National Parks Radio

It's all about beautiful Slovenia on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz. Located in Central Europe, Slovenia offers breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich history, and a solid commitment to eco-friendly practices.  Over half of Slovenia's terrain is covered in pristine forests, making it a leader in forest conservation and green initiatives. This compact country boasts numerous protected areas, including the majestic Triglav National Park. Read Sharon's article about her experiences here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-green-slovenia/  Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5  Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her a

In honor of Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features legal and environmental historian, author, and attorney Lowell E. Baier. Hear about his latest book, "Earth’s Emergency Room: Saving Species as the Planet and Politics Get Hotter."  "Earth's Emergency Room" is a celebration of 50 years of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). In the book, Baier provides an insightful and entertaining history of the ESA’s dramatic highs and lows. He profiles his work with the ESA from its inception to the present, and with the key figures who shaped its history, from field biologists to Presidents of the United States. Baier ultimately calls on all Americans to embrace a spirit of bipartisanship and conservation to strengthen the law that has been the Earth’s emergency room for half a century. More at https://lowellebaier.com/ and https://esaat50.com/  You can also listen to his earlier Big Blend Radio interview about the history and importance of the Endangered Species Ac

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month and National Rivers Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show that focuses on Itasca State Park in Minnesota and the Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls. FEATURED GUESTS: - ROGER BELL, President of the Jefferson Highway Association. Info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/   - CONNIE COX - Lead Interpretive Naturalist at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. More: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage  - JESSICA TJARKS - Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls, Iowa. More: http://www.empressboatclub.org/  The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST. Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  Featured photo of Mississippi Headwaters with People, Copy

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and Oceans Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, is all about the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands along the coastline of North Carolina. It boasts 100-plus miles of wide-open shoreline, charming villages and towns, and plenty of historical attractions. From the history of flight to lighthouses, wild horses, beaches, shopping and dining, there’s something for everyone. Check out Debbie's article and video feature, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/lots-to-love-about-the-outer-banks/    Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

In honor of Great Outdoors Month and National Rivers Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Show features award-winning author Kevin Fedarko who discusses his new book, "A WALK IN THE PARK: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon."  It shares the odyssey Kevin his best friend and photographer Pete McBride undertook to transect the entire length of the Grand Canyon, a feat billed by the handful of experts who have managed to complete it as “the toughest hike in the world.”  A WALK IN THE PARK is an ode to such vanishing places, and a deeply moving plea for the preservation of America’s greatest national treasure.  More: https://www.kevinfedarko.com/  Follow Big Blend Radio's PARKS & TRAVEL Podcast on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/5tkdvm5a 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows is all about the oceans, seas, rivers, and outdoor experiences you can enjoy in the United Kingdom. From walking coastal paths to cruising on a narrowboat, check out Glynn's article that spotlights some of the beautiful and memorable adventures you can have, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/oceans-seas-and-rivers-of-england  Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um  Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 

From hiking through tropical rainforests to outrigger surfing, it's all about Costa Rica on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou." Hear about Linda's recent 13-day trip to Costa Rica with Overseas Adventure Travel. You can read Linda's articles about her trip NABBW.org here: - Part 1: From the Lush Rainforests to the Shining Sea: https://tinyurl.com/3x6t9ked  - Part 2: A Little Country with a Big Heart: https://tinyurl.com/46p4mrks  Watch Linda's YouTube playlist of short videos from her recent visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUfBG36FykHl4ZkQ5vsX9OVS1BfX8Bj6l  To learn more about  Linda’s adventures with Active Central/South American tours in Costa Rica, read her essay "Tough Cookies in Costa Rica" in her travel collection "Lost Angel Walkabout" which is available on her site at https://tinyurl.com/yc6y6vmk  Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/  Listen

This episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on the Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting “Pickett’s Charge up Cemetery Ridge” at the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. The innovative Gettysburg Cyclorama was the work of father-son painter duo Henri Philippoteaux (1815 – 1884), and Paul Philippoteaux (1846 – 1923). Read Victoria's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/dioramas-cycloramas-and-the-painters-philippoteaux  Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/  Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624 

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Scott Kendall who talks about his week long family vacation exploring the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Hear about the destination's golf, boating, hiking, eating, relaxing, and lodging opportunities. Read Scott's article about his trip, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/adventures-in-lake-of-the-ozarks-missouri/  Scott Kendall is Editor of PlayStayEat.com as well as a freelance travel writer, photographer, and videographer based in The Woodlands, Texas. He has traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe, including several trips to Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, England, Ireland, and France. More: https://playstayeat.com/     Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Celebrating Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" Podcast features Don Hafner, who along with his wife Shelly, went to all 59 of the National Parks in 59 weeks during 2014/15. To date, they have visited 62 of America's National Parks, 48 US States, 22 foreign countries, and at least 30 national parks overseas. They've been north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Tropic of Capricorn, swam in all five oceans, and visited 5 of the 7 continents. Don is host to #ParkChat held on Wednesdays at 9pm EST on Twitter (X). Follow him @59NationalParks on Twitter (X) and Instagram. 

From Frank Lloyd Wright to the Flight 93 National Memorial, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Show features Eric Knopsnyder who shares what to experience in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Located just east of Pittsburgh, this beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation venues, historic sites & attractions, family activities, scenic road trip adventures, and world class resorts. More: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/ Learn more about the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association at https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Follow this podcast on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/39nvjppe

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features mixed medoa artist Chelsea Bighorn, the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Chelsea Bighorn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Her tribal affiliations are the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes from Montana and the Shoshone-Paiute from Northern Nevada. Bighorn's work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Using this process, she tells her personal history through her art. Bighorn has shown her work at the Museum of Contemporary Native Art, SITE Santa Fe, The Balzar Gallery and her work is currently on display at The Center for Native Futures in Chicago, IL. She graduated with honors from The Institute of American Indian Arts in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts.  More: http://www.chelseabighorn.com/  Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique art

From gourmet trail mix to Spanish peanuts, this shared episode of "The Peanut Patch," a Big Blend Radio Foodie Podcast with Donna George, focuses on super snacks for road trippers and outdoor adventurers. Open from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, culinary gifts, and sweet treats. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/  The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday at 12pm Arizona. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

In celebration of June being Great Outdoors Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast with the Sequoia Tourism Council focuses on the upcoming Hike and Heal Sequoia National Park Wilderness Wellness Retreats. These retreats are facilitated by Sydney and Barry Williams of Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy Field Institute. Starting in June, there will be three retreats this summer. FEATURED GUESTS: - NICOLE STIVERS of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Lake Kaweah. They fund and enable park projects and programs that protect, preserve, and provide access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.  Visit https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/  - SYDNEY WILLIAMS -  Author, and Founder & CEO of Hiking My Feelings. This unique organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. More at:

From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the majestic Machu Picchu and the shores of Lake Titicaca, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz covers her immersive experiences with Intrepid Travel in Peru. Read about her journey that took her deep into the vibrant tapestry of local communities, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/journeying-through-peru/  Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5  Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show that focuses on the various Hiking Opportunities you can enjoy in Asheville, North Carolina. Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/   - Jennifer "Jenny" Gruhn, PhD - Owner and Biologist of Asheville Hiking Tours. More: https://www.ashevillehikingtours.com/   Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/  

This is episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas.  Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/  Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Jessica Carter, Director of Parks and Public Engagement at Save the Redwoods League, who discusses the 3rd Annual California State Parks Week happening June 12-16, 2024.  Through over 200 special in-person community events and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates California’s 280 state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. California State Parks Week is presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation.  Visit: * https://castateparksweek.org/   * https://www.parks.ca.gov/  * https://www.savetheredwoods.org/  * https://parkscalifornia.org/  * https://www.calparks.org/  Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/  This  episode is also featured on Big Blend Ra

Celebrate National Walking Month and Small Business Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle. From getting a local's lay of the land and an insider's lowdown on the best shops, restaurants, events, and places to visit, to being kind on the wallet and a healthy activity inbetween culinary indulgences, hear about the myraid of ways walking tours can amp up your vacation experience.  Check out Cheryl's blog on Walking Tours, which includes some great (and free) recommendations: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/walking-tours-to-celebrate-national-walking-month/  On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/ 

From the Andes to Patagonia, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" covers her 17-day sojourn into South America with Overseas Adventure Travel. You can read her stories on her South American experiences on NABBW.org here: * Chile: https://tinyurl.com/5n8caxzj * Patagonia: https://tinyurl.com/33ffa7be When Linda visited Chile and Patagonia, conservation efforts spearheaded by Kristine Tompkins were underway. When her husband, Doug Tompkins, died in a kayaking accident in 2015, she picked up the pieces of their shared dream to purchase millions of acres in Patagonia and Chile with the plan to give the land to the government to create a national park system that would rival the one we enjoy here in the U.S. In this Ted Talk she provides all the details with images of the transformation she is leading in Patagonia and Chile. https://youtu.be/UWothcLpazU?si=pwm6HXxkzWnjcnzM In 2023 National Geographic produced the film "Wild Life" spotlighting Tompkins efforts. Trailer: