A Toast to The Arts

Jack London and Me – A Reading by Linda Ballou

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" podcast, travel writer and author Linda Ballou reads an excerpt from her story “Jack London and Me”, featured in her book Lost Angel Unleashed and in the 2024 San Francisco Writers Conference Anthology, "How We Change."
This reading first aired on Big Blend Radio’s special “Feast of Words” Anthology Show, celebrating writers and the transformative power of storytelling. Linda’s piece reflects on Jack London’s adventurous spirit, his influence on her own journey, and the timeless connection between literature and travel.
📝 Learn More & Read:🔗 Lost Angel Unleashed Book: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/LostAngelUnleashed.html 
🔗 How We Change Anthology: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Foundation-Conference-Anthologies/dp/1647150116/ 
🔗 Linda’s full episode covering Jack London: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/linda-ballou-jack-london-and-me/ 
🌍 Follow Linda’s travel adventures & books:🔗 https://lostangeladventures.com 🔗 http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channel.  Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Rudy Ruiz - The Border Between Us

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Literacy Month, Big Blend Radio welcomes award-winning author Rudy Ruiz to discuss his latest novel, The Border Between Us. Longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Ramón López, a young man growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border who dreams of becoming an artist in New York while navigating the weight of family expectations, cultural identity, and the sacrifices tied to the American Dream.
In this conversation, Ruiz shares insights on the immigrant experience, bilingualism, and the complexities of cultural identity. He reflects on family dynamics, the strength of women in his narrative, and the role of literacy in empowering dreams and aspirations. Ruiz also highlights how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and create community across borders.
Listen as we explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, resilience, and belonging, all through the lens of one of today’s most authentic voices in borderland literature.
Learn more about Rudy Ruiz and his work at: https://rudyruiz.com/ 

Code 3 Film Interview with Christopher Leone and Patrick Pianezza

This episode of Big Blend Radio features director Christopher Leone (Parallels) and screenwriter Patrick Pianezza, creators of the new film CODE 3, starring Rainn Wilson (The Office), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), and Aimee Carrero (Your Friends and Neighbors).
Opening in theaters nationwide on September 12, 2025 via AURA Entertainment, CODE 3 follows one intense, unpredictable, and hilariously real day in the life of two burnt-out paramedics. Inspired by actual paramedic stories, the film balances comedy and truth to highlight the financial struggles, emotional toll, teamwork, and underappreciation of EMS workers. More: https://www.instagram.com/code3movie/ 

Author Liz Parker - Witches of Honeysuckle House

In celebration of National Literacy Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" show with Books Forward features author Liz Parker, who discusses her upcoming novel, "Witches of Honeysuckle House" (October 21, 2025, Alcove Press). A must-read for "practical Magic" fans, this enchanting story blends curses, sisterhood, and the power of plants with themes of generational trauma, family, and community. 
Liz shares insights into the 13-year curse central to the story, the sentient house that shapes the narrative, and how her background in herbalism informs the magic woven throughout the book. She also talks about intention in witchcraft, the significance of plants, and her goal of helping readers reconnect with the natural world.
📘 More about Liz and her books: https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/  
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Witches of Honeysuckle House02:07 – The Curse and Its Significance04:29 – Sisterhood and Generational Trauma06:28 – Exploring Spells vs. Curses07:59 – Themes of Family and Community09:51 – The Impact of Generational Trauma11:22 – The Role of Plants and Nature13:35 – The Author's Journey to Writing17:17 – The Magic of Belief and Imagination18:53 – The Sentient House and Its Personality20:50 – Witchcraft and Family Legacy22:20 – Herbalism and the Power of Plants29:52 – The Connection Between Plants and Humanity32:11 – Conclusion and Future Works
🔔 Learn more about Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 

