Quality of Life Radio

Happy Mindful Meditations with Shelley Whizin

It’s all about Happy Mindful Meditations on this uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin, founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™.
Shelley explores the powerful role meditation and mindfulness play in achieving emotional well-being. Tune in to learn how shifting your perspective can spark personal growth and happiness, and discover how simple, mindful practices—like focusing on appreciation—can calm the mind, reduce stress, and help you live more consciously.
🧘 Key Takeaways:- Meditation can help manage emotions and bring clarity- Shifting perspectives is key to personal growth- Mindful meditation can be effective in just two minutes- Focusing on appreciation shifts your mindset- Expectations often lead to disappointment and frustration- Presence is essential for peace and clarity- Self-care practices support emotional well-being- Cooking can be a meditative and expressive act- Letting go makes room for new experiences
📘 Read Shelley’s article: The Power of Meditationhttps://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-power-of-meditation/ 
📚 Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday:https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 

Uncovering Family Roots: A Journey Through Ancestry

Celebrate National Family Month with this heartfelt and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend podcast, where we dive into the rich and emotional world of genealogy and family history.
In this powerful conversation, our guests share personal stories of uncovering their roots, exploring the emotional impact of their discoveries, and the profound connections forged through understanding ancestry. From the complexities of adoption to the joys of discovering hidden family stories, this episode highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and empathy in shaping our identities and navigating life.
Whether you’re new to genealogy or deep into your family history journey, this episode offers inspiration, support, and a sense of community.
🎙️ Featured Guests:* Johnny Schaefer - Award-winning singer/songwriter. https://hearjohnny.com/ * Glynn Burrows – Family history expert, Norfolk Tours UK. https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Julie Ryan McGue – Author, memoirist, and speaker. https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ * Jo Clark – Travel writer & family history researcher. https://recipestravelculture.com/ &  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Cherie Claire – Travel writer & author. https://www.cherieclaire.net/ * Kimberly Hess – Author & family history researcher. https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ * Diane Dobry – Memoirist & travel writer. https://hungarianaquarian.com/ & https://gettinghungary.com/ 
🧬 Key Takeaways:- National Family Month emphasizes the importance of family bonds.- Genealogy research uncovers emotional and impactful family stories.- Writing and storytelling preserve family legacies.- Adoption stories reveal the complexity of identity and belonging.- Online and travel communities support family history research.- Exploring ancestry deepens cultural and personal understanding.- Diaries, documents, and travel can connect us to our past.- Empathy and acceptance are vital when reflecting on historical injustices.
🎧 Also featured on our Quality of Life and Way Back When shows.🔗 Explore More Big Blend Radio Podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Clamor – Tackling the Global Noise Crisis with Author Chris Berdik

Noise is everywhere—disrupting our sleep, increasing our stress, and wrecking our focus—yet it's often dismissed as a minor nuisance. But what if it’s a major environmental issue hiding in plain sound?
This episode of Big Blend Radio's Nature Connection Show features author and science writer Chris Berdik, who dives into the surprising science and urgent implications behind his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World―and How We Can Take It Back."
Berdik discusses the widespread impact of noise pollution on human health, wildlife, and our planet's natural soundscapes. The conversation covers:- Why everyday noise deserves serious measurement and attention- How chronic noise affects mental and physical health- The role of urban planning and community action in reducing noise- Personal insights and compelling stories uncovered through Berdik’s research
"Clamor" is more than just a wake-up call—it’s a rallying cry to recognize noise as an environmental threat on par with air and water pollution.
📘 Learn more about Chris Berdik and his work at: https://www.chrisberdik.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life Show.🌐 Explore our full network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we honor Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month by exploring the deep connections formed through acts of kindness—especially within the military community. The conversation also highlights how travel can deepen our understanding of military history and sacrifice.
Guests Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, founders of the Wanderers Compass travel blog, share their inspiring story of meeting through the nonprofit organization Soldiers’ Angels. They discuss the emotional bonds built through care packages, letters, and food, and how small gestures can create lasting impacts for both soldiers and supporters.Follow their adventures:https://www.wandererscompass.com/
Innkeepers Steve & Karen Wilson of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and Tiffany Bertram of Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast in Hot Springs, Arkansas, share how they honor veterans through initiatives like baking for troops and offering free stays for veterans in November. They also discuss veteran support efforts and historical military sites within their communities.Learn more about their inns:https://www.lion-rose.com/https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/
Through moving personal stories and thoughtful conversations, this episode shines a light on the power of giving, the importance of remembrance, and the many meaningful ways we can support those who serve.
🎧 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Wanderer's Compass and Military Appreciation03:05 – The Journey of Connection through Soldiers’ Angels05:59 – The Impact of Food and Care Packages09:08 – Building Bonds: From Soldiers to Family12:05 – The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Compassion15:03 – The Importance of Communication and Understanding18:12 – Volunteering and Supporting Veterans21:06 – The Role of Community in Veteran Support23:52 – Personal Stories and Emotional Connections27:13 – Encouraging Engagement with Veterans30:02 – Conclusion: The Power of Giving and Connection38:32 – The Impact of Travel on Understanding History41:53 – Visiting War Memorials: A Personal Journey44:52 – The Importance of Learning Real History48:21 – Reflections on War and Its Consequences54:11 – Exploring Turkey: A New Adventure56:52 – Connecting with Innkeepers: A Tribute to Veterans01:06:04 – Honoring Military History and Service01:09:46 – Community Support for Veterans01:12:39 – Understanding Sacrifice and Service01:20:17 – Exploring Family History and Genealogy01:26:14 – Baking for Troops and Community Engagement
🔗 Keep up with Big Blend Radio’s network of shows:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors Show" with Books Forward, we chat with debut author Deb Miller and her daughter Hadley Edwards about Deb’s inspiring new memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness (She Writes Press, June 24, 2025).
Blending memoir with cultural commentary, Deb shares how she broke free from the traditional "happily-ever-after" narrative to embrace a life built on self-discovery, courage, and personal fulfillment. Together with Hadley, she explores how today’s women can rewrite their own stories—without waiting for a prince to save the day.
From navigating societal expectations to examining the evolution of Disney princesses, this honest and hopeful conversation is perfect for listeners interested in women’s empowerment, memoirs by strong women, feminist perspectives, and personal growth journeys.
📘 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://forgetthefairytale.net 
🎧 Keep up with Big Blend Radio's Podcast Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Managing High Blood Pressure for Better Heart Health

In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie”, we observe National High Blood Pressure Education Month by diving into the realities of high blood pressure (hypertension) and its impact on heart health. Known as the “silent killer,” hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. and often presents no symptoms until a serious event, such as a stroke or heart attack, occurs.
Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, cardiologist and author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story,” shares key lifestyle tips to lower your blood pressure naturally:- Exercise more 🏃‍♀️- Eat less salt 🧂- Drink in moderation 🍷- Get better sleep 😴
🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 📘 Learn more: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday! Also on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & “Big Daily Blend” channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Motherhood: Stories of Love, Life Lessons, Strength & Resilience

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio, we raise a year-round toast to the incredible women who shape our lives — celebrating motherhood in all its forms. From powerful personal stories to fascinating insights into the animal kingdom and human history, this special show goes far beyond a single day of recognition.
Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter duo behind Big Blend Radio, kick off the show with heartfelt reflections from their adventures as pet sitters while they travel full-time, offering a unique look at maternal instincts in the animal world.
Featured Guests:- Christy Wood – World champion horse trainer, author, and judge, Christy talks about how her mother supported her on her equestrian career journey. More at: https://wdnhorse.com/ 
- Aryn Youngless – Genealogist and author, Aryn explores the historical role of mothers through the lens of family ancestry, and the story of great grandmother. More at https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ 
- Terri Guthrie – Travel writer and world traveler, Terri talks about how her husband Ron’s mother nudged him to get a higher education and become a fighter pilot. More at https://travelwithterri.net/ 
- Heidi Sander – Travel journalist and award-winning poet, Heidi reflects on her relationship with her mother and reads two poems from her book, “To Mom, With Love.” More at https://heidisander.com/ 
More Resources:- “My Mom. Her Story: A Legacy Journal” by Aryn Youngless: https://a.co/d/7JUj1aR - “To Mom, With Love: Poetry Collection” by Heidi Sander: https://tinyurl.com/2s4665y7 - Big Blend Radio with Ron Guthrie, Terri’s husband, about becoming a top gun fighter pilot: https://youtu.be/J1dUp1WgES8?feature=shared 
Whether you're looking for a caring tribute, educational insight, or uplifting storytelling, this episode honors mothers and mother figures with heart, humor, and depth — perfect for Mother's Day or any day you want to celebrate the women who make the world go round.
Listen now and be inspired by the universal spirit of motherhood. 

Healing Mother-Daughter Relationships

In honor of Mother’s Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday show with Shelley Whizin takes a deep dive into the complex and transformative world of mother-daughter relationships. 
Shelley discusses how generational trauma can be inherited just like traditions—and how it’s possible to consciously break those cycles to build a new legacy of love, respect, and emotional healing.
She also shares insights from the chapter she co-wrote with her daughter, Sarah, titled “A Legacy of Love: Breaking the Chain of Abuse,” featured in the powerful new book, "I Love You, I Hate You: Healing Generational Bonds—Navigating the Mother-Daughter Relationship." More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/healing-mother-daughter-relationships/ 
Shelley Whizin is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™, a transformational coach, and author of “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life.” Learn more about her coaching programs, courses, and workshops at https://shelleywhizin.com/  
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday:  https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the full network of Big Blend Radio Podcasts:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork