International Food Wine & Travel Writers Conference 2026 in Milwaukee

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/]

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/]