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 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

In observance of Emotional Wellness Month, this Big Blend Radio episode features award-winning filmmaker Sean King O’Grady, who discusses his compelling new docuseries “Suspicious Minds.” Premiering October 17, 2025, Season One of this eight-part video and podcast series investigates the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking, and its profound impact on mental health, culture, and human relationships.

Created and directed by O’Grady, Suspicious Minds explores how AI technologies and chatbots are influencing our perception of reality, blurring the line between mental wellness and mental illness, and redefining how we connect and communicate in an increasingly digital world.

The series features psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold and philosopher Ian Gold, PhD (authors of Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness and identifiers of “The Truman Show Delusion”), alongside AI researchers, ethicists, and individuals whose real-life experiences reveal how technology can both comfort and confuse the human mind.

With empathy and insight, Suspicious Minds sparks an essential conversation about the psychological and cultural effects of AI, urging greater awareness, compassion, and understanding as we navigate the emotional landscape of our tech-driven era.

Watch the weekly series on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Substack, and more.

More about Sean King O'Grady: https://www.seankingogrady.com/

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business and Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect,” dives into the vital role of self-trust in shaping personal and professional growth.

From making sound decisions and building authentic confidence to navigating mistakes and external influences, this conversation explores why self-trust is the foundation of all meaningful trust — including how we engage with AI and public speaking. Lea also discusses how journaling, reflection, and small, consistent actions help strengthen this powerful inner compass.

🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work and books: https://leabrovedani.com

🔗 Read Lea’s Self-Trust article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/self-trust-the-superpower-you-cant-fake/

🔗 Explore Big Blend Radio’s Success Express Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/

✨ This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for Emotional Wellness Month. You can also hear it on our Big Daily Blend and Quality of Life Podcast Channels. explore our network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In observance of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (and other pet-related holidays this month), this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show highlights the mission, history, and impact of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California. Co-host Angela Laws joins Michael Makie from the Center to discuss animal welfare, education, and the life-changing benefits of pet companionship through being a pet parent, adopting or fostering a pet, or volunteering.

This episode covers: - The history and mission of Helen Woodward Animal Center - How fostering pets increases adoption rates and provides essential care - Changing perceptions of misunderstood breeds, like pit bull terriers - The adoption process and considerations for holiday adoptions - The therapeutic benefits of animal interaction for humans - How TrustedHousesitters supports pet care when owners travel

Whether you’re a pet parent, prospective adopter, or animal lover, this conversation underscores the importance of education, compassion, and community in animal welfare.

🐾 Learn more about Helen Woodward Animal Center: https://animalcenter.org/ 🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" and “Women Making History” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” podcast featuring author and travel writer Linda Ballou.

In this conversation, Linda discusses the similarities and contrasts between her novel “Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai‘i” and the Apple TV series “Chief of War” created by Jason Momoa. She explores Hawaiian history, the significance of oral traditions, and the portrayal of key historical figures like Kamehameha. Linda also shares insights on Isabella Bird’s travels in Hawai'i and reflects on the importance of preserving Hawaiian language and cultural heritage. The episode includes a short reading from “Wai-Nani.”

📚 Keep up with Linda and her writing: 🔗 https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com 🔗 https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🌺 Linda’s Q&A on Wai-Nani: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=wI4BONZhbjY&list=PLUfBG36FykHmTACmY8E5PpTBW0XDP5Po2

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST 🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts,” "Way Back When," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Corey Schenck, co-founder of the progressive rock band PANGAEA. Corey talks about the band’s rich history, their creative evolution, and their long-awaited fourth album, “The Reckoning.”

Recorded over several years, The Reckoning captures the authenticity and collaborative spirit that define PANGAEA’s sound. Corey reflects on the group’s decades-long friendships, musical influences, and the revival of their shelved album after twenty years. The conversation also dives into how digital distribution and AI are reshaping the music landscape, the resurgence of vinyl culture, and the lasting impact of album art and live, acoustic performances.

📀 More About PANGAEA Formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, PANGAEA’s story began like many bands — a group of friends with a shared dream. After three internationally recognized albums and a long hiatus, the band reunited two decades later to release Beowulf (2023) and now, finally, The Reckoning. Their music continues to resonate across generations of rock and prog fans worldwide.

🔗 Links & Resources: - PANGAEA Band: https://pangaea.band/ - Big Blend Radio Interview with Ron Poulson about Beowulf: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/pangaea-beowulf-album/ - Listen to more episodes on Toast The Arts: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/

Happy North Carolina Statehood Day! Enjoy this share Big Blend Radio Vacation Station podcast featuring travel journalist and author Kristy Tolley, who discusses her new book, 100 Things to Do in North Carolina Before You Die. From fall foliage and food trails to hidden gems, historic landmarks, music heritage, and coastal escapes, Kristy shares highlights from across the Tar Heel State and insider tips for creating unforgettable adventures.

We first connected with Kristy on our Adventures in Asheville podcast with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, when she released 100 Things to Do in Asheville Before You Die. Listen to that episode here: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/

👉 Get Kristy’s Book: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-north-carolina-before-you-die

👉 Follow Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristytolley

✨ Takeaways from this episode: - North Carolina has must-do seasonal activities all year. - The Biltmore Estate is a key holiday destination. - Fall foliage and Krispy Kreme are NC icons. - NASCAR, moonshine, music, and history shape the state’s culture. - Hidden gems like the Museum of the House Cat make NC unique. - Supporting local businesses is vital, especially after disasters.