Discovering Butler, Missouri: The Heart of Jefferson Highway History

Love Is Strength: Pride Month and World Caring Day Special

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human. 🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! and director of the new documentary Brothers Broken — shares his journey from the San Francisco folk scene (alongside Jerry Garcia, Jefferson Airplane & Janis Joplin) to 46 years in Scientology, and his long road back to love and family. 🎵 Grammy Award-winning Melissa Manchester reflects on her anthem "A Better Rainbow" — written the morning of President Obama's second inauguration — and what it means to write a song as a prayer. She also shares news about her upcoming role in the musical Cagney and her new album Audacity with Ann Hampton Callaway. The conversation moves through chosen family, the demonization of empathy, the science of gratitude, and why love is not a weakness — it's a muscle. 🎵 Music to Celebrate Pride Month & World Caring Day Playlist: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Lat96RCZV7cc6KKXjKq4n?si=n5ceqYt6R5ey_7M9d78nWA [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Lat96RCZV7cc6KKXjKq4n?si=n5ceqYt6R5ey_7M9d78nWA]  - YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHUZITwHVJI4crWLzr9x6gx8Mu6XWWvJ&si=a4dzNyU8vSWeUKEO [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHUZITwHVJI4crWLzr9x6gx8Mu6XWWvJ&si=a4dzNyU8vSWeUKEO]  📌 LINKS: 🎬 Brothers Broken Documentary: https://www.brothersbroken.com [https://www.brothersbroken.com]  🎬 Watch/Stream Brothers Broken: https://geni.us/brothersbroken [https://geni.us/brothersbroken]  🎵 Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com [https://hearjohnny.com]  🎵 Melissa Manchester: https://melissamanchester.com [https://melissamanchester.com]  🌐 Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com [https://bigblendmediahouse.com]

Discover Tacoma & Pierce County: History & Art, Mount Rainier & The Salish Sea

Celebrate the beauty, culture, and adventure of Washington State on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast with travel writer Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Featured guest Matt Wakefield of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County shares insider tips on exploring Pierce County, a diverse destination where mountains, waterfront communities, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures come together. From the iconic Mount Rainier to Tacoma's thriving arts scene, unique museums, scenic hiking trails, local culinary experiences, and hidden treasures, discover why Pierce County is an ideal destination for road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers alike. PLAN YOUR VISIT - Read Linda's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pierce-county-tacoma-summer-travel-guide [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pierce-county-tacoma-summer-travel-guide]  - Plan Your Visit to Pierce County: https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/ [https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/]  FOLLOW LINDA'S ADVENTURES - More about Linda:  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-writer-linda-kissam [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-writer-linda-kissam]  - Explore Linda's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine]  - Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast]  Video and photo footage courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County.

Freeze Dried Foods Explained: Candy, Fruit & More with Matthew Luna

Celebrate National Candy Month with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Matthew Luna, owner of Desert Freeze Dried and grandson of Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Sitting in for Donna, Matthew shares his expertise in the fascinating world of freeze drying and the innovative ways this technology is transforming food preservation and snacking. Discover how foods ranging from candy and fruit to complete meals can be freeze dried to create lightweight, shelf-stable treats with unique textures and flavors. Matthew explains the science behind the process, discusses surprising foods that can—and can't—be freeze dried, and shares insights into consumer trends, outdoor recreation foods, emergency preparedness, and creative culinary possibilities. Whether you're curious about freeze-dried candy, planning your next outdoor adventure, or simply fascinated by food science, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look at one of today's most innovative food trends. Follow Desert Freeze Dried on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertfreezedriedcandy/ [https://www.instagram.com/desertfreezedriedcandy/]  🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ [https://thepeanutpatch.com/]  🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/]  🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ [https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/]

Summer Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

Celebrate summer in California’s Sequoia Country, where outdoor adventures, fresh local produce, community festivals, and iconic public lands come together in the heart of Tulare County. In this episode, learn about seasonal activities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, family-friendly parks and trails, picnic destinations, and ways to enjoy the region responsibly through Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety practices. The conversation also highlights Tulare County's agricultural bounty, from farmers markets and fruit stands to locally grown treats and summertime flavors. Along the way, discover community events, art, and cultural experiences in Visalia, Exeter, and beyond, along with practical travel tips for visiting Crystal Cave, navigating park shuttles, and making the most of summer in California's Sequoia Country. FEATURED GUESTS FROM THE SEQUOIA TOURISM COUNCIL: - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ [https://www.visitvisalia.com/]  - Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm [https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm]  - Shannon Schroth– Exeter Chamber of Commerce: https://www.exeterchamber.com/ [https://www.exeterchamber.com/]  PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ [https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/]

Getting to Know Peggy Fiandaca: Wine, Winemaking & Community

In this special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast, we go beyond the glass to learn more about Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery and one of Arizona's pioneering voices in wine. From the unique terroir and volcanic soils of southeastern Arizona to the art and science of winemaking, Peggy shares the story behind her vineyard, her passion for wine education, and what inspires her work. Along the way, she discusses the role of sommeliers (today, June 3 is International Sommelier Day!), wine terminology, harvest preparation, favorite food and wine pairings, and upcoming winery events. The conversation also explores the rich cultural and indigenous history of the region, the story behind the LDV Winery logo, the importance of community and philanthropy, and how storytelling helps connect people to the land, its heritage, and each other. Whether you're a longtime wine enthusiast or just discovering Arizona's growing wine scene, this episode offers a personal look at the experiences, values, and passions that have shaped Peggy's remarkable journey. LINKS & RESOURCES - Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com [https://ldvwinery.com]  - Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ [https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/]  - Check out the "Wine & Bites" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/#p=1 [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/#p=1]  - Visit Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com [https://bigblendmediahouse.com]