This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the powerful stories preserved at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

This special episode celebrates the second anniversary of the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast and also recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting the importance of community storytelling and the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.

Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities. Walking along the quiet residential streets, visitors might easily pass a small white church on North Duss Street. Yet inside the historic Sacred Heart/St. Rita Church is something extraordinary—a living archive of African American history in coastal Volusia County.

Through photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and community voices, the museum shares stories of resilience, culture, and community leadership. This episode also explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned Florida Highwaymen artists, and the power of genealogy and local storytelling in preserving history for future generations.

Be sure to watch Jo’s social media channels for the upcoming launch of her new digital podcast magazine, "Have Glass Will Travel," which will feature travel stories, articles, and highlights from the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES - Learn more about the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum https://www.blackheritage.org/

- Watch for Jo’s upcoming article about the museum on Mainly Museums https://mainlymuseums.com/

- Watch the New Smyrna Beach travel episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/egIxyOk8o7M?si=TpO56JJBgyT301j4

- Read Jo’s New Smyrna Beach travel article https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/

- Follow Jo Clark: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/

- New episodes air every 2nd Sunday: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beeman Dawes and Bertie Dawes.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy.

In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy.

From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees.

🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Linda Stasi discusses her powerful new historical novel The Descendant, arriving March 10, 2026 and available now for pre-order.

Inspired by real family history, the book uncovers a sweeping Italian immigrant saga that stretches from Sicily to the coal mines and ranchlands of the American West. Linda shares how deep journalistic research led her to shocking discoveries about labor exploitation, early Mafia networks, and the overlooked role of immigrant women in shaping the West.

The conversation explores the tragic legacy of the Ludlow Massacre, the roots of cultural stereotypes, and why stories of resilience and reinvention still matter today. From rebellious cowgirls to bootlegging empires, The Descendant challenges the myth of the “John Wayne West” and re-centers the multicultural reality of American history.

📘 The Descendant releases March 10, 2026 — pre-order your copy now. 🔗 Learn more about Linda Stasi: https://lindastasi.com

📰 Read our complete review on Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-descendant

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beauty, and lesser-known treasures.

The conversation begins with the remarkable story of May Rindge, known as the “Queen of Malibu,” whose fierce determination helped protect the region from the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. Linda shares fascinating anecdotes about Rindge’s legacy, including her role in shaping iconic landmarks such as the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House, both enduring symbols of Malibu’s cultural heritage.

The episode also explores Malibu’s quieter side — from hidden beaches and scenic hiking trails to springtime wildflower blooms and beloved local dining spots like Malibu Seafood Café. Along the way, Linda encourages travelers to look beyond the celebrity headlines and experience Malibu’s soulful landscapes, layered history, and timeless coastal charm.

📝 Read Linda’s travel article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/in-a-malibu-state-of-mind-linda-ballou-shares-the-amazing-tale-of-may-rindge-the-queen-of-malibu-other-reasons-why-you-should-visit/

🌍 Keep up with Linda’s books & adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Parks & Travel” and "Women Making History" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, airing on the second Wednesday of the month, features author Nancy Bernhard, who discusses her novel "The Double Standard Sporting House." The episode also celebrates National Books Blitz Month, spotlighting powerful stories that illuminate overlooked voices and hidden histories.

Set in 19th-century New York, "The Double Standard Sporting House" explores women’s history through a bold and revealing lens — examining the societal constraints placed on women, the influence of Tammany Hall, and the stark double standards that shaped women’s lives. In this engaging conversation, Bernhard sheds light on how brothels became one of the few paths to financial independence for women, while also addressing the intersections of race, gender, power, and survival.

The discussion dives into the realities faced by women navigating restrictive laws, limited rights, and moral judgment, while also touching on burlesque as social satire, reproductive autonomy, and why sex workers’ voices have so often been excluded from historical narratives. Thought-provoking and timely, this episode connects past struggles to ongoing conversations about women’s rights today.

🔗 Episode & Author Links ✍️ Author Website – Nancy Bernhard: https://www.nancybernhard.com/ 📚 Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 🎙️ Explore the Big Blend Radio Network where this episode aired on the "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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