Way Back When

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.”
From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana.
Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work:- https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/ 
📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66 
🎧 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 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" Travel Show features travel writer and author Kathleen Walls, publisher of American Roads and Global Highways, who takes listeners on a lively journey through Key West, Florida, the southernmost city in the United States. 
From the colorful history of the Conch Republic and the six-toed cats of the Hemingway Home and Museum, to ghostly legends, historic cemeteries, and culinary favorites like Key Lime Pie and conch fritters, this conversation captures the island’s quirky charm and fascinating culture.
Read Kathleen’s accompanying article, “Key West: The Southernmost U.S. City,” here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/key-west-the-southernmost-us-city/  
Learn more about Kathleen's books and travels:- https://americanroads.net/  - https://katywalls.com/  
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In celebration of National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show features award-winning travel writer Barbara Redding, who takes us on a literary adventure through Denmark. From the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famed author of Out of Africa, to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting that inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” Barbara shares insights from her journey through these historic and creative landmarks.
Hear about Blixen’s fascinating life and legacy, her time in Africa, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. The episode also highlights Denmark’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the ways travel deepens one’s appreciation for literature and art.
📖 Read Barbara’s full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-literary-day-trip-in-denmark/ 
🌍 Follow Barbara’s travels and stories: https://www.BarbaraRedding.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Women Making History," "Way Back When," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Airing on National Make a Difference Day, this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Show features historian and tour guide Glynn Burrows of Norfolk Tours, who explores rebellion through the ages — from Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot to Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement.
Inspired by Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night (November 5), this conversation looks at how acts of defiance — both peaceful and forceful — have challenged injustice and reshaped society. Discover the stories of Robin Hood, William Wallace, Boudicca, Martin Luther, Wat Tyler, Emily Davison, and Rosa Parks, and what their courage teaches us about freedom, equality, and the power of individuals to make a difference.
👉 Read Glynn’s companion article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/legendary-rebels-and-rebellions/ 
👉 Learn more about Glynn Burrows and his tours: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 
👉 Listen to more English Connection episodes: https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big daily Blend," Way Back When," and "Rants, Raves & Rock" podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Explore the rich history, community pride, and small-town charm of Pittsburg, Texas, in this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show. Co-host Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, is joined by Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy to share insights into the city’s heritage, growth, and future as a destination along this legendary travel route. It's a great episode to celebrate Map Reading Week (Oct. 19 to Oct. 25, 2025)!
Hear stories of Carroll Shelby’s remarkable legacy, the town’s historic innovations and sports heroes, and how Pittsburg continues to celebrate its past while building for the future. From its famous Pittsburg Hot Links to vibrant community events, and fascinating automotive and aviation history, this charming Texas town exemplifies the spirit of the Jefferson Highway — connecting communities, culture, and history from Winnipeg to New Orleans.
🏙️ Learn more about Pittsburg, Texas: https://www.pittsburgtx.gov/ 
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway,” stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
🌐 Sign up for the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide and website: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📺 Subscribe to this podcast:  https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 
🔊 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Big Daily Blend," and "Road Trip Radio" Podcast Channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Thank you to the Shelby Foundation for the use the image of Mr. Shelby. 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) celebrates Italian-American Heritage Month and Family History Month with Valerie Fortney-Schneider—writer, author, genealogist, and expat living in Italy.
Valerie shares her experiences from nearly 20 years of living in Italy, from her ancestral region of Basilicata to her current home in Ascoli Piceno (Le Marche). Listeners will discover what life is really like beyond Tuscany, as Valerie explores the heart of Italian culture—where hospitality is sacred, community is central, and every meal tells a story. She also discusses her work as a professional genealogy researcher, helping Americans trace their roots and rediscover ancestral connections through travel.
Valerie authored "52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata," the first English-language guidebook dedicated solely to the region. Together with her husband Bryan Schneider, author of "Italian Ancestral Journeys: A DIY Guide to Visiting Your Ancestors’ Towns," she has helped hundreds of travelers rediscover their roots and experience Italy through local eyes.
From the ancient city of Matera to the local markets, vineyards, and kitchens of small Italian towns, this conversation captures the rhythm, warmth, and authenticity that define life in Italy.
🌐 Learn more about Valerie’s work: http://www.myancestralitaly.com 
📚 Explore her books: https://www.myancestralitaly.com/books 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Way Back When History channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Celebrate National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” podcast featuring author and travel writer Linda Ballou.
In this conversation, Linda discusses the similarities and contrasts between her novel “Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai‘i” and the Apple TV series “Chief of War” created by Jason Momoa. She explores Hawaiian history, the significance of oral traditions, and the portrayal of key historical figures like Kamehameha. Linda also shares insights on Isabella Bird’s travels in Hawai'i and reflects on the importance of preserving Hawaiian language and cultural heritage. The episode includes a short reading from “Wai-Nani.”
📚 Keep up with Linda and her writing:🔗 https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com 🔗 https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🌺 Linda’s Q&A on Wai-Nani: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=wI4BONZhbjY&list=PLUfBG36FykHmTACmY8E5PpTBW0XDP5Po2 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts,” "Way Back When," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, Allison Ledet from Cajun Coast Tourism shares insights about the unique attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast. From bird watching and swamp tours to family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations, ghost tours, and mouthwatering local cuisine, listeners are invited to discover a destination where history, culture, and nature come together.
🌐 Plan your Cajun Coast adventure at: https://cajuncoast.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m