This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.

Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions as showcased through music, crafts, food, and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the role of the Jefferson Highway in regional heritage, the healing power of the arts, and the importance of folk culture in education.

Festival Highlights: - Three stages of music, including performances by: * Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (zydeco) * Amis du Teche (Cajun) * D.K. Harrell (blues) * Kristyn Harris Band (western swing/yodeling) * Smithfield Fair (roots) * Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (gospel) * The Has Beans (swamp pop) - 80+ traditional crafts vendors showcasing beadwork, quilts, soap, pottery, brooms, folk art, and more. - Red Beans & Rice Cookoff - Louisiana State Fiddle Championship - Free dance lessons and interactive sessions with the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe, Thistle Dancers, Classy Steppers, Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, and more. - Workshops & Presentations: yodeling, son jarocho dancing, musical spoons, Creole architecture, folk dolls, and artist Clementine Hunter. - KidFest & Outdoor Heritage Demos including Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, and a 19th-century wash day.

More info: https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/folkfest/ Jefferson Highway info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ Big Blend Radio Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate Summer and Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" podcast! Explore the attractions, outdoor adventures, and vibrant communities of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

From towering sequoias and family-friendly events to rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, art and entertainment, shopping and dining, this conversation highlights everything you need to plan the ultimate summer getaway.

Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council: - Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/

🎒 Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide and plan your getaway: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/

📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

From backyard BBQs to sunny picnics, this fun and flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” podcast celebrates all things summer wine and food. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, shares delicious seasonal wine and food pairing ideas, vineyard updates, and tips for entertaining during the warmer months.

Tune in for: - Summer wine pairings & food ideas - Cooking with wine: marinating, braising & more - Tips for sipping in the heat - Creative drink ideas for summer parties - The importance of buying local wine & produce

🍷 Don’t miss Peggy’s delicious Loaded Hummus Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-loaded-hummus/

🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com

🎧 Follow “Wine Time with Peggy” on Podbean: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend channels. Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Family Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut author Catharina Steel who shares the inspiration behind "Vanishings," the first book in The Wythic Wood Mysteries, a middle grade fantasy series. Follow young Tilly’s magical adventure through Clayton Forest and Wythic Woods as she searches for her missing cousin—encountering wizards, creatures, and goblin martial arts known as Gobight along the way.

Catharina talks about her journey to becoming a writer, the power of imagination and escapism, and why stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and outdoor exploration are more important than ever for young readers.

Learn more at: https://catharinasteel.com/

In celebration of National Rivers Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “English Connection” with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours—dives into the fascinating history, culture, and natural charm of England’s rivers. From the iconic Thames to quiet countryside streams, Glynn shares insights on rivers as ancient boundaries, royal landmarks, and places of leisure. Hear about riverside walks, boating traditions like punting and wherry-hiring, and even a bit of wild swimming. The episode also touches on canals, environmental efforts, and the unique perspectives rivers offer travelers today.

🎧 Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every 4th Saturday to share stories about England’s past and present, and to help listeners explore their family roots.

📍 Learn more and try the companion jigsaw puzzle: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/experience-englands-rivers-and-riverways/

🎙 Listen to more of Glynn’s episodes: https://english-connection.podbean.com/

🎧 Explore more shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Drive Your Corvette to Work Day with this Summer 2024 episode of Big Blend Radio's "Road Trip Radio" Podcast that focuses on the fun places and experiences Steve & Karen Wilson "Mr & Mrs Wild" enjoyed on their Western Kentucky Road Trip with stops in Tennessee and South Carolina. Highights included JBJ's in Nashville, Casey Jones Distillery, a Caboose Farm Stay, Rock the Dam Festival, National Corvette Museum, Downtown Bowling Green, White Squirrel Brewery, Mammoth Cave National Park, and a Scott Stapp Concert in Greenville. Check out their article, map, and video here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/western-kentucky-road-trip/

FEATURED GUESTS: - STEVE & KAREN WILSON own and run The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the Montford Historic District in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit: https://www.lion-rose.com/

- MARIAH HUGHES - National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where you can learn about the evolution of the Corvette—America’s Sports Car. More: https://www.corvettemuseum.org/

- CODY TURNER - Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky who are known for their award-winning bourbon, barrel cuts, and shine. More: https://www.caseyjonesdistillery.com/