Big Daily Blend

Touring the Historic Battlefields and Skirmish Sites of Britain

As we honor and remember the fallen this Memorial Day weekend, we look at how the quiet, open landscapes of Britain hold the secrets to centuries of conflict, shifting power, and historical memory. From Roman invasions and Viking raids to the pivotal Norman Conquest of 1066, these spaces serve as a powerful link to our shared ancestry. In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast, resident historian Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours explores the rich history of battle sites across England, Scotland, and Wales. Discover why so little remains visible on these open battlefields, how these sacred spaces are preserved today out of respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and why touring them offers a fantastic window into the details of local and national history.  Whether you are tracking Roman forts along Hadrian's Wall or following Harold's hasty march from Stamford Bridge to Battle, Glynn shares expert travel tips and insights for mapping out your own historical itinerary. Important Links: - Read Glynn's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain]  - Connect with Glynn: https://www.englishconnection.uk/ [https://www.englishconnection.uk/]  - Follow the Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-podcast [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-podcast]  - Check out the Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-magazine [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-magazine]

Discovering Butler, Missouri: The Heart of Jefferson Highway History

Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 22), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the history, heritage tourism, and community spirit of Butler, Missouri, a vibrant destination along the historic Jefferson Highway. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Featured guests are Samantha Stump of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and Doris Fuller of the Butler Historic Preservation Commission. From colorful murals and historic downtown sites to upcoming celebrations and classic car culture, this engaging conversation highlights how Butler is preserving its Jefferson Highway legacy while welcoming modern travelers and road trippers. Learn about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Car Show in Butler on June 13, along with the community’s efforts to promote heritage tourism through storytelling, signage, preservation projects, and downtown revitalization.  The episode also explores Butler’s fascinating history, including its recognition as the first city west of the Mississippi River to have electricity, its connection to Americana travel culture, and the importance of small-town experiences along America’s historic highways. Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place in Joplin, Missouri, from September 19–22, 2026, including details about the event’s sociability caravan motor tours. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ [https://jeffersonhighway.org/]  The discussion also highlights how communities along the Jefferson Highway continue to attract visitors through local events, murals, dining experiences, and authentic hospitality that celebrates the spirit of the open road. 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. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ [https://jeffersonhighway.org/]  Learn more about Butler, Missouri: - Butler Chamber of Commerce: https://butlerchamber.com/ [https://butlerchamber.com/]  https://www.facebook.com/butlerchamberofcommerce [https://www.facebook.com/butlerchamberofcommerce]  Butler Historic Preservation Commission: - https://www.facebook.com/butlerhistoricpreservationcommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/butlerhistoricpreservationcommission/]  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 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ [https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/]

Author Rocky Callen: YA Novel “A Breath Too Late” and Mental Health Awareness

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features acclaimed YA author Rocky Callen discussing her powerful and deeply personal novel, "A Breath Too Late." Inspired by her own struggles with depression and suicide ideation, Rocky shares how storytelling, art, friendship, and community can help foster healing, hope, and connection. Re-released through Sunderhaus Press and timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 8, 2026), "A Breath Too Late" follows seventeen-year-old Ellie as she navigates an emotional out-of-body journey after her death by suicide, piecing together memories, relationships, trauma, and the moments that shaped her life. Told in an epistolary-like style, the novel sensitively explores mental health, generational trauma, grief, love, and the possibility of hope even in the darkest moments. During the conversation, Rocky discusses the cathartic process of writing, the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health, and how art can serve as both expression and survival. She also talks about her advocacy work through HoldOn2Hope, a project uniting creatives in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Learn more about Rocky Callen: https://rockycallen.com/ [https://rockycallen.com/]  Pre-order A Breath Too Late: https://abreathtoolate.com/ [https://abreathtoolate.com/]  Learn more about HoldOn2Hope: https://www.holdon2hope.org/ [https://www.holdon2hope.org/]

Family-Friendly Festivals & Louisiana Culture: Summer Fun in Avoyelles Parish

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. Featured guests include Joan Botts of Paragon Casino Resort who talks about their first annual Paragon Stampede & Rodeo, Van Roy of Bailey’s on the Square and the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and LeLe Soileau of the Louisiana Corn Festival. The conversation spotlights the vibrant festivals, live music, culinary traditions, rodeo excitement, and strong community spirit that make Avoyelles Parish a must-visit destination in Central Louisiana. Hear about upcoming events at Paragon Casino Resort, the history and growth of the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and the family-friendly fun of the Louisiana Corn Festival in Bunkie. Listeners will also discover how local traditions—from Cajun and Zydeco music to agricultural celebrations and the unique Charivari custom—help preserve the parish’s rich cultural heritage while bringing the community together. From art and entertainment to food, farming, and family fun, this episode showcases the welcoming atmosphere and creative energy that define Avoyelles Parish. LINKS & RESOURCES 🔗 Travel Avoyelles: https://travelavoyelles.com/ [https://travelavoyelles.com/]  🔗 Paragon Casino Resort: https://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/ [https://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/]  🔗 Bailey’s on the Square: https://www.facebook.com/p/Baileys-on-the-Square-100057371271609/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Baileys-on-the-Square-100057371271609/]  🔗 Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival: https://www.facebook.com/avoyellesartsandmusicfestival/ [https://www.facebook.com/avoyellesartsandmusicfestival/]  https://www.avoyellesarts.com/ [https://www.avoyellesarts.com/]  🔗 Louisiana Corn Festival: https://www.bunkiechamber.org/corn-festival [https://www.bunkiechamber.org/corn-festival]  https://www.facebook.com/lacornfest/ [https://www.facebook.com/lacornfest/]  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com [https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com]

Uncorking Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Wine, Food & Hidden Gems

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the renowned wine region of Willamette Valley, where rolling vineyards, welcoming tasting rooms, and unforgettable culinary experiences create a dream destination for wine lovers and travelers alike. In this engaging episode that celebrates Oregon Wine Month, Jo shares her adventures visiting wineries throughout Oregon’s celebrated wine country, discovering everything from award-winning Pinot Noir and volcanic soil vineyards to hidden gems found through spontaneous detours and local recommendations. The conversation highlights how geography, climate, and the diverse cultural backgrounds of winemakers shape the region’s distinctive wines and warm hospitality. Alongside the wine tasting experiences, Jo also explores the area’s exceptional food scene, charming accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, and the strong sense of collaboration among Willamette Valley winemakers. The episode also touches on the history of the region and how travel, food, and wine together create meaningful cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a wine country getaway or simply dreaming about Oregon adventures, this episode offers inspiration for discovering the flavors, people, and stories that make Willamette Valley so special. Read Jo’s article: https://recipestravelculture.com/26-must-visit-willamette-valley-wineries/ [https://recipestravelculture.com/26-must-visit-willamette-valley-wineries/]  📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/]  📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ [https://haveglasswilltravel.com/]  https://recipestravelculture.com/ [https://recipestravelculture.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere [https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ [https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/]  🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ [https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/]