Way Back When

Pensacola Part 2: Military Pride, Local Flavor & Coastal Culture

In Part 2 of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast on Pensacola, Florida, travel writer Terri Guthrie continues her coastal journey by exploring the deep-rooted connection between military and civilian life in the Florida Panhandle. From the emotional stories behind military service to vibrant nightlife and historical landmarks, this episode dives into the heart and soul of Pensacola’s culture. 
🎙️ Hear about:- The powerful presence of the U.S. Navy, the Blue Angels, and the National Naval Aviation Museum- The emotional experiences and sacrifices tied to military families- The warmth of Southern hospitality in welcoming service members- Local favorites like the Bushwhacker cocktail and nightlife at Seville Quarter- Hidden gems like Fort Pickens, natural landscapes, and Pensacola’s claim as the first European settlement in the U.S.
📖 Catch up on Part 1 & read Terri’s article about Pensacola:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discover-pensacola-florida/ 
📅 NEW! “Travel with Terri” is now a WEEKLY podcast—tune in every Tuesday at 9 AM CT!🎧 Subscribe & follow here: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel and Vacation Station podcast channels.🎧 Full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Uncovering Family Roots: A Journey Through Ancestry

Celebrate National Family Month with this heartfelt and insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend podcast, where we dive into the rich and emotional world of genealogy and family history.
In this powerful conversation, our guests share personal stories of uncovering their roots, exploring the emotional impact of their discoveries, and the profound connections forged through understanding ancestry. From the complexities of adoption to the joys of discovering hidden family stories, this episode highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and empathy in shaping our identities and navigating life.
Whether you’re new to genealogy or deep into your family history journey, this episode offers inspiration, support, and a sense of community.
🎙️ Featured Guests:* Johnny Schaefer - Award-winning singer/songwriter. https://hearjohnny.com/ * Glynn Burrows – Family history expert, Norfolk Tours UK. https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Julie Ryan McGue – Author, memoirist, and speaker. https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ * Jo Clark – Travel writer & family history researcher. https://recipestravelculture.com/ &  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Cherie Claire – Travel writer & author. https://www.cherieclaire.net/ * Kimberly Hess – Author & family history researcher. https://unexpectedlifeofsarahbcochran.com/ * Diane Dobry – Memoirist & travel writer. https://hungarianaquarian.com/ & https://gettinghungary.com/ 
🧬 Key Takeaways:- National Family Month emphasizes the importance of family bonds.- Genealogy research uncovers emotional and impactful family stories.- Writing and storytelling preserve family legacies.- Adoption stories reveal the complexity of identity and belonging.- Online and travel communities support family history research.- Exploring ancestry deepens cultural and personal understanding.- Diaries, documents, and travel can connect us to our past.- Empathy and acceptance are vital when reflecting on historical injustices.
🎧 Also featured on our Quality of Life and Way Back When shows.🔗 Explore More Big Blend Radio Podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's JEFFERSON HIGHWAY Show, we chat with Jordan Boyd, Executive Director of the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma — a must-visit destination located along both the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66.
Discover how the Dobson Museum serves as a vibrant cultural hub, preserving the history of Ottawa County and honoring the vision of Nellie Dobson, who aimed to create a lasting memorial to her family and community. With original furnishings from the Dobson family, the museum provides an intimate glimpse into local heritage and daily life in early Oklahoma.
Jordan shares how the museum’s engaging youth programs like Dobson Discovery Days make history fun and interactive for children, and discusses the rotating exhibits that keep the community involved and informed. 
Whether you're a history buff, educator, traveler, or heritage tourism enthusiast, this episode offers meaningful insights into how local museums can shape future generations and foster pride in regional stories.
🎧 Listen now and plan your visit!
🔗 Dobson Museum and Home:http://www.dobsonmuseum.com 
🔗 Learn more about the Jefferson Highway Association:https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
🎙️ Listen to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast:https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Women's War Stories of Courage, Resilience and Sacrifice

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Women Making History” podcast shines a spotlight on the untold and often overlooked stories of women in wartime —from espionage to frontline heroism.
Featured Guests:Glynn Burrows shares the legacies of nurse Edith Cavell and WWII’s Jeannie MacIntosh.🔗 https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/what-does-memorial-weekend-mean-to-you/ 
Jo Clark honors Belle W. Baruch—American pilot, equestrian, philanthropist, and coastal observer.🔗 https://recipestravelculture.com/ | https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/belle-baruch-american-pilot-equestrian-and-spy/ 
Sharon K. Kurtz shares Harriet Tubman’s trailblazing role in leading a Union Army raid.🔗 https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 📖 https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/harriet-tubman-a-legacy-of-courage-and-compassion/ 
🕊️ Celebrate resilience, honor sacrifice, and amplify women's wartime history. 

Historic Pensacola, Florida – Blue Angels, Beach Bliss & Coastal Culture

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes you on an unforgettable journey through beautiful and historic Pensacola, Florida—a dream beach destination packed with adventure, charm, and rich history.
From watching the Blue Angels practice from the Flight Line to nighttime kayaking, indulging in ocean-to-table dining, and enjoying luxury accommodations, Terri shares her firsthand experiences and travel tips to help you plan your perfect Pensacola getaway.
While Pensacola is famed for its sugar-white sand beaches, there's so much more to discover. Explore nearly 500 years of history, visit centuries-old landmarks, tour top-tier museums, shop at Florida’s #1 outdoor market, and savor the flavors of the Gulf at the region’s incredible restaurants and cafes.
🎧 Listen now to uncover why Pensacola should be on your travel radar!
📖 Read Terri’s full Pensacola article:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discover-pensacola-florida/
🌍 Follow Terri’s global adventures:https://travelwithterri.net/
📅 New episodes every 4th Monday at 6 PM CST. Subscribe here:https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/
🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel and Vacation Station podcast channels.🎧 Subscribe to the full Big Blend Radio Network:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Military History Experiences: Coronado, California to Corning, New York

In this special Memorial Day episode of Big Blend Radio, we honor our nation’s heroes and spotlight Military Appreciation Month with travel writer and editor Kris Grant. She shares the deep military and naval aviation history of Coronado, California, highlighting its connection to naval aviation, Navy SEAL training, and legendary figures like Glenn Curtiss.
The conversation explores life on a naval base, the evolution of military aviation, and the cultural significance of Coronado—from the festive Independence Day Parade to the historic and famously haunted Hotel del Coronado.
Kris also shares insights on other fascinating military history destinations, including:
Dayton, Ohio – A hub of aviation heritage with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Hammondsport and Corning, New York – Home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum and the scenic Finger Lakes region
🎧 Listen in for inspiring stories that commemorate service and preserve the legacy of America’s military past.
🔗 Websites & Resources:
Coronado Magazine & Coronado Eagle/Journal: https://www.coronadonewsca.com/
Visit Coronado, California: https://discovercoronado.com/
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport, NY): https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org/
Explore Corning & the Finger Lakes: https://exploresteuben.com/
Destination Dayton (Visitor Info): https://www.destinationdayton.org/
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
National Aviation Heritage Area: https://www.nps.gov/daav/index.htm
International Food Wine Travel Writers Association: https://ifwtwa.org/

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