We're Not Family: Building Healthier Workplace Teams

We're Not Family: Building Healthier Workplace Teams

In this thought-provoking (and shared) episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) examines one of the most common—and potentially problematic—workplace metaphors: the idea that coworkers are "family." While the concept is often intended to foster connection and belonging, Rita explains how the family metaphor can blur boundaries, create unrealistic expectations, and introduce unhealthy power dynamics into the workplace. Unlike families, work relationships are professional, with defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures. This conversation explores how language shapes organizational culture and why leaders should be intentional about the metaphors they use. Rita discusses the difference between chosen and assigned family, the risks of parental and child roles in supervision, and how these dynamics can undermine trust, transparency, and effective communication. Rather than viewing organizations as families, Rita encourages leaders to think in terms of teams—whether a sports team, jazz ensemble, or another collaborative model. By fostering transparency, ownership, and shared purpose, organizations can create healthier cultures where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ [https://supervisionmatters.com/]  🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/]  🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ [https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/]

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Conference 2026 in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21! Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference. GUESTS: - Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com [https://www.writtenpalette.com]  - Susan Lanier-Graham — Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com [https://www.wanderwithwonder.com]  - Andrew Harris — Culinary Advisor & Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com [https://socalrestaurantshow.com]  CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS: - Exclusive private dinner at High Stakes — Chef Paul Bartolotta's brand-new restaurant, opened just for conference attendees - Cheese workshops, Bloody Mary demos & opening reception at Milwaukee Public Market -  Professional development panels — Inside the Industry, Media Kits That Work, No Stupid Questions & more - Milwaukee Day — art museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, brewing history, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, African American history tour, spy bar lunch & more - Closing reception at the historic Women's Club of Wisconsin - Pre & post trips: Shipshewana, Indiana & New Glarus, Wisconsin and more. Open to all IFWTWA members and non-members, the Conference will be hosted at the non-smoking Pottawatomi Hotel & Casino. Day passes available for local Milwaukee writers! LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/ [https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/]

Meet Produce Expert Robert Schueller: Passion, Produce & Success

Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month with this special "Success Express" episode of Big Blend Radio featuring longtime Big Blend friend Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations and Produce Expert for Melissa's Produce. Known nationally as "The Produce Dude," Robert has spent nearly three decades helping consumers discover fresh fruits and vegetables, understand seasonal produce, and explore healthier ways to eat. In this fun and inspiring conversation, Robert answers Big Blend's signature Success Insider questions, sharing stories about his career journey, family, favorite hobbies, life lessons, travel dreams, and the passion that has fueled his success. Along the way, listeners learn about the remarkable story behind Melissa's Produce, America's largest distributor of specialty produce, and how the company continues to introduce consumers to exciting fruits, vegetables, and healthy food innovations from around the world. LINKS & RESOURCES - Learn more about Melissa's Produce at https://www.melissas.com [https://www.melissas.com]  - Read Robert's Success Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/success-insider-melissas-produce-expert-robert-schueller [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/success-insider-melissas-produce-expert-robert-schueller]  - Discover more expert interviews, podcasts, articles, and stories at: https://bigblendmediahouse.com [https://bigblendmediahouse.com]

Travel Writer & Storyteller Elaine Masters: Following Wonder Through Travel, Nature & Life

In this special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio, we celebrate National Creativity Day and reconnect with longtime Big Blend friend, travel writer, author, and storyteller Elaine Masters as part of the launch of our new online community, Big Blend Media House, and its Front Porch News newsletter. A longtime Big Blend contributor and friend, Elaine is known for her thoughtful travel writing, cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and love of water adventures. Hear about her experiences diving with manta rays, exploring destinations around the world, contributing to a National Geographic travel book, and working on her upcoming spiritual travel memoir, "Where Wonder Leads."  Along the way, Elaine discusses the importance of cultural respect, trusting your intuition, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, sustainable living practices, the value of independent media, and how travel, nature, and storytelling can enrich our lives. LEARN MORE: • Visit: https://www.tripwellgal.com/ [https://www.tripwellgal.com/]  • Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/elaine-masters-travel-writer-success-insider  [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/elaine-masters-travel-writer-success-insider]  • Check Out: https://bigblendmediahouse.com [https://bigblendmediahouse.com]

Getting to Know Clifford Garstang: From International Law to Award-Winning Fiction

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with award-winning author, editor, traveler, and former international lawyer Clifford Garstang about his fascinating journey from international development and law to a celebrated literary career. A longtime guest on Big Blend Radio, Clifford has joined us over the years to discuss his books, literature, writing life, and international travels. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on perseverance, artistic integrity, storytelling, nature, travel experiences, and the creative process behind writing fiction. Clifford is the author of six works of fiction including "The Last Bird of Paradise," "Oliver’s Travels," "The Shaman of Turtle Valley," "House of the Ancients and Other Stories," "What the Zhang Boys Know," and In an "Uncharted Country." He is also editor of the acclaimed anthology series "Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet." Learn more about Clifford Garstang and subscribe to his Substack: - https://cliffordgarstang.com/ [https://cliffordgarstang.com/]  - https://cliffordgarstang.substack.com/ [https://cliffordgarstang.substack.com/]  This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s “Getting to Know You” series celebrating the launch of Big Blend Media House and its new newsletter, Front Porch News. Visit: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/]