This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Global Adventures" Podcast with travel writer Debbie Stone explores Catania, Sicily, a city defined by resilience, tradition, and a fascinating blend of beauty and grit.

Set in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania’s story is shaped by volcanic eruptions, deep-rooted faith, and a strong sense of community. Debbie explores the cultural importance of Saint Agatha, the folklore surrounding the Elephant Fountain, and the city’s vibrant street food and market scene, including the must-try Pasta alla Norma. From underground ruins to UNESCO-recognized architecture, this episode reveals why Catania is one of Sicily’s most compelling destinations.

📖 Read Debbie’s story on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/captivating-catania

📖 Check out the story and more in her new Global Adventures Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio, acclaimed author David Baron discusses his award-winning book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America."

Long before Martians became the stuff of science fiction, many Americans believed they might actually exist. David explores how late 19th- and early 20th-century scientists, astronomers, and the media became captivated by Mars—projecting utopian ideals, hope, and solutions to earthly problems onto the Red Planet during a period of rapid scientific advancement.

The conversation examines the quest to communicate with Martians, the evolving nature of scientific evidence, and the essential role imagination plays in discovery. From historic beliefs to current discoveries and future possibilities, this episode reveals how our fascination with Mars reflects something deeply human: the desire to explore, connect, and believe.

David Baron’s book The Martians has been widely recognized as a New Yorker Best Book of the Year, a TIME Must-Read Book of 2025, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a Chicago Public Library Favorite Book of 2025.

🔗 Learn more about David Baron and his work: https://davidbaronauthor.com/

🔗 Explore the Big Blend Radio Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

What does it take to stand strong in the face of life's storms? In the grand finale of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts," we explore stories of unbreakable spirits and the relentless pursuit of truth.

From the soulful perspective of a legendary horse to the high stakes of royal protection and the dark realities of the drug culture, this episode features four authors who have turned life’s challenges into compelling fiction. We sit down with Christy Wood to hear the life story of the big-hearted horse Ranger; Paula Winskye on her journey from horse stories to royal mysteries; Anne Louise Bannon on exploring trauma and relationships in "Tyger, Tyger;" and Kathleen Walls on the powerful personal inspirations behind "Last Step." Join us as we celebrate the unique voices that define this final chapter of our series.

FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS * Christy Wood – "Ranger: The Little Horse with the Big Heart" https://wdnhorse.com/ * Paula Winskye – "Royal Entanglements" http://www.winskyebooks.com/ * Anne Louise Bannon – "Tyger, Tyger" https://annelouisebannon.com/ * Kathleen Walls – "Last Step" https://katywalls.com/

CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: * Part 1: The Leading Ladies - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies * Part 2: Secrets & Journeys - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/secrets-and-journeys * Part 3: Roots & Revolutions - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/roots-and-revolutions

SUPPORT EDUCATION & LITERACY: Visit https://theglobalhenry.org/ to support The Steppes of Henry Foundation. By purchasing the books of the late world traveler and author Henry Biernacki, you fund tuition and essentials for girls in Africa and Mexico. 100% of your purchase goes directly to the children. Give the gift of a book and fund a lifetime of education.

Raise a glass and join the fun on Big Blend Radio’s Annual Holiday Happy Hour Party 2025, a festive roundtable celebration filled with cocktails, travel tales, holiday foods, music, and meaningful conversations about gift-giving and community.

In this spirited holiday episode, an all-star lineup of Big Blend Radio guest experts share their favorite holiday traditions, memorable travels, and seasonal culinary delights. The conversation also explores sustainable celebrations, thoughtful gift-giving (including the art of re-gifting), and why experiences and connections often matter more than material gifts.

The episode wraps up with a joyful and creative collaboration as everyone comes together to design the perfect Christmas card — a heartfelt reflection of shared experiences, gratitude, and community during the holiday season.

Featured Big Blend Radio Friends: * Author & Food Writer Jeff Spear: https://spearwrites.com/ * Travel Writer & Photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ * Author & Editor Cliff Garstang: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ * Writer & Book Industry Expert Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ * Singer-Songwriter Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Author & Environmental Activist Cheryl Leutjen: https://cherylleutjen.com/

🍸 Cheers to holiday happy hours, shared stories, and celebrating the season together!

Chef Ivan Flowers—5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor—returns to Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Show to share a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer: Holiday Ham Spirals. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe highlights how simple techniques and creative flavor combinations can elevate holiday cooking.

In this episode, Chef Ivan breaks down the versatility of roulades, the role of pickling in enhancing flavor and texture, and how using unexpected ingredients can make a dish memorable. The conversation also explores cultural influences in cooking, budget-friendly meal planning, sustainable kitchen practices, and the joy of cooking together during the holidays.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an easy appetizer with wow factor, this episode proves that anyone can cook—and have fun doing it.

Holiday Ham Spirals Recipe (Substack): https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendfooddrink/p/holiday-ham-spirals

In this special Winter Solstice episode of Big Blend Radio, we celebrate the birthday of award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, cohost of the Big Daily Blend Podcast (airs every 1st Sunday), along with the season’s spirit of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness.

The conversation explores the meaning of the Winter Solstice, cherished holiday traditions, and the joy of gathering with friends and family. Johnny shares stories behind his Christmas music—including his newest single “Pictures of Christmas”—and discusses the art of storytelling through song, vocal expression, and the role of instruments in creating timeless holiday music. From Advent hymns to eclectic seasonal favorites, this episode highlights how music connects generations and cultures while offering comfort, joy, and inspiration during the holidays.

🎶 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/

🎄 Johnny Schaefer – Christmas Songs: * Pictures of Christmas – https://youtu.be/B9Fe3w1DT9M?si=8tbwd2MpHhOcLBCk * Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella – https://youtu.be/sSW7-lf5-W4?si=DWx6-qx5VcLvAwfI * O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=C7bTYvC2Om8oHJsH&v=eKCjm0OYwFo&feature=youtu.be * Joseph's Prayer – https://youtu.be/5UFwqoY5ZEo?si=h73PoXeeKXeJO-Uw * Proclamation of the Birth of Christ – https://youtu.be/sSW7-lf5-W4?si=sbLViGId5hPOWoZ7 * The Bach-Gounod Ave Maria – https://youtu.be/qlzJCMai1so?si=UQWvSaXl6XHJNguT * People Look East – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqG5Vammou0 * All the Babes on Christmas Born – https://youtu.be/ZB2hNDbHn8o?si=y4ycCE12h08f4ET5 * Finlandia Brasileira – https://youtu.be/8M_LlEhUH7c?si=zNM3Ee5NYtXQjaU3 * The Friendly Beasts and Away in a Manger – https://youtu.be/eg3-eZAOx9A?si=DCQqULcp73jN2Stw

🎼 Johnny’s Christmas Playlists: * Advent: A Musical Journey – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj6NTFiUTbxEGsz9QP4eDmYGmLeJrkEdB&si=9DwY9TfntZfAJd3b * Eclectic Christmas Playlist – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj6NTFiUTbxETSCjjnsbwmOqBKtkt_MEW&si=v9PIN4Vwad3j8a8L * From Here to Nativity Album – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj6NTFiUTbxFAt6UC2Fvzn6PHdGCgTj9M&si=3i2OPmuAFMlOFevd

Explore Big Blend Radio's Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art Podcast," artist and art historian Victoria Chick launches a new series exploring the Evolution of Art Materials, beginning with a deep dive into artist brushes and bristles.

The conversation traces the journey of artist tools from ancient times to contemporary practice, examining how natural and synthetic materials have shaped painting techniques across cultures and centuries. Victoria discusses the tactile relationship between artists and their tools, why painters often remain loyal to familiar materials, and how technological advancements continue to influence artistic expression.

Listeners are invited to appreciate the craftsmanship, history, and experimentation behind the brushes artists use—and how understanding materials deepens our connection to art history itself.

Read Victoria’s Article "Evolution of Art Materials": https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendarts/p/evolution-of-art-materials

MORE TO EXPLORE * Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/

This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts podcast channel. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

How does the past define our future? In Part 3 of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts," we dig into the stories that haunt us—from the battlefields of the Cuban Revolution to the hidden secrets of our own family trees.

This episode features four authors who explore the power of history and heritage. We sit down with Matt Cost to discuss the rise of Fidel Castro, Mike Nemeth on how personal loss and family drama fuel a debut, Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski on the karmic echoes of genealogy, and Clifford Garstang on how global travel and cultural displacement enrich the novelist's perspective. Join us as we discuss the "first-born" novels that explore where we come from and the resilience required to move forward.

FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS * Matt Cost – I Am Cuba: Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution https://www.mattcost.net/ * Mike Nemeth – The Undiscovered Country https://mikenemethauthor.com/ * Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski – Dead Reckoning https://annabartkowski.com/ * Clifford Garstang – The Shaman of Turtle Valley https://cliffordgarstang.com/

CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: * Part 1: The Leading Ladies - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies * Part 2: Secrets & Journeys - https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/secrets-and-journeys

SUPPORT EDUCATION & LITERACY: Visit https://theglobalhenry.org/ to support The Steppes of Henry Foundation. By purchasing the books of the late world traveler and author Henry Biernacki, you fund tuition and essentials for girls in Africa and Mexico. 100% of your purchase goes directly to the children. Give the gift of a book and fund a lifetime of education.