Women Spies of WWII: Author Pam Webber on Espionage & the Miracle of Massawa

The Bayeux Tapestry: Medieval History, Multicultural Roots and a Once-in-a-Lifetime Exhibition

The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years — and today we're diving into why this magnificent medieval embroidery is so much more than a war story. It's a record of cultures colliding, merging, and ultimately transforming a nation. Historian and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows joins Lisa on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast - in perfect timing for Multicultural Day - to unravel the remarkable story behind the tapestry — from the Norman invasion of 1066 and the fate of poor King Harold, to what the tapestry reveals about everyday life: boats, horses, armor, farming, and even a few naughty bits in the border. Glynn and Lisa also explore how the Norman Conquest layered onto the Romans, the Vikings, and the Anglo-Saxons to create the England we know today — and how that same thread of cultures mixing, clashing, and merging runs through American history too. 🗓️ Don't miss it in person: The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 through July 2027 — the first time it has been in the UK since it was made. Tickets are limited, so book early! RESOURCE LINKS 📖 Read Glynn's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-bayeux-tapestry [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-bayeux-tapestry]  📖 Related Reading: Touring Battlefields of Britain (including the Battle of Hastings): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain]  🌐 Visit English Connection to listen to more episodes and to read Glynn's magazine: https://EnglishConnection.uk [https://EnglishConnection.uk]

Roddy McDowall: The Human Behind the Hollywood Legend with Author Samuel Garza Bernstein

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast, author Samuel Garza Bernstein discusses his acclaimed new book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life," offering an intimate look at one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile performers. Best known for his roles in "How Green Was My Valley," "Lassie Come Home," "Planet of the Apes," and countless film, television, and stage productions, Roddy McDowall enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned six decades. Beyond the fame, however, was a complex, creative, and deeply compassionate individual whose story continues to inspire audiences today. Drawing from Roddy McDowall's extensive archives at Boston University, Garza Bernstein shares insights into the actor's early years as a child star, the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, his vivid imagination and creative pursuits, his lifelong friendships with Hollywood legends, and his passion for preserving film history. The conversation also explores how archives reveal the person behind the public image, the ethics of AI in publishing, and McDowall's experience navigating Hollywood as a gay man during a time when authenticity often came at great personal and professional risk. Published in time for Pride Month, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life" celebrates the enduring legacy of an extraordinary artist whose kindness, talent, resilience, and humanity left an indelible mark on generations of performers and movie lovers alike. Learn more about Samuel Garza Bernstein and his work: https://samuelgarzabernstein.com/ [https://samuelgarzabernstein.com/]  Whether you're fascinated by classic Hollywood, film history, LGBTQ+ history, biographies, or the people behind the legends, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Gorillas, Coal Mines, and Fried Chicken: Exploring the Jefferson Highway in Crawford County, Kansas

Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference. Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism. Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region. The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences. Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County!  Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas: https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/ [https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/]  The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ [https://jeffersonhighway.org/]  Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ [https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/]  📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ [https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/]  The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the show at: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ [https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/]

Women Spies of WWII: Author Pam Webber on Espionage & the Miracle of Massawa

On National Typewriter Day, we're celebrating the power of storytelling with bestselling historical fiction author Pam Webber, whose new novel Massawa brings the untold story of WWII women spies in North Africa to life through meticulous research and compelling narrative. Set in 1942 during the height of World War II, the novel follows fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas as she embarks on her first mission to investigate the theft of military payroll funds and uncover a dangerous conspiracy threatening Allied operations in the Red Sea region. Along the way, readers encounter espionage, deception, romance, wartime intrigue, and the remarkable story of the women who served as spies during WWII. In this fascinating conversation, Pam shares the real history behind the novel, including the role of the OSS—the precursor to the CIA—how women were recruited into intelligence work, the influence of MI6 on American spy training, and the strategic importance of North Africa in the Allied war effort. She also discusses her extensive research, from declassified documents to personal letters, and how she created her courageous protagonist, Kit Thomas. Learn more about Pam Webber and her books at https://www.pamwebber.com [https://www.pamwebber.com]  Visit Big Blend's new home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/]

We Are Guardians Film: Rob Grobman & Chelsea Greene on the Fight to Save the Amazon Rainforest

In recognition of World Rainforest Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features co-directors Rob Grobman and Chelsea Greene who discuss their acclaimed documentary film, "We Are Guardians," produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker, actor, and environmental activist Fisher Stevens. Available worldwide on digital platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and Tubi, "We Are Guardians" takes viewers deep into the Brazilian Amazon, where Indigenous Guardians risk their lives to protect one of Earth's most vital ecosystems from illegal logging, mining, land grabbing, and deforestation. The conversation explores the complex intersections of politics, economics, history, science, and environmental stewardship while highlighting the critical role Indigenous communities play in safeguarding the rainforest. Rob and Chelsea share how the film came together, the dangers they faced while filming, and the hope they found through the resilience, courage, and leadership of the people working to protect the Amazon. They also discuss how deforestation impacts global climate stability, biodiversity, freshwater resources, and local communities, and share practical ways individuals can support conservation efforts through advocacy, consumer choices, and direct action. Watch the film, host a screening, support Indigenous Guardians, and learn more at https://www.weareguardiansfilm.com/ [https://www.weareguardiansfilm.com/]