Celebrate Family History Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio, featuring debut author Diane Hartman, who discusses her memoir “Getting Lost On My Way: Self-Discovery on Ireland’s Backroads.”

In this heartfelt conversation, Diane shares how her travels through Ireland’s villages and misty cliffs became a journey of healing, creativity, and connection. Guided by her love of Celtic culture and the words of an Irish poet, Diane began to write not just about where she traveled—but how those journeys transformed her life.

A retired librarian, photographer, and award-winning writer, Diane opens up about the importance of libraries, the courage of solo travel, and how creativity can help us rediscover who we are. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams, explore their ancestral roots, and embrace the magic of new beginnings.

🌐 Learn more about Diane Hartman at https://www.dianehartmanauthor.com

🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio at https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show, nationally recognized gardening expert Pam Penick talks about her brand-new book, "Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State," out now through Timber Press. Pam shares insights on creating climate-resilient, waterwise, and wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing from two decades of experience as a garden writer, speaker, designer, and advocate for sustainable landscaping.

Through the stunning, photo-rich pages of Gardens of Texas, Pam takes readers on a tour of 27 diverse gardens across the Lone Star State, demonstrating how gardeners can adapt to droughts, heat, floods, and freezes while still cultivating beauty and biodiversity. The conversation explores native plants, local soil types, crevice gardens, heirloom varieties, seed swaps, and the importance of local nurseries—with lessons that extend far beyond Texas.

Pam also reflects on how gardening connects us to nature, promotes ecological health, and serves as a creative response to climate change. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned plant lover, her insights offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for growing with purpose in any environment.

Learn more about Pam and her work at: https://www.penick.net/digging/

Get the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pam-penick/gardens-of-texas/9781643263748/

Listen to more Garden Gossip episodes on: https://garden-gossip.podbean.com/

In celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “World of Art” Show features artist and art advocate Victoria Chick, who shares her personal art journey and discusses the powerful impact of art on individuals and communities.

Victoria explores how art serves as both history and healing, the importance of art education, and the role of museums in preserving cultural stories. She also talks about developing observational skills, the value of creative expression, and the ripple effect art has on society.

Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.

🌐 More to Explore - Victoria’s Portfolio: 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/ - 🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts and Big Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork