Way Back When

Justice and Comedy in Jamestown, New York

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.
The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.
From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways.
🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy  
🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Toast to The Arts,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.
The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.
Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.
🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

This Ordinary Thing Film: Humanity, Courage & the Holocaust

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.
Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.
Visit: https://www.thisordinarything.com/  

Wandering Through Bavaria: A Train Adventure of History, Culture & Heritage

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon,” award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a captivating train journey through beautiful Bavaria.  Exploring at her own pace, Sharon visits historic cities, spa towns, wine regions, and cultural landmarks — all while reflecting on how travel deepens our understanding of history and broadens our connection to the world.
From Nuremberg’s profound World War II history to the wellness traditions of Bad Kissingen, the opulence of Bayreuth, the wine heritage of Würzburg, and the beer culture of Bamberg, Sharon reveals the many layers that make Bavaria such a rich and rewarding destination. Her journey also explores the medieval magic of Rothenburg, the region’s architectural treasures, and the importance of remembrance at historical sites. Whether traveling solo or with others, Sharon shows how exploring Bavaria by train offers unmatched flexibility, insight, and inspiration.
📝 Read Sharon’s “All Aboard Bavaria!” article in the all-new Big Blend Wander the World Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 
🌍 Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: https://sharonkkurtz.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station,  and Way Back When channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

Celebrating 110 years of the Historic Jefferson Highway

This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans. 
Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing mission to map, preserve, and promote this international heritage road.
Learn how traveling the Jefferson Highway supports small towns, preserves historic corridors, and continues America’s tradition of discovery through road-tripping and cultural connection. Visit the Jefferson Highway Association at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
We also highlight two major new resources now available for modern travelers:🌐 NEW: Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website – The brand-new online guide featuring updated travel directories, lodging, historic stops, attractions, and community resources along the route. The interactive map is in progress, but the directories are fully live. The quarterly digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide publication will be out in January 2026. Visit https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📰 NEW: Jefferson Highway Dispatch – Our new Substack publication offering traveler insights, historical stories, updates from the road, special features, and community spotlights. Subscribe: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Magical Moments in Morocco with Wilderness Travel

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Global Adventures with Debbie Stone, we celebrate an exciting milestone — the launch of Debbie’s brand-new Global Adventures Digital Magazine, where each podcast episode now integrates with her immersive travel stories and photography.
This week, Debbie takes listeners on a dazzling journey through Morocco, based on her recent private tour with Wilderness Travel. From the Imperial cities of Rabat and Fez to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Debbie recounts “pinch-me” moments filled with history, culture, culinary discoveries, and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
She also shares smart travel tips, insights into local customs, and stories from unique accommodations that elevated her Moroccan adventure into something extraordinary.
🌍 Read the Morocco feature in her new Global Adventures Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Visit to Windsor Castle and Historic Runnymede in England

Join historian and UK tour guide Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours for a fascinating journey through the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Windsor Castle and nearby Runnymede, the birthplace of the Magna Carta. From medieval fortifications to royal traditions, Glynn explains what makes Windsor Castle such an extraordinary place to visit — and what travelers should know before they go.
He also touches on the importance of respecting historical sites, why Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace serve very different purposes, and what makes the Magna Carta at Runnymede a cornerstone of democratic history.
Read Glynn’s full article:Windsor Castle & Runnymede: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-windsor-castle-and-runnymede/ 
Learn more about Glynn & book a custom tour:Norfolk Tours: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
Listen to Glynn’s monthly podcast (airs every 4th Saturday):English Connection Podcast: https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr. Matthew Restall: The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus

Historian and award-winning author Dr. Matthew Restall joins Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When" History Show to discuss his latest book, “The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus” (W. W. Norton, October 7, 2025).
A leading expert on Latin American and colonial history, Dr. Restall is the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History and Anthropology and Director of Latin American Studies at Penn State University. He is also the author of over 30 books, including "Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest" and "When Montezuma Met Cortés."
In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Restall untangles the nine myths—Columbus’s “nine lives”—that have shaped the explorer’s enduring cultural and political presence. From competing origin stories and beatification campaigns to fictionalized biographies, scandals, and shifting national narratives, he examines how Columbus became both a hero and an antihero in the American imagination.
While exploring the impact of Columbus’s voyages on Indigenous peoples, Dr. Restall also explains how immigration, patriotism, and modern identity politics have kept Columbus at the center of debates about history, morality, and national mythmaking. This episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced look at why Columbus still matters today—and why understanding his story requires examining multiple perspectives.
Learn more about Dr. Restall: http://matthewrestall.com/ 
In celebration of National Life Writing Month, which recognizes how stories, biographies, and personal histories shape our understanding of the world, this episode is also featured on the Big Daily Blend show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork