Episodes

  • Outdoor Adventures in Steuben County, New York
    May 13 2025

    Get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and exciting outdoor experiences of Steuben County in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we chat with Dave DeGolyer from Explore Steuben about all the fun and adventure you can have in this scenic destination.

    From kayaking on Keuka Lake and fishing the Chemung River, to hiking the 1000-mile Finger Lakes Trail, wildlife watching at Erwin Wildlife Management Area, and cycling the Keuka Gravel routes, Steuben County is a nature lover’s dream. You'll also hear about top outdoor attractions like Letchworth State Park, Stony Brook State Park, Mossy Bank Park, Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Spencer Crest Nature Center, and the Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.

    Beyond outdoor adventure, Steuben County offers award-winning wineries, locally inspired cuisine, world-renowned art (like at the nearby Corning Museum of Glass), and a welcoming, small-town vibe that makes it the perfect travel destination for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

    🎧 Listen now to plan your ultimate Finger Lakes outdoor getaway: 👉 http://www.exploresteuben.com/ 👉 Subscribe on Podbean: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 👉 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks & Travel” podcast channels. Discover more travel inspiration at the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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    37 mins
  • Exploring The Presidio: San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret
    May 12 2025

    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

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    47 mins
  • Artist Residency Programs in Hawai'i National Parks
    May 3 2025

    Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

    These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks.

    🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks.

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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    59 mins
  • Giant Sequoias, Taco Trails & Spring Adventures
    May 1 2025

    From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast highlights the best seasonal experiences in Tulare County, California — the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    Discover what to see and do in this stunning region known for its towering giant sequoia trees, outdoor adventures, vibrant agricultural towns, and cultural events.

    Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council: 🌮 Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency Alida shares details about the new Tulare County Travel App, the popular Taco Trail, and must-see spring activities across the region. 🔗 https://discovertularecounty.com/

    🌲 Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Holly discusses the exciting reopening of Crystal Cave, top waterfall hikes, and the awe-inspiring giant sequoias named after General Sherman, General Grant, and Brigadier Charles Young. 🔗 https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm

    🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

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

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    37 mins
  • Explore Historic LA Roadside Attractions with Mimi Slawoff
    Apr 29 2025

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio's ROAD TRIP RADIO, travel writer Mimi Slawoff shares highlights from her new book, "Historic Los Angeles Roadsides" (Reedy Press).

    Discover quirky and historic spots along Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Highway, and more—from Redondo Beach and Malibu to Hollywood and downtown LA. Get the inside scoop on LA’s fascinating roadside history and hidden gems. Learn more at https://mimislawoff.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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    47 mins
  • Escape to Lake Murray State Park - Oklahoma’s Outdoor Paradise
    Apr 28 2025

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her insider tips on what to see and do at Lake Murray State Park—the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma, located in the beautiful Chickasaw Country. Covering over 12,500 acres with a stunning 5,700-acre man-made lake, Lake Murray is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike.

    Terri recounts decades of family adventures in this lush area known for its mature trees, rolling hills, and abundance of activities. Learn about the park's diverse amenities, including scenic hiking trails, sandy beaches, campgrounds, ATV and motorcycle areas, an 18-hole golf course, marina, floating cabins, snack shops, restaurants, and more.

    Read Terri’s full article about Lake Murray State Park here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/escape-to-lake-murray-oklahoma-state-park/

    With travel experience across 60 countries and 6 continents, Terri brings her passion for luxury accommodations, cultural immersion, local gastronomy, and historic attractions to every episode. Follow her adventures at https://travelwithterri.net/

    Tune in to new episodes of "Travel with Terri" every 4th Monday at 6 PM CST. Follow and subscribe: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels. Subscribe to the full network here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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    47 mins
  • Discover NYC's Hidden Nature with Ryan Mandelbaum
    Apr 25 2025

    Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck).

    From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban nature, this episode is your gateway to the city's most surprising wild side. 🌆🦉

    Whether you're a bird watcher, urban explorer, or a curious New Yorker, Ryan shows you how to take a walk on the wild side of the City That Never Sleeps.

    🎧 Tune in via our "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. 👉 Explore more episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 🌐 Learn more about Ryan Mandelbaum and "Wild NYC": http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/

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    32 mins
  • Why Communities Need Green Spaces
    Apr 22 2025

    In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.

    Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.

    🎧 In this episode: * Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters * Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience * Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere

    🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community!

    🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/

    🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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    41 mins