Celebrate the vibrant traditions and delicious symbolism of the Lunar New Year on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show with special guest Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce.

Discover the meaningful foods that bring luck, prosperity, and long life in the new year — from citrus fruits and mushrooms to Asian greens, noodles, and wontons. Robert shares easy ways to enjoy and cook with unique produce like butterscotch pears, kumquats, and gai lan, along with simple recipes that make festive entertaining fun and flavorful.

Whether you're planning a Lunar New Year feast or just want to explore fresh Asian ingredients year-round, this episode is packed with tasty inspiration and cultural insight.

🔶 Explore Melissa’s Lunar New Year Menu & Recipes: https://www.melissas.com/pages/lunar-new-year

🔶 Robert’s Recommended Recipes: * Asian Pear Slaw: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/salad/asian-pear-slaw * Gyoza Pot Stickers: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/gyoza-pot-stickers * Fried Won Tons: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/fried-won-tons * Easy Egg Rolls: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/egg-rolls * Kung Pao Noodles: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/kung-pao-noodles

🎁 Lunar New Year Gift Box: https://www.melissas.com/products/deluxe-lunar-new-year-gift-box?_pos=2&_sid=ab73b6945&_ss=r

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

Joining the conversation are special guests Van Roy, Avoyelles Community Arts Liaison, and Lauren Harmason of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council, who share how the parish honors Black history through arts, culture, cuisine, and community storytelling.

The discussion highlights the vital role of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council in supporting local artists and educational programs, while exploring the lasting impact of Solomon Northup’s legacy in the region. The episode also spotlights the historic marker honoring legendary blues harp player Little Walter, and the special unveiling event that welcomed acclaimed blues guitarist Buddy Guy—underscoring Avoyelles Parish’s deep musical roots and cultural influence.

Listeners will discover how culinary traditions, creative expression, and community events work together to preserve and celebrate the parish’s diverse heritage. From meaningful cultural experiences to hidden gems beyond New Orleans, this episode invites travelers to connect more deeply with Louisiana’s living history through art, food, and local voices.

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

🔗 Avoyelles Arts & Humanities Council: https://AvoyellesArts.com

🔗 Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works: https://SNCCW.com

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

LET'S NOT FORGET THE MUSIC WE TALKED ABOUT! - Little Walker: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Y2oBBKe7dnNGJrf6HAGBc?si=OFpsVJy7QK2FjKhjB2FXHg - Joe Simon: https://open.spotify.com/album/3KXu9WiHi6HlxXM9aZtdQU?si=rxBCgwpfRBORYLx6zwW6mg - Buddy Guy: https://open.spotify.com/album/7bkjnyiMG8mXzmEyfY49wD?si=pVPyLP-dQ-qgDQis55xf7Q

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When," "Historic Jefferson Highway," "Toast to The Arts," "Big Daily Blend" & "Vacation Station" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany highlights the importance of heart health—especially for women. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Heart Healthy Living" focuses on prevention, early detection, and the need for greater awareness around women and heart disease.

Dr. Jackie discusses how women often experience unrecognized heart attacks, the seriousness of congenital heart defects, and how conditions like diabetes significantly increase cardiovascular risk. The conversation also explores stress management techniques, the benefits of regular physical activity, and why the Mediterranean diet continues to be a heart-healthy standard.

Beyond diet and exercise, Dr. Jackie emphasizes the powerful role of community, human connection, and mental well-being in supporting overall cardiovascular health.

📘 Get Dr. Jackie’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Heart-Disease-Real-story/dp/1534909842

🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & "Big Daily Blend "podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork