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Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Writer’s Wednesday Show with Books Forward, featuring Christine Isley-Farmer, author of the Boomer’s Tales children’s book series. The first installment “Finding My Yip” is out now through Wandering Woods Press. The power of stories and music’s healing qualities weave their way through the book, which also features a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the narrator. Boomer and his new friend Chloe seek to develop confidence, make friends, and strengthen their bond, all while challenging their fears. Featured music is “I Am Here” by Gina Zavalis.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When Military History Monday” Show, featuring Jan Cleere, an acclaimed author, historian, and expert speaker who writes extensively about the desert southwest, particularly the people who first settled the territory. On this episode she discusses her latest book, “Military Wives in Arizona Territory: A History of Women Who Shaped the Frontier.” When the US Army ordered troops into Arizona Territory in the nineteenth century to protect and defend newly established settlements, military men often brought their wives and families, particularly officers who might be stationed in the west for years. These women were bold, brave, and compassionate. They became an integral part of military posts that peppered the West and played an important role in civilizing the untamed frontier. Combining their words with original research and tracing their movements from post to post, “Military Wives in Arizona Territory” is a collection of historical narratives that explores the tragedies and triumphs that early military wives experienced. Featured music is “Mirage” by Michael and Spider.  

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Business & Career Show, featuring attorney Ward Heinrichs who discusses the recent expansion of the California Family Rights Act, plus, new requirements for California small businesses including Sexual Harassment Trainng and Child Abuse Reporting & Training for Businesses that Employ Minors. Read Ward's article outlining the new requirements on BlendRadioandTV.com.  Based in San Diego, California, the Employment Law Office of Ward Heinrichs represents both employers and employees in almost all areas of labor law. He and his firm litigate cases that have been filed in many different parts of California. Featured music on this show is “Hey! Hey! California” by Everett Coast.

Always be ready for the worst day of your life: This is the mantra that Becca Aldaine has grown up with. Her family is part of a community of doomsday preppers, a neighborhood that prioritizes survivalist training over class trips or senior prom. Becca’s story is the backbone of the young adult novel “Prepped” by Bethany Mangle who joins Big Blend Radio to discuss her writing and latest book that explores themes from her Korean identity, sisterhood, and finding your place within your family and the world. Featured music is “Two Young Hearts” by Dino Jag.

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 4th Wednesday “Tucson Sisters in Crime” show features mystery author Kathy McIntosh. Kathy writes mysteries with mirth. A reformed high tech marketer and former columnist on words, Kathy has translated her love of words, humor and nature into her fiction. After many years in Idaho, in 2014 she and her husband moved to southeastern Arizona. Kathy’s first two novels “Mustard’s Last Stand” and “Foul Wind” are humorous romps in the wilds of north Idaho. Her newest, “Murder, Sonoran Style” portrays death in the heat of the desert, with a light touch and lots of laughter. The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a local Tucson, Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime. They are authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. They welcome Sisters and Brothers in Crime from everywhere who have an interest in writing, and in the Southern Arizona mystery community. Featured music on this episode is “Sonoran Sunset” from the album “Perfume of Creosote: Desert Exotica Part 1” by Michael and Spider.

Less than an hour north of Denver, roam more than 500 large carnivores – including over 200 bears, 70 African lions, and 70 tigers.  Now living at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado, these wild animals and the stories of their rescue, often from heartbreaking conditions, are the focal point of the newly released and groundbreaking book “Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado,” written by sanctuary volunteers and Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger. This episode of Big Blend Radio features Kent Drotar, along with authors Mark and Melanie who discuss The Wild Animal Sanctuary and their book  “Forever Wild, Forever Home.” Featured music on this episode is “Freedom Has a Way” by James Saunders. Special thank you to Visit Greeley and Discover Weld County.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Champagne Sundays Show, airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. On this episode we all raise a glass to something positive or happy, and play Big Blend’s “Words & Stories Game,” plus, we’ll air one of Steve Schneickert’s Hollywood History segments, and music from Michael Ely. Featured guests include: - Steve Schneickert - Hollywood History expert in San Jose, CA - Michael Ely - Singer-songwriter in Tucson, AZ - Mark Navarro - Photographer in Tucson, AZ - Glynn Burrows - Historian and owner of Norfolk Tours in England. - Lea Brovedani - Trust expert and author of “Trust Me” in Philadelphia, PA - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners of The Lion & The Rose B&B In Asheville, NC  

This episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on the new film DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER, with director Simon Bird and star actor Monica Dolan.  Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel, DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER is a funny yet sweet coming-of-age story about single motherhood and Metallica. Daniel was supposed to spend the summer with his dad and his dad’s new wife in Florida, but when his dad cancels the trip Daniel and his mom suddenly face the prospect of six long weeks together. An epic war of wills ensues in their suburban home as Daniel just wants to listen to heavy metal and start a band while his mom hopes to rekindle the fun times they used to have together. Featured music is “Time, Why, Explain” by Sandtimer. Special thanks to Norfolk Tours UK.  

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Show features Katharine Manning, author of “The Empathetic Workplace” that teaches readers the five steps to respond to trauma at work. This critical resource gives managers, HR, and anyone who may come into contact with someone in trauma — including workplace violence, harassment, assault, bias, illness, addiction, fraud, bankruptcy, and more — the tools they need to be prepared for what lies ahead. For 15 years, senior attorney Katharine Manning advised the Justice Department on working with victims in its most difficult cases, from child exploitation to terrorism to large-scale financial fraud. In doing so, she learned that when the crisis comes, and all of us will face a crisis eventually, we need the same things. Featured music is “Falling to Pieces” by Nicki Kris.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Quality of Life show featuring Dr. Jackie Eubany, a board certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and author of the best-selling book “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story.”  On this episode she discusses getting outside for a walk or hike is good cardio for your heart, calms hypertension and stress, and is a good way to be active while keeping social distance. Read her article on NationalParkTraveling.com. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the US, killing more women than breast and lung cancer combined. Silence is one of the most deadly aspects of women's heart disease. Through anecdotes and friendly, jargon-free advice, Dr. Jackie shares with readers of her book “Women & Heart Disease”  how to: reduce their risk by up to 80%; how to recognize a heart attack earlier; and how to make the healthiest choices for your heart and your loved ones. Dr Jackie’s Cardiovascular Wellness Institute of OC is based in Orange, CA with a second office in Irvine, CA.  Featured music on this episode is “Walk With Me” by Jennifer Saran.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Champagne Sundays "Toast to Valentine's Day" Show, airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. ON THIS EPISODE: - A Romantic's Guide To King Crimson - Hear about the new 12-track album of reinvented King Crimson material by the husband-and-wife duo Deborah and Pat Mastelotto. - A Love for Pets and Travel - Angela Laws, award-winning community manager of TrustedHousesitters.com, talks about the world of travel and petsitting. - Rescue My Heart - Acclaimed jazz singer-songwriter Jennifer Saran discusses her new love ballad that features producer Narada Michael Walden.  

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Friday Food Wine & Travel Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. ON THIS EPISODE: - Noreen Kompanik, a San Diego based freelance travel writer and photographer, talks about the ways travel writing enriches lives. - Douglas MacKenzie, Director of Media Relations at Visit Phoenix, gives an overview of what to see and do in Phoenix, Arizona. Featured music is “California Days” by Josh Pfeiffer, and “Rock Gardens, Swimming Pools & BBQs” by Michael and Spider.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. This episode features reggae singer-songwriter Annicia Banks who is getting ready to release her debut EP “Up Front” through Raw Vue Music on March 5, 2021. Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Annicia has toured the Caribbean, United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe, using the dulcet tones of her voice to provide background support for internationally acclaimed reggae artists Judy Mowatt (of I-Threes fame), Bunny Wailer (original member of The Wailers), Sister Carol, and the legendary "Crown Prince of Reggae" Dennis Emmanuel Brown.  The EP will introduce her own original songs, including a collaboration with the late and legendary Bob Andy, with the first single a cover of the Dennis Brown hit "Love Has Found Its Way" featuring original saxophonist Dean Fraser. Special thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation.

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Show, airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. Focusing on What to Trust in 2021, this episode features Lea Brovedani “The Trust Architect,” one of North America’s leading experts on trust. Read her article on BlendRadioandTV.com. Lea is the author of “TRUST Me – Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World” and “TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader,” and is a contributing author in four other books. She was recently awarded the lifetime achievement award as Top Thought Leader in Trust by Trust Across America.  Featured music on this episode is “Victory Parade” by The Walk-A-Bout Band. 

