This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast explores the incredible federal parks and public lands of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. From towering giant sequoias and rich wildlife habitats to cultural heritage and night skies, discover what makes this region so special.

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/

This conversation delves into the natural wonders, history, and biodiversity of California’s Sequoia Country. Highlights include the General Grant Tree, a national shrine honoring veterans, birding during migration seasons, iconic places like Crescent Meadow, the Trail of 100 Giants, and Crystal Cave, as well as seasonal tips for winter and spring visits. The episode also touches on Indigenous cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and special events like the Dark Sky Festival, inviting listeners to experience these public lands responsibly and respectfully.

Plan your visit: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Nature Connection" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Select Photos courtesy of Visit Visalia.

Happy New Year 2026! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio, we are officially celebrating 19 years of podcasting! To kick off the year with focus and inspiration, we are exploring the "Theme Word" concept. Instead of resolutions, a Theme Word acts as your North Star—guiding your mindset and decisions all year long.

Join us as nine of our regular Big Blend experts share the words they’ve chosen to lead them through 2026, covering everything from resilience and hope to community and gratitude.

FEATURED GUESTS & WEBSITES: * Steve Piacente – Author, Photographer, Life Coach, and Communication Specialist. Visit: https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and https://www.piacentephotos.com/

* Lea Brovedani – “The Trust Architect” is a Leadership Expert, Author, and Speaker. Visit: https://leabrovedani.com/ and https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/

* Shelley Whizin – “The Live & Die Happy Coach” is an Author and Transformational Life Coach. Visit: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

* Terri Guthrie – Travel Writer and World Explorer & Host of the Travel with Terri Podcast. Visit: https://travelwithterri.net/

* Clifford Garstang – Award-winning Author, Writer, and Editor. Visit: https://cliffordgarstang.com/

* Kathleen Walls – Travel Writer and Author. Visit: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/

* Judy Karnia – Travel Writer and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Visit: https://travelingnature.com (Read her theme word article here: https://travelingnature.com/top-tips-for-meeting-people-while-traveling-solo/ )

* Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning Singer-Songwriter. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/

* Glynn Burrows – Family History Expert and owner of Norfolk Tours UK. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/

🎶 MUSIC FOR A FRESH START: Need the perfect soundtrack for your new year? Listen to our "Music for a Fresh Start" conversation with musical artists Joey Stuckey, Johnny Schaefer, and Anna Karney, and check out their curated music playlist on Spotify: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/music-for-a-fresh-start

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, the conversation continues on the new and evolving California employment laws for 2026.

This episode takes a deeper dive into Prop 22 and gig worker classification, new wage posting requirements, tip pooling rules, wage judgments, repayment clauses in employment contracts, and additional compliance issues employers need to understand to avoid penalties. As California’s labor laws grow increasingly complex, this episode offers critical guidance for both employers and employees navigating the year ahead.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Read Ward's Article & Listen to Part One: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/new-california-employment-laws-2026 - Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ - Visit Ward's site: https://www.employment-law-office-of-ward-heinrichs-apc.com/ - Listen to more episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" & "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork