This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features travel photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie Vandergriff, who recently served as artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston is a passionate travel photographer who has visited all 50 U.S. states, over 30 countries, and countless destinations around the world. Houston also happens to have Down syndrome, and through his photography he shares a powerful message of inclusion, compassion, and possibility.

In this inspiring conversation, Houston and Katie discuss their journey applying for artist residencies, their experiences exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and their advocacy for greater accessibility in national parks and travel destinations. They talk about how photography allows Houston to communicate his unique perspective on the world, and how travel and art can break down barriers while encouraging people to think beyond limitations.

The discussion also explores the importance of inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible trails, and how creative storytelling can help change perceptions about disability. Through their work, Houston and Katie hope to inspire others to explore the world, embrace new adventures, and recognize that every life has value and every person has worth.

Houston’s photography reflects his personal mission: to help make the world a better place through art, travel, and compassion.

Houston and Katie’s story highlights how creativity, perseverance, and community support can open doors to meaningful opportunities—both in national parks and far beyond.

LEARN MORE: - Houston’s photography and travel stories: https://www.downsandtowns.com/

- National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

- NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/

- Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/

In this inspiring conversation, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin shares practical tools and heartfelt insights on how to spring clean your relationships and create deeper, more meaningful connections. From the power of presence and gratitude to taking personal responsibility in communication, Shelley offers simple yet powerful ways to nurture love in everyday life.

The discussion explores how daily love vows can strengthen bonds, why emotional awareness matters, and how small intentional shifts can transform relationship dynamics. Shelley also introduces her new e-book, Daily Love Vows, designed to help couples and individuals cultivate lasting love through mindful daily practices.

✨ Read Shelley’s related article on Substack: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/spring-cleaning-your-relationships 📘 Get the NEW Daily Love Vows e-Book: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/books-resources/daily-love-vows

Whether you're looking to refresh your partnership, strengthen family connections, or improve communication, this episode offers practical wisdom for building healthier, more loving relationships.

Shelley Whizin is known as the Live & Die Happy Coach, a transformational guide who has spent over four decades honoring the full arc of the human experience. As an author, interdisciplinary life coach, wedding planner and officiant, and end-of-life midwife, Shelley specializes in the sacred art of connection. Learn more at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

"My heart was very loud... it would gurgle and swirl. People could hear me before I entered a room."

In this inspiring episode, psychotherapist, educator, and author Sally Dukes joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, "drummer girl," and the life-changing journey that shaped it.

Born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD), Sally faced a near-death experience at a young age—a moment in the "Orange Machine" that forever transformed her understanding of life, death, and the "Purple Love" of the afterlife.

In this heartfelt and intimate audio feature, Sally explores: - The Therapeutic Journey: How her childhood trauma and heart journey guided her path as a therapist.

- Inner Stillness & Outer Travel: How meditation, travel, silence, and deep self-reflection became a pilgrimage toward truth.

- Storytelling as Medicine: The process of writing a memoir as a tool for self-discovery and healing.

- Being Present: Navigating today’s distraction-filled world by leaning into silence and stillness.

From the medical threshold to meaningful journeys in the outer world, this thoughtful discussion offers comfort, perspective, and encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or their own spiritual path.

Pre-Order "drummer girl" (Launching March 17, 2026) and learn more about Sally Dukes at https://www.sallydukes.com/