Join Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and and publishers of Big Blend Magazines, for Big Blend Radio’s Champagne Sundays Show, airing live from Asheville, North Carolina. Featured Guest Segments - Soul Divingwith Shelley Whizin, Founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ (SDI), established to study and teach the art and science of Being Human. She’s also the author of  “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”. - Cooking Breakfast with Rebecca Powell who along with her husband Bert, own and operate Rosevine Inn Bed & Breakfast in Tyler, Texas “The Rose Capital of America.” Hear how to make her Cinnamon Muffins, Baking Powder Biscuits, and Frittata. See her recipes on BlendRadioandTV.com. Featured Music: ”My Old Friend” by Dave Kerzner, and “Texas Blue Moon” by Shelley King.  

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday Toast to The Arts & Parks Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Tanya discusses NPAF’s unique 1-month artist residency opportunities in various parks, public lands, and national parks, that include Death Valley, Hawai’i Volcanoes, Haleakala, Dry Tortugas, Chaco Canyon, and Fort Union. From sculptors to painters, musicians to poets and dancers, the program is open to artists of all mediums and genres. Featured music on this episode is “Chaco” by the Tall Men Group.  

While the country is split into two warring factions,  The Reunited States is an urgent documentary that follows four everyday heroes on the difficult journey of bridging our political divides. This powerful and urgent documentary focuses on hope and solutions instead of dwelling in our differences. Based on the book of the same name by Mark Gerzon, “The Reunited States” is out now in Virtual Cinemas and will be available on VOD platforms February 9. This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning narrative and documentary filmmaker Ben Rekhi. Featured music is “Universal Love” by Kwame Binea Shakedown. 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Military Monday” Show, which airs every first Monday of the month, features Mike Guardia, a US Army Veteran, and awarding-winning military historian and author. Mike gives an overview of the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm and discusses the role Twentynine Palms played in the military operation. The Marines first came to Twentynine Palms in 1952. Since then, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center has trained thousands of proud Marines, many of whom were deployed during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On March 21, 2003, the First Marine Division crossed from Kuwait and began Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms is a desert destination and art community. Known as the Oasis of Murals, the city is home to over 60 pieces of public art. The recently resorted mural “Desert Storm Homecoming and Victory Parade” by Chuck Caplinger shares the story of when the troops came home from the Persian Gulf in 1991. More than 40,000 people crowded into the city for "The Mother of All Victory Parades." The mural “Operation Iraqi Freedom” by Don Gray is dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces, especially the Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.  Featured music is “Ocotillo” from the “Perfume of Creosote” album by Michael and Spider. 

Vivian Conan felt unreal and disconnected. She spoke to faces in the mirror that were not her own. And after years of therapy and multiple hospitalizations, she had a diagnosis: dissociative identity disorder (once known as multiple personality disorder.) On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Quality of Life show, Vivian discusses some of the stories covered in her memoir, “Losing the Atmosphere: A Memoir, A Baffling Disorder, A Search for Help, and the Therapist Who Understood." "Losing the Atmosphere" shares a riveting account of her journey toward self-understanding and wholeness; her encounters with a string of more and less helpful therapists; and her unconventional relationship with the therapist who was finally able to guide her through the courageous, messy work healing required. Told with uncommon honesty, humor, and grace, it is a never-too-late story about the growth possible for anyone with the guts and determination to pursue it, and a testament to the redemptive power of love: not the perfect kind Vivian experienced in her imaginary world, but the imperfect kind that connects us, flawed human being to flawed human being, in the real world she lives in now. Featured music is "Be Kind" by Brian Bourgault.

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Show features Ellen Whitfield, Senior Publicist at Books Forward. From getting book reviews and media placements to creating social media buzz, Ellen shares tips on how authors can garner publicity to promote their books and author expertise, and ultimately boost book sales. A full-service literary publicity company that is part of the veteran JKS Communications brand, Books Forward has been connecting great authors with readers for more than 20 years. Books Forward exemplifies excellence in book marketing and promotion. Representing New York Times bestsellers, national award-winning books, and books that catch fire on social media and in the digital realm, they create ambitious campaigns with unlimited possibilities for sparking national and regional media stories, and creatively cut through the noise of more than 3,000 books published on average each day. They represent some of the finest publishers, authors and books around the world, with clients hailing from 50 states and seven countries.