In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025).

Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration.

🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/

🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/

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

🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us on a captivating journey through Malta, the independent island nation nestled between Sicily and North Africa. With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Malta is a treasure trove of cultural influences, architectural marvels, and remarkable resilience.

Explore the breathtaking St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta—with its stunning Baroque design and an iconic Caravaggio painting—along with the island’s fortified structures built by the Knights of St. John. Rose digs into Malta’s pivotal role during World War II, from the extensive bombing campaigns to the underground shelters that protected its people.

Hear about the Arabic roots of the Maltese language, the ancient texts preserved in the National Library of Malta (some dating to 1474), and the island’s fascinating Neolithic history. Rose also highlights the vibrant lifestyle of Valletta, its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the enduring spirit of the Maltese people.

Whether you're a history buff, culture seeker, or curious traveler, this episode offers a rich glimpse into what makes Malta a must-visit Mediterranean destination.

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

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

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features Inge Morascini, Executive Director of Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, who shares what makes these two Pacific Northwest gems so special.

From the dramatic coastal scenery and rich military and maritime history to the islands’ deep-rooted sense of community and sustainability, this conversation explores what makes Whidbey and Camano ideal for travelers seeking both connection and discovery. Listeners will hear about local artisans, small businesses, foraging and local food experiences, and the growing trend of road tripping through the islands.

Whether it’s the off-season serenity, the local farm-to-table culture, or the scenic drives from Seattle, Whidbey and Camano Islands offer transformative travel experiences where nature and community thrive together.

🌐 Learn more: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/

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

🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Parks & Travel" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

Recorded on location at the Fighter Pilot Reunion for the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, this special Veterans Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show honors the dedication, service, and legacy of those who have taken to the skies in defense of freedom.

Hosted by Terri Guthrie, this inspiring discussion features four special guests — Ron Guthrie, Jeff Neumann, Mike Smith, and Andrew Smith — all of whom flew the F-15 Eagle Fighter Jet as members of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing and the 60th Squadron, known as the Fighting Crows.

After their distinguished military careers, all four continued their passion for aviation by flying for Delta Air Lines — with Andrew Smith representing the next generation just beginning his Delta career. Together, they reflect on the unique bond forged among fighter pilots, the enduring importance of family legacies in military service, and the profound meaning of Veterans Day.

Through heartfelt stories and moments of laughter, they share insights into the transition from military to civilian aviation, the brotherhood and camaraderie that define a lifetime of service, and the values of integrity, discipline, and teamwork that carry forward long after retirement. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of families and communities in supporting those who serve — reminding us that honoring veterans is something to practice every day, not just once a year.

This episode is dedicated to Lt. Col. Mike Ridnouer who was a Fighter Pilot's Fighter Pilot and the best Squadron Commander in the Tactical Air Command.

🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In honor of Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History segment welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Pack to discuss his powerful Iraq War film, "The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah" airing November 10, 2025, on PBS nationwide.

This documentary chronicles the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War—Najaf against the Shiite Mahdi militia and Fallujah against Sunni insurgents—told entirely through the raw, firsthand testimony of the Marines and soldiers who fought there. Pack explains his choice to remove narration, allowing the veterans to deliver the "ground truth" of urban combat, dramatic moments like the "Hell House" rescue, and the personal cost of war.

The conversation delves into the brutal realities, the significant theme of PTSD, and how decisions made in Washington ripple down to those delivering the final 600 meters of foreign policy. Tune in to better understand modern warfare and the enduring importance of honoring the sacrifices and complexities of our veterans' experiences.

Watch "The Last 600 Meters" on PBS on November 10, 2025, stream it on the PBS app, and catch it later on Amazon and other platforms. Learn more: https://manifoldproductions.com/films/the-last-600-meters/

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" Show, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Foundation, shares updates on the latest exhibits, visiting artists, and the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe celebration at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation highlights Ted DeGrazia’s artistic legacy, the gallery’s focus on Southwest culture, and its continued role as a creative hub connecting art, history, and community.

CURRENT ROTATING EXHIBITS (through Jan. 28, 2026): - Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia – expressive works from 1945–1963 capturing movement, energy, and emotion. - DeGrazia’s Pastels – soft, impressionistic pieces (1953–1978), many displayed for the first time. - Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia – vibrant, tactile works on ceramic forms featuring angels, Madonnas, and Southwest motifs.

THE LITTLE GALLERY GUEST ARTISTS (Nov 2025 – Apr 2026): Rotating local and regional artists showcase oil, digital, and mixed media works, including paintings, ceramics, fused glass, photography, and landscapes by Mark Prusten, Max Hewlett, Caleb Gutierrez, Alisa Raines, Carole Fisher & Suzanne Hodges, Ambika Wauters, Joanna Pregon, Erik Sletten, Anna Lee Keefer, Mary Sherwood, and Wendy Islas.

LA FIESTA DE GUADALUPE – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025: This free annual celebration honors Mexico’s patron saint with mariachi music, Folklorico dancers, Yaqui Deer Dancers, local food, art vendors, and fun for all ages.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org

🎙️ Listen to Tales of Ted DeGrazia: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.

This inspiring conversation explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/

📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.

In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon”, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a magical river cruise through storybook Bavaria. From historic cities to charming medieval villages, Sharon shares her solo travel experiences exploring this enchanting region of Germany.

Sharon discusses the rise of solo travel, especially among women, and the joys of unpacking her suitcase only once while discovering multiple destinations along the river. Highlights include the Chagall windows at St. Stephan’s Church, Nuremberg’s famous sausages, Bamberg’s smoked beer, Rothenburg’s Christmas store, and Bavaria’s exceptional local wines. The conversation also reflects on the importance of remembering history while embracing the present-day beauty and culture that Bavaria offers.

📝 Read Sharon’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-solo-travelers-river-cruise-through-storybook-bavaria/

🌐 Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: https://sharonkkurtz.com

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com