Some islands invite you to relax. This one invites you to discover.

In Part Two of their Caribbean series, Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" hosts Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough sit down with three extraordinary voices who have made Sint Maarten their home — each one a living thread in the cultural fabric of the Friendly Island.

Former and first Prime Minister and current President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams shares her lifelong journey of public service and her deep passion for the island she has helped shape since its first days as a constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom.

May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, pulls back the curtain on Sint Maarten's bold new direction — from Carnival preservation and the St. Martin Flavors culinary platform to sustainable tourism and quality over quantity.

And in an unplanned but unforgettable conversation, five-decade resident, musician, composer, and entrepreneur Clarence Derby takes us inside the story of Arrow's global hit "Hot Hot Hot" — and shares why giving back will always matter more than the money. Stay tuned to the end for a special music clip from Clarence himself.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Full article that includes Part One of the Podcast Special: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/beyond-the-postcard-of-the-caribbean - Follow Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21!

Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference.

GUESTS: - Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com - Susan Lanier-Graham — Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com - Andrew Harris — Culinary Advisor & Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS: - Exclusive private dinner at High Stakes — Chef Paul Bartolotta's brand-new restaurant, opened just for conference attendees - Cheese workshops, Bloody Mary demos & opening reception at Milwaukee Public Market - Professional development panels — Inside the Industry, Media Kits That Work, No Stupid Questions & more - Milwaukee Day — art museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, brewing history, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, African American history tour, spy bar lunch & more - Closing reception at the historic Women's Club of Wisconsin - Pre & post trips: Shipshewana, Indiana & New Glarus, Wisconsin and more.

Open to all IFWTWA members and non-members, the Conference will be hosted at the non-smoking Pottawatomi Hotel & Casino. Day passes available for local Milwaukee writers!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul? In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey.

Shelley traveled in real physical pain — dealing with a bulging disc and sciatica — yet refused to stay home. What unfolded was a profound journey of healing, stillness, grief, and transformation. From a shattering 40-minute ceremony invoking Mother Earth and the white lions, to sitting in silence with wild lions on the African savanna, to confronting the brutal reality of canned hunting farms, this conversation goes deep into what it means to truly be present.

Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith — who has lived in both South Africa and Kenya — joins Shelley for a richly layered conversation about the cycle of life, the web of nature, trophy hunting, and the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Shelley's Article: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/the-lionesses-the-mothers-and-me - Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com - Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ - Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast - More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/