What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this shared and uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories.

Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life and connection, why play and laughter are essential ingredients for healthy relationships, and how celebrating our elders and family legacy enriches every generation. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the joy of potlucks and shared experiences, and even the value of taking yourself on a solo picnic as an act of self-care.

Whether you're planning a family reunion, gathering with friends, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this episode is filled with practical ideas and heartfelt inspiration for celebrating life while the people you love are here.

🥪 Read Shelley's companion article & recipe: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here

📰 Follow Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com

🌐 Visit Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast

🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

Happy Summer! On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" Show, Robert Schueller of Melissa's Produce joins us for a virtual summer foodie shopping spree to stock the brand-new digital Big Blend Media House — pantry, fridge, freezer, wine cellar, backyard grill, poolside bar, and wellness retreat included.

From Petite Pinkglow and Colada Royale pineapples to dragon fruit, tree-ripened mangoes, cherimoya, Moscato grapes, passion fruit, lychees, rhubarb, mini cucumbers, Marzano tomatoes, jicama, gemstone potatoes, steamed beans and lentils, sweet tamarind, ginger and turmeric, hatch onions, shishito peppers, custom spice grinders, shallots, clean snacks, kettle corn, and gourmet dessert crêpes — this is the ultimate summer shopping list, tied to the foodie holidays worth celebrating all season long.

Read the full companion article and get recipes and direct links to every item at: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/a-fresh-taste-of-summer-melissas

Shop all of Melissa's Produce at: https://www.melissas.com/

Visit the new Big Blend Media House at https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com

From the icy waters of Alaska to the vineyards of southeastern Arizona, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" celebrates the art of pairing exceptional seafood with outstanding wines.

Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery, welcomes special guest Sena Wheeler, co-owner of Sena Sea, a fifth-generation family-owned wild Alaska seafood company.

Together they explore how premium ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the concepts of terroir and merroir influence flavor and create unforgettable dining experiences. They also discuss sustainable fishing and winemaking, family-owned businesses, women in the food and wine industries, and why properly frozen seafood can actually be fresher than "fresh" fish for many consumers.

Peggy shares expert wine pairing advice for wild Alaska salmon, halibut, and sablefish (black cod), along with cooking techniques that allow both the seafood and the wine to shine. Whether you're grilling, baking, or pan-searing seafood, you'll come away with practical tips to elevate your next meal.

🍷 Peggy's Seafood & Wine Pairing Tips + Recipes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/how-to-pair-wine-with-seafood

🐟 Learn more about Sena Sea: https://www.senasea.com/

🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com

🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, join Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, for a fascinating journey through the remarkable story of one of America's most beloved foods—the peanut.

Discover how peanuts became an American staple, from their agricultural importance and the groundbreaking innovations of George Washington Carver to their role during wartime, family traditions, baseball games, county fairs, road trips, and Fourth of July celebrations. Donna shares surprising peanut facts, explains why peanuts are actually legumes rather than nuts, and offers creative recipe ideas along with delicious ways to enjoy peanut butter, peanut brittle, and other peanut-inspired treats.

Whether you're planning a summer road trip, celebrating America 250, or simply love discovering the stories behind America's favorite foods, this episode celebrates the ingenuity, resilience, and agricultural heritage that make the humble peanut an enduring American icon.

🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/

🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/

🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.

From antique tractors and agri-tourism experiences to Route 66 road trips, hidden museums, historic figures, county fairs, and unexpected backroad discoveries, Cindy highlights the authentic experiences that connect travelers to America's heartland.

As part of National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month, this conversation also celebrates the farmers, agricultural traditions, and rural communities that help feed the nation while preserving an important part of America's cultural heritage. The episode also ties into the spirit of America 250, showcasing the stories, landscapes, and local histories that help tell America's ongoing story.

LINKS & RESOURCES: - New Book, "True Farm Girl Adventures": https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2026/05/30/true-farm-girl-adventures-in-a-book-form/

- Story: "My Encounter with James Dean": https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2020/09/24/my-encounter-with-james-dean/

- Follow Cindy's adventures: https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/

- Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

- Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

- Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

We're heading back to Bells Up Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley with winemaker and co-owner Dave Specter! In this Big Blend Radio "Getting to Know You" interview, Dave talks about turning a dead Christmas tree farm into a thriving boutique winery, the music-inspired story behind the Bells Up name, rare grapes you won't find anywhere else in the Willamette Valley — including a sparkling Seyval Blanc and a soon-to-be-released Italian variety nearly wiped out in World War II. Plus, Dave answers our 7 Getting to Know You questions — his spirit animal, bucket list, theme song, dinner party nightmares, and strong opinions about heirloom tomatoes! LINKS TO FOLLOW - Learn more about Bells Up Winery: https://bellsupwinery.com - Visit the new Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this shared flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana.

Located right along the historic Jefferson Highway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Spuddy's place is one of those rare finds that turns a road trip into a memory.

Spuddy breaks down Louisiana's renowned cuisine — why gumbo is the ultimate multicultural dish (African okra, French roux, German sausage, Spanish seasoning, and indigenous filé all in one pot), the real difference between gumbo and jambalaya, and why the best seasoning always starts with salt and pepper.

Along the way, he shares the story behind his legendary nickname (hint: it involves Sputnik), why he traded 27 years in the restaurant business for cooking classes, and what happens when a UK couple, a pep rally of sixth graders, or an 8-year-old girl walks into his kitchen and takes over.

This is Louisiana food culture at its warmest — history, community, storytelling, and a whole lot of flavor!

LINKS & RESOURCES - Visit Spuddy: https://www.cajuncookingexperience.com/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Radio "Food, Wine & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 - Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com

Celebrate National Candy Month with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast featuring Matthew Luna, owner of Desert Freeze Dried and grandson of Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona. Sitting in for Donna, Matthew shares his expertise in the fascinating world of freeze drying and the innovative ways this technology is transforming food preservation and snacking.

Discover how foods ranging from candy and fruit to complete meals can be freeze dried to create lightweight, shelf-stable treats with unique textures and flavors. Matthew explains the science behind the process, discusses surprising foods that can—and can't—be freeze dried, and shares insights into consumer trends, outdoor recreation foods, emergency preparedness, and creative culinary possibilities.

Whether you're curious about freeze-dried candy, planning your next outdoor adventure, or simply fascinated by food science, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look at one of today's most innovative food trends.

Follow Desert Freeze Dried on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertfreezedriedcandy/

🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/

🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/

🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/