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

📘 In this episode, historian and biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell 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

📌 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 this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward, we chat with debut author Deb Miller and her daughter Hadley Edwards about Deb’s inspiring new memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness (She Writes Press, June 24, 2025).

Blending memoir with cultural commentary, Deb shares how she broke free from the traditional "happily-ever-after" narrative to embrace a life built on self-discovery, courage, and personal fulfillment. Together with Hadley, she explores how today’s women can rewrite their own stories—without waiting for a prince to save the day.

From navigating societal expectations to examining the evolution of Disney princesses, this honest and hopeful conversation is perfect for listeners interested in women’s empowerment, memoirs by strong women, feminist perspectives, and personal growth journeys.

📘 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://forgetthefairytale.net

🎧 Keep up with Big Blend Radio's Podcast Network of Shows: 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.