This episode of Big Blend Radio spotlights "Big Daily Blend" cohost and award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer @hearjohnny based in Southern California, in a special “Getting to Know You” conversation.

In this inspiring and personal interview, Johnny shares his musical journey, creative influences, and the deeper purpose behind his songwriting. From emotional storytelling to the power of connection, he reflects on how music can heal, uplift, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

The conversation dives into authenticity in performance, navigating the music industry, and the importance of staying true to your voice as an artist. Along the way, Johnny opens up about his inspirations, life lessons, creative process, and even a few fun personal insights—making this episode both heartfelt and engaging.

Read Johnny’s “Music Insider” Editorial Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/getting-to-know-johnny-schaefer Listen to Johnny on Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/meet-the-experts-johnny-schaefer Keep up with Johnny: https://hearjohnny.com/ Join Johnny’s Gratitude Club (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features members of Cracked Nut Creatives, current National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Blending classical music, multimedia storytelling, and environmental awareness, the artists explore the powerful relationship between music, nature, and place. Through their residency experience, they share how volcanic landscapes, natural soundscapes, and cultural heritage influence artistic interpretation and creative expression.

The conversation highlights how engaging with nature can deepen artistic perspective, expand sensory awareness, and foster empathy—an essential element in all art forms. From composing and performing music inspired by the environment to creating immersive multimedia projects, these artists demonstrate how national parks serve as living studios for innovation and storytelling.

This episode also underscores the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage, and how artist residencies play a vital role in connecting audiences to the landscapes that inspire creative work.

FEATURED ARTISTS CRACKED NUT CREATIVES * Carlin Ma (Pianist & Multimedia Artist) Website: https://carlinmamedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlinma_

* Joshua Nakazawa (Cellist / Composer) Website: https://manamusichawaii.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamusichawaii/

* Sam Paris & Carlin Ma (Cracked Nut Creatives) Website: https://www.crackednutcreatives.com/

🎬 Glacial Ice Cave Music Video: https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04? si=qq_O3iKRSNDlQotP

NPAF, PODCAST & MAGAZINE * National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

* “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Podcast: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/

* "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Show, historian, tour guide, and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows takes us behind the scenes of England’s most iconic filming locations. From historic estates and ancient cities to modern studio sets, discover how British film and television bring history to life while preserving and showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

The conversation explores the magic behind productions like "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter," revealing how real locations and carefully crafted sets work together to create immersive storytelling. Along the way, Glynn shares insights into England’s historic sites, architectural beauty, and even the surprising legacy of Roman engineering that still influences modern infrastructure today.

Whether you're a film buff, history lover, or traveler seeking meaningful experiences, this episode highlights how screen storytelling inspires tourism, supports preservation, and connects audiences to England’s past and present.

🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/lights-camera-england

📖 Explore Glynn’s digital magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/

🎧 Listen to more English Connection episodes: https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 🌐 Visit English Connection: https://www.EnglishConnection.uk

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we get to know Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in Tucson, Arizona, through our signature “Getting to Know You” questions. Along the way, Lance shares fascinating insights into the life, art, and legacy of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, one of the most reproduced artists in the world.

From DeGrazia’s early years and artistic journey to the creation of his iconic 10-acre gallery—now a National Historic Landmark—this conversation explores the people, landscapes, and cultures that shaped his work across the American Southwest and into Mexico.

You will also hear the incredible story of DeGrazia’s infamous tax protest, where he burned over a million dollars’ worth of his own artwork, as well as the enduring legend of hidden paintings rumored to be buried in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains—adding a layer of mystery to his already legendary career.

The episode also touches on current and upcoming exhibits, special events at the gallery, and the continued cultural impact of DeGrazia’s work in Tucson and beyond.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday. Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Show, Joey Stuckey celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month by diving into the vibrant world of jazz, exploring its rich cultural roots, diverse styles, and the improvisational spirit that defines this uniquely American art form.

From swing and bebop to fusion, Latin jazz, and beyond, Joey shares insights into how jazz evolved through cultural exchange and musical innovation. He discusses the importance of improvisation, the role of dissonance and expression, and how jazz reflects the blending of traditions that shape American music.

This engaging conversation also highlights jazz as both an intellectual and emotional experience—one that invites listeners to explore sound, structure, and storytelling in new ways. Whether you're new to jazz or a longtime fan, this episode celebrates the genre’s depth, freedom, and enduring influence.

🎧 Spotify Playlist – All That Jazz: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NSjJwCe9AgtcjR2BhFxz3?si=12a88d18f414460a

🎸 Joey Stuckey is Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, an award-winning blind guitarist, producer, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio. His passion for music education and storytelling shines through every episode. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, we get to know artist and art historian Victoria Chick as she shares her creative journey, the power of curiosity, and the inspiration behind her work in art and community building.

From spearheading the development of a regional art museum in Silver City, New Mexico, to helping shape a creative “virtual home” through the Big Blend Media House, Victoria reflects on how art, travel, and observation influence both personal growth and cultural connection.

Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary leading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.

🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Artist Victoria Chick: 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/ - Visit the new Big Blend Media House site (the foundation is being laid now so ignore the construction dust) and subscribe to its new "Front Porch News" Newsletter: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), who shares insights into the organization’s NPAF Retrospective digital magazine while exploring the cultural and natural significance of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument in Northern New Mexico.

In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on her personal experiences in these remarkable Southwestern landscapes, discussing their deep cultural heritage, ancestral connections, and the powerful role they play in shaping artistic inspiration. The discussion highlights how artists help preserve and interpret the stories of our national parks, bringing history, environment, and human experience to life through creative expression.

The episode also touches on the realities of navigating remote park environments, including disaster preparedness, understanding geography, and the importance of awareness when exploring wilderness areas. From stories of getting lost in nature to moments of spiritual connection, Tanya emphasizes how being present in these landscapes can deepen our understanding of both the natural world and ourselves.

As part of the ongoing Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective series, this episode celebrates the intersection of art, heritage, and conservation, and the essential role artists play in preserving the legacy of America’s public lands.

LINKS & RESOURCES * Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ * NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ * Listen to more “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/

This episode of the Big Daily Blend Show explores the rich history and cultural impact of marching bands, as part of our special Jazz Appreciation Month programming, with cohost and award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer. Learn more about Johnny: https://hearjohnny.com/

Joining the conversation are two highly respected music educators, who along with Johnny, have deep roots in Porterville, California which is known globally for its marching band legacy:

* Donna Steigleder – A retired band and choir director with decades of experience teaching band, jazz band, choir, and music fundamentals across multiple schools in Porterville. Her students consistently earned top honors at festivals and competitions, and she remains active in music performance, including participation in national marching bands and community ensembles. Listen to this separate interview about Donna's career: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5M12nien0g

* James Kusserow – An award-winning band director and educator whose 37-year legacy includes leading the Porterville High School Panther Band to national recognition, performances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the Tournament of Roses Parade. A National Hall of Fame Band Director, James continues to teach, perform, and mentor young musicians. Enjoy this separate interview about James' career: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV7GJVXoyjI

Together, they share powerful stories and insights on how marching bands shape communities, inspire students, and preserve musical traditions. From halftime shows to national stages, this conversation highlights the importance of arts education, the evolution of band music, and the lifelong impact of music programs—including the deep roots of jazz within marching band culture.

ENJOY OUR SPOTIFY "MARCHING BAND" MUSIC PLAYLIST (curated with the help of Donna): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gKtgGhmtnRUfZzPLGTTsl?si=c7d735b5ec074700