Is modern democracy truly serving the people—or has it become controlled by powerful party systems?

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, we talk with author and entrepreneur Metin Pekin about his thought-provoking new book, "Breaking Democracy’s Chains: Freeing and Fortifying Democracy Against Hidden Capture."

Drawing from political theory, history, and real-world experience, Pekin explores how political parties have evolved from representative institutions into powerful gatekeepers that can centralize authority, deepen polarization, and limit genuine democratic participation. He discusses the historical roots of party politics, the influence of money and media on elections, and why he believes meaningful reform may require moving beyond traditional party structures.

The conversation examines ideas such as independent candidates, decentralized governance, local accountability, transparency in campaign financing, and empowering citizens through more direct representation. Whether listeners agree or disagree with his conclusions, Pekin’s arguments invite thoughtful discussion about the future of democratic systems around the world.

Learn more: https://www.metinpekin.com/

🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday “Books & Authors” series with Books Forward, highlighting new and thought-provoking books and the authors behind them. Visit: https://booksforward.com/

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we talk with filmmaker, musician, and theater director Búi Dam about his powerful new documentary Birita, premiering at the renowned documentary festival CPH:DOX.

The deeply personal film follows Búi’s mother, celebrated Faroese actress Birita Mohr, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. In an extraordinary act of love and artistic exploration, Búi attempts to bring her back to the stage to perform King Lear, exploring whether creativity, music, and performance can reconnect memory, identity, and joy.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Faroe Islands, the film captures a family of theater-makers navigating caregiving, artistry, and resilience. The documentary reveals how storytelling, music, and family bonds can illuminate the human spirit—even as memory fades.

In this conversation, Búi shares the inspiration behind the film, the emotional journey of documenting his mother’s story, the role of music and art in Alzheimer’s care, and how personal storytelling can help raise awareness and compassion for families facing dementia.

🎬 Learn more about the film: https://biritafilm.com

🎥 CPH:DOX Festival: https://cphdox.dk

📲 Follow the film on social media: @biritafilm

Through a moving blend of art, music, and family storytelling, Birita reminds us that emotional memory, creativity, and love can endure—even in the face of Alzheimer’s.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.

Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity of grape varietals—more than 70 in total—thanks to the area’s unique climate and agricultural landscape. Carole shares insider tips on exploring the region’s wineries, planning a tasting route, and experiencing the highly anticipated Savor Southern Oregon event (June 12 & 13, 2026) that celebrates the area’s food, wine, and artisan producers.

Beyond the vineyards, Southern Oregon offers an abundance of outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking and river adventures to visiting nearby natural wonders like Crater Lake National Park. Carol also shares travel tips for lodging, pairing local wines with regional cheeses and cuisine, and making the most of a Rogue Valley getaway.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie traveler, or outdoor adventurer, Southern Oregon offers a flavorful destination filled with unforgettable experiences.

Plan Your Visit: https://www.travelmedford.org/ https://savorsouthernoregon.com/

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

Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

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