A Toast to The Arts

Feast of Words - Four Voices, One Debut: Secrets and Journeys

Every writer remembers the first time they brought a world to life. In Part 2 of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, we explore the intricate balance between secrets and the transformative power of travel.
This episode features four authors who successfully navigate the worlds of criminology, journalism, and education while weaving music and the grit of travel-based storytelling into their compelling fiction. We follow the physical and emotional maps of their debut novels—from an emotionally charged cross-country RV trek and a musician’s life-changing Greek island odyssey, to the gritty forensic trails of a criminologist hunting a predator and a journalist uncovering a military conspiracy. Join us as we discuss the "first-born" novels that launched these literary journeys and the destinations that shaped them.
FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Susan Magestro – "Priscilla Breen, Criminologist: The Capture"  https://www.susanmagestro.com/ 
* Steve Piacente – "Bella" https://www.stevepiacente.com/ 
* Annie McCormick – "Runaway Kane: Book 1, Let's Be Frank Series" https://anniemccormickwriter.com/ 
* D.R. Ransdell – "Amirosian Nights: Campanello Travels"https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ 
CATCH UP ON PART 1: THE LEADING LADIES https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies 
LISTEN TO THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

Feast of Words - Four Voices, One Debut: The Leading Ladies

Every literary journey begins with a single spark. Welcome to the premiere episode of our special "Four Voices: One Debut" spotlight on the Feast of Words series. Airing on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, this episode celebrates "The Leading Ladies"—four authors who share the stories and inspirations behind their debut novels.
Whether these novels mark the start of a multi-book career or stand as a singular, powerful creative achievement, we are peeling back the layers on the stories that first defined these authors' voices. From the historical Chautauqua circuits and ancient Hawaiian royalty to the high-stakes friendships of the 1980s and botanical garden mysteries, we explore the themes of female strength, self-discovery, and the creative courage it takes to publish Novel Number One.
Join us for an hour of intimate conversation, craft secrets, and live readings that celebrate the power of the female protagonist.
FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS* Melora Fern – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens https://www.melorafern.com/ 
* Robin Merle – A Dangerous Friendship https://theprofessionalguide.com/a-dangerous-friendship-a-novel/ 
* Linda Ballou – Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 
* Marty Eberhardt – Death in a Desert Garden https://martyeberhardt.com/ 
LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES OF THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

Justice and Comedy in Jamestown, New York

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.
The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.
From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways.
🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy  
🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Toast to The Arts,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Alex Woodard - Ordinary Soil Novel

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Alex Woodard—singer-songwriter, author, and storyteller—who discusses his powerful new novel, "Ordinary Soil" (Greenleaf, Aug. 12, 2025).
According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other profession, a sobering reality that underscores the hidden cost of modern agriculture. "Ordinary Soil" steps directly into this cultural reckoning, blending science, ancestral trauma, environmental urgency, and hope into a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story.
When a young farmer—burdened by a mysterious family legacy and mounting despair—attempts to take his life beneath a rotting burial elm, he sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried truths about farming, chemical dependency, and the intergenerational wounds carried in the land itself. At the heart of the novel is a startling idea: healing our bodies, minds, and communities may begin in the soil beneath our feet.
In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his transition from music to fiction, the real-life inspiration behind the novel, and how a chance encounter during a surf trip at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the story. He discusses Oklahoma’s agricultural history, the lingering legacy of the Dust Bowl, and why storytelling is essential for addressing complex topics like mental health, environmental responsibility, and consumer choice. Known for his artistic sensitivity, Woodard weaves peer-reviewed science into narrative fiction, creating a novel that serves as both a wake-up call and a balm—one that dares to offer hope in a time of crisis.
"Ordinary Soil" is also available as an audiobook narrated by the legendary Scott Brick, bringing added depth to this resonant and timely story. Learn more about Alex and "Ordinary Soil" at https://www.alexwoodard.com/ 
Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/  
This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,”  "Quality of Life," and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.
The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.
Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.
🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

Romance in the Heart of the Dallas Arts District

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" Show, Terri and Ron Guthrie are joined by Steven Fryatt at the luxurious Fairmont Dallas Hotel, an iconic property perfectly positioned in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.
They share highlights from their stay at the Fairmont Dallas, known for its sophisticated style, spacious rooms, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers. From the hotel’s inviting public spaces and standout dining options to its rooftop pool offering a relaxing urban retreat, the Fairmont provides an elegant yet welcoming home base for exploring downtown Dallas.
The conversation also explores the surrounding Dallas Arts District—home to world-class museums, performance venues, and parks—along with why Dallas makes a fantastic destination for romantic getaways, family travel, and culture lovers. Looking ahead, they touch on Dallas’ role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city, adding to the city’s global appeal. Together, the episode paints a complete picture of Dallas as a destination where luxury lodging, arts, and vibrant city energy come together seamlessly.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES* Fairmont Dallas Hotel: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/dallas/fairmont-dallas.html * Dallas Arts District: https://www.dallasartsdistrict.org/ * Visit Dallas: https://www.visitdallas.com/ * Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ * New episodes air every Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dancer and Choreographer Artis Olds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumboot dance, exploring how these rhythmic traditions serve as powerful forms of communication, storytelling, and celebration.
He reflects on his personal journey from corporate America into professional dance, highlighting the transformative power of movement in building confidence, resilience, and community among youth. The conversation dives into the importance of arts education, the healing and connective energy of performance, and the value of creating space for creativity without pressure. Through thoughtful insights and lived experience, Artis illuminates how dance reflects history, honors culture, and strengthens our shared humanity.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 
 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This Ordinary Thing Film: Humanity, Courage & the Holocaust

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.
Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.
Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.
Visit: https://www.thisordinarything.com/