In celebration of Dessert Month, Cookbook Month, and Emotional Wellness Month, this delightful and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show features transformational life coach Shelley Whizin in a sweet conversation about the connection between food, emotional wellness, and personal growth.

Shelley explores how cooking—and especially chocolate—can serve as a beautiful metaphor for life. From embracing mistakes to savoring small indulgences, she reminds us that nourishment goes far beyond the table. Through reflection on creativity, relationships, and self-awareness, Shelley encourages us to approach life (and cooking) with love, joy, and an open heart.

🧘 Key Takeaways: - October is both Dessert Month and Emotional Wellness Month - Food can serve as an analogy for life and self-discovery - Small indulgences support emotional well-being - Cooking helps us navigate thoughts, feelings, and creativity - Creating space for new ideas fosters personal growth - Our relationships with food reflect our relationships with people - Mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs - Finding joy in the process enhances emotional wellness - Self-reflection deepens our human and spiritual experience - Love and authenticity are key ingredients for fulfillment

📘 Read Shelley’s article: Bring Love and Chocolate to Your Table https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/bring-love-and-chocolate-to-your-table/

📚 Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106

🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday: https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/

📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life,” "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Fall, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Global Diversity Appreciation Month, embracing the rich traditions, flavors, and rhythms that bring people together around the world.

Award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer @hearjohnny and his filmmaker husband Paco Silva share a warm and inspiring conversation about the power of cultural celebrations, the joy of food, and the universal language of music. From birthday customs and King Cake to myths, legends, and the arts, the discussion explores how traditions shape identity and strengthen community bonds.

They also touch on the resilience and authenticity that artists need in today’s creative world, while honoring influential cultural figures who inspire unity, creativity, and pride across generations.

🎵 Listen to the music playlists: - Hello October: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6MsNG24qzf2BCmNDa5UWYv?si=e54e9564e3784ae3

- Songs That Celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/13lB2AwcrN2j1rZ5A8ybGo?si=f70dc99155c1440e

🌐 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com 🎧 Listen to Big Blend Radio: https://bigblendradio.com

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show travel writer Linda Kissam, the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” shares her final boating adventure of the 2025 season, exploring the South Sound region of Washington State.

This engaging conversation dives into the vibrant boating culture of the Pacific Northwest, from the benefits of yacht club membership—like social connections and reciprocal mooring—to the fun of flotillas and the unique character of different marinas, ranging from well-appointed to rustic.

Linda also highlights memorable wildlife encounters with seals, sea lions, and birds, as well as the influence of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly in the area. The episode celebrates the natural and cultural treasures of the region, from the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to the joy of harvesting local produce that defines the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

🔗 Read the article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/south-sound-washington-by-boat-explore-relax-enjoy-the-view

🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/

🌐 Linda’s travel blog: https://allingoodtaste.info/

🎙️ Also hear this episode on Big Blend’s “Parks & Travel” and “Vacation Station” podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.

Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future.

The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times.

🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady

🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding

🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com

🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “The Peanut Patch” Podcast, Donna George shares the sweet excitement of October as The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, re-opens for a new season. Beloved for its nostalgic country store atmosphere, farm-fresh peanuts, and decadent treats, The Peanut Patch is the go-to stop for both locals and travelers.

The conversation explores baking favorites like peanut butter cookies (perfect for National Cookie Month!), the soft crunch of freeze-dried candy, and the decadent flavors of fudge. Listeners will also hear about the fun of building fall-inspired charcuterie boards, the versatility of Medjool dates (even paired with wine or baked into cookies), and the growing popularity of custom gift baskets during the holiday season. From spicy-sweet fall flavors like pumpkin spice to classic peanut brittle, The Peanut Patch is all about celebrating seasonal goodness, National Dessert Month, and making life just a little sweeter.

🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/

🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/

🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

From food and drink festivals to fall colors and community celebrations, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the best of the season in Tulare County, California—home to charming towns, local traditions, and beautiful natural settings.

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: - Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/

This conversation explores Tulare County’s fall festivities, seasonal food, and cultural heritage, along with outdoor activities like picnicking and enjoying fall colors. From persimmons and pumpkin dishes to honoring veterans and new events like the Holiday Market at Cahuilla Oaks Preserve, this episode celebrates how fall brings together food, nature, and community spirit.

⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: This episode was pre-recorded before the Oct. 1, 2025 Government Shutdown. Please learn more about visiting the parks during this time, here: https://www.visitvisalia.com/articles/visiting-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-during-the-government-shutdown

📍 Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/

📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate the flavors of fall in this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast! Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, takes listeners on a flavorful journey through the magic of wine and spice pairings, the excitement of harvest season, and the joy of cooking with fresh herbs.

From cumin and saffron to black pepper and allspice, discover how spices can elevate both your kitchen creations and your wine tasting experiences. Plus, in honor of National Cookie Month, Peggy shares a special recipe for Wine-Infused Cookies—the perfect treat for pairing with your favorite fall wine.

🍷 Podcast Listener Special – Extended through Mid-October 2025! Purchase 12-bottle cases of select LDV wines for 50% off. Mix and match welcome! ➡️ Available at the LDV Winery Tasting Room. ➡️ Out-of-state listeners can order by emailing Peggy@ldvwinery.com or calling +1 480-664-4822. Just mention the Wine Time with Peggy podcast!

✨ Episode Highlights: - Wine and spice make everything nice. - Harvest season brings unique flavors to wines. - Rotate spices for optimal freshness and flavor. - Cooking with fresh herbs adds depth to dishes. - Saffron may be pricey, but it’s magical.

Celebrate National Cookie Month with wine-infused cookies! 🍪 Recipe of the Month: Wine-Infused Cookies - Get it Here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/cmqu/#p=1

🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend. Discover more at: 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 to the old-world charm of Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city in North America.

From strolling cobblestone streets to enjoying lively festivals that celebrate French heritage, this conversation explores the city’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Listeners will also hear about outdoor adventures like e-biking and kayaking, Quebec’s renowned culinary scene featuring regional wines and Michelin-starred dining, and travel tips including the best times to visit and how to make the most of your stay with a privilege pass. Whether in winter or summer, Quebec City is truly a destination for all seasons.

📝 Read Sharon’s full article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/quebec-city-step-into-old-world-charm/

🌐 Plan your visit to Quebec City: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en

🎙️ Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com

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

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