Quality of Life Radio

Navigating Women’s Weight for a Healthy Heart

In observance of Women’s Healthy Weight Day (Jan. 15, 2026), board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany explores the powerful connection between women’s heart health, weight management, and overall wellness.
This episode of Big Blend Radio's HEART HEALTHY LIVING focuses on how lifestyle choices—such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and community support—play a critical role in maintaining a healthy weight and protecting cardiovascular health at every stage of life.
Dr. Jackie discusses why obesity is a major global health issue linked to heart disease, why extreme dieting can be harmful, and how mindful eating and movement support both physical and emotional well-being. The conversation also addresses body image pressures women face, the importance of loving and respecting your body, and how simple practices like gardening and growing your own food can encourage healthier habits.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Jackie’s book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Glendora: Isabelle Armand on Her Mississippi Delta Documentary

"A moving testament to the Mississippi Delta, Glendora reveals how the bonds of family and home transform structural scarcity into profound community resilience." Nancy J. Reid, Big Blend Radio
In this episode of Big Blend Radio, filmmaker, cinematographer, and writer Isabelle Armand discusses her feature documentary GLENDORA, an intimate, five-year collaboration with a small African-American community in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. 
Created with—and by—the people who live there, GLENDORA captures daily life through personal testimonies and shared rituals such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. Isabelle shares how sound, atmosphere, and visual storytelling play a vital role in transporting viewers into the town, revealing both its challenges and its deep cultural richness.
Music emerges as a powerful thread connecting generations in Glendora, from church hymns and gospel traditions to local rappers creating their own music videos. The town’s cultural identity is also rooted in Delta blues history, as Glendora is the birthplace of the son of legendary bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson, reflecting a legacy of music as expression, memory, and resilience.
The conversation further explores the importance of historical context and collective memory. Glendora is part of the Civil Rights Trail, and it is also where Emmett Till was murdered in 1955—a defining event that continues to shape the town’s identity and the broader understanding of racial injustice in America.
GLENDORA makes its World Premiere at DWF: NY 2026, screening Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM at Regal Union Square in New York City.
Visit: https://glendora.my.canva.site/ and https://danceswithfilms.com/glendora/ 

Why Transformational Life Coaching Is a Path to Happiness

In this insightful Big Blend Radio "Soul Diving Sunday" conversation, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin —also known as the Live & Die Happy Coach — explores the deeper “why” behind personal growth, happiness, and authentic living. Shelley shares how transformational life coaching focuses on tiny, intentional shifts that create meaningful, lasting change, and how self-discovery often begins long before we realize it.
The discussion touches on midlife awakenings, the heart-and-soul connection, mentorship, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s happiness. Shelley explains how joy can be cultivated through everyday moments, conscious choices, and nurturing relationships—both with ourselves and others. This episode offers inspiration for anyone seeking clarity, fulfillment, and a more joyful path forward.
🔗 Related editorial Q&A: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/why-transformational-life-coaching 
🔗 Learn more about Shelley at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" and "Quality of Life" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Focused for 2026: Embracing Theme Words for the New Year

Happy New Year 2026! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio, we are officially celebrating 19 years of podcasting! To kick off the year with focus and inspiration, we are exploring the "Theme Word" concept. Instead of resolutions, a Theme Word acts as your North Star—guiding your mindset and decisions all year long.
Join us as nine of our regular Big Blend experts share the words they’ve chosen to lead them through 2026, covering everything from resilience and hope to community and gratitude.
FEATURED GUESTS & WEBSITES:* Steve Piacente – Author, Photographer, Life Coach, and Communication Specialist. Visit: https://www.stevepiacente.com/ and https://www.piacentephotos.com/ 
* Lea Brovedani – “The Trust Architect” is a Leadership Expert, Author, and Speaker. Visit: https://leabrovedani.com/ and https://leabrovedanispeaker.com/ 
* Shelley Whizin – “The Live & Die Happy Coach” is an Author and Transformational Life Coach. Visit: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
* Terri Guthrie – Travel Writer and World Explorer & Host of the Travel with Terri Podcast. Visit: https://travelwithterri.net/ 
* Clifford Garstang – Award-winning Author, Writer, and Editor. Visit: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ 
* Kathleen Walls – Travel Writer and Author. Visit: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/ 
* Judy Karnia – Travel Writer and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Visit: https://travelingnature.com (Read her theme word article here: https://travelingnature.com/top-tips-for-meeting-people-while-traveling-solo/ ) 
* Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning Singer-Songwriter. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ 
* Glynn Burrows – Family History Expert and owner of Norfolk Tours UK. Visit: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
🎶 MUSIC FOR A FRESH START: Need the perfect soundtrack for your new year? Listen to our "Music for a Fresh Start" conversation with musical artists Joey Stuckey, Johnny Schaefer, and Anna Karney, and check out their curated music playlist on Spotify: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/music-for-a-fresh-start 

Author Alex Woodard - Ordinary Soil Novel

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features Alex Woodard—singer-songwriter, author, and storyteller—who discusses his powerful new novel, "Ordinary Soil" (Greenleaf, Aug. 12, 2025).
According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other profession, a sobering reality that underscores the hidden cost of modern agriculture. "Ordinary Soil" steps directly into this cultural reckoning, blending science, ancestral trauma, environmental urgency, and hope into a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story.
When a young farmer—burdened by a mysterious family legacy and mounting despair—attempts to take his life beneath a rotting burial elm, he sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried truths about farming, chemical dependency, and the intergenerational wounds carried in the land itself. At the heart of the novel is a startling idea: healing our bodies, minds, and communities may begin in the soil beneath our feet.
In this engaging conversation, Alex shares his transition from music to fiction, the real-life inspiration behind the novel, and how a chance encounter during a surf trip at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the story. He discusses Oklahoma’s agricultural history, the lingering legacy of the Dust Bowl, and why storytelling is essential for addressing complex topics like mental health, environmental responsibility, and consumer choice. Known for his artistic sensitivity, Woodard weaves peer-reviewed science into narrative fiction, creating a novel that serves as both a wake-up call and a balm—one that dares to offer hope in a time of crisis.
"Ordinary Soil" is also available as an audiobook narrated by the legendary Scott Brick, bringing added depth to this resonant and timely story. Learn more about Alex and "Ordinary Soil" at https://www.alexwoodard.com/ 
Learn more about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ 
This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts,”  "Quality of Life," and “Nature Connection” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Gift of Presence: Bringing Light to Others

In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, Live & Die Happy Coach, explores the power of presence, listening, and nourishment during the holiday season. 
Shelley discusses how truly being present in conversations, offering genuine empathy, and sharing the nourishment of food—both physically and emotionally—can illuminate the lives of those around us. She reflects on finding joy even in dark times and emphasizes how small moments of connection can bring light, unity, and understanding into our relationships.
📘 Read Shelley’s article: https://bigblendlifestyle.substack.com/p/the-gift-of-presence 
📚 Get her book – “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory & Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106 
🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley — new episodes drop the first Sunday of each month:https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/ 
📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels.Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Vibrant Harvest: Growing a Kaleidoscope of Color in Your Garden

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.
We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color. 
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/ 🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring the World with Kids: Family Travel Insights with Eileen Cotter Wright

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families.
This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be.
📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/ 
✈️ Read her family travel stories:- London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/ - Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/ - Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/ 
🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork