A Toast to The Arts

On The Edge – A Musical Journey with Dave Bainbridge

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, musician and composer Dave Bainbridge discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Blending folk, rock, progressive, jazz, and modern classical influences with lyrics in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the album features an all-star cast of musicians including Simon Phillips, Troy Donockley, Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, and more.
Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.
📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5 🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.com 

The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the fascinating life and work of Eric Gibberd, an artist who found inspiration and success in New Mexico.
The conversation explores Gibberd’s early challenges, his artistic journey from London to the American Southwest, and the influence of Cézanne on his approach to form and abstraction. It also highlights the importance of artistic communities, education, and libraries in nurturing creativity, as well as the role of community engagement in shaping the future of local art initiatives and museums.
Read Victoria’s Article: The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd (1897–1972): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-eric-gibberd-1897-1972/ 
About Victoria Chick: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/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts channel.Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Filmmaker Spencer Cohen - The Compatriots

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning filmmaker Spencer Cohen, who discusses his powerful debut feature, “The Compatriots.”
Inspired by Cohen’s real-life best friend, a Dreamer from Peru, The Compatriots follows Javi (Rafael Silva), an undocumented Latino immigrant facing deportation, who reconnects with his estranged childhood friend Hunter (Denis Shepherd). Together, they embark on an emotional journey to prevent Javi’s expulsion from the only country he has ever called home.
Balancing serious themes with humor and heart, Cohen shares how audiences have connected deeply with the story, sparking important conversations about immigration, identity, friendship, and LGBTQIA+ experiences. released digitally in the US and Canada, the film honors the diverse contributions and challenges of Hispanic and Latin American communities, making it especially meaningful during Hispanic Heritage Month.
🌐 Learn more about the film: http://www.thecompatriotsfilm.com  

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.