Parks & Travel

The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience: What to Know Before You Go

Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!
Seasoned travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares expert advice on planning an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure. Having taken four cruises and four road trips through Alaska, Rose highlights the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and vibrant local cultures. The conversation also shines a spotlight on Glacier Bay National Park, a stunning and protected treasure often visited on Alaskan cruise itineraries—making this episode a perfect tribute to the beauty and importance of our national parks.
Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or just dreaming of the Last Frontier, this conversation is packed with practical planning tips and inspiring takeaways.
🌐 Get Rose's Alaska Cruise Planning Tips: https://quiltripping.com/alaska-cruise-planning-tips/ 🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend Channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

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 Canadian Castle: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes us inside the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as the most photographed hotel in the world. Set within the historic charm of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this grand hotel is more than just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a living piece of Canadian history.
Learn about its French Renaissance-inspired architecture, its fascinating role in World War II, and how it remains a hub of luxury with award-winning dining, exclusive Fairmont Gold services, and even rooftop honeybees producing local honey. The episode also covers daily historical tours, stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, and why this landmark is truly a destination in its own right.
📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-canadian-castle-fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac/ 🛎️ Plan your visit: https://www.chateau-frontenac.com/en/ 🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

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 

California Sequoia Country: Summer Adventures & Community Culture

Celebrate Summer and Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" podcast! Explore the attractions, outdoor adventures, and vibrant communities of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
From towering sequoias and family-friendly events to rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, art and entertainment, shopping and dining, this conversation highlights everything you need to plan the ultimate summer getaway. 
Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:- Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ 
🎒 Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide and plan your getaway: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Rachel Mari Kimber’s Desert Soundscape: Birds Follow Dry Riverbed

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast features a follow-up conversation with 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 discusses her new single, “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed,” a soulful piece inspired by the desert landscapes and experiences during her residency. She shares insights into her creative process, the emotional and healing power of music, and how nature—especially the desert—continues to shape her artistry. The conversation explores themes of harmony, community, and the personal connections music evokes.
Rachel also opens up about upcoming projects including an ambient album and a sound healing release, and talks about her work with Black Forest Society and Happy Joy Harmony.
🎵 “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed” is available on all major music platforms including Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and CD Baby.
🎧 Listen to earlier parts of Rachel’s residency journey:https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-rachel-mari-kimber-in-saguaro-national-park/ 
🌐 More about Rachel Mari Kimber:https://rachelmarikimber.com 
🎨 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 

10+ Must-Do Summer Adventures in Asheville, North Carolina

Get ready to plan your ultimate summer getaway with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast! From outdoor thrills and brewery hopping to cultural festivals and iconic attractions, this fun and informative conversation highlights over ten unforgettable experiences to enjoy during the summer season in Asheville, North Carolina.
Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of the beautifully restored Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the Montford Historic District—this lively episode dives into:- Iconic destinations like the Biltmore Estate and Arboretum- Nature adventures including hiking, wildlife spotting, and Pisgah National Forest- Water fun at Sliding Rock, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting- Asheville’s rich craft beer and cocktail scene- Unique outings like a floating bar crawl- Local hospitality, community spirit, and B&B stays that turn visitors into friends
🛏️ Learn more about Steve & Karen Wilson and their beautiful B&B: www.lion-rose.com 
🎙️ More Summer-Fun Asheville Episodes to Enjoy:- Reds, Whites & Blues: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/experience-the-reds-whites-and-the-blues-of-asheville-north-carolina/ - Beer & Outdoor Fun: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/beer-and-outdoor-adventures-in-asheville-north-carolina/ - Ziplining: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/zipline-asheville/ - Super Fun: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/fun-asheville-nc/ - WNC Nature Center: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/wnc-nature-center/ - Wine, Brews & Photo Tours: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/touring-asheville-nc/ - Montford Historic District: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/the-montford-historic-district-of-asheville-north-carolina/ - 23 Must-Do Experiences: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/ 
🗓️ "Adventures in Asheville" airs every 1st Tuesday of the month.🎧 Listen on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 🌐 Explore more shows on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Life and Legacy of Artist Fanny Adele Watson (1873-1947)

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick shares the remarkable life and legacy of Fanny Adele Watson (1873–1947), a pioneering American artist whose work—especially her landscapes and depictions of national parks—stood out in a male-dominated art world.
The conversation explores Watson’s unique artistic voice, her influences, and the historical context of her career. Victoria also emphasizes the importance of preserving art and recognizing the vital contributions of women artists throughout history, as well as how travel and natural beauty have inspired generations of painters.
🖼️ Read Victoria’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-fanny-adele-watson-1873-1947/  🎨 Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
🔗 More to Explore:- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 
📣 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Women Making History and Toast to The Arts podcast channels. Discover more shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork