In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025).

Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration.

🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/

🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/

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

🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us on a captivating journey through Malta, the independent island nation nestled between Sicily and North Africa. With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Malta is a treasure trove of cultural influences, architectural marvels, and remarkable resilience.

Explore the breathtaking St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta—with its stunning Baroque design and an iconic Caravaggio painting—along with the island’s fortified structures built by the Knights of St. John. Rose digs into Malta’s pivotal role during World War II, from the extensive bombing campaigns to the underground shelters that protected its people.

Hear about the Arabic roots of the Maltese language, the ancient texts preserved in the National Library of Malta (some dating to 1474), and the island’s fascinating Neolithic history. Rose also highlights the vibrant lifestyle of Valletta, its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the enduring spirit of the Maltese people.

Whether you're a history buff, culture seeker, or curious traveler, this episode offers a rich glimpse into what makes Malta a must-visit Mediterranean destination.

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

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

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this engaging Big Blend Radio conversation, filmmaker and debut novelist TJ Derry talks about his powerful new novel "Carried Away: Surviving the Unimaginable" — a story that begins as a laid-back surf trip and spirals into a gripping fight for survival. When burned-out New Yorker Cole joins friends on a remote Indonesian island chain seeking clarity and connection, he finds beauty, friendship, and love — until a catastrophic tsunami changes everything. Stripped of modern comforts and confronted by nature’s raw force, the group must navigate both physical peril and the deeper emotional reckoning that comes when everything else falls away.

More than just a survival thriller, Carried Away is a soul-searching exploration of resilience, purpose, and rediscovering what truly matters. Derry shares how his background in cinematography and storytelling influenced his immersive writing style, and how surfing — with its balance of surrender and control — became the perfect metaphor for life. He also discusses the book’s innovative use of QR codes for bonus materials and his partnership with Sungai Watch, an environmental organization cleaning Indonesia’s rivers and beaches.

Learn more at https://www.readcarriedaway.com/

✨As part of our National Novel Writing Month programming, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,” “Big Daily Blend,” and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork