Quality of Life Radio

Channeling Marilyn: Author Mima Tipper on Marilyn Monroe's Legacy

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press).
Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self.
In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel.
This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are.
Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/ 
Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 
Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Building a Better World Through Community, Travel & the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Welcome to this shared inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast with hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough.
Pull up a chair for global conversations that shape a better world as we explore how travel, community, culture, and collaboration connect to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this debut episode, the hosts are joined by Carlisle Richardson, an international relations expert whose career has included serving as Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations and as a United Nations Economic Affairs Officer. Carlisle played a key role in negotiations that helped establish the landmark Sustainable Development Goals and contributed to preparations for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Together they discuss:- Why the Sustainable Development Goals matter to everyone- - How travel builds understanding across cultures- The importance of protecting heritage sites and cultural identity- Sustainable tourism and water conservation- Community-led solutions that create global impact- Inspiring children and future generations to become changemakers- The role of storytelling in preserving culture and encouraging sustainability- Why every individual can help build a more resilient future
Whether you're passionate about travel, conservation, education, culture, or simply making your community stronger, this conversation offers practical inspiration and a hopeful perspective on creating positive change—one story and one connection at a time.
Carlisle's Books📚 The Soft Underbelly — https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Underbelly-Carlisle-Richardson-ebook/dp/B0H2FLMPN8/ 📚 Rose Grows Veggies — https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Grows-Veggies-Carlisle-Richardson/dp/1068739991 📚 Island Journeys: The Impact of the Island Way of Life at Home and Abroad — https://www.amazon.com/Island-Journeys-Impact-Life-Abroad/dp/1599326124 
Resources & Links➡️ Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ ➡️ Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ ➡️ The Steppes of Henry Foundation: https://theglobalhenry.org/ ➡️ UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals 
New episodes of Table & Compass air every first Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/ 

Why Picnics and Potlucks Are the Ultimate Family Reunions

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/ 

A Story of Resilience, Faith & Community in Bunkie, Louisiana

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast takes a reflective look at faith, resilience, and community in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
The show begins with a special message from Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, regarding the historic flooding currently impacting communities throughout Avoyelles Parish and the remarkable resilience of local residents, volunteers, first responders, and organizations working together to help those affected.
Recorded onsite in Bunkie, Louisiana, hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith visit David Haas Memorial United Methodist Church and talk with William Tebow about the church's remarkable journey following a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the historic sanctuary. Through faith, determination, and community support, the congregation rebuilt and renewed a beloved gathering place that continues to serve as a symbol of hope.
The conversation explores the importance of community, the role churches play in small-town life, and how adversity often brings people together. Listeners will hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors, churches supporting one another across denominations, and the enduring spirit that defines Avoyelles Parish.
🔗 Learn more about Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen:https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 
🔗Visit Big Blend's new digital home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Pets, Purpose & Slow Travel: Getting to Know Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters

In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com.
This shared episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful travel, animal welfare, and community building.
A lifelong animal lover, Angela discusses how pet sitting became a lifestyle that has allowed her to experience cultures around the world while caring for pets and helping pet parents travel with peace of mind. 
From meaningful travel experiences and cultural discoveries to charitable work supporting animal rescue and fostering, Angela reflects on the trust, communication, and compassion that connect people through a shared love of animals.
The conversation also explores the benefits of slow travel, the emotional bonds between pets and their people, favorite destinations, life lessons learned through travel, and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations.
🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters:https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 
🏡 Explore Big Blend Media House:https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes:https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

When Travel Becomes a Pilgrimage: Lessons from the White Lions of South Africa

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul? In this shared and 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/ 

Love Is Strength: Pride Month and World Caring Day Special

What does it mean to truly care — for yourself, your community, and the world? On this special World Caring Day and Pride Month edition of Big Blend Radio, host Lisa Smith and award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host Johnny Schaefer welcome two extraordinary guests for a conversation about love, empathy, music, and the courage to be human.
🎬 Geoffrey Levin — founder of the rock band PEOPLE! and director of the new documentary Brothers Broken — shares his journey from the San Francisco folk scene (alongside Jerry Garcia, Jefferson Airplane & Janis Joplin) to 46 years in Scientology, and his long road back to love and family.
🎵 Grammy Award-winning Melissa Manchester reflects on her anthem "A Better Rainbow" — written the morning of President Obama's second inauguration — and what it means to write a song as a prayer. She also shares news about her upcoming role in the musical Cagney and her new album Audacity with Ann Hampton Callaway.
The conversation moves through chosen family, the demonization of empathy, the science of gratitude, and why love is not a weakness — it's a muscle.
🎵 Music to Celebrate Pride Month & World Caring Day Playlist:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Lat96RCZV7cc6KKXjKq4n?si=n5ceqYt6R5ey_7M9d78nWA - YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHUZITwHVJI4crWLzr9x6gx8Mu6XWWvJ&si=a4dzNyU8vSWeUKEO 
📌 LINKS:🎬 Brothers Broken Documentary: https://www.brothersbroken.com 🎬 Watch/Stream Brothers Broken: https://geni.us/brothersbroken 🎵 Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com 🎵 Melissa Manchester: https://melissamanchester.com 🌐 Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Palm Springs Uncovered: Solo Travel, Boutique Hotels & Desert Relaxation

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the growing trend of solo travel and the unique charm of boutique hotels in Palm Springs.
Joining Sharon are Robert Hunt of Alcazar Palm Springs, and Kimberli Munkres of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. Together, they discuss why Palm Springs has become a favorite destination for solo travelers, wellness seekers, and anyone looking to relax and recharge in a welcoming desert setting.
The conversation covers the area's boutique hotel culture, renowned dining scene, arts and architecture, celebrity history, healing springs, outdoor recreation, and year-round festivals. Hear why Palm Springs' independently owned small hotels provide a personalized experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Whether you're planning a solo getaway, a wellness retreat, or a road trip through Southern California, this episode offers valuable insights into one of America's most beloved desert destinations.
📝 Read Sharon's accompanying article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/palm-springs-solo-travelers-guide 
🌴 Learn more about Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels: https://palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/ 
🏨 Discover Alcazar Palm Springs: https://alcazarpalmsprings.com/ 
📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 
🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:https://sharonkkurtz.com 
🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com