Happy National Family Day! This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author Francine Falk-Allen. A fan of genealogy research, Francine enjoyed uncovering her family’s history, and traced both her maternal and paternal ancestors back to the 1600s. She never imagined that one day she’d discover a jaw-dropping family secret. Based on a tr…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show with co-host Joey Stuckey, celebrates music that inspires, motivates, and makes us all feel good! After all, isn't music our emotional medicine? This episode also kicks off Joey's Annual ALIVE DAY which we will celebrate on Big Blend Radio with select musical guests on Sept. 29, so stay tuned h…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on the history of National Park Posters. These icon collectibles originated in the 1930s and early 1940s as part of the WPA Federal Art Project, which began as part of the effort to recover from the Great Depression. Read Victoria's article about the posters h…

NC House & Senate House District 93 Ben Massey (D) Ray Pickett (R) (I) Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for US House of Representatives Chuck Hubbard (D) Virginia Foxx (R) (I) Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for Watauga County Commissioners District 3 Braxton Eggers (R) Jon Council (U) District 4 Charlie Wallin (D) (I) Ronnie Marsh (R) District 5 Sue Sweeting (D) Todd Castle (R) Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education Marshall Ashcraft (I) Chad Cole Adam Hege Allison Idol Charlotte Mizelle Lloyd Tom Ross Support the showBy David Jackson

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy over these last few weeks! On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you a recap from the 2024 Spirit of Boone Annual Membership gathering, complete with an audio tribute to our nine community award winners. We also share some post-event details on the 2024 Meet the Candidates forum, including info…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS Show features Marc Saltarelli, an award-winning director with work in both narrative and documentary filmmaking. Hear about his latest film, STUDIO ONE FOREVER. A beacon of dancing and freedom for gay men looking for identity in a world that saw them as outcasts, Studio One was a haven and the blo…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features debut author Ann Lowry who discusses her novel, "The Blue Trunk." When Ann Lowry inherited an ancestor's blue travel trunk, she had no idea that this artifact was about to take her on a three-year journey of discovery. She was told that the trunk’s pr…

In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10) and National Suicide Prevention Month (Sept), this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on Johnny Schaefer's new song "When It's Your Kid" as well as teen suicide prevention and the pressures youth face today. Watch the music video: https://youtu.be/CfqF8q1BgQc?feature=shared FEATURED GUESTS: -…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features filmmaker Amy Nicholson who discusses her documentary "Happy Campers." The film chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life. In a waterfront campground off the coast of Virginia, residents spend their summers living …

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestra…

Get ready for Halloween with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show that focuses on Heavy Mountain Music and Beer Fest, held Oct 25-26, 2024 at the Orange Peel and Burial Beer's Eulogy. Featuring an array of iconic artists and genre spanning acts, exclusive pours from the area’s finest breweries, and hair-raisi…

Celebrate Military Monday and Music Monday with this episode of Big Blend Radio that features professional theater writer, producer, and author Steve Wallis. Hear about "Hannah: The Soldier Diaries," a powerful story of love, loss, and hope that takes listeners through a theater-like experience, with an audiobook that immerses listeners in an emoti…

The impact of funding for childcare across North Carolina has a ripple effect that is felt across nearly every business across the State. Locally, childcare centers are trying to meet the needs of families, and the local workforce, while funding challenges still impact day-to-day operations. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Elisha C…

This "Medical Insider" episode of Big Blend Radio features author Marschall Runge, M.D., PhD, who is the executive vice president for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, dean of the Medical School, and CEO of Michigan Medicine. He earned his doctorate in molecular biology at Vanderbilt University and his medical degree from Johns Hopkins…

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, talks about the latest exhibits featuring southwest artist Ted DeGrazia's "Roadrunners" and "Enamel on Copper Paintings." DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucso…

In honor of American Artist Appreciation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND with co-host Joey Stuckey and author Kathleen Walls, celebrates America's music, musicians, singers, and songwriters. Co-host of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show every 4th Sunday, Joey Stuckey is known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia "T…

This episode can't be any more "chamber," if it tried! On this week's Mind Your Business, we focus on some key timing around open enrollment for health insurance. Wayne Randall, Director of the Boone Center for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina will go over dates and details. This is helpful information for employers to share with employee…

In celebration of American Artists Appreciation Month and the upcoming National Park Service anniversary (Aug. 25, 1860), this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick features photographer Tanya Ortega. Hear their discussion covering the Then & Now of Art and Artists in Parks and Public Lands. Talking about the …

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Boone Froggett, lead singer and guitarist of OTIS. Kentucky born and bred, OTIS is a young, hard rocking quartet who performs and plays their exciting music like they’ve been around for 40 years. Hear about their music background, latest single "Last Fool in Line," touring, and shows. Alongside Boone, John S…

Everyone else is going back to school -- maybe you should too! The Watauga Leadership Institute presents Encore, its latest professional development program aimed at helping people continue their journey in leadership. While this class may not keep you in school all day, or present an avenue to enjoy that tasty square pizza, it will provide leaders…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features acclaimed author Evette Davis who discusses her new urban fantasy novel, “The Others." Releasing in September 2024 through SparkPress as the first installment of The Council Trilogy, "The Others” is a tour de force weaving together themes of self-disc…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author Kelly Vincent who re-imagines their teenage years in their empowering series “The Art of Being Ugly," a compelling story of a teen grappling with their gender identity. The anticipated finale, “Ugliest,” (KV Books LLC, August 13, 2024) is a necessary and impactful commentary on the strug…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author Matt Cost who discusses "City Gone Askew," the latest novel in his "A Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mystery" series. "City Gone Askew" takes us back to Brooklyn in the Roaring '20s and Hungarian private eye, 8 Ballo, who is hired by Theda Lazar Vogel to prove that her husband was murdered. His colorf…

Election season is fast approaching, and more conversation about election process and integrity has become part of our daily lives than ever before. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Matt Snyder, Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections. He will provide details on the voting process for Watauga County Commissioner in the 202…

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Noreen Ring, Secretary on the Board of Directors at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in Temecula, California. Offering a serene and picturesque sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and tourist activities, this unique residency program provide…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts & Parks" Podcast features National Parks Arts Foundation artists-in-residence Carissa "Lucky" Garcia and Chelsea Bighorn. Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, poet, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. Her NPAF resi…

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the federal funds rate will hold steady -- for now. Is a long-anticipated change to interest rates on the horizon? If so, what does that mean for us here in Northwest North Carolina? On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you are most timely quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of…

Best-selling and award-winning author Mike Nemeth returns to Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Show to discuss his latest young adult novel, "A Tissue Full of Lies." Set in a time when political leaders were brazenly assassinated, inalienable civil rights had to be guaranteed by legislation, race riots disfigured the American landscape, and a…

Celebrate Music Monday with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast To The Arts" Show featuring drummer Martin Fitzgibbon who discusses his memoir, "Behind The Curtain, My Life and Rocky Horror." In it, Fitzgibbon reveals for the first time his closely guarded secrets and unique insights into how the show and its participants became an overnight s…

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, talks about southwest artist Ted DeGrazia's "Cabeza de Vaca" collection. The story of the ill-fated Spanish expedition is told in this collection that includes sketches, watercolors, oils and enamels. DeGrazia read extensively about the adventure…

From Willie Nelson and Rosanne Cash, to Edgar and Johnny Winter, Wilson Phillips, Larkin Poe, the Allman Brothers, Jackson 5, and more, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND with co-host Joey Stuckey, celebrates musical families! MUSICAL FAMILY PLAYLIST - On YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdszhehx - On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/379ff88…

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows, he shares some of the historic and recreational highlights not to be missed in Stratford-Upon-Avon in England. Read Glynn's article about his visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-stratford-upon-avon-shak…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features photographer Steve Piacente, a reporter turned speechwriter, university professor, author, and life coach. You'll rarely find him without a camera is always at his side. Hear about his photography, what and who inspires him, his world travels, and more, plus, check out his editorial Q&A with us here: https:/…

From Arizona and New Mexico to Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick features a panel discussion covering Art Destinations Across America. FEATURED GUESTS & DESTINATIONS - VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print c…

Been out and about this summer and feel a little detached from the goings on of Boone and the High Country? On this week's Mind Your Business, get updates on community conversations focused on parking and childcare. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming Chamber events like the Meet the Candidates Forum and Spirit of Boone. We will also share information …

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" she discusses her novel “Wai-nani - A Voice from Old Hawaii.” Through Wai-nani's eyes, experience the Hawaiian society as it existed when Captain James Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay in 1779; ride the billowing seas with Eku, the wild dolphin she befriends; learn …

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Insider" spotlight features Clifford Garstang, author of six works of fiction including the novels “The Last Bird of Paradise,” “Oliver’s Travels,” and “The Shaman of Turtle Valley,” and the short story collections “House of the Ancients and Other Stories,” “What the Zhang Boys Know,” and “In an Uncharted …

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show features Stonewall Book Award-winning author, screenwriter, and playwright Samuel Garza Bernstein who discusses his new biography, "Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon.” In "Starrring Joan Crawford," Bernstein examines what makes …

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Arizona writer Leah Newsom, the National Parks Arts Foundation's summer 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Leah Newsom was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and holds an MFA in creative writing from Arizona State University, where she now teache…

Access to healthcare is one of the most important topics people consider when moving to a new area. We have been fortunate to see heathcare evolve in a positive way here in the mountains of northwest North Carolina, with new practices bringing service enhancements to our area that benefit all ages and health conditions. On this week's Mind Your Bus…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features PANGAEA bassist Ron Poulson who shares some of the band's history, and discusses their music and new album, "Beowulf" that's out now and features Robert Berry as producer. A Texas band with influences ranging across Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Classical Music, Heavy Metal, and Classic Country, PANGAEA is…

BONUS CONTENT ALERT!! The North Carolina General Assembly is in recess and we have a few short updates about what has transpired in Raleigh over the past few weeks and months. The main focus of this bonus installment of Mind Your Business centers around Early Childhood Education, and action taken by the NC House and Senate to extend compensation gr…

The Round-Up for the Greenway is an annual community-wide fundraiser partnering with local Watauga County businesses to help fund the continued construction of the Middle Fork Greenway, a project of the Blue Ridge Conservancy. During the month of July, businesses ask their customers to Round Up to the nearest dollar. Last year, 56 local businesses,…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS Show focuses on the new artists group in Camp Verde, Arizona. Spearheaded by artist Mary Rush, this initiative not only connects local artists as a community (so far over 40 artists), but is also working to add original art as part of the region's greater tourism experience with exhibits, studio t…

Welcome to Turtle Jump--the video game podcast of your heart and mine (and mine)! This time, Allen and Paul share their thoughts on the recent Nintendo Direct. Spoilers: it's a doozy. Also, we talk about our time playing Persona 3 Reload. And boy oh boy, what a game that is! Email Us! turtlejumpletters@gmail.com Twitter Us! @TurtleJumpShow…

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, talks about southwest artist Ted DeGrazia's Murals, Mosaics (pictured), and Originals. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is h…