A Toast to The Arts

Hamlet, Karen Blixen & Danish Castles: A Literary Adventure in Denmark

In celebration of National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show features award-winning travel writer Barbara Redding, who takes us on a literary adventure through Denmark. From the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famed author of Out of Africa, to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting that inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” Barbara shares insights from her journey through these historic and creative landmarks.
Hear about Blixen’s fascinating life and legacy, her time in Africa, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. The episode also highlights Denmark’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the ways travel deepens one’s appreciation for literature and art.
📖 Read Barbara’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-literary-day-trip-in-denmark/ 
🌍 Follow Barbara’s travels and stories: https://www.BarbaraRedding.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Women Making History," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Legendary Bassist Greg T. Walker: The Rise of Two Wolf

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Rants, Raves & Rock ‘n Roll” podcast, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker — founding member of Blackfoot and former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd — joins the show to talk about his latest musical adventure: Two Wolf. The band’s debut self-titled album, out June 6, 2025 through Cleopatra Records, delivers a ferocious modern take on classic Southern rock grit, blending soul, blues, and hard-edged rock ‘n’ roll.
Greg discusses the formation of Two Wolf, the year-long recording process, and the importance of dynamics and connection in live performances. He shares stories from his musical journey, the band’s creative chemistry, and how nature and authenticity continue to shape his art. From the warmth of vinyl to the spirit of the South, this episode dives deep into what keeps real rock alive.
🎸 Learn more: https://www.twowolfrocks.com/ 
🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's Arts & Humanities Month programming and is also featured on "A Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend" Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Art of Performance Preparing for Gigs and Connecting Through Music

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), we celebrate Arts & Humanities Month with an insightful conversation about the art and craft of live performance. Joey and Lisa dive into what it takes to prepare for gigs, the importance of rehearsals, and how musicians can build confidence, adaptability, and professionalism on stage.
They also explore the deeper significance of music as a universal language—one that tells human stories, connects communities, and reflects the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
📌 Key Takeaways- Music connects people across cultures and emotions.- The arts mirror the beauty and struggles of human life.- Preparation and rehearsal build confidence and consistency.- Open mic nights are great for learning and growing.- Mistakes are part of becoming a better performer.- Building a genuine audience connection is essential.- Professionalism means being prepared, punctual, and adaptable.- Humor and authenticity can turn performance challenges into memorable moments.- Every performance offers lessons that shape the artist’s journey.
Learn more at: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Author Claudia Daher - Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One

This Big Blend Radio conversation with debut author Claudia Daher dives into her powerful new science fiction novel, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One” (Pegasus Publishing, September 28, 2025). The story follows a diverse group of teens secretly training in an alternate reality video game to defend Earth against water-stealing aliens — a thrilling adventure that bridges timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future Earth facing climate catastrophe.
In celebration of Unity Day and Global Appreciation Month, Claudia shares her belief in the power of love, respect, and unity to overcome global challenges. The discussion explores humanity’s deep interconnectedness with nature, the consequences of our actions, and how ambition and responsibility shape the future of our planet.
As Claudia says, “Everything is connected for us. Sooner or later, there is cause and effect.”
🌍 Learn more about Claudia Daher and her work: http://claudiadaherauthor.com/ 
Follow her on Facebook @ClaudiaDaher.Author and Instagram @claudiadaher_author 
🎙️ This show is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, Nature Connection, and Toast to The Arts Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Artist Victoria Chick: A Journey Through Art

In celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “World of Art” Show features artist and art advocate Victoria Chick, who shares her personal art journey and discusses the powerful impact of art on individuals and communities.
Victoria explores how art serves as both history and healing, the importance of art education, and the role of museums in preserving cultural stories. She also talks about developing observational skills, the value of creative expression, and the ripple effect art has on society.
Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
🌐 More to Explore- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - 🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts and Big Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Hawaiian History and Culture In Books and On Screen: Chief of War and Wai-Nani

Celebrate National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” podcast featuring author and travel writer Linda Ballou.
In this conversation, Linda discusses the similarities and contrasts between her novel “Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai‘i” and the Apple TV series “Chief of War” created by Jason Momoa. She explores Hawaiian history, the significance of oral traditions, and the portrayal of key historical figures like Kamehameha. Linda also shares insights on Isabella Bird’s travels in Hawai'i and reflects on the importance of preserving Hawaiian language and cultural heritage. The episode includes a short reading from “Wai-Nani.”
📚 Keep up with Linda and her writing:🔗 https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com 🔗 https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🌺 Linda’s Q&A on Wai-Nani: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=wI4BONZhbjY&list=PLUfBG36FykHmTACmY8E5PpTBW0XDP5Po2 
🎧 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 “Toast to The Arts,” "Way Back When," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Corey Schenck of Pangaea - The Reckoning Album

In celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Corey Schenck, co-founder of the progressive rock band PANGAEA. Corey talks about the band’s rich history, their creative evolution, and their long-awaited fourth album, “The Reckoning.”   
Recorded over several years, The Reckoning captures the authenticity and collaborative spirit that define PANGAEA’s sound. Corey reflects on the group’s decades-long friendships, musical influences, and the revival of their shelved album after twenty years. The conversation also dives into how digital distribution and AI are reshaping the music landscape, the resurgence of vinyl culture, and the lasting impact of album art and live, acoustic performances.
📀 More About PANGAEAFormed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, PANGAEA’s story began like many bands — a group of friends with a shared dream. After three internationally recognized albums and a long hiatus, the band reunited two decades later to release Beowulf (2023) and now, finally, The Reckoning. Their music continues to resonate across generations of rock and prog fans worldwide.
🔗 Links & Resources:- PANGAEA Band: https://pangaea.band/ - Big Blend Radio Interview with Ron Poulson about Beowulf: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/pangaea-beowulf-album/ - Listen to more episodes on Toast The Arts: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/ 

Author Arlon Jay Staggs: Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits

In celebration of National Book Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Books & Authors Show with Books Forward features author Arlon Jay Staggs, who discusses his debut novel, "Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits" (Koehler Books, October 7, 2025). Perfect for fans of "Fried Green Tomatoes," this tender and charming Southern tale delves into small-town politics, a long-buried tragedy, and a mother whose mysterious, love-laced biscuits are stirring up gossip and a mess of feelings.
Set in 1982 in Bailey Springs, Alabama, "Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits" follows Trudy, a young widow whose return to the spotlight—amid family drama, small-town scandal, and unexpected romance—forces her to confront her past and decide if she’ll play by the rules or risk everything for the life she truly wants.
In this engaging conversation, Arlon discusses the power of Southern storytelling, the blend of humor and heart in his fiction, and how food and gossip weave through the fabric of small-town life. He also shares insights into character development, the balance between love and tradition, and his personal journey from award-winning copywriter and brand strategist to novelist and writing professor.
Learn more about Arlon at https://www.arlonjay.com/ Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio at https://bigblendradio.com/