On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel" Podcast Channel with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Kathryn (Kat) Anderson shares her immersive journey through Louisiana’s scenic River Parishes which are part of the historic Jefferson Highway corridor. From peaceful kayaking excursions and memorable alligator encounters to savoring regional cuisine like crawfish and char-grilled oysters, Kat highlights the beauty and benefits of slow travel.

Along the historic Jefferson Highway corridor, the River Parishes offer a welcoming community spirit, rich cultural traditions, and authentic Louisiana flavors beyond the bustle of New Orleans. Kat also discusses the evolving world of travel writing, the importance of sustainable travel practices, and how meaningful connections with local people and places create more rewarding travel experiences.

Whether you’re planning a Gulf South getaway or seeking inspiration to travel more intentionally, this conversation celebrates the joy of slowing down and truly experiencing a destination.

🎧 Read Kat’s article here: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/exploring-louisianas-river-parishes

🌐 Follow Kat Anderson: https://coffeeandmascara.org/

📘 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

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

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable experience sailing aboard the Star Clippers’ Star Clipper, an authentic tall ship that delivers an intimate and historic cruising adventure.

Unlike massive cruise liners, this small ship offers a personal atmosphere where guests build real connections—with each other and the crew. Rose discusses the beauty of traveling under sail, the charm of docking in less accessible ports, and the joy of slow travel that allows for deeper exploration of historic destinations.

From international cuisine and thoughtful wine pairings to the camaraderie among repeat travelers, the experience blends adventure with hospitality. Rose also reflects on the friendships formed at sea and looks ahead to future journeys—including Patagonia and Antarctica.

This episode captures the romance of life on the water and why small ship cruising offers something truly special.

📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/sailing-the-seas

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

📰 Check Out the New “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1

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

📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" & "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, Shawn Hainsworth — founder of SHP Comics — joins us to discuss the evolution of comics, the thriving indie comic movement, and the creative process behind his genre-bending graphic novels "Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King" and "Woodstake: Three Days of Peace, Music and Blood."

Founded in 2021, SHP Comics is an independent publisher dedicated to daring, intelligent storytelling across horror, fantasy, science fiction, comedy, and reimagined classics. Hainsworth, an award-winning experimental filmmaker turned publisher and writer (under the pseudonym Darin S. Cape), shares how comics are evolving as a powerful medium that connects generations and embraces multimedia elements.

We dive into Zicky, a coming-of-age portal fantasy packed with monsters, mayhem, and heart for readers ages 9+, and Woodstake, a darkly funny horror graphic novel set during the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival — where peace, love, and vampires collide.

The conversation explores comics as a literacy tool, the collaborative nature of comic creation, and how the indie comic scene is giving fresh voices a platform in today’s digital age. From nostalgia to innovation, this episode celebrates comics as an art form that truly touches all emotions.

🔗 SHP Comics: https://shpcomics.com/ 🔗 Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 🎙️ Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork