In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we welcome back Bay Area singer-songwriter, educator, and activist Anna Karney for a heartfelt conversation about music as a force for connection, healing, and social change.

Anna discusses her latest album "One True Song," a powerful collection of soulful folk rock and alternative singer-songwriter music rooted in themes of justice, hope, and collective action. Co-produced by Michael Rosen (Rancid), the album features an impressive lineup of Bay Area musicians including James DePrato (Chuck Prophet Band), Phillip Bennett (Jefferson Starship), Uriah Duffy (Fantastic Negrito, Whitesnake), and more. From the gentle “Suspended” to the driving “Out of Body” and the socially charged “Freedom Summer,” the album blends raw acoustic songwriting with the full energy of a rock band.

The conversation also explores Anna’s work as a choir and guitar teacher in San Francisco, the healing power of music, the importance of community, and how art bridges culture, history, and human connection. We also highlight her new holiday single, “Ring In the Holidays,” a joyful celebration of togetherness through music.

Beyond recording and performing, Anna’s career spans composing music for video games like Star Wars Galaxies and SimCity, scoring ballet and modern dance, and earning the prestigious “Dreamcatcher” Award for her impact on youth through music education.

🎶 Learn more, stream, and explore Anna Karney’s music: https://karney.org/ https://karney.bandcamp.com

This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts," "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll," "Big Daily Blend," and "Women Making History" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork Photos: Tanja Nixx

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.

The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.

Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.

🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Novel Writing Month programming, this episode of the Books & Authors Show with Books Forward features award-winning author Leigh M. Hall, who discusses her new atmospheric post–Civil War horror novel, The Chambermaids (LMH Publications, Nov. 11, 2025).

A Claymore Award Winner for Best Southern Gothic, The Chambermaids follows a young woman and her older husband as they inherit a crumbling ancestral home—only to discover the walls hold more than memories. When two mysterious chambermaids arrive, the house’s haunting secrets begin to unravel, blurring the line between freedom and fate.

Blending psychological thriller and Southern Gothic elements, Hall delivers a chilling and thought-provoking story set in the aftermath of the Civil War—perfect for fans of Anne Rice and Shirley Jackson.

In this engaging conversation, Leigh shares her unique writing journey, how fear and isolation shape her characters, and the importance of authenticity and atmosphere in storytelling. She also discusses the complexities of women’s roles in historical fiction, the influence of Southern culture on her work, and her ongoing exploration of dark, haunting narratives.

✨Learn more about Leigh at https://www.leighmhall.com/

✨Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ ✨This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts," “Big Daily Blend,” and "Women Making History" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show features award-winning travel writer Barbara Redding, who takes us on a literary adventure through Denmark. From the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famed author of Out of Africa, to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting that inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” Barbara shares insights from her journey through these historic and creative landmarks.

Hear about Blixen’s fascinating life and legacy, her time in Africa, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. The episode also highlights Denmark’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the ways travel deepens one’s appreciation for literature and art.

📖 Read Barbara’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-literary-day-trip-in-denmark/

🌍 Follow Barbara’s travels and stories: https://www.BarbaraRedding.com

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Women Making History," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show highlights the mission, history, and impact of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California (and the story behind its founder, Helen Woodward). Co-host Angela Laws joins Michael Makie from the Center to discuss animal welfare, education, and the life-changing benefits of pet companionship through being a pet parent, adopting or fostering a pet, or volunteering.

This episode covers: - The history and mission of Helen Woodward Animal Center - How fostering pets increases adoption rates and provides essential care - Changing perceptions of misunderstood breeds, like pit bull terriers - The adoption process and considerations for holiday adoptions - The therapeutic benefits of animal interaction for humans - How TrustedHousesitters supports pet care when owners travel

Whether you’re a pet parent, prospective adopter, or animal lover, this conversation underscores the importance of education, compassion, and community in animal welfare.

🐾 Learn more about Helen Woodward Animal Center: https://animalcenter.org/ 🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" and “Women Making History” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.

Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future.

The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times.

🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady

🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding

🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com

🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org

In this inspiring Big Blend Radio conversation, journalist and author Jane Eisner discusses her new biography, "Carole King: She Made the Earth Move" (Yale Jewish Lives, Sept. 16, 2025). Eisner explores the extraordinary life and career of Carole King, from her humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn to her rise as one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters.

The interview delves into King’s groundbreaking role in a male-dominated industry, her authentic and timeless songwriting, her struggles and triumphs as a woman balancing fame and family, and her activism on environmental and social issues. Eisner also highlights how King’s Jewish heritage and immigrant background shaped her artistry, and how her music continues to inspire themes of resilience, honesty, and hope across generations.

🎶 Carole King’s songs — from “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” to the Grammy-winning Tapestry album and beyond — remain beloved worldwide, and Eisner’s book offers a fresh, insightful perspective into the mind and soul of this legendary artist.

This interview is part of Big Blend Radio’s National Literacy Month programming, celebrating the power of books and storytelling. Through Jane Eisner’s biography of Carole King, we see how literature and journalism preserve the voices of cultural icons and inspire new generations of readers and music lovers alike.

📖 Learn more about Jane Eisner and her work at: https://jeisner.com/

🎧 Listen to more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.bigblendradio.com/

Discover everything Cayuga County has to offer, from seasonal outdoor activities and unique culinary experiences like the Sweet Treats Trail, to art and music festivals, wineries, and community events. We dive into the area’s stunning landscapes shaped by its unique geography and agricultural roots, especially in wine, apple, and agricultural production. Whether you're interested in lakeside adventures, historic sites, or charming B&Bs, this episode has something for every traveler.

Our conversation also highlights the Erie Canal bicentennial, the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and women’s history, and how Cayuga County continues to inspire travelers with its blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor beauty.

🗺️ Plan your visit: https://www.tourcayuga.com/ 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to IFWTWA 01:52 - Cayuga County's History & Harriet Tubman 04:38 - Celebrating Women's History 07:22 - A Legacy of Generosity and Care 08:00 - The Role of Quilts in History 10:45 - Experiential Learning Through Travel 13:21 - Exploring the Great Lakes 14:08 - New York's Hidden Gems 16:56 - The Beauty of the Finger Lakes 19:47 - Seasonal Activities (Autumn & Winter) 22:25 - Culinary Delights: Sweet Treats & Local Produce 25:12 - Wineries and Craft Beverages 28:04 - The Arts and Music Scene 30:49 - Festivals and Community Events 33:43 - Lodging and Local Hospitality 36:24 - Historical Significance & The Future of the Region

📢 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Way Back When," and "Women Making History" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork