National Parks Radio

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces. Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun. Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, they will have something for you to celebrate. More: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/  Save the date for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12-16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  

Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.   Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Reservations required, 20-person limit. Details and reservations: https://home.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/03212025-nr-april-updates.htm Learn more and view Lakin’s art: https://www.lakinepalooseart.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundatio

From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California. Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.   Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include  - Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm  - Donnette Silva Carter - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, http://www.tularechamber.org/  Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA features Mary Grace Kauffman of Destination Gettysburg who gives a spring and summer overview of what you can experience in beautiful and historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, including Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.  Spring and summer highlights include the Adam County Blossom Belt, Blossom Festival (April 26); Adams County Festival of Races (April 26-27), Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival (May 15th-18th & Aug. 14th-17th), Gettysburg Film Festival (May 8-11),  Battle of Gettysburg anniversary (July 1-3) and re-enactments (July 4-6), Gettysburg Bike Week motorcycle rally (July 10-13), Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival (July 20-21), plus, the new scenic summer train excursions.   Visit Gettysburg and Make Monumental Memories! Filled with welcoming residents and diverse experiences, this quaint town is filled with stories to tell. Discover how Gettysburg captures the imagination,

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's PARKS & TRAVEL Podcast features travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz who shares her whale watching adventures in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Baja California Sur is a premier whale-watching destination, home to both the blue whales of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gray whale nursery of Magdalena Bay. Read Sharon's article about her whale watching experiences in Loreto, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/top-whale-watching-spots-in-loreto-baja-california-sur/  Host of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" with Sharon Podcast, Sharon K. Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/.  This episod

Celebrate Women's History Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From musicians, poets and writers to painters and textile artists, Tanya talks about the various women NPAF artists-in-residence over the years, and you can hear their Big Blend Radio interviews in this playlist here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/women-artists-in-parks/  National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) is known for offering unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Chaco Canyon and Fort Union in Northern New Mexico, and Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. These artist residency opportunities are perfect for artists of all mediums, from painters and sculptors to photographers, composers, writers, musicians, and more. Learn more: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/  Watch for Big Bl

From outdoor adventures and spring flower power to museums, restaurants, events, and family-friendly activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring fun for everyone in Tulare County, California. Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.   Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include  - Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm  - Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia,  https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Amy King - Tulare County Museum, https://tularecountymuseum.org/  - Julia Dix - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, http://www.tularechamber.org/  Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Celebrate World Conservation Strategy Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio focusing on Sustainable Travel and Tourism. Hear what destinations are doing around the world to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices to safeguard the planet for their local community and future generations, and the ways travelers can be part of sustainable solutions.  FEATURED GUESTS: - Dan Howard – VP of Communications at Visit Park City: https://www.visitparkcity.com/  - Cheryl Leutjen – Environmental author and speaker: https://cherylleutjen.com/  - Maria Chamberlain –  The Inn at Oxbow Acres: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/  - Barbara Redding – Travel writer: https://barbararedding.com/  - Jo Clark – Travel writer:  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/  - Glynn Burrows -  Owner of Norfolk Tours UK: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/  - Sharon K. Kurtz - Travel writer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 

North Lake Tahoe, California, offers a retreat into nature, history, and adventure, far from the neon lights and casinos of the southern shore. Lake Tahoe is the second-deepest alpine lake in the U.S., with strikingly clear waters and a fascinating geological history.    Ohis episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz shares her North Lake Tahoe experiences including Granlibakken Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Donner Memorial State Park, and Vikingsholm Castle, along with the area's Winter Olympic legacy, and indigenous history of the Washoe Tribe. Learn more: https://www.gotahoenorth.com/  Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" Travel Show features innkeeper Maria Chamberlain. Maria and her husband Brian own and run The Inn at OxBow Acres which is a newly renovated and eco-friendly, Bed & Breakfast/Equestrian Center in Northern New Hampshire. Fields, flowers, orchards, and a gorgeous view of the Mahoosuc Range offer a peaceful setting to relax and unwind.  Located in the Great North Woods, this unique destination is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, New England traveler,  and couples seeking uninterrupted time together.  The inn is also available for weddings, retreats, and family gatherings. Close to many spectacular sights and ski areas as well as the Corridor 19 snowmobile trail, this pristine year-round lodge is a favorite escape for guests from all over the world. Visit: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/  

As summer draws near and the call of nature beckons, campers are looking for ways to elevate their outdoor dining experience beyond the standard fare of hot dogs and s’mores. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Robert Schueller about how Melissa’s World Variety Produce is changing the game with their innovative approach to upscale campsite cuisine. Melissa’s diverse selection of fresh produce and culinary inspiration is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts seeking flavorful and nutritious meal ideas to fuel their escapades.  Read Linda's article featuring 10 cuisine-inspired things to stock up on that go beyond hot dogs and s’mores, and check out some of Melissa's camping recipes, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/an-upscale-taste-of-adventure  Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj  Follow Diva Linda's adve

In honor of Black History Month, we're revisiting this Big Blend Radio interview with Dana Dierkes, former Public Affairs Specialist for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, who shares the history of Brigadier General Charles Young, Charles Young, who was appointed acting superintendent of Sequoia and General Grant national parks in 1903, becoming the first black superintendent of a national park.  Learn more about Charles Young and the Giant Sequoia Tree named in his honor, here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/historyculture/young.htm 

From Alaska to Hawai'i and California, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast focuses on the life of famous writer Jack London. Linda's essay "Jack London and Me" is included in the 2024 San Francisco Writer’s Conference Anthology. In it she shares her deep connection to a man considered to be our nation’s greatest adventure writer. As Linda shares, "Our lives intersected in mysterious ways that leave me feeling a special connection with him." The anthology "How We Change" is available on Amazon in e-book and print format here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Foundation-Conference-Anthologies/dp/1647150116/  Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 

This special live stream (Aired Feb 13, 2025) of Big Blend Radio’s ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE Show with Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast, focuses on the rebuilding of Asheville, North Carolina, post-Hurricane Helene, and the many experiences you can enjoy today as visitors to region.  Big Blend Radio hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith are currently in Asheville and during their stay at The Lion & The Rose B&B, took a driving tour of Downtown Asheville and the Riverside Arts District with Steve & Karen. There is still evidence of destruction from the hurricane however as you can see in the short video, the city is open with a strong and vibrant resiliency, and welcoming visitors with open arms. Video: https://youtu.be/XnXh3aEslZQ   Traveling to Asheville directly helps support the local businesses and regional community, and there is so much to do from brewery hopping and rooftop cocktails to public art viewing and shopping, chasing waterfalls and hiking,

It's all about Parks, Plantations, and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark.  Hear all about Jo's adventures at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and Hampton Park, plus, where to eat, sip, and stay. Check out her article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/  Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features acclaimed illustrator Andrés Vera Martínez whose artistic focus is on illustrating and writing graphic novels for middle school and young adult readers.  Andrés is best known for his work on his wife's graphic memoir, "LIttle White Duck: A Childhood in China," and Neal Shusterman’s YA graphic novel, "Courage to Dream: Tales of in the Holocaust." Watch for his middle grade graphic novel series with Jorge Aguirre, "Monster Locker" and the adaptation of "Esperanza Rising", plus, his illustrations in Marie Alohalani Brown’s "Hawaiian Myths, Gods, and Heroes." More at: https://www.andresvera.com/  Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

It's all about the historic Petroglyphs of Pony Hills in remote Southwest New Mexico on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick. Read Victoria's article about Pony Hills, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/petroglyphs-of-pony-hills/   Along with a great discussion about the potential meanings and symbolism behind the petroglyphs, we also chat about the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center project that she has spearheaded in local Silver City. More here: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/  Also see her stories and podcasts covering: - Prehistoric Rock Art: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/petroglyphs-prehistoric-rock-art/  - Early Pottery of the Southwest: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/early-pottery-of-the-southwest/  Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/  Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every

From Yellowstone and Bryce to Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast with travel writer Rose Palmer focuses on the wonderful and different winter experiences you can in America's National Parks. Check out Rose's National Park Stories: https://quiltripping.com/category/travel/north-america/usa/national-parks/  Follow Rose's adventures on her site: https://quiltripping.com/   Follow Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station" Channels. Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Hear about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, and Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Plus, this year's opportunities for park destinations and artists of all genres to be part of their programming.  NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs, and Workshops inspired by our National Parks, National Monuments, and World Heritage Sites. NPAF has supported over 300 programs, over 120 artists, and been the conduit for over a million dollars in artwork donations.   Watch for Big Blend Radio's NPAF Retrospective, a digital publication featuring 8 years of podcast interviews with artists and park representatives! Keep up with us by getting our newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing