Trailblazers: Five Women Who Changed England

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]

Author Margaret Whitford: War, Family History & Resilience

This Memorial Day weekend episode of Big Blend Radio features author Margaret Whitford who discusses her powerful new memoir, "The History We Carry, A Daughter's Memoir," releasing June 2, 2026 through She Writes Press. In this moving conversation, Margaret reflects on the emotional legacy of war, family estrangement, inherited trauma, and the healing power of storytelling. As families across America honor loved ones on Memorial Day, this episode explores how the devastation of World War II continues to ripple through generations, shaping identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. Margaret shares how her mother’s experiences—including war, violence, and trauma—created emotional distance within their relationship, and how writing this memoir became a path toward compassion, understanding, and healing. The conversation also explores PTSD, epigenetics, silence within families, resilience, and the importance of telling our stories. Pre-order and learn more about Margaret Whitford and "The History We Carry" at https://margaretwhitford.com/books/the-history-we-carry/  [https://margaretwhitford.com/books/the-history-we-carry/]

Getting to Know Artist Victoria Chick: Art, Curiosity & Community

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, we get to know artist and art historian Victoria Chick as she shares her creative journey, the power of curiosity, and the inspiration behind her work in art and community building. From spearheading the development of a regional art museum in Silver City, New Mexico, to helping shape a creative “virtual home” through the Big Blend Media House, Victoria reflects on how art, travel, and observation influence both personal growth and cultural connection. Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary leading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. 🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ [https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/]  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]  - Visit the new Big Blend Media House site (the foundation is being laid now so ignore the construction dust) and subscribe to its new "Front Porch News" Newsletter: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://bigblendmediahouse.com/]

Trailblazers: Five Women Who Changed England

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Show, historian, tour guide, and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows explores the lives and legacies of remarkable women who helped shape England and the world.  From beloved authors Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter to social reformer Elizabeth Fry, nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, and suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, this inspiring conversation highlights the lasting impact of women’s contributions to society, culture, and human rights. Discover how these trailblazing women influenced everything from land conservation and responsible tourism to prison reform, healthcare, and the fight for women’s voting rights. Along the way, Glynn shares insights into the historic places connected to their stories, offering meaningful ways travelers can engage with England’s rich heritage through a deeper understanding of its past. 🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/women-who-changed-england [https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/women-who-changed-england]    🌐 Visit the English Connection website for more about Glynn's custom tours, family history services, and to follow the podcast and his digital magazine: https://www.EnglishConnection.uk [https://www.EnglishConnection.uk]  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Way Back When, Big Daily Blend, Vacation Station, and Women Making History  podcast channels: Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork]

Women Guitar Legends: Trailblazers Who Shaped Music

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Podcast with Joey Stuckey, we celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the trailblazing women guitarists who have shaped music across generations. From foundational pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mary Ford, Elizabeth Cotten, and Mary Ford, to influential artists such as Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, and rock icons like Joan Jett, Nancy Wilson, and Lita Ford, Joey explores their lasting impact. The conversation also spotlights modern innovators and genre-bending artists including Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Samantha Fish, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Orianthi, and H.E.R.. Together, these artists represent the depth, diversity, and innovation of women in guitar—from blues and folk to rock, Americana, and beyond—while also highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome and the legacy they continue to build. 🎧 Listen to our Women Guitarists Spotify Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4B3OAVC0AW60wF3i5SjLsZ?si=8ce204f42cb34fb2 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4B3OAVC0AW60wF3i5SjLsZ?si=8ce204f42cb34fb2]  🎶 Learn more about Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ [https://www.joeystuckey.com/]  Artist images courtesy of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. All images are used under their respective Creative Commons licenses. Photographers include Mandi Hall, Penguinstorm, Justin Higuchi, Skyerise, Stevie Rae Gibbs, Truejustice, Chris Hakkens, Jim Summaria, Zoran Veselinovic, David Gans, and Heinrich Klaffs.