Way Back When

Echoes of Valor - The Battle of Gettysburg and Gela’s WWII Legacy

In honor of Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Way Back When show explores two pivotal military history destinations—Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Gela, Sicily—revealing the powerful stories they hold and the enduring human cost of war.
Author and military historian Mir Bahmanyar shares the gripping history of Gela, the first European city liberated during World War II. Hear his recent interview with us covering his acclaimed book "The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/mir-bahmanyar-the-houdini-club/ 
Author Matthew Langdon Cost delves into Gettysburg and the heroic efforts of Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine during the Civil War’s most decisive battle, depicted in his historical novel "At Every Hazard: Joshua Chamberlain and the Civil War. "
 
More than a look back, this conversation invites listeners to visit these historic places, reflect on the profound human sacrifices made, and gain a deeper appreciation for both soldiers and civilians affected by war.
Learn more about our guests:
-- Mir Bahmanyar: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/
-- Matthew Langdon Cost: https://www.mattcost.net/
Chapters:
00:00 – Honoring Sacrifice: Memorial Day Reflections
03:05 – The Human Cost of War
06:01 – Patriotism and Personal Choices
09:08 – The Impact of War on Society
12:13 – Documenting the Stories of War
15:04 – The Houdini Club: Tales of Resilience
23:40 – Exploring Sicily's Historical Significance
28:01 – The Dark Side of Technology and Warfare
30:20 – The Power of Technology for Good
32:10 – Introduction to Gettysburg and Joshua Chamberlain
35:22 – The Pivotal Role of Joshua Chamberlain
41:04 – The Importance of Historical Memory
46:01 – The Significance of Gettysburg Today
 
Listen to more episodes of Way Back When: https://way-back-when-history.podbean.com/

Giving Their Tomorrow for Our Today

In honor of National Military Month and Memorial Day, this poignant episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours in England—reflects on how we can respectfully remember those who lived through and lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
Glynn shares personal insights into the deeply rooted culture of remembrance in the UK, where nearly every village, town, and city has a war memorial bearing the names of locals who sacrificed their lives. These tributes serve as daily reminders of a shared history of loss and resilience. Learn more in Glynn’s companion article, "What Does Memorial Weekend Mean to You?" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-does-memorial-weekend-mean-to-you/ 
Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday, sharing stories that spotlight England as a travel destination and delve into family history research. Listen to more of his episodes here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 
This episode also features on our Big Daily Blend and Way Back When podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network at: Big Blend Radio Network on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Explore the Historic and Sacred Sites of Hawai’i

In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this Big Blend Radio episode of Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou explores the sacred sites of Hawai’i and the ancient legends and history that surround them.
✈️ Visit incredible Hawaiian locations like:🌺 Pu’ukohola Heiau (Temple on the Hill of the Whale)🌴 Waipio Valley of the Kings🌀 Hikiau Heiau at Kealakekua Bay🏝️ Pi’ilanihale Heiau – the largest temple in Polynesia🌿 Limahuli Garden on Kauai⛰️ Halawa Valley on Moloka’i🌬️ Nu’uanu Pali on Oahu…and more!
📚 Learn about Linda’s historical novel "Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i," inspired by the legendary wife of the warrior-chief who united the islands:🔗 http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/Wainani.html 
🌍 Follow Linda’s travel adventures & books:🔗 https://lostangeladventures.com 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio:https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 

Meet Marie Antoinette’s Favorite Painter with Author Judith Lissauer Cromwell

Who was Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun—and why is one of history’s most successful female artists still relatively unknown?
📘 In this episode, historian and biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell shares insights from her new book: “Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755–1842.” From 18th-century France to exile during the French Revolution, discover how this trailblazing portraitist overcame gender barriers to become a legend in her time.
🎧 Listen now + learn more: https://www.judithcromwell.com 
📌 Featured on Big Blend’s Podcast Channels:• Women Making History• A Toast to The Arts• Way Back WhenListen here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art of Remembrance: The History of Veterans Memorials

🎙️ In honor of Armed Forces Day (May 17, 2025) and the upcoming Memorial Day (May 26, 2025), we're revisiting this meaningful Big Blend Radio conversation with artist and art historian Victoria Chick.
In this episode, Victoria explores the evolution of Veterans Memorials in the United States, from their 19th-century beginnings to the powerful tributes we see today. She explains how, historically, memorials focused on glorifying victories or honoring rulers — and how that shifted to commemorating the sacrifice and service of individual soldiers.
🎨 Learn about the art, symbolism, and cultural significance behind some of America’s most notable veterans memorials.
 
📖 Read Victoria’s accompanying article here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/oamh/#p=68 
🎨 Visit Victoria Chick’s portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ 
🎙️ Tune in to Big Blend Radio's World of Art Podcast every 3rd Saturday for engaging conversations on art history, contemporary art, museum culture, and more: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Way Back When podcast channel. Explore the entire network of educational and arts-focused shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  
 

Exploring The Presidio: San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcastwith Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough—founders of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog—takes listeners on an immersive journey through The Presidio in San Francisco. Spanning 1,500 acres next to the Golden Gate Bridge, this unique National Park Service site blends natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural intrigue into one unforgettable destination.
From crashing Pacific waves to towering eucalyptus groves, The Presidio is a place of quiet wonder and powerful storytelling. Joelle and Ryan dive into its rich history and share personal highlights, including their Top 14 Things to Do, dining favorites, and lodging tips.
📝 Read their article:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-presidio-san-franciscos-best-kept-secret/ 🌍 Follow Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
📅 New Episodes:Catch Wanderers Compass every second Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
🎧 Also featured  on “Vacation Station," "Big Daily Blend,” "Parks & Travel" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Listen on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Galveston: Where History, Hurricanes & Hauntings Meet the Sea

Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon," where award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes you on a journey through Galveston, Texas—a vibrant coastal city shaped by its rich history, powerful storms, ghostly legends, and Gulf Coast charm.
From walking The Strand and sailing the historic Elissa, to honoring the roots of Juneteenth, visiting haunted hotels, and indulging in local seafood, Sharon shares insider tips and captivating stories from her return trip to this fascinating destination—one of the busiest cruise ports in the U.S.
📍 Plan your Galveston getaway: https://www.visitgalveston.com 
📝 Read Sharon’s article on Galveston: https://shebuystravel.com/things-to-do-in-galveston/ 
🎙️ Sharon has explored over 50 countries across six continents, and brings each destination to life through her compelling storytelling and photography. Discover more of her work at https://sharonkkurtz.com. 
📅 New episodes of Wander the World with Sharon air the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s channels including Big Daily Blend, Way Back When, and Vacation Station: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Explore Historic LA Roadside Attractions with Mimi Slawoff

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's ROAD TRIP RADIO, travel writer Mimi Slawoff shares highlights from her new book, "Historic Los Angeles Roadsides" (Reedy Press). 
Discover quirky and historic spots along Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Highway, and more—from Redondo Beach and Malibu to Hollywood and downtown LA. Get the inside scoop on LA’s fascinating roadside history and hidden gems. Learn more at https://mimislawoff.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Subscribe:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork