Experience Outdoor Theater in Asheville with Montford Park Players

Kansas Gunsmoke Trail: An Old West Road Trip Through History

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier. Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities. Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary. Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail]  Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure: https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ [https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/]  Learn more about Robin O'Neal Smith: https://robinonealsmith.com/ [https://robinonealsmith.com/]  Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ [https://www.ifwtwa.org/]  Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ [https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/]  Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1]

Cruising France's Canal du Midi with French Waterways

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways.  Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture. Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience. This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure. Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences. 📖 Read Rose's Articles: - A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways]  - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ [https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/]    🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ [https://www.french-waterways.com/]  🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ [https://quiltripping.com/]  📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG]  🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ [https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/]

Channeling Marilyn: Author Mima Tipper on Marilyn Monroe's Legacy

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press). Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self. In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel. This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are. Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/ [https://www.mimatipper.com/]  Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ [https://booksforward.com/]  Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://bigblendmediahouse.com/]

Experience Outdoor Theater in Asheville with Montford Park Players

Experience the magic of outdoor theater in Asheville, North Carolina, on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, cohosted by Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's historic Montford District. Featured guest is Audrey Kopp of Montford Park Players, one of Asheville's most treasured performing arts organizations. Audrey shares the company's mission of making live theater accessible to everyone through free outdoor performances of Shakespeare, classic works, and contemporary productions at the beautiful Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Hear about this summer's swashbuckling production of "The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel," upcoming auditions for "Romeo and Juliet," and how Montford Park Players continues to enrich Asheville's thriving arts community. The conversation also explores Asheville's creative spirit, the city's cultural renaissance following Hurricane Helene, exciting updates in the River Arts District, and why supporting local arts organizations helps keep Asheville vibrant year-round. Whether you're planning a summer getaway, love live theater, or simply want to discover another side of Asheville beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway and breweries, this episode offers plenty of inspiration. 🎭 Montford Park Players Free outdoor Shakespeare, classic and contemporary theater: https://montfordparkplayers.org/ [https://montfordparkplayers.org/]  Summer Production The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday evenings August 7–29, 2026 (Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre) Upcoming Auditions Romeo and Juliet July 11–12, 2026 🏡 Stay at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's Montford Historic District: https://www.lion-rose.com/ [https://www.lion-rose.com/]  🎧 LISTEN: • Check out the NEW Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/]  • New episodes air every 1st Tuesday: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ [https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/]

Why Picnics and Potlucks Are the Ultimate Family Reunions

What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this shared and uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories. After all, it is National Family Reunion Month and National Picnic Month! Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life and connection, why play and laughter are essential ingredients for healthy relationships, and how celebrating our elders and family legacy enriches every generation. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the joy of potlucks and shared experiences, and even the value of taking yourself on a solo picnic as an act of self-care. Whether you're planning a family reunion, gathering with friends, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this episode is filled with practical ideas and heartfelt inspiration for celebrating life while the people you love are here. 🥪 Read Shelley's companion article & recipe: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here [https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here]  📰 Follow Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com [https://shelleywhizin.substack.com]  🌐 Visit Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ [https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/]  🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast [https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast]  🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/]