Happy New Year 2026! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio, we are officially celebrating 19 years of podcasting! To kick off the year with focus and inspiration, we are exploring the "Theme Word" concept. Instead of resolutions, a Theme Word acts as your North Star—guiding your mindset and decisions all year long.

Join us as nine of our regular Big Blend experts share the words they’ve chosen to lead them through 2026, covering everything from resilience and hope to community and gratitude.

FEATURED GUESTS & WEBSITES: * Steve Piacente – Author, Photographer, Life Coach, and Communication Specialist. Visit: https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and https://www.piacentephotos.com/

* Lea Brovedani – “The Trust Architect” is a Leadership Expert, Author, and Speaker. Visit: https://leabrovedani.com/ and https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/

* Shelley Whizin – “The Live & Die Happy Coach” is an Author and Transformational Life Coach. Visit: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

* Terri Guthrie – Travel Writer and World Explorer & Host of the Travel with Terri Podcast. Visit: https://travelwithterri.net/

* Clifford Garstang – Award-winning Author, Writer, and Editor. Visit: https://cliffordgarstang.com/

* Kathleen Walls – Travel Writer and Author. Visit: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/

* Judy Karnia – Travel Writer and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Visit: https://travelingnature.com (Read her theme word article here: https://travelingnature.com/top-tips-for-meeting-people-while-traveling-solo/ )

* Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning Singer-Songwriter. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/

* Glynn Burrows – Family History Expert and owner of Norfolk Tours UK. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/

🎶 MUSIC FOR A FRESH START: Need the perfect soundtrack for your new year? Listen to our "Music for a Fresh Start" conversation with musical artists Joey Stuckey, Johnny Schaefer, and Anna Karney, and check out their curated music playlist on Spotify: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/music-for-a-fresh-start

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, the conversation continues on the new and evolving California employment laws for 2026.

This episode takes a deeper dive into Prop 22 and gig worker classification, new wage posting requirements, tip pooling rules, wage judgments, repayment clauses in employment contracts, and additional compliance issues employers need to understand to avoid penalties. As California’s labor laws grow increasingly complex, this episode offers critical guidance for both employers and employees navigating the year ahead.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Read Ward's Article & Listen to Part One: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/new-california-employment-laws-2026 - Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ - Visit Ward's site: https://www.employment-law-office-of-ward-heinrichs-apc.com/ - Listen to more episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" & "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), Joey is joined by award-winning California-based singer-songwriters Johnny Schaefer and Anna Karney for a meaningful conversation centered on Music for a Fresh Start as we welcome the New Year 2026.

Together, they explore how music supports healing, gratitude, and emotional release, while fostering community connection and global unity. The discussion delves into the intersection of sacred and secular music, the power of live performance, and how music can even serve as a form of pain management. Through personal stories and shared reflections, this episode highlights authenticity, hope, and the role music plays in helping us move forward with intention and positivity.

🎧 Spotify Playlist – Music for a Fresh Start (featuring songs discussed in this episode): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yhrM7NTyIVZuOSPxuQOtM?si=d77818cbba524f5c

🎶 Learn more about the artists: * Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ * Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Anna Karney: https://karney.org/

🎙️ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts, Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork