Featuring co-host Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of Travel Avoyelles, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel Avoyelles” Podcast highlights two of the region’s most exciting spring festivals that celebrate heritage, community, and tradition.

Special guest Ryan Lopez shares insights into the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow (May 16–17, 2026) at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. Discover the cultural significance of powwows, from traditional dance, music, and storytelling to educational programs, Native foods, and community connection. Learn about cultural etiquette, the powwow’s history, and the importance of preserving Indigenous traditions.

The episode also features Ramondo Ramos, who discusses the Cochon de Lait Festival (May 8–10, 2026) in Mansura—home of the Cochon de Lait Capital of the World. This beloved event celebrates Cajun culinary heritage with whole pig roasting over open fires, live music, contests, family activities, and a strong sense of community pride.

From Native American heritage to Cajun food traditions, this episode showcases how Avoyelles Parish brings people together through unforgettable cultural experiences.

LINKS & RESOURCES 🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com 🔗 Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow: https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/2026-pow-wow/ 🔗 Cochon de Lait Festival: https://www.cochondelaitfestival.com/index.html 🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, we get to know artist and art historian Victoria Chick as she shares her creative journey, the power of curiosity, and the inspiration behind her work in art and community building.

From spearheading the development of a regional art museum in Silver City, New Mexico, to helping shape a creative “virtual home” through the Big Blend Media House, Victoria reflects on how art, travel, and observation influence both personal growth and cultural connection.

Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary leading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.

🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - Visit the new Big Blend Media House site (the foundation is being laid now so ignore the construction dust) and subscribe to its new "Front Porch News" Newsletter: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/

In this uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the power of play in the workplace—and why it’s more than just fun.

Drawing from her master’s thesis research on the impact of play on workplace community, as well as her experience as a supervisor and HR director, Rita shares how simple, intentional moments of play can strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and spark creativity. From icebreakers to everyday interactions, she explains how play helps build trust, improve communication, and create more engaged, energized teams.

Resources & Links: 🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 🔹 Explore more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork