victoria Chick, who discusses the fascinating life and art career of Zena Kavin (1912-2003). Read Victoria's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-art-career-of-zena-kavin-1912-2003/ Victoria is based in the art community of Silver City, New Mexico. She appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. See her work, and Zena Kavin "Rooster" print here: https://victoriachick.com/

From Germany and Poland, to England, New Orleans, Salem, Connecticut, Virginia, and South Carolina, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast focuses on Women Who were Shunned as Witches Throughout in History. FEATURED GUESTS - MATT COST, award-winning author of history and mysteries, discusses the life and legacy of Marie Laveau, known as the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans." More about Matt's books: https://www.mattcost.net/ - KATHLEEN WALLS, travel writer & author, talks about her visit to the Wizard of Oz Museum in Kansas, and Grace Sherwood, known as the "Witch of Pungo" in Virginia Beach. Check out Katy's story about her adventures in Kansas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/theres-something-odd-in-kansas/ - ARYN YOUNGLESS, a writer and genealogist, talks about witch panic and trials in the US and how to research any possible witchy family history. Read her blog post about it all here: https://genealogybyaryn.substack.com/p/i-danced-for-the-devil? - BARBARA REDDING, travel writer, talks about how both Germany and Poland were superstitious about witches in the Middle Ages and how hundreds of poor women were burned at the stake due to no fault of their own. Follow Barbara's world travels at https://barbararedding.com/ - JO CLARK, travel writer and photographer, talks about Mary Ingleman, the main target of the witch trials that took place in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1792. Keep up with Jo's adventures and podcast at https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ - JUDY KARNIA, travel writer, talks about her "witchy" and "non-witchy" experiences in Salem, Massachusetts, known for its famous witch trials in 1692. Read her travel story, here: https://rovology.com/united-states/more-than-witches-art-and-history-in-salem-ma/ Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast features a new panel discussion every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Pasta Day with this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show with Leah "Mama" Gizzi and John Storch, owners of Mama Gizzi Pasta in Lake Worth, Florida. Pasta is Amore! In operation since 2007, Mama Gizzi's Pasta is known for offering the finest pasta and tastiest Italian meals and desserts to many of Palm Beach County’s finest restaurants and homes. Mama Gizzi's superior, hand-crafted pasta is made with only the finest ingredients. Home of the "No Drama Mama" Dinner Kit, Mama Gizzi is also a wholesale food supplier for restaurants and country clubs, as well as a catering business preparing everything from dessert platters to full meals for family events, office parties, and holiday happenings large and small. Read the story: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/no-drama-mama-a-full-flavored-mama-gizzi-pasta-experience/ Learn more at http://www.mamagizzipasta.com/

In celebration of International Day of Rural Women (Oct. 15), we are revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio with Erin Turner that was recorded onsite at The Farm at Spring Creek near Greeneville, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Erin talks about life on her family’s farm that's known for producing quality grass-fed beef, as well as the guest experience at their White Rose vacation cabin, an authentic log cabin that overlooks the pond. The rustic atmosphere is just what you need to unwind and have some peace and quiet. Explore the natural beauty and history of Appalachia and Greeneville including Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests, and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. www.thefarmatspringcreek.net/

With today being National I Love You Day, and Music Monday, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio with acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Claire Hamill who discusses her extensive music career and solo album, “A Pocket Full of Love Songs." Out now through Cherry Red, the album was written during lockdown and features songs from the heart on all aspects of love and life. Claire Hamill is celebrating over 50 years in the music industry. She is known as being one of England’s first female singer-songwriters who has toured, recorded, and performed with Ray Davies of the Kinks, King Crimson, Wishbone Ash, Procol Harum, and Jethro Tull. She's also known for her hit “Baseball Blues," and for writing Eva Cassidy’s hit “You Take My Breath Away." More: https://clairehamill.co.uk/home

With today being International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, we're revisiting this summer of 2023 episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show that features ecologists Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger, authors of "FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME: A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country." A must have for homeowners living in wildfire country, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is a hardworking guide to mitigating the risk of wildfire spreading to homes and property through the use of native plants and garden design. In addition to design recommendations and maintenance techniques, the book features an in-depth list of hundreds of native plants that have evolved to coexist with fires. Edwards and Schleiger diligently explore how and why these plants sustain wildlife and are powerful tools for defending homes from wildfires. Approachable and thorough, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is an essential guide to teach homeowners how to protect their property while cultivating a lush and attractive landscape. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/firescaping-your-home/

In honor of International Day of the Girl Child, we're revisiting this Big Blend Radio panel discussion that shines the spotlight on some of the challenges that girls face around the world while also sharing solutions, and ways to empower and inspire. FEATURED GUESTS: * SHETAL SHAH - A former educator and author of "Shakti Girls," a beautifully illustrated a collection of poems illustrating the stories of 13 unforgettable, powerful Indian women that reflect the diversity of India and its diaspora. More: https://www.shetal-shah.com/ * ILLANA RAIA – Recently named one the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List, Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls. She is also the author of "Être: Girls, Who Do You Want To Be?" and "The Epic Mentor Guide." More: https://www.illanaraia.com/ and https://www.etregirls.com/ * KIMBERLY BEHRE KENNA - Author of the Brave Girls Collection, a middle-grade book series, that includes debut middle grade novel "Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade" (Regal House/Fitzroy), and her newest book “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm” (Black Rose). More: https://www.kimberlybehrekenna.com/ * SARAH LAMBIE - President & Co-Founder of Rescue One More. Over one third of all girls in Uganda experience abuse. Rescue One More provides children in Uganda with a pathway to safety, justice, and healing while working to bring an end to child sexual violence once and for all. More: https://rescueonemore.com/ CHECK OUT OUR "GIRL POWER" MUSIC PLAY LIST: * On YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3b4xdudm * On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdhbudwd SPECIAL THANK YOU to our literary publicist friends at Books Forward who helped us with this show. More: https://booksforward.com/

When a young girl feels complicit in her own abuse, how does that thwart the adult woman? This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features debut author Melissa Connelly discusses her new novel, "What Was Lost." Melissa Connelly’s debut novel comes after a long career in education. A finalist for the 2019 Montana Prize and at 60, she’s ready to share her first novel; a story about a 40-year-old woman who returns to her old hometown in Vermont and faces the past she was so desperate to forget. More at: https://melissaconnelly.com/ More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/

Have you ever felt like you’re hiding behind a mask? Maybe it’s not a literal one, but a version of yourself you show to the world, crafted to fit in, to be accepted, or to avoid feeling vulnerable. This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin focuses on how to unmask the real you.Read her article about it here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/are-you-in-hiding-unmasking-the-real-you/ 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 her here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/ Tune into Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk

Today we're revisiting this fun episode of Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life Show with Carolyn Lee Arnold, a researcher who launched a sexy new dating experiment to go on fifty dates with fifty different men. Erotic in places, funny in others, and honest the whole way through, this quest to find a partner at midlife is a celebration of one woman’s unabashed sexuality. You can read all about it in her memoir, "Fifty First Dates" that's out now through She Writes Press. More: https://carolynleearnold.com/

With today being National Coffee Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show with travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" and Sharon Koger, owner of Esso Coffeehouse & Roastery in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 2016, owner Sharon Koger began mixing her unique blend in early 2016 with the goal of creating one where quality shines through in the daily preparation. She fell in love with coffee as a kid when she first tasted coffee ice cream. See Linda's article about her experience at Esso, plus Sharon's Tiramisu Latte recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/arizona-finds-esso-coffeehouse-and-roastery/

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Show, travel writer Debbie Stone and horse expert Christy Wood talk about two very different experiences in remote parks and public lands of the west.... LAKE CLARK NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE - Travel writer Debbie Stone talks about her recent visit to this Alaskan treasure that boasts glaciers, jagged mountains, active volcanoes, and sprawling tundra, along with numerous lakes and rivers. Read her story: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-the-awe-inspiring-beauty-of-alaskas-lake-clark-national-park/ CHIEF JOSEPH TRAIL RIDE - World champion horse trainer Christy Wood gives an overview of this 13-year progressive trail ride with the Appaloosa Horse Club that goes along the Nez Perce National Historic Trail which follows the route Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce took while attempting to escape the US Cavalry in 1877. More: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-chief-joseph-trail-ride/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features science journalist and author Lisa M. Baril, author of "The Age of Melt: What Glaciers, Ice Mummies, and Ancient Artifacts Teach Us about Climate, Culture, and a Future without Ice." Around the world, ice has preserved some of history’s most fascinating artifacts, such as the skeleton of an Iron Age horse, wooden arrows with bird-feather fletching, and even a baby mammoth. Yet, these incredible pieces of history were only discovered as the ice began to do what we all feared: melt. Lisa M. Baril traveled all over the world studying ice and its effect on humans. In THE AGE OF MELT, she explores the shifting view that humans have long held of glaciers—from fear, to awe, to conquest. More: https://www.lisabaril.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Supervision is a critical function of leadership that is often overlooked, and yet the quality of supervision is often what makes or breaks a leader—and an organization. Along with being a certified professional coach and speaker who works with social justice organizations, Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.” In celebration of today being Human Resource Professional Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio with Rita Sever who discusses her career and her answers to our "Success Insider Q&A" which you can read here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/success-insider-rita-sever-organizational-trainer/ WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/M8rhav4pEgs Rita has an MA in Organizational Psychology and is a certified professional coach. Rita approaches supervision as a primary leadership function. In addition, she sees the function of human resources and the culture of an organization as essential components of organizational effectiveness. She works with individuals, teams, and entire organizations to help the organization be in alignment internally as they work to achieve justice externally. She is also a regular Big Blend Radio guest and expert contributor. More: https://supervisionmatters.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast focuses on women who have and do save lives. FEATURED GUESTS - GLYNN BURROWS, historian and owner of Norfolk Tours UK talks about nurses Florence Nightingale Edith Cavell, and author and animal advocate Anna Sewell. Read his article about these historic and noteworthy English ladies, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/historic-english-women-who-saved-lives/ - SHARON K. KURTZ, travel writer and photographer, talks about Harriet Tubman who led approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Read here article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/harriet-tubman-a-legacy-of-courage-and-compassion/ - ARYN YOUNGLESS, a writer and genealogist, talks about the 1916 film called "Perils of Our Girl Reporters," which was about female reporters, including the famous Nellie Bly, who only ever published under the name "Girl Reporters" so they could tell the world about things such as women in asylums and sanitoriums, that would otherwise go unreported. Learn more about Aryn, here: https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ - LISA D. SMITH, Big Blend Host, talks about cardiologist and best-selling author Dr. Jacqueline Eubany. Check out Dr. Jackie's "Doctor Insider" Q&A here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/doctor-insider-dr-jacqueline-eubany/ ** Plus, hear about Anne E. Lowry's novel, "The Blue Trunk," that's based on her great-great aunt who was institutionalized in an insane asylum: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ann-e-lowry-the-blue-trunk/

We're revisiting our Big Blend Radio interview with filmmaker Stephanie Welch who discusses her debut feature film “A DANGEROUS IDEA: Eugenics, Genetics and The American Dream.” Dealing with the interconnections of complex topics within the arena of science, history and politics, "A Dangerous Idea" effectively brings to light how false scientific claims have rolled back long fought for gains in equality, and how powerful interests are poised once again to use the gene myth to unravel the American Dream. The film is also a radical reassessment of the meaning, use, and misuse of gene science. It features interviews with prominent scientists, victims of eugenic policies, and social thinkers. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-dangerous-idea-film/

Happy National Family Day! This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author Francine Falk-Allen. A fan of genealogy research, Francine enjoyed uncovering her family’s history, and traced both her maternal and paternal ancestors back to the 1600s. She never imagined that one day she’d discover a jaw-dropping family secret. Based on a true story, Falk-Allen’s “A Wolff in the Family” (She Writes Press, Oct. 1, 2024) is a riveting saga of prejudice, passion, and revenge. What mysterious scandals led a father to abandon his five youngest children—and the elder siblings to keep their shame a secret for eighty years? More at: https://francinefalk-allen.com/ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "A Toast to The Arts," "Women Making History," and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Follow our Big Blend Radio Network of Shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

With today being American Business Women's Day, we're revisiting this "From the Vault" Big Blend Radio interview with award-winning journalist and author Kathleen Day. Hear about her book, “Broken Bargain: Bankers, Bailouts, and the Struggle to Tame Wall Street,” that shows how a bargain between the government and Wall Street has evolved. With tales of characters ranging over two centuries, the book pares the details of each crisis to a concise but complete history. “Broken Bargain” throws light on American finance’s raucous and Byzantine legacy, one that is fraught with boom-and-bust cycles. Along the way, she shows how the history of our banking and financial institutions mirrors and shapes the history of America. Kathleen Day spent 30 years as a business journalist with the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and USA Today before joining the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business as a professor of finance in 2013. She lives in Washington, DC. https://kathleenday.com/

It is projected that by 2050, 16 million people in the US will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, requiring 80 million caregivers and generating total costs of $1.1 trillion. In observance of World Alzheimer's Day (Sept. 21), we're revisiting this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio featuring Trish Laub who discusses her book series, “Comfort in Their Journey,” that provides practical guidance for providing care, including for Alzheimer’s, through end of life. The series includes, “A Most Meaningful Life,” “Peaceful Endings,” and “Through the Rabbit Hole.” Trish Laub is on a mission “to help others see that even with Alzheimer’s the possibilities are limitless and a meaningful life is possible, that death is due its dignity, and that everyone deserves compassionate and dignified care.” While providing care for her parents, Trish found that there were hundreds of books and resources offering advice, but none that made the information easily accessible or provided usable solutions. The “Comfort in their Journey” book series is what Trish needed: forthright information and answers to everyone’s questions on topics that no one wants to talk about. More: https://www.comfortintheirjourney.com/

As we near Parks & Public Lands Day (Sept. 28), we wanted to revisit this 2017 Poetry in Parks interview with Tanya Ortega – Founder of National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) and poet Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, author of “Posada: Offerings of Witness and Refuge”, who was just accepted as the NPAF artist-in-residence at Gettysburg National Military Park. More here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/xochitl-julisa-bermejo-gettysburg-poet-in-residence/ Info www.NationalParksArtsFoundation.org www.xochitljulisa.wordpress.com

Celebrate National Woman Road Warrior Day with this "From the Vault" episode of this Big Blend Radio interview with Forbes.com contributing writer Elaine Pofeldt. Hear about solo-entrepreneurial insights in her book, “The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business: Make Great Money. Work the Way You Like. Have the Life You Want.” The rise of one-million-dollar, one-person businesses is on of the biggest trends in employment today, offering the widest range of people the most ways to earn a living while having the lifestyles they want. In "The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business," Elaine Pofeldt outlines the pathways to joining this entrepreneurial movement, synthesizing advice from hundreds of business owners who’ve done it. Learn more, here: http://blendradioandtv.com/listing/elaine-pofeldt-the-million-dollar-one-person-business/

With the new full moon being here we're revisiting our Big Blend Radio chat with Dr. Alicia Blando who discusses her book, “Open for Interpretation: A Doctor’s Journey into Astrology” (She Writes Press, June 2023). The memoir follows her self-discovery journey through her astrological chart and demonstrates how readers can apply this ancient practice to their own path to self discovery. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/R8lO6cXUHyk In conjunction with Western medicine, Dr. Blando believes that the tenets of astrology can support a person’s health, wellbeing, and self-understanding, and can even offer insight into predispositions for certain diseases and illnesses. Alicia Blando trained and practiced in the medical specialty of physical medicine & rehabilitation. While working as a physician, she became interested in how indigenous healers diagnosed and treated their patients without the technology present in modern medicine. This curiosity was supported by what she learned about herself through the study of astrology. More: https://aliciablando.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Jenna Tico, who discusses her new memoir, “Cancer Moon: How I Survived the Best Years of My Life.” Organized through the cycles of the moon, "Cancer Moon" features Jenna's personal humor essays and poetry collection, and vulnerably and jovially guides readers through the turbulent twenties – aka the “age of wallowing.” Jenna invites women to embrace this necessary phase of life, helping them understand their self-worth, sexuality, and empowering them to become who they want to be in the world. "Own your weird!" More at https://www.jennatico.com/

Today, September 16, is Mexican Independence Day as well as the Trail of Tears Commemoration Day. To honor and observe both cultural stories, we are revisiting this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio from 2016 that features Cynthia M. Ruiz, an award-winning inspirational speaker, leadership expert, commissioner, professor, and author of “Cherokee Wisdom: 12 Lessons for Becoming a Powerful Leader”. Cynthia is proud to come from blended cultures and feels she takes the best from both worlds, Latina and Native American. She has been known to say “I get my passion for life from my Mexican side and my spirituality and respect for the environment from my Cherokee roots.” More: https://cynthiamruiz.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features Pepper Stetler, who discusses her new memoir, "A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test." Blending a mother’s love and dedication to her daughter with incisive historical and cultural analysis, "A Measure of Intelligence" investigates the origins and influence of the IQ test on our modern education system, questions how we define and judge intelligence, challenges its flawed foundation, and argues for a fundamental reevaluation of how we understand an individual’s perceived potential. Pepper Stetler is an author, art historian, professor, and disability advocate who writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Learn more and buy her book at https://www.pepperstetler.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Show. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This "From the Vault" Big Blend Radio interview (2018) features author Rita Dragonette who discusses her compelling debut novel "The Fourteenth of September." “The Fourteenth of September” portrays a pivotal time at the peak of the Vietnam War through the rare perspective of a young woman, tracing her path of self-discovery and a “coming-of- conscience.” Judy’s story speaks to the poignant clash of young adulthood, early feminism, and war, offering an ageless inquiry into the domestic politics of protest when the world stops making sense. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/rita-dragonette-the-fourteenth-of-september/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features writer, author, and educator Joanne De Simone who discusses her memoir "Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance." Out on September 17, 2024 through She Writes Press, this raw and transformative book that captures how she used lessons of modern dance in her journey through motherhood with two children with disabilities. Joanne De Simone is a graduate of Hunter College with degrees in dance and special education. After dancing professionally with companies including José Limón and Dianne McIntyre, she dedicated her life to teaching children with disabilities and supporting families. Currently, Joanne is a special education advocate for the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey. Her writing has appeared numerous publications and she is a contributing author to “Barriers and Belonging: Personal Narratives of Disabilities.” Joanne and her son, Sebastian, were instrumental in a legislative change allowing students with intellectual disabilities to participate in NCAA D3 intercollegiate sports. Follow Joanne's blog, here: https://special-educationmom.com/ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Show. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features debut author Ann Lowry who discusses her novel, "The Blue Trunk." When Ann Lowry inherited an ancestor's blue travel trunk, she had no idea that this artifact was about to take her on a three-year journey of discovery. She was told that the trunk’s previous owner, a great-great aunt, had been institutionalized for insanity. Despite meticulous genealogy research, she was unable to uncover any facts about her and concluded that she must have spent her entire adult life in an asylum. Lowry was inspired to write "The Blue Trunk" (Sept. 10, 2024, Koehler Books) to help reclaim her ancestor’s voice and shed light on these all-too-common institutionalizations. Seamlessly weaving historical fiction with contemporary life, Lowry’s tale explores identity, strength, and connection across decades. Visit: https://www.annlowry.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio features filmmaker Amy Nicholson who discusses her documentary "Happy Campers." The film chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life. Learn more: https://www.happycampers.film/ Amy Nicholson is a New York-based filmmaker and commercial director whose projects often explore the essence of Americana with a humorous eye and a warm respect for her subjects. Nicholson’s most recent documentary, a short titled Pickle, won multiple audience awards, was selected for The New York Times’ Op Docs, and was featured on the Criterion Collection alongside Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven. Pickle was also nominated for an IDA Award and Cinema Eye Honors. Nicholson has produced and directed several features. Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride won the Special Jury Prize at DOCNYC and was held over twice at the IFC Center. Muskrat Lovely premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival and was broadcast on Independent Lens. Nicholson’s films have screened at Hot Docs, Sheffield, Full Frame, DOK Leipzig, BFI London, Camden, Traverse City, Rooftop Films, and the MoMA. They have been reviewed by Variety, Indiewire, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

A grandparent’s job is to love the grandchild. A grandchild’s job is to receive that love. With such a unique relationship between generations, it’s the mutual affection and time shared between a grandparent and grandchild that strengthens the bond and makes for a full human being. What happens when the balance of this relationship is interrupted? It’s a losing situation for everyone involved, and while children have no voice and no choice, it’s the grandparents who do. In honor of Grandparents Day, we're revisiting this 2021 Big Blend Radio interview with Susan Hoffman who discusses her book "Grand Distance." Susan became an advocate and activist for disenfranchised grandparents after she was faced with a stay-away letter from her grandson’s parents following a stepparent adoption. Susan is also the author of “Grand Wishes,” “A Precious Bond,” “It Won’t Happen Again” and “Do You Want to Be Right or Do You Want to Be Happy.” She is the creator and director of Advocates for Grandparent-Grandchild Connection, a charitable non-profit 501C (3) organization. More at https://www.grandparentchildconnect.org/

In honor of SuperHuman Day (Sept. 7), we're revisiting this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with composer and musician Rachel Flowers and filmmaker Lorenzo DeStefano, who discuss the inspiring documentary film, “Hearing in Believing." The film covers two years in the life of the tight knit Flowers family with Rachel’s stunning music as the soundtrack. Among the great musicians appearing with Rachel in the film are Grammy winners Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, Arturo Sandoval, two-time Grammy nominated jazz pianist, Taylor Eigsti, Progressive Rock icon Keith Emerson, and 50 members of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. More: www.HearingisBelievingFilm.com