A Toast to The Arts

Seven Questions with Author Matt Cost: Writing, Dogs & Life Lessons

In celebration of Dog Dad Day (June 20), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Getting to Know You" series spotlights mystery and historical fiction author Matt Cost, whose love of dogs, storytelling, and creative adventure shines in both his books and everyday life.
Through a fun seven-question game, Matt shares insights into his writing journey, favorite hobbies, life lessons, future goals, and the canine companions who have inspired characters throughout his mystery novels. From his popular Maine-based mystery series and thriller adventures to upcoming historical mysteries, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, the power of storytelling, and why his advice to aspiring writers is simple: "Just do it."
Listeners will also get a glimpse into the imaginative concept behind Big Blend Media House, the new digital home where curiosity, creativity, and community come together.
Pssst! Matt is also preparing to launch the new Big Blend Radio podcast "Pets, Plots & Poisons" with fellow author B.J. Magnani. Premiering this August and airing every third Thursday, the show will explore mysteries, crime fiction, pets, storytelling, and the creative lives of authors.
Learn more about Matt Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/ 
Check Out Matt's Big Blend "Author Success Insider" Q&A:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-matt-cost/ 
Explore Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

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 and find "Like Snow Before Sun" wherever books are sold. 

Love Is Strength: Pride Month and World Caring Day Special

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human.
🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! and director of the new documentary Brothers Broken — shares his journey from the San Francisco folk scene (alongside Jerry Garcia, Jefferson Airplane & Janis Joplin) to 46 years in Scientology, and his long road back to love and family.
🎵 Grammy Award-winning Melissa Manchester reflects on her anthem "A Better Rainbow" — written the morning of President Obama's second inauguration — and what it means to write a song as a prayer. She also shares news about her upcoming role in the musical Cagney and her new album Audacity with Ann Hampton Callaway.
The conversation moves through chosen family, the demonization of empathy, the science of gratitude, and why love is not a weakness — it's a muscle.
🎵 Music to Celebrate Pride Month & World Caring Day Playlist:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Lat96RCZV7cc6KKXjKq4n?si=n5ceqYt6R5ey_7M9d78nWA - YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHUZITwHVJI4crWLzr9x6gx8Mu6XWWvJ&si=a4dzNyU8vSWeUKEO 
📌 LINKS:🎬 Brothers Broken Documentary: https://www.brothersbroken.com 🎬 Watch/Stream Brothers Broken: https://geni.us/brothersbroken 🎵 Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com 🎵 Melissa Manchester: https://melissamanchester.com 🌐 Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Getting to Know Tanya Ortega: Art, Parks & Creative Legacy

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America.
In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have had on parks and surrounding communities over the past ten years, sharing how the residency program has grown to include painters, photographers, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists. She discusses the importance of making the arts accessible, fostering creative opportunities for artists of all ages, and building meaningful connections between people and public lands.
The episode also highlights Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the unique opportunities offered through NPAF artist residencies, while exploring the role of art in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring environmental stewardship, and helping people experience national parks in new and meaningful ways.
Enjoy a special “Getting to Know Tanya Ortega” segment, where she shares personal insights about her favorite parks, travel experiences, artistic inspirations, and the passion that continues to drive the National Parks Arts Foundation forward.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation and its artist residency programs at: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

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 starting June, 2026, on digital platforms including Apple TV and other streaming services. More: https://www.georgiaokeeffefilm.com/ 

Author Emily Renk Hawthorne: Fantasy, Folklore & Belonging

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to the Arts” Podcast features debut author Emily Renk Hawthorne who discusses her breathtaking fantasy series "Of Mountains and Seas," inspired by Chinese mythology, folklore, and her Taiwanese heritage.
Set in a hidden shapeshifting community along the Northern California coast, "Of Mountains and Seas" explores themes of power, belonging, conformity, generational trauma, and identity through multiple timelines and points of view. Emily shares the creative inspiration behind her multigenerational fantasy world, the importance of authentic cultural representation in storytelling, and how mythology and folklore continue to shape modern fantasy literature.
The conversation also dives into Emily’s writing journey, character development, diversity in fantasy fiction, and the emotional truths that fantasy can reveal about the human experience.
Perfect for fans of Sue Lynn Tan, Axie Oh, and Chloe Gong, this richly layered fantasy series blends magic, mythology, and social commentary into a compelling literary adventure.
Learn more about Emily Renk Hawthorne and her work: https://www.emilyrenkhawthorne.com/ 

Getting to Know Clifford Garstang: From International Law to Award-Winning Fiction

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with award-winning author, editor, traveler, and former international lawyer Clifford Garstang about his fascinating journey from international development and law to a celebrated literary career.
A longtime guest on Big Blend Radio, Clifford has joined us over the years to discuss his books, literature, writing life, and international travels. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on perseverance, artistic integrity, storytelling, nature, travel experiences, and the creative process behind writing fiction.
Clifford is the author of six works of fiction including "The Last Bird of Paradise," "Oliver’s Travels," "The Shaman of Turtle Valley," "House of the Ancients and Other Stories," "What the Zhang Boys Know," and In an "Uncharted Country." He is also editor of the acclaimed anthology series "Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet."
Learn more about Clifford Garstang and subscribe to his Substack:- https://cliffordgarstang.com/ - https://cliffordgarstang.substack.com/ 
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s “Getting to Know You” series celebrating the launch of Big Blend Media House and its new newsletter, Front Porch News. Visit: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Must-Experience Cultural Activities in Buenos Aires

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone shares her immersive experiences exploring the vibrant culture, cuisine, music, and history of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
From hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional empanadas and Argentine specialties to passionate tango performances, Debbie highlights the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Buenos Aires one of South America’s most captivating cities. The conversation also explores iconic landmarks like the world-renowned Teatro Colón and the colorful neighborhood of Caminito, along with the city’s European-inspired architecture, thriving arts scene, and celebrated wine culture.
Discover how food, dance, and storytelling intertwine to create an unforgettable cultural experience, while also gaining inspiration for exploring more of Argentina’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
🧩 Explore all 4 of Debbie’s Buenos Aires articles and enjoy a jigsaw puzzle of Caminito's colorful murals:  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/colorful-murals-of-caminito-jigsaw-puzzle 
FOLLOW DEBBIE'S ADVENTURES including her podcast, digital travel magazine, and more: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/debbie-stone-travel-writer