Celebrate National Family Reunion Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, featuring Meg Heinen of CityPASS. Discover how CityPASS helps families save big on top attractions across North America’s most iconic cities.

Meg shares the evolution of CityPASS, the diversity of attractions to experience, and the benefits of using the CityPASS app for easy reservations and ticket management. Perfect for families and group travel, CityPASS offers convenience, flexibility, and serious savings!

🗺️ Featured destinations include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California (includes LA), Tampa Bay, and Toronto.

From historic sites and botanical gardens to thrilling amusement parks and museums, CityPASS caters to all ages—and even makes a great gift for students and frequent travelers.

🎟️ Learn more: https://www.citypass.com 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us inside the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as the most photographed hotel in the world. Set within the historic charm of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this grand hotel is more than just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a living piece of Canadian history.

Learn about its French Renaissance-inspired architecture, its fascinating role in World War II, and how it remains a hub of luxury with award-winning dining, exclusive Fairmont Gold services, and even rooftop honeybees producing local honey. The episode also covers daily historical tours, stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, and why this landmark is truly a destination in its own right.

📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-canadian-castle-fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac/ 🛎️ Plan your visit: https://www.chateau-frontenac.com/en/ 🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In an age where scrolling often replaces genuine conversation, is it time to rebuild real-life connection? On Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life show, we welcome Dr. Kathleen P. Allen, author of “Stuck in Our Screens: Setting Aside Social Drama and Restoring Human Connection.”

Dr. Allen shares powerful, research-based insights on how social media and constant digital distractions are disrupting empathy, communication, and relationships for both teens and adults. She uniquely blends humor with serious reflection, exploring how adult online behavior can surprisingly mirror adolescent drama.

In this episode, you'll learn: - The profound emotional impact of continuous screen time. - Why social media often amplifies social drama across all age groups. - Actionable steps to cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence. - Strategies to consciously reclaim meaningful, face-to-face connections. - How to achieve a healthy balance between your digital and real lives.

Drawing from her background as a researcher, educator, and program evaluator, Dr. Allen provides practical ways to break free from toxic online dynamics and foster healthier human interactions.

Tune in to gain valuable insights for navigating our digital world and strengthening your relationships!

Find the book: “Stuck in Our Screens” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Our-Screens-Restoring-Connection-ebook/dp/B0F2J3TXJQ

About the Author: Kathleen P. Allen, Ed.D., brings years of experience from her work with the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. She is a lifelong educator and "Stuck in Our Screens" is her debut book.

Feeling stressed and guilty about taking time off? You're not alone! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin offers a refreshing perspective, reframing time off as a sacred act of self-compassion.

Shelley dives into the impacts of overscheduling and the often-overlooked value of spontaneity, revealing the crucial connection between our health and taking a break. She also highlights the profound healing qualities of being out in nature and taking a vacation, emphasizing their role in our well-being. She tackles the common struggle of saying no, the time-consuming nature of social media, and the urgent need to re-evaluate work-life balance.

Discover the power of mindfulness, how to choose joy over guilt, and the "filters" we apply to our lives. Ultimately, Shelley empowers listeners to set boundaries for well-being and rediscover joy.

Key Takeaways: - Taking time off is essential for mental health. - Self-compassion is a sacred act. - Time in nature and vacations offer profound healing. - Choose joy over duty to enhance well-being. - Mindfulness helps manage stress effectively. - Prioritize your own happiness.

Resources: - Read Shelley’s article “Taking Time Off is a Sacred Act of Self-Compassion”: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/taking-time-off-is-a-sacred-act-of-self-compassion/

- Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106

- Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley: New episodes drop every first Sunday: https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life,” “Vacation Station,” and “Parks & Travel” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Join us on The Big Daily Blend show for an immersive exploration of American music! This episode celebrates the vibrant tapestry of sounds that tell America's story, diving deep into its profound connections to culture, history, and identity. We'll navigate the diverse landscape of musical genres, uncover how travel shapes our sonic experiences, and examine the powerful legacy of protest songs throughout history. Hear about iconic artists who shaped the American musical landscape and discover how music unites communities and inspires change. Featuring personal stories and reflections on music's ever-evolving nature, this discussion culminates in a celebration of American music's enduring journey.

FEATURED GUESTS: - Johnny Schaefer – Cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter: https://hearjohnny.com/

- Kathleen Walls – Travel writer and author: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/

LISTEN TO OUR "AMERICAN MOSAIC" MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/ycck3eyn

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS and RANTS, RAVES & ROCK Podcasts. Explore Big Blend Radio's Network of Shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam, “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” who shares her recent visit to the stunning Point Defiance Rose Garden in Tacoma, Washington. From the garden’s rich history and environmental significance to its natural beauty and community value, this conversation is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s floral charm. Discover how the region’s climate helps roses thrive, how nature and public spaces foster well-being, and why the garden is a perfect place for everything from peaceful picnics to family outings.

📖 Read Linda’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/point-defiance-rose-garden-in-tacoma/

🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/

🌐 Follow Diva Linda’s adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/

🎙️ Also listen on Big Blend’s Garden Gossip podcast channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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