A Toast to The Arts

Celebrate The Arts with Big Blend Radio’s podcast conversations and expert interviews focusing on Music and Entertainment, Books and Poetry, Fine Art and Photography, Theater, Film and the Performing Arts.

Listen on:

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Episodes

Friday Apr 25, 2025

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast featured acclaimed author Matt Cost who discusses the first installment of his new series, "The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed." 
Max Creed is a fictional person created to bring justice to those wronged by the ultra-wealthy in a world where the law overwhelmingly favors those with money and power. He is bound only by the laws of humanity and not those of the legal system.
A breathless thrill ride that will keep your heart pounding long after the last page is turned, "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed" is out now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Merry-Adventures-Max-Creed-ebook/dp/B0F3K8RD8L 
Learn more about Matt, his books and writing at https://www.mattcost.net/ 

Thursday Apr 24, 2025

In this compelling episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by acclaimed debut author J.E. Weiner to discuss her haunting Southern Gothic novel, “The Wretched and Undone.” Set in the mysterious Texas Hill Country, this genre-defying tale blends real historical events, personal supernatural encounters, and a bold reimagining of the Western and Texas Noir genres—lifting silenced voices and illuminating long-buried truths.
🖋️ J.E. Weiner is a Northern California-based writer and novelist whose powerful storytelling bridges Southern Gothic, grit-lit, and historical fiction. Her manuscript for The Wretched and Undone was a 2024 Killer Nashville Top Pick and Claymore Award Finalist for Best Southern Gothic.
📚 In this episode, we explore:- The real-life supernatural experiences that inspired the novel- The art of blending genres like Texas Noir, Southern Gothic, and Western fiction- The historical underpinnings and cultural influences behind "The Wretched and Undone"
🔗 Connect & Learn More:Visit https://www.jeweiner.com to discover more about J.E. Weiner’s writing.
🎙️ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025

In this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone takes us on a cultural deep dive into Minneapolis, Minnesota — a city brimming with creativity, community, and charm. It also happens to be a destination on the historic Jefferson Highway!
🌟 Discover the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, an eleven-acre urban oasis filled with world-class art installations and lush scenery. Debbie shares her firsthand experience strolling through this must-visit destination that blends nature and creativity in the heart of the city.
🚶‍♀️ Plus, get an insider's look at the fascinating Minneapolis Skyway System, the largest contiguous skyway in the world. Learn how these second-story walkways connect 80 city blocks and offer a unique way to explore the city, rain or shine.
🎨 From arts and culture to architectural wonders and walking tours, this episode is a must for curious travelers, art lovers, and anyone planning a trip to Minneapolis.
📖 Read Debbie’s articles:* A Visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-the-minneapolis-sculpture-garden/ * Take a Minneapolis City & Skyway Tour: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/take-a-minneapolis-city-and-skyway-tour/ 
 
🔗 Listen & Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
🖼️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts” and “Vacation Station” travel channels. Explore more inspiring episodes on the Big Blend Radio Network, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art Museums in the 21st Century

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas (pictured), and even the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain—this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s WORLD OF ART podcast with artist and art historian Victoria Chick concludes her three-part series on the History of Art Museums, highlighting the evolution and innovation of 21st-century art museums in America.
This art-focused podcast explores how modern museums are redefining the way we experience and interact with art, from cutting-edge architecture and community engagement to the transformation of museum collections and their exhibits.
Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She’s also a contemporary figurative artist and a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints. Learn more about her work and the museum initiative, and explore her three-part article series on the history of art museums:
PART ONE: The Origins of Art Museums: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-a-history-part-one  
PART TWO: Growth of Art Museums in the 19th and 20th Centuries: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-a-history-part-two    
PART THREE: 21st-Century Art Museums in America: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/art-museums-pt-3 
🎨 Visit Victoria Chick’s portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ 
🎙️ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's World of Art Podcast every 3rd Saturday for engaging conversations on art history, contemporary art, museum culture, and more: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Way Back When and Toast to The Arts podcast channels. Explore the entire network of educational and arts-focused shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Vitalik: An Ethereum Story

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple discuss their film VITALIK: AN ETHEREUM STORY that provides an intimate look at the humanity and vision behind a technological revolution. 
Through exclusive interviews with Vitalik Buterin, his parents, and leading tech figures—including Dmitry Buterin, Danny Ryan, Itzel Yard, and Tim O’Reilly—the film traces Buterin’s journey from childhood to the creation of Ethereum. Blending archival footage with firsthand insights, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple explore the motivations and challenges that shaped Ethereum’s groundbreaking launch. 
VITALIK is out on VOD via Gravtias Ventures. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqbOMrgYav0 

Saturday Apr 12, 2025

Two strangers searching for purpose in Dakar, Senegal, wake up with bombs strapped to their chests, counting down from ten hours. Controlled by a mysterious voice, they must complete a series of chaotic missions with devastating consequences. As the city erupts in protest against Western influence, the reluctant partners race for redemption. 
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS Show, director / writer Jean Luc Herbulot talks about his latest film, ZERO, that's out now in theaters and on VOD through Well Go USA Entertainment. ZERO is a thrilling, darkly humorous tale of survival, connection, and the human search for meaning. Watch: https://wellgousa.com/films/zero 

Friday Apr 11, 2025

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show focuses on the newest Musical Motherhood Drama NORA by director, and lead Anna Campbell. Having given up her career in music, NORA (Anna Campbell) moves home to suburbia to focus on her child. Her dreams, however, have different plans. 
The journey of self discovery isn't always easy. Returning to her hometown after abandoning her music career, Nora finds it difficult to settle into the new demands of suburban motherhood. When her husband goes on tour and leaves her solo-parenting their precocious six-year-old, Nora is forced to evaluate her current circumstances and the dreams she left behind. Featured guests on this episode are Anna Campbell and talent Nick Fink. NORA will be playing in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Glendale on April 11th, and then New York at the Village East by Angelika on April 18th. More at https://norathemovie.com/ 

Author Marty Neumeier - Octavo

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Marty Neumeier, author of "Octavo."
Follow the clues as a biophysics graduate and a retired art historian discover a mysterious manuscript in a Northern Italian town alongside works from Francesco Melzi, the last known apprentice to Leonardo da Vinci. "Octavo" is the story of da Vinci’s obsession with a murder, the manuscript that proves it, and the two women racing to publish it before their violence-driven client finds them.
The book comes out in October 2025, but you can get the installments "The Scarlett Files" on Substack, here: https://martyneumeier.substack.com/ 
Learn more about Marty and his life in design, here: https://www.martyneumeier.com/ 

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 A TOAST TO THE ARTS 

Celebrate The Arts with Big Blend Radio conversations and interviews with authors, writers, and poets; musicians, composers, and recording engineers; actors, performers, filmmakers, directors, and documentarians ... it's all about the creative spirit!

Enjoy episodes produced specifically for this podcast channel as well as other related episodes from Big Blend Radio's growing network of podcasts. 

Big Blend Radio is hosted and produced by the digital nomad mother-daughter team Lisa D. Smith (daughter) and Nancy J. Reid (mother), who also publish various digital Big Blend Magazines while traveling full-time on their Love Your Parks Tour where they document parks and public lands across America. Keep up with related articles and podcasts on BlendRadioandTV.com and NationalParkTraveling.com



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