Happy Hour Hang Out

Big Blend Radio's "Holiday Happy Hour Party" 2025

Raise a glass and join the fun on Big Blend Radio’s Annual Holiday Happy Hour Party 2025, a festive roundtable celebration filled with cocktails, travel tales, holiday foods, music, and meaningful conversations about gift-giving and community. In this spirited holiday episode, an all-star lineup of Big Blend Radio guest experts share their favorite holiday traditions, memorable travels, and seasonal culinary delights. The conversation also explores sustainable celebrations, thoughtful gift-giving (including the art of re-gifting), and why experiences and connections often matter more than material gifts. The episode wraps up with a joyful and creative collaboration as everyone comes together to design the perfect Christmas card — a heartfelt reflection of shared experiences, gratitude, and community during the holiday season. Featured Big Blend Radio Friends:  * Author & Food Writer Jeff Spear: https://spearwrites.com/ [https://spearwrites.com/]  * Travel Writer & Photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ [https://sharonkkurtz.com/]  * Author & Editor Cliff Garstang: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ [https://cliffordgarstang.com/]  * Writer & Book Industry Expert Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ [https://evaeldridge.com/]  * Singer-Songwriter Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ [https://hearjohnny.com/]  * Author & Environmental Activist Cheryl Leutjen: https://cherylleutjen.com/ [https://cherylleutjen.com/]  🍸 Cheers to holiday happy hours, shared stories, and celebrating the season together!

Dog-Friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip

In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio Show takes you on a dog-friendly journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Featured guests Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast, share their experiences traveling with their dog to iconic distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Preservation Distillery. Along the way, they highlight the pet-friendly Bourbon Barrel Cottages, the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace, and the growing international appeal of bourbon tourism. You’ll also hear from Jay Ballard of Bourbon Barrel Cottages about their accommodations, tours, and event spaces, plus Lynn Aubrey of Buffalo Trace Distillery who shares the history and current visitor experience at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery. This lively conversation blends travel, history, bourbon, and hospitality with great tips for planning a Kentucky getaway — especially for those traveling with pets. 📝 Read Steve & Karen’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/  [https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/]  🎙️ Featured Guests * Steve & Karen Wilson – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast. Sharing their dog-friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip experience. 🌐 https://lion-rose.com  [https://lion-rose.com]  *Jay Ballard – Overview of Bourbon Barrel Cottages and tour options, plus their event facilities. 🌐 https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/  [https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/]  * Lynn Aubrey – Insights on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the current visitor experience at the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. 🌐 https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/  [https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/]  📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Big Daily Blend, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Vacation Station, and Pet Connection Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork]

The History & Legacy of Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City

This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly’s is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City’s nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway. Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly’s Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of guests with its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Pat shares stories of his father’s vision, the bar’s evolution over the years, and its deep connection to the local community. From hosting sports fans and local events to supporting Kansas City’s artists and musicians, Kelly’s has long served as a gathering place where history, art, and community come together. This conversation also underscores the importance of preserving local history and art, connecting to earlier Big Blend Radio episodes with artist and historian Victoria Chick on Kansas City-connected artists Arthur Kraft and Thomas Hart Benton: * Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ [https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/]  * Thomas Hart Benton: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ [https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/]  Learn more about Kelly’s Westport Inn at: https://kellyswestportinn.com/ [https://kellyswestportinn.com/]

Burger Bliss, Part One: Hamburger Happy Hour

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Hamburger Happy Hour Party” kicks off our 3-part “Burger Bliss” Series, celebrating National Sandwich Month and the lead-up to Labor Day Weekend grilling! This fun and flavorful group chat brings together food writers, world travelers, and burger lovers to swap stories, recipes, and favorite burger destinations from across America and around the globe. From traditional backyard bites to creative gourmet stacks, we explore how hamburgers connect us through nostalgia, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. We also take a tasty trip around the world to sample unique international burger variations, reminisce about memorable burger moments, and admit our fast food guilty pleasures. Chapters: 00:00 – Hamburger Happy Hour Introduction 02:53 – Exploring Favorite Burgers 05:27 – Happy Hour Conversations: Who Would You Invite? 10:37 – Memorable Burger Experiences 16:09 – Unique Burger Ingredients and Preferences 23:50 – Global Burger Adventures 35:14 – Unique International Burger Experiences 38:26 – Fast Food Favorites and Experiments Featured Guests: - Jeffrey Spear – Food writer & author of My Life in Gluttony. Shares his Peppercorn Crusted Burgers Recipe. * Website: https://spearwrites.com/ [https://spearwrites.com/]  * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ [https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/]  - Jo Clark – Food, wine & travel writer (Have Glass Will Travel). Shares her adventures during Gwinnett Burger Week in Georgia. * Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ [https://haveglasswilltravel.com/]  * Article: https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/ [https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/]  * Podcast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-gwinnett-county-georgia/ [https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-gwinnett-county-georgia/]  - Cheryl Ogle – World traveler, travel advisor & owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel.  * Website: https://heywannago.com/ [https://heywannago.com/]  - Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter & world traveler. Released his new single “Find a Place” on the day of this recording. * Website: https://hearjohnny.com/ [https://hearjohnny.com/]  * Song Info: https://hearjohnny.com/epk-for-find-a-place [https://hearjohnny.com/epk-for-find-a-place]  🎧 This Happy Hour episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork]  🔥 Stay Tuned! This is just Part One of our 3-part Burger Bliss Series. Don’t miss Parts 2 & 3, where we’ll serve up even more mouthwatering recipes, travel destinations, and burger-loving stories. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube for all the delicious fun: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio  [https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio]

Happy Hour Picnic Party in Nature

Join us for a delightful "Happy Hour Hang Out" on Big Blend Radio as we celebrate National Picnic Month and Parks & Recreation Month! This engaging episode explores the pure joy of picnicking, the profound benefits of connecting with nature, and our favorite spots and foods for an outdoor feast from Arizona to England.  We dive into the calming practice of forest bathing, the therapeutic power of nature's sounds, and the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's diverse landscapes, from vibrant wildflower seasons to dramatic monsoon experiences. Discover how nature can positively impact mental health and the simple pleasure of sharing picnics with loved ones, whether in your local park or while traveling the world. Featured Guests: * Judy Karnia – Travel writer and forest bathing guide. Learn more at https://travelingnature.com/ [https://travelingnature.com/]  * Eva Eldridge – Traveler, writer, editor, and book publishing expert. Discover more at https://evaeldridge.com/ [https://evaeldridge.com/]  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Parks & Travel” podcasts. Explore our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork]