In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie share their unforgettable journey through the islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia, exploring breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

From snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons and visiting pearl farms to discovering the secrets of Tahitian vanilla and enjoying authentic island cuisine, this conversation highlights the beauty and diversity of the region. Hear insider tips on island hopping, traveling between destinations like Moorea, Raiatea, and Taha’a, and immersing yourself in local traditions.

The episode dives into sustainable tourism efforts across the islands, emphasizing the importance of preserving Tahiti’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Along the way, learn about hiking adventures, cultural encounters, and the unforgettable sunsets that make Tahiti a dream destination.

Whether you're planning a tropical getaway or simply dreaming of paradise, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for exploring one of the world’s most stunning island destinations.

🔗 Plan your trip: https://www.tahititourisme.com/ 🔗 Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ 🔗 New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writers Pam and Gary Baker share their unforgettable adventures exploring Australia aboard some of the world’s most iconic luxury trains.

From crossing the vast Outback to rolling along the stunning southern coastline, the Bakers discuss what it’s like to experience Australia by rail, including journeys aboard the The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, and the Great Southern.

They share stories of spectacular landscapes, cultural encounters, wildlife sightings, and culinary experiences that highlight Australia’s diverse regions. Along the way, hear about the history of Australia’s railways, the comfort and elegance of luxury train travel, and the unique excursions offered at stops along the routes.

The conversation also explores the transformative power of slow travel—how train journeys allow travelers to truly connect with landscapes, cultures, and fellow passengers while experiencing the best of Australia’s food, wine, and natural beauty.

Whether you're dreaming of an Outback adventure, coastal escape, or scenic rail journey across the continent, this episode offers inspiration and practical tips for exploring Australia by train.

ARTICLE LINKS & RESOURCES - Explore Australia's Southeastern Coast on the Great Southern Train Ride: https://luxebeatmahttps://luxebeatmag.com/explore-australias-southeastern-coast-on-the-great-southern-train-ride/

- Explore More of Australia Aboard The Ghan: https://luxebeatmag.com/explore-more-of-australia-aboard-the-ghan/

- Journey Through the Heart of Australia Aboard The Ghan: https://www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/the-ghan-australia

- Indian Pacific Railway offers a unique view of Australia: https://porthole.com/slow-cruise-therapy-on-the-indian-pacific/

- Official Site of The Ghan, Indian Pacific & Great Southern: https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/

- Australia's Cultural Attractions: https://luxebeatmag.com/australia-unlocked-behind-the-scenes-encounters-of-the-cultural-attractions-of-australia/

- Follow Pam & Gary's travel adventures: https://pamandgarybaker.com/

- Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

- Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

- Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

In celebration of National Reading Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Randy E. Barnett, a renowned constitutional law professor at Georgetown University Law Center and author of the new book Felony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption.

Drawing from his early career as a prosecutor in Chicago, Barnett shares gripping firsthand stories of murder investigations, courtroom strategy, police confessions, and the ethical dilemmas faced by prosecutors working during a time of widespread crime and corruption. The book also explores Operation Greylord, one of the largest corruption investigations in U.S. history.

Perfect for true crime fans, aspiring lawyers, and anyone curious about how the criminal justice system really works, Barnett offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at big-city justice, the psychology of criminal behavior, and the importance of integrity in the legal profession.

📘 Felony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption releases March 17, 2026.

🔗 Learn more about Randy Barnett: https://www.randybarnett.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

In this lively conversation, the spotlight is on one of the parish’s most beloved Easter traditions—egg knocking. Known as the Egg Knocking Capital of the World, Avoyelles Parish celebrates this spirited competition each Easter as families and friends gather to see whose boiled egg is the toughest.

Guests Brenda Zaunbrecker, Sharon Juneau, Mayor John Lemoine, Brent Scallan, and Beryl Barbin share stories about the history of egg knocking contests, the rules and techniques behind the game, and the community pride that keeps this tradition alive. The episode also explores the history of Cottonport—once a thriving steamboat and cotton town—and how local festivals and traditions continue to preserve Avoyelles Parish’s rich cultural heritage.

🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" & "Vacation Station" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood dives into the fundamentals of water training for horses, sharing practical techniques that help riders safely introduce horses to streams, ponds, and other water obstacles often encountered on the trail.

From patient groundwork to building confidence step by step, Christy explains why preparation and calm leadership are key when teaching horses to approach and cross water. She also discusses safety considerations for riders, the benefits of using experienced pony horses during training, and creative ways to help horses gain confidence around natural obstacles.

Whether you're preparing for trail riding adventures or simply strengthening your horse’s trust and responsiveness, this episode offers valuable guidance for improving horsemanship and keeping both horse and rider safe.

🔗 EXPLORE MORE 📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: 👉 https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/

📰 Subscribe FREE to the NEW ABC's of Horses Podcast & Magazine Substack Channel👉 https://bigblendabcshorses.substack.com/

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more: https://wdnhorse.com/

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and author Kathleen Walls explores the rich heritage of Fredericksburg, Virginia—making this the perfect conversation as America approaches its 250th anniversary and during Women’s History Month in March.

Located along the Rappahannock River between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Fredericksburg is filled with stories that shaped early America. Kathleen shares insights into the area’s deep connections to George Washington, including his childhood at nearby George Washington's Ferry Farm.

The discussion also highlights the legacy of Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s mother, whose home and memorial in Fredericksburg offer important perspectives on women’s roles in early American history.

You'll also hear about Fredericksburg’s role in the American Civil War, including fascinating sites like the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, where visitors can discover 18th-century medicine and the story of Revolutionary War hero Hugh Mercer.

Along the way, Kathleen busts historical myths (including the truth about Washington’s famous “wooden teeth”) and shares practical travel tips for exploring Fredericksburg today—from trolley tours and museums to historic homes and heritage sites that bring America’s past vividly to life.

Whether you're planning a heritage road trip, celebrating America’s 250th, or looking to experience history where it happened, Fredericksburg offers a powerful journey into the people, places, and stories that shaped the nation.

LINKS & RESOURCES * Read Kathleen's Article on Fredericksburg: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/historic-fredericksburg-virginia

* Plan your Visit to Fredericksburg: https://fxbg.com/

* Keep up with Kathleen's Travels: https://www.americanroads.net/

* Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

* Follow this Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

* Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

Celebrate National Craft Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, featuring travel writer, photographer, and textile enthusiast Rose Palmer who explores the fascinating connection between travel and textile arts. Known for her "Quilt Tripping" adventures, Rose shares how journeys around the world inspire creativity, cultural understanding, and new perspectives in quilting and crafts.

From the colors and textures found in global markets to traditional techniques like Japanese shibori and sashiko, Rose discusses how textile traditions reflect the stories, heritage, and identity of communities around the world. She also talks about craft-focused travel experiences such as quilting cruises, retreats, and workshops that bring makers together through shared creativity.

Hear how exploring local crafts deepens travel experiences, how quilts can tell powerful cultural stories, and why art and craft remain universal languages that connect people across borders. Rose also shares helpful tips for traveling with your craft supplies and finding meaningful craft experiences while exploring new destinations.

📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/creative-travel

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Is modern democracy truly serving the people—or has it become controlled by powerful party systems?

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, we talk with author and entrepreneur Metin Pekin about his thought-provoking new book, "Breaking Democracy’s Chains: Freeing and Fortifying Democracy Against Hidden Capture."

Drawing from political theory, history, and real-world experience, Pekin explores how political parties have evolved from representative institutions into powerful gatekeepers that can centralize authority, deepen polarization, and limit genuine democratic participation. He discusses the historical roots of party politics, the influence of money and media on elections, and why he believes meaningful reform may require moving beyond traditional party structures.

The conversation examines ideas such as independent candidates, decentralized governance, local accountability, transparency in campaign financing, and empowering citizens through more direct representation. Whether listeners agree or disagree with his conclusions, Pekin’s arguments invite thoughtful discussion about the future of democratic systems around the world.

Learn more: https://www.metinpekin.com/

🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” series with Books Forward, highlighting new and thought-provoking books and the authors behind them. Visit: https://booksforward.com/