A Feast of Words: Short Stories & Poems to Enjoy Anytime

Welcome to the debut episode of our new series, A Feast of Words, airing in honor of National Literacy Month! This episode is a must-listen for both readers and writers alike, as we celebrate the power of storytelling and the written word. We've gathered a diverse group of acclaimed authors to share their work and discuss the art of autobiographies, short story collections, and poetry.
Our conversation explores the influence of literary giants like Jack London, the role of anthologies in fostering new voices, and the importance of community and editing in a writer's journey. Tune in to discover fresh narratives across a wide range of genres.
Featured Guests & Books- CLIFFORD GARSTANG - Award-winning author, writer, and editor shares from his short story collection “House of the Ancients and Other Stories.” More: https://cliffordgarstang.com/house-of-the-ancients-and-other-stories/  - DIANE DOBRY - Travel writer and memoirist shares her “Happy New Year in Budapest” story from the collection “A Pocketful of Dreams.” Read her story: https://gettinghungary.com/happy-new-year-in-budapest/  - LINDA BALLOU – Travel writer and fiction/non-fiction author shares from her essay “Jack London and Me,” which is in the 2024 San Francisco Writer’s Conference Anthology. Learn more,get book links, and hear Linda's full podcast episode about Jack London: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/linda-ballou-jack-london-and-me/  - HEIDI SANDER – Canadian travel writer, educator, and award-winning poet, shares from her poetry collection “Stratford Gems Book 1: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford.”* More: https://pages.heidisander.com/books/ and https://www.heidisander.com/ - MATT COST – Award-winning author of mystery and history, Matt discusses his story “Dead Men Don't Kiss” featured in the “Celluloid Crimes” anthology, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Celluloid-Crimes-Deborah-Well/dp/B0FNPHXDZD * More: https://mattcost.net/ - EVA ELDRIDGE - Travel writer, book industry expert, editor, and co-President of Tucson Sisters in Crime, talks about two anthologies she curated. Both books are available on Amazon:
* Trouble in Tucson: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Tucson-Coast-Crime-Anthology/dp/B0BTRPH84K * Feisty Felines: https://www.amazon.com/Feisty-Felines-Other-Fantastical-Familiars/dp/1680576194 * More: https://evaeldridge.com/ and https://3sides2authorservices.com/ * Tucson Sisters in Crime: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/  - SUZANNE FLAIG – Mystery writer and author, talks about two anthologies she is part of. The books are available on Amazon:* Mystery Most Humorous: https://www.amazon.com/Donna-Andrews-Presents-Malice-Domestic-ebook/dp/B0F6KRMY7D * Danger Awaits!: https://www.amazon.com/SoWest-Sisters-Sleuths-Chapter-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0FNS2H162 * More: https://www.suzanneflaigwriter.com/ - ARYN YOUNGLESS – Writer, indie publisher, and genealogist, discusses anthologies she is part of, including one she put together in high school.* “Made in L.A” and “A Night of Misfit Stories” anthologies: https://asyounglessauthor.com/read-me/ * “Echoes of the Youth” high school anthology: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084? params=ujFY7byK3uekkrw6NR3kIQNoGBES3ivK2SdcQjK09Lk * Genealogy Services: https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ 
 
Key Takeaways for Writers & Readers- For Writers: Gain insights into the submission process for anthologies, the value of short story collections as a stepping stone, and the crucial role of editing. Learn about building a supportive community to help you on your creative journey.- For Readers: Discover acclaimed authors and fresh narratives across a variety of genres, including memoir, mystery, travel, and poetry. This episode will help you find your next favorite story. 

Authenticity in Song: Teresa Tudury & Johnny Schaefer on Music, Healing & Humanity

This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning singer-songwriter Teresa Tudury, celebrating the release of her powerful new album "Perhaps You’ve Heard of Me," and Johnny Schaefer, singer-songwriter and podcast cohost. Recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Teresa’s album is raw, soulful, and deeply authentic — featuring Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica and Rickie Lee Jones on vocals.
Teresa and Johnny discuss the power of music, authenticity in artistry, the journey of creating and sharing songs, and how intimate performances and collaborations shape an artist’s life. Expect stories about resilience, humor, and the healing role music plays during hard times.
Songs featured in this episode: Teresa’s “All These Horrible People” and “Cowgirls” (featuring Rickie Lee Jones).
Keep up with Teresa:- https://www.teresatudurymusic.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/TeresaTuduryMusic/ 
Keep up with Johnny:- https://hearjohnny.com/ - Hear Johnny’s new single "Find a Place": https://youtu.be/4OsJMo-sK_o?feature=shared 
⏱ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Music and Guests04:39 Teresa's New Album and Recording Journey10:15 The Power of Music and Connection14:54 Authenticity in Music and the Role of Artists19:59 The Importance of Art in Difficult Times25:11 Teresa's Musical Journey and Influences30:00 The Evolution of Music Venues35:09 The Role of Humor in Music39:50 The Reality of Being a Musician45:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Author S.L. Woeppel: The Butcher and The Liar

Celebrate National Read a Book Day with Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show as we chat with award-winning author S.L. Woeppel about her gripping new psychological thriller, "The Butcher and the Liar."
At the heart of this dark and haunting story is Daisy Bellon, a Chicago butcher who has worked hard to bury her father’s grisly past—until an anonymous letter forces her to confront family secrets, childhood trauma, and the ghostly reminders of what she witnessed as a child. When someone close to her is murdered in a chillingly familiar way, Daisy must finally decide whether to expose the truth or risk becoming the monster she fears.
In this conversation, S.L. Woeppel shares her evolution as a writer—from her rom-com debut "Flipping the Birdie" (a BookLife Prize finalist) to exploring the shadows of human nature in her latest novel. We discuss the duality of identity, the influence of childhood experiences, the impact of family legacies, and how creativity often grows out of both passion and pain.
🔗 Learn more about S.L. Woeppel and her books: https://www.slwoeppelbooks.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast channel. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro: Artists-in-Residence in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Arts & Parks” Show features Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro, who recently completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence program at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Known for her roles in Billions and Marvel’s Luke Cage, Tijuana is an acclaimed actress, writer, and director. Her partner, Anthony, brings a unique perspective as an education leader, genomics researcher, along with a background in creative production. More: https://www.tijuanaricks.com/ 
In this insightful conversation, Tijuana and Anthony share their experiences and insights from their time on the Big Island. They discuss the vital role of storytelling, the profound connection between humanity and nature, and how their immersive experience in Hawaiian culture inspired their creative process. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of the arts in the face of new challenges, emphasizing that authenticity and the human experience are more vital than ever.
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork