Like Snow Before Sun: Author Marianne Rabalais Sulser on Cajun and Acadian Heritage

Like Snow Before Sun: Author Marianne Rabalais Sulser on Cajun and Acadian Heritage

Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward welcomes debut novelist Marianne Rabalais Sulser, whose historical novel "Like Snow Before Sun" is out now through Atmosphere Press.  Born and raised in central Louisiana and now based in Colorado, Marianne takes us deep into the world of 1750s Nova Scotia and the tragic history of the Acadian expulsion — a story she discovered through her own ancestral research. Marianne shares how tracing her family roots led her to an unexpected and beautiful connection to the Mi'kmaq nation, and how that discovery inspired a novel that is as much about trust, survival, and identity as it is about history. We talk about the difference between Cajun and French Creole culture, the relationship between the Acadians and indigenous nations before the British arrived, the real historical figures who inspired her characters, and why this largely unfictionalized chapter of North American history feels especially timely right now. Plus — what dish best represents the novel? The answer involves fish. And pork. Because Louisiana. Visit https://www.mariannesulser.com [https://www.mariannesulser.com] and find "Like Snow Before Sun" wherever books are sold.

Filmmakers Paul & Ellen Wagner on Georgia O'Keeffe: The Brightness of Light Documentary

Discover the remarkable life, art, and enduring legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, the pioneering artist known as the "Mother of American Modernism," in this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring award-winning filmmakers Paul Wagner and Ellen Casey Wagner. Their acclaimed documentary, "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light," explores the iconic artist’s extraordinary journey through her own words, drawing from thousands of personal letters that reveal her artistic vision, struggles, relationships, and fierce independence. The film features Claire Danes as the voice of Georgia O’Keeffe and narration by Hugh Dancy. In this engaging conversation, Paul and Ellen discuss O’Keeffe’s deep connection to nature, her travels across America, her transformative years in Virginia, Texas, New York, and New Mexico, and how she became both an artistic trailblazer and an enduring role model for women. They also share insights into the filmmaking process, the challenges of bringing O’Keeffe’s story to life, and the surprising discoveries they made along the way. More than a portrait of a celebrated painter, this documentary reveals the human being behind the legend—an artist who embraced uncertainty, pursued authenticity, and found inspiration in the landscapes, light, and natural beauty of America. "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light" is available on digital platforms including Apple TV and other streaming services. More: https://www.georgiaokeeffefilm.com/ [https://www.georgiaokeeffefilm.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]

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/]