A Toast to The Arts

It's the very first episode of "Pets, Plots & Poisons" Podcast! Mystery authors Matt Cost and BJ Magnani launch their new Big Blend Radio show with the story of how they met (a New England Crime Bake conference), what they're each writing now, and a secret collaboration between their characters.
BJ shares her latest Dr. Lily Robinson thriller, "We'll Always Have Poisons," sending her poison-toting protagonist to Cape Town, Sydney, and Brussels. Matt talks through "EveryThing vs. Max Creed,: book two in his Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed series — and reveals he and BJ already crossed universes once, co-writing a novella with Curt Wendelboe called "Death on Out to Sea Island," where Lily Robinson meets one of Matt's own characters: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/w/curt-wendelboe/death-on-out-to-sea-island.htm 
They dig into the craft side too: Matt's plotting formula (a major turn every 12.5% of the book) versus BJ's "pantser" approach of plotting in thirds. Both trace their mystery obsession back to childhood favorites like The Black Stallion, Hardy Boys, and Trixie Belden, and talk about why pets make such rich material for crime writers — from cadaver dogs to serial killers' pets.
And BJ delivers the first-ever Poison of the Month: aconitine, a cardiac toxin from monkshood (wolfsbane) that can kill within minutes.
Next month: screenwriter-turned-mystery-author Jule Selbo joins the show.
Learn more about the hosts:- BJ Magnani: https://www.bjmagnani.com/ - Matt Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/ 
- Explore the Pets, Plots & Poisons show page (and subscribe): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pets-plots-poisons-podcast 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick takes us inside the exciting development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.
Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading this long-term museum project. The proposed museum and art center is designed not only to preserve and exhibit art, but also to provide art education, outreach, research resources, and greater access to the arts for communities throughout southwest New Mexico.
The conversation focuses on an exciting milestone: two October weekends when the public can experience a free pop-up museum inside the historic building the organization hopes to purchase and transform into its permanent home. Victoria explains the vision for the space, the importance of museum-quality preservation, and what goes into curating an exhibition.
We also explore the two featured exhibitions: “American Etching Revival,” examining the rise of etching as an artistic medium beginning in the 1870s, and “Five Artists Do the West,” featuring five 20th-century artists who interpreted the American West using five different mediums. The exhibition includes an interactive opportunity for visitors to create their own depiction of the West.
Victoria also discusses the Southwest Print Fiesta, a juried print purchase show, the museum's future outreach programs, the importance of visual observation and art education, and the exciting possibility of future exhibition partnerships through the Art Bridges Foundation.
As Victoria emphasizes, a museum is about more than putting art on walls. It is about preservation, education, access, creativity, and connecting people with art.
🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE- October Exhibits & Events: https://swrma.substack.com/p/art-events-in-silver-city-october 
- Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org 
- Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ 
- World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
- Big Blend Media House https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Who was Enheduanna — the woman often recognized as the world’s first known named author?
On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, we welcome award-winning poet and debut historical fantasy novelist Ellen Rachlin, author of Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands, coming August 25, 2026 from Histria Fiction.
Set in ancient Mesopotamia around 2300 BCE, "Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands" brings to life Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon the Great and High Priestess of Ur, whose name is associated with some of the earliest known literary works to identify an author. Rachlin discovered Enheduanna while researching overlooked historical figures and was captivated by her poetry, power, struggles and enduring mystery.
In our conversation, Ellen discusses researching ancient Mesopotamia, the challenge of reconstructing a world with limited surviving evidence, and the fascinating process of blending historical fact, mythology and imagination. We also explore Enheduanna's role as a powerful religious and economic leader, her exile and struggle to regain her position, and the importance of reclaiming women's stories that have been overlooked or reduced to historical footnotes.
We also talk about Ellen's transition from poetry to historical fantasy, the importance of preserving women's voices, ancient writing and literature, the mythology surrounding Inanna and Ereshkigal, and why Enheduanna's story still resonates today.
- Check out the Big Blend Book Review by Nancy J. Reid: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/enheduannas-song-from-the-sands 
- Learn more about Ellen Rachlin and her books at https://www.ellenrachlin.com/ 
- Learn more about Books Forward and its authors at  https://booksforward.com/ 

Join Big Blend Radio for a Getting to Know You conversation with author Tara Badstubner, whose debut novel, "Every Room Remembers," is forthcoming from Sibylline Press on September 25, 2026.
In this warm and insightful conversation, Tara talks about her journey as a writer, what inspired her to create stories, her love of interior design, the places and experiences that shape her creative work, and the role of the natural world in her storytelling.
Tara also gives us a preview of "Every Room Remembers," a lyrical work of literary fiction about love, loss, memory, grief and finding a way forward. The novel follows interior designer SJ Monroe after the sudden death of her husband, Wyatt, as she returns to her hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, takes on the restoration of the historic Osprey House, reconnects with family and friends, and begins noticing signs from the natural world. Meanwhile, Wyatt, trapped in a liminal state, faces his own journey of regret, unresolved emotions and healing.
Tara shares why she wanted to explore “the other side of grief,” how animals and signs from nature became meaningful elements of the story, and why she believes home can be a refuge. She also discusses how writing during the COVID era helped her explore fear and loss through fiction, and what she hopes readers experiencing grief will take away from the novel.
This is our first conversation with Tara, so stay tuned for our follow-up Books & Authors interview next month, when we'll take a deeper dive into "Every Room Remembers."
📚 Pre-order "Every Room Remembers" and learn more about Tara:https://www.tarabadstubner.com/ 
🎙️ Visit the Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Celebrate American Artists Appreciation Month with this shared edition of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox! Every first Sunday, award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer joins Lisa D. Smith to explore the music, artists, and stories that celebrate America's rich musical heritage as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.
This month's playlist shines a spotlight on influential American artists whose music has shaped generations. Johnny and Lisa discuss legendary and groundbreaking performers including Laura Nyro, Sam Cooke, Keb' Mo', Zakiya Hooker, Makana, and Shelley King, while also highlighting the many artists they've inspired. Along the way, they explore blues, soul, Americana, gospel, protest music, regional influences, collaboration, and the enduring power of great songwriting.
🎵 Hear the music! The complete American Jukebox experience—including the featured songs—is available on Mixcloud. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast platform, follow along with the companion Spotify playlist featuring today's selections plus many more musical discoveries.Listen with the Music: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/american-jukebox-celebrating-american-artists 
🎧 Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m3TvV7PlVXyBcl34DH1pR?si=e84afe08ee9b4396 
🎙️ Explore all American Jukebox episodes:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/american-jukebox 
🎵 Johnny Schaefer:https://hearjohnny.com/ 
🏠 Big Blend Media House:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 
New episodes air every first Sunday as Johnny and Lisa continue celebrating the songs, artists, and stories that define America's musical legacy through the America 250 celebration leading up to July 4, 2027. 

Award-winning author Laurel Corona joins Big Blend Radio to discuss her captivating new historical novel, "Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel," inspired by the extraordinary true story of pioneering adventurer Aloha Wanderwell—the first woman to drive around the world.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba—the northern gateway of the historic Jefferson Highway—Aloha Wanderwell (born Idris Hall) left boarding school in France at age 16 to join Walter Wanderwell's around-the-world automobile expedition. What followed was an astonishing life of global exploration, filmmaking, cultural discovery, and history-making road trips across six continents.
In this engaging conversation, Laurel shares what inspired her to tell Aloha's story after a decade away from publishing, the historical research behind the novel, why historical fiction is vital to preserving women's history, and how travel helps us better understand the world and one another. The discussion also explores Aloha's Canadian roots, her connection to the historic Jefferson Highway, and why this remarkable woman deserves to be remembered alongside history's greatest explorers.
Learn more about Laurel Corona and her books at https://www.LaurelCorona.com Check out our Big Blend book review of "Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel" by Nancy J. Reid: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/aloha-wanderwell-takes-the-wheel 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Music Talks with Joey Stuckey" Podcast, Joey shares highlights from an unforgettable musical journey to Los Angeles, where he had the rare opportunity to record on Les Paul's original recording console while exploring one of the most legendary legacies in music history.
From touring historic recording spaces and collaborating with fellow musicians to reflecting on the lasting impact of innovation in music production, Joey offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at preserving music history while creating new music. Along the way, he discusses the influence of Les Paul, the importance of recording technology, the value of collaboration, and how these experiences continue to inspire his work as a musician, producer, educator, and Macon, Georgia's official Music Ambassador.
Whether you're a musician, recording enthusiast, music historian, or simply love great stories about creativity and innovation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into one artist's remarkable Los Angeles music adventure.
🎸 About Joey StuckeyJoey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, educator, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio in Macon, Georgia. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
📺 Follow Big Blend Radio:https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Join us for a special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio's Toast to The Arts Podcast featuring members of the Board of Directors from Tucson Sisters in Crime—President Lyn Worthen, Vice President Eva Eldridge, and Treasurer Elaine A. Powers.
Discover what makes this welcoming chapter of Sisters in Crime unique as our guests share their writing journeys, publishing experiences, favorite projects, and the many benefits of belonging to a supportive community of mystery writers, readers, editors, and publishing professionals. Along the way, they also answer a series of fun rapid-fire questions about spirit animals, bucket lists, favorite foods, life lessons, and more.
Whether you're an aspiring author, mystery fan, or simply enjoy hearing creative people share their stories, this lively conversation offers inspiration, laughter, and insight into the writing life.
Learn More:- Tucson Sisters in Crime: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/ - Trouble in Tucson Anthology: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Tucson-ANTHOLOGY-MEMBERS-SISTERS/dp/B0BTRPH84K/ - More Trouble in Tucson Anthology: https://www.amazon.com/More-Trouble-Tucson-Sisters-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0GP3K8B1N/ - Lyn Worthen / Camden Park Press: https://www.camdenparkpress.com/ - Eva Eldridge / 3 Sides 2 Author Services: https://3sides2authorservices.com/ - Elaine A. Powers: https://elaineapowers.com/ - Visit the new Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/