Recorded on location in St. Augustine, Florida, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and living heritage of America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Travel writer Terri Guthrie discusses St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial roots and iconic landmarks, including the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, both of which play a major role in understanding the city’s early military, cultural, and colonial history.

The conversation highlights St. Augustine’s strategic importance as a Spanish stronghold, the stories behind its massive stone fort overlooking Matanzas Bay, and how these sites connect to the city’s broader narrative of exploration, defense, and cultural exchange. The episode also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging indigenous history and preserving untold stories as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary.

Special guests Bob and Maria Alvarez, COO and CFO of the Historic Florida Militia, share how historical reenactment brings the past to life through immersive education and storytelling. They discuss their involvement in reenactments, their work on the PBS documentary America’s Untold Story, and why keeping history alive is essential for future generations. The discussion also explores the deep Spanish connections between St. Augustine and the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the city’s global and historical significance.

Plan your visit to St. Augustine, Florida: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/

FOLLOW TERRI’S ADVENTURES - https://travelwithterri.net/ - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/

LISTEN - New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - As part of our America 250 programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” “Parks & Travel,” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

As part of our Book Blitz Month programming, award-winning author, explorer, photographer, and cetacean specialist James Michael Dorsey joins Big Blend Radio to share stories from a lifetime of global exploration. Hear how writing, photography, and storytelling serve as artistic tools for cultural preservation. From crafting personal travel narratives to documenting oral traditions, this episode celebrates literature, narrative craft, and the role of creative expression in giving voice to disappearing cultures.

Having traveled through 60 countries, Dorsey discusses his work documenting remote cultures, endangered languages, and oral traditions, as well as his experiences studying and interacting with whales in some of the world’s most remote marine environments.

He reflects on the urgency of cultural preservation, noting that when the last speaker of a language is lost, an entire library of knowledge disappears. From encounters with the Hadzabe people of Tanzania to time spent observing cetaceans, this conversation explores storytelling, responsible travel, and the deep connections between humans, wildlife, and place.

🔗 Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, and work: http://www.jamesdorsey.com/

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the vibrant coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas, where sun, sea, culture, and history come together.

From horseback riding on the beach and fishing along the coast to visiting the South Texas State Aquarium, Sharon shares firsthand experiences that showcase the city’s outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty.

The conversation also dives into Corpus Christi’s rich cultural heritage, including the USS Lexington, Selena Museum and Memorial, and nearby King Ranch, one of Texas’ most iconic historic sites. Add in a thriving arts scene with mural trails and art walks, plus a delicious mix of seafood, barbecue, and local cuisine, and Corpus Christi emerges as a destination that rejuvenates the spirit year-round—especially during the quieter shoulder seasons.

* Plan your visit to Corpus Christi: https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/

* Read Sharon’s “Corpus Christi” article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/discovering-corpus-christi

* Check out her new Big Blend "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1

* Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com

* Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com

* This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," and "Way Back When" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork