California’s healthcare minimum wage landscape is changing in 2026 — and employers need to be ready.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Employment Law” Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down California’s new minimum wage requirements for healthcare workers, explaining who is covered, key compliance deadlines, and what healthcare employers, staffing agencies, and HR professionals must do now to avoid costly penalties.

Ward discusses the complexities of the law, why it’s being called “a bear,” and how organizations can proactively prepare for the phased wage increases.

📖 Read Ward’s article: "California Healthcare Minimum Wage: It’s a Bear!" on Substack: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/california-healthcare-minimum-wage 📘 Explore Ward’s new "California Employment Law" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/CALIFORNIA-EMPLOYMENT-LAW/

👨‍⚖️Connect with Ward Heinrichs at https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/

🎧 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/

In this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Show, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the history, legends, and living culture of Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations.

From the iconic Moai statues and the enduring mysteries surrounding their construction and transport to the powerful traditions of the Rapa Nui people, Debbie shares insights from her firsthand experiences on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conversation delves into the island’s ancient Birdman ritual, the impact of European contact, and the importance of cultural preservation and responsible tourism today.

Listeners will also discover what makes Easter Island’s landscape so uniquely breathtaking, along with helpful travel tips for visiting respectfully and meaningfully. Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, Polynesian culture, or bucket-list island adventures, this episode reveals why Easter Island offers visitors a truly unforgettable blend of culture, legend, and landscape.

🔗 Read Debbie’s companion article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/exploring-easter-island 🔗Read Debbie's "Global Adventures" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1

In celebration of Route 66’s upcoming centennial, get your kicks on America’s most legendary highway with travel writer and culinary historian Amy Bizzarri. In this flavorful Big Blend Radio episode, Amy shares stories and recipes from her latest book, "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road," (out now through The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing), spotlighting the iconic diners, classic soda fountains, regional specialties, and unforgettable roadside stops that have fueled generations of road trippers. From Chicago’s famous Lou Mitchell’s to the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the Big Texan steak challenge in Amarillo, Native American food traditions, and nostalgic chili parlors, Amy blends culinary history with travel inspiration. She also discusses driving the entire Mother Road, must-try dishes like Navajo tacos and ugly crust pie, and how local culture shapes the Route 66 experience. Amy previously joined Big Blend Radio to talk about her book "Iconic Hollywood Dishes, Drinks and Desserts." Revisit that episode here: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/e/iconic-hollywood/ Whether you're planning a Route 66 road trip, honoring the highway’s 100-year milestone, or simply love Americana and food history, this episode serves up a delicious journey down the Mother Road. Follow Amy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amybizzarri/