Who was Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun—and why is one of history’s most successful female artists still relatively unknown?

📘 In this episode, we celebrate Creativie Beginnings Month with historian and biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell who shares insights from her new book: “Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755–1842.” From 18th-century France to exile during the French Revolution, discover how this trailblazing portraitist overcame gender barriers to become a legend in her time.

🎧 Listen now + learn more: https://www.judithcromwell.com

📌 This Episode is also featured on Big Blend’s Podcast Channels: • Women Making History • A Toast to The Arts • Way Back When Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

in honor of Armed Forces Day, we're spotlighting this episode of Big Blend Radio’s WAY BACK WHEN History Show featuring Mir Bahmanyar—acclaimed author, military historian, and TV/film producer—discussing his gripping new book, "The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII."

A former U.S. Army Ranger who served in the Second Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Mir Bahmanyar brings unmatched authenticity to the story of WWII’s elite “Darby’s Rangers.” He shares the untold, uncensored saga of the original Army Ranger battalions—highlighting their brutal training, combat missions across North Africa, Sicily, France, and Italy, and the legendary POW escapes that earned them the nickname “The Houdini Club.”

Bahmanyar draws from firsthand interviews, personal correspondence, and newly uncovered historical sources to portray the raw courage and human drama behind one of America’s most daring military units. His military expertise, deep research, and storytelling make this episode a must-listen for history lovers, military buffs, cultural travelers, and fans of WWII true stories.

Mir Bahmanyar holds a B.A. in History from University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in War Studies from King's College London. Mir served on the Board of Directors for the 75th Ranger Regiment Association and was an Associate Historian of the World War Two Ranger Battalions Association. Learn more about his work and books: www.mirbahmanyar.com/

Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's WAY BACK WHEN History show, here: way-back-when-history.podbean.com/

🍕 National Pizza Party Day is HERE! 🎉 Join us for a fun and delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's HAPPY HOUR as we celebrate everything pizza! From classic deep dish and thin crust debates to the age-old question of pineapple on pizza, we're diving deep into the world of everyone's favorite food.

We explore unique pizza parlors and ask our fantastic guests the ultimate pizza party question: If you could invite ANY three people (alive, passed on, or fictional) to a pizza bash, who would they be and what kind of pizza are you serving?

Our special guests include: 🍕 Peggy Fiandaca, LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com/ 🍕Jeffrey Spear, Branding Expert & Writer: https://spearwrites.contently.com/ & https://www.studiospear.com/ 🍕Rose Palmer, Travel Writer & Photographer (live from a cruise!): https://quiltripping.com/ 🍕Clifford Garstang, Acclaimed Author: https://cliffordgarstang.com/

Craving some pizza inspiration? Check out these recipes and articles: 🍕 Chef Ivan's Pizza Dough: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 🍕 Peggy's Quick & Fresh Marinara: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-quick-and-fresh-marinara-recipe/ 🍕 Giada's Positano Pizzas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/positano-pizzas/ 🍕 Spicy Veggie Pizza-Dilla: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spicy-veggie-pizza-dilla/ 🍕 Margherita French Bread Pizza: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/margherita-french-bread-pizza/ 🍕 5 Italian Foods You Won't Find in Italy: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/five-italian-foods-you-wont-find-in-italy/

Don't forget to check out this episode on the Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry channels of the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie”, we observe National High Blood Pressure Education Month by diving into the realities of high blood pressure (hypertension) and its impact on heart health. Known as the “silent killer,” hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. and often presents no symptoms until a serious event, such as a stroke or heart attack, occurs.

Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, cardiologist and author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story,” shares key lifestyle tips to lower your blood pressure naturally: - Exercise more 🏃‍♀️ - Eat less salt 🧂 - Drink in moderation 🍷 - Get better sleep 😴

🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 📘 Learn more: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/

🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday! Also on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & “Big Daily Blend” channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're revisiting this 2024 episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in Samoa, a small, Polynesian island country in the central South Pacific Ocean, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.

Samoa is made up of nine volcanic islands, four of which are inhabited. Along with its sublime landscape of white sand, palm tree-lined beaches, verdant rainforests, and dramatic mountain terrain, Samoa is known for its genuine hospitality. Read Debbie's article about her experiences, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-rewards-are-many-for-those-who-venture-to-samoa/

Also read about her visit to American Samoa National Park: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/visiting-the-national-park-of-american-samoa/

Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/m6z7v6ms

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcastwith Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough—founders of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog—takes listeners on an immersive journey through The Presidio in San Francisco. Spanning 1,500 acres next to the Golden Gate Bridge, this unique National Park Service site blends natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural intrigue into one unforgettable destination.

From crashing Pacific waves to towering eucalyptus groves, The Presidio is a place of quiet wonder and powerful storytelling. Joelle and Ryan dive into its rich history and share personal highlights, including their Top 14 Things to Do, dining favorites, and lodging tips.

📝 Read their article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-presidio-san-franciscos-best-kept-secret/ 🌍 Follow Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/

📅 New Episodes: Catch Wanderers Compass every second Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/

🎧 Also featured on “Vacation Station," "Big Daily Blend,” "Parks & Travel" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Listen on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio, we raise a year-round toast to the incredible women who shape our lives — celebrating motherhood in all its forms. From powerful personal stories to fascinating insights into the animal kingdom and human history, this special show goes far beyond a single day of recognition.

Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter duo behind Big Blend Radio, kick off the show with heartfelt reflections from their adventures as pet sitters while they travel full-time, offering a unique look at maternal instincts in the animal world.

Featured Guests: - Christy Wood – World champion horse trainer, author, and judge, Christy talks about how her mother supported her on her equestrian career journey. More at: https://wdnhorse.com/

- Aryn Youngless – Genealogist and author, Aryn explores the historical role of mothers through the lens of family ancestry, and the story of great grandmother. More at https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/

- Terri Guthrie – Travel writer and world traveler, Terri talks about how her husband Ron’s mother nudged him to get a higher education and become a fighter pilot. More at https://travelwithterri.net/

- Heidi Sander – Travel journalist and award-winning poet, Heidi reflects on her relationship with her mother and reads two poems from her book, “To Mom, With Love.” More at https://heidisander.com/

More Resources: - “My Mom. Her Story: A Legacy Journal” by Aryn Youngless: https://a.co/d/7JUj1aR - “To Mom, With Love: Poetry Collection” by Heidi Sander: https://tinyurl.com/2s4665y7 - Big Blend Radio with Ron Guthrie, Terri’s husband, about becoming a top gun fighter pilot: https://youtu.be/J1dUp1WgES8?feature=shared

Whether you're looking for a caring tribute, educational insight, or uplifting storytelling, this episode honors mothers and mother figures with heart, humor, and depth — perfect for Mother's Day or any day you want to celebrate the women who make the world go round.

Listen now and be inspired by the universal spirit of motherhood.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with this captivating episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" Show, featuring naturalist and author Charles Hood, who discusses his new book “Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark” (Timber Press).

From glowing oceans to jungle predators and migrating birds under the stars, Hood explores the wonders of nocturnal wildlife through vivid storytelling and over 240 stunning photographs. With humor and ecological insight, he invites readers and listeners to see the night in a whole new light.

With a lifetime of travel to 80 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Charles has seen 6,000 bird species, survived a bubonic plague scare, and written 20 books. His passion for the natural world shines in this lively and insightful conversation.

🎧 This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection and Big Daily Blend channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 🌐 About Charles: https://hypersphere-orange-y8n3.squarespace.com/