Way Back When

The Legacy of Carroll Shelby and the Spirit of Pittsburg, Texas

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. 

Beyond Tuscany: Exploring Family History, Culture and Everyday Life in Italy

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 

Hawaiian History and Culture In Books and On Screen: Chief of War and Wai-Nani

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 

Exploring Louisiana's Cajun Coast

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 

Exploring History and Culture In and Around Istanbul

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features travel writer and photographer Marni Patterson, who shares her experiences exploring the fascinating history and culture of Istanbul, Turkey, and its surrounding regions.
From the iconic crossroads of East and West to the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli and the legendary city of Troy, Marni delves into the stories, myths, and cultural layers that make this part of the world so compelling. She also discusses the importance of respecting local customs, offers travel tips for exploring Turkey, and reflects on the realities and rewards of being a travel writer.
📖 Read Marni’s article, Exploring History and Culture In & Around Istanbul:https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-history-and-culture-in-and-around-istanbul/ 
🌐 Follow Marni’s adventures: https://mptravelwriting.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: 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 

Luxury Meets History: Barge Cruising England’s Iconic