Quality of Life Radio

Heart Health on the Go: Travel Safety Tips and Summer Wellness

In this “From the Vault” episode of Big Blend Radio’s Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie, we celebrate Parks & Recreation Month and the Summer Travel Season with an essential conversation on heart health during travel and outdoor adventures. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany highlights the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms, the life-saving impact of CPR and AEDs in public spaces, and how to manage heart health at high altitudes.
She also discusses the Mediterranean diet as a practical, heart-healthy lifestyle and offers critical advice for travelers, especially women, who may experience different heart attack symptoms than men. Whether you're hiking, flying, or exploring a new city, this episode is full of smart tips to help you stay heart-healthy on the go.
📖 Read Dr. Jackie’s article “Heart Attack Safety Tips for Travelers” in Parks & Travel Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/dshq/#p=70 
📘 Learn more about Dr. Jackie’s bestselling book “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 
🎧 Subscribe to the show: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/ 
🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday – also featured on Big Blend’s Quality of Life, Big Daily Blend, Vacation Station, and Parks & Travel channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Digital Divide: Rebuilding Real Connection with Dr. Kathleen P. Allen

In an age where scrolling often replaces genuine conversation, is it time to rebuild real-life connection? On Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life show, we welcome Dr. Kathleen P. Allen, author of “Stuck in Our Screens: Setting Aside Social Drama and Restoring Human Connection.”
Dr. Allen shares powerful, research-based insights on how social media and constant digital distractions are disrupting empathy, communication, and relationships for both teens and adults. She uniquely blends humor with serious reflection, exploring how adult online behavior can surprisingly mirror adolescent drama.
In this episode, you'll learn:- The profound emotional impact of continuous screen time.- Why social media often amplifies social drama across all age groups.- Actionable steps to cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence.- Strategies to consciously reclaim meaningful, face-to-face connections.- How to achieve a healthy balance between your digital and real lives.
Drawing from her background as a researcher, educator, and program evaluator, Dr. Allen provides practical ways to break free from toxic online dynamics and foster healthier human interactions.
Tune in to gain valuable insights for navigating our digital world and strengthening your relationships!
Find the book: “Stuck in Our Screens” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Our-Screens-Restoring-Connection-ebook/dp/B0F2J3TXJQ 
About the Author: Kathleen P. Allen, Ed.D., brings years of experience from her work with the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. She is a lifelong educator and "Stuck in Our Screens" is her debut book. 

The Sacred Act of Taking Time Off

Feeling stressed and guilty about taking time off? You're not alone! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin offers a refreshing perspective, reframing time off as a sacred act of self-compassion.
Shelley dives into the impacts of overscheduling and the often-overlooked value of spontaneity, revealing the crucial connection between our health and taking a break. She also highlights the profound healing qualities of being out in nature and taking a vacation, emphasizing their role in our well-being. She tackles the common struggle of saying no, the time-consuming nature of social media, and the urgent need to re-evaluate work-life balance.
Discover the power of mindfulness, how to choose joy over guilt, and the "filters" we apply to our lives. Ultimately, Shelley empowers listeners to set boundaries for well-being and rediscover joy.
Key Takeaways:- Taking time off is essential for mental health.- Self-compassion is a sacred act.- Time in nature and vacations offer profound healing.- Choose joy over duty to enhance well-being.- Mindfulness helps manage stress effectively.- Prioritize your own happiness.
Resources:- Read Shelley’s article “Taking Time Off is a Sacred Act of Self-Compassion”: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/taking-time-off-is-a-sacred-act-of-self-compassion/ 
- 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/ 
This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life,” “Vacation Station,” and “Parks & Travel” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Family Fun in Frisco, Texas is Fantastic!

In honor of National Family Reunion Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show highlights why Frisco, Texas is a must-visit destination for families of all ages. Travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her recent adventures in this vibrant city near Dallas, known for transforming from a small railroad town into a nationally recognized hub of attractions and experiences.
From interactive learning at KidZania and the Frisco Public Library to thrilling visits to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, The Star District, Omni PGA Frisco Resort, and the Historic Rail District—Terri covers it all. Plus, hear about top places to stay and shop, like the Hyatt Regency and Stonebriar Centre Mall.
📖 Read Terri’s article for a deeper dive into her Frisco favorites:👉 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-fun-in-frisco-texas/ 
🌟 Plan your trip: https://www.visitfrisco.com/ 
🎙️ “Travel with Terri” now airs weekly! Tune in every Tuesday at 9 AM CT:👉 https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Quality of Life podcast channels.👉 https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Rayne Lacko - The Secret Song of Shelby Rey

As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Family Month programming, award-winning author Rayne Lacko joins us to talk about her upper YA novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Rey." This gritty and emotional coming-of-age story follows a teen navigating the uncertainty of early adulthood through the lens of music, love, addiction, and self-discovery.
In this episode, Rayne explores how music can be a tool for healing, how young people form identity, the role of parents in their journey, and the power of literature to help teens feel less alone.
Learn more: https://raynelacko.com/ 

Author Catharina Steel - Vanishings

Celebrate National Family Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut author Catharina Steel who shares the inspiration behind "Vanishings," the first book in The Wythic Wood Mysteries, a middle grade fantasy series. Follow young Tilly’s magical adventure through Clayton Forest and Wythic Woods as she searches for her missing cousin—encountering wizards, creatures, and goblin martial arts known as Gobight along the way.
Catharina talks about her journey to becoming a writer, the power of imagination and escapism, and why stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and outdoor exploration are more important than ever for young readers.
Learn more at: https://catharinasteel.com/ 

Dr Marschall Runge - The Great Healthcare Disruption

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Dr. Marschall Runge, a leading cardiologist, medical researcher, and CEO of Michigan Medicine. He discusses his new book, "The Great Healthcare Disruption, "which explores how emerging technologies like AI, new medications, and bold healthcare policies are transforming the future of American medicine. Dr. Runge also talks about his previous medical thriller, "Coded to Kill," and how fiction can reflect real-world challenges in the healthcare system.
From community health to ethical innovation, Dr. Runge offers a clear-eyed look at the promises and pitfalls of modern medicine.
Published through Forbes, "The Great Healthcare Disruption: Big Tech, Bold Policy, and the Future of American Medicine" is available now at: https://drmarschallrunge.com/ 

Author B.R. Duray - The Mood Swing Children's Book

In observance of Father’s Day and National Family Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features debut author B.R. Duray, who shares the inspiration behind his whimsical and heartfelt children’s picture book, The Mood Swing (Moon Tree Studios, June 15, 2025).
Inspired by the loss of his own father at a young age, Duray’s story gently guides young readers through the ups and downs of grief, emotional resilience, and healing. In this thoughtful conversation, he discusses the power of imagination, the importance of open communication, and how storytelling can help children (and parents) navigate complex emotions.
Learn more about The Mood Swing at: http://moodswing-media.org Listen to more Big Blend Radio episodes: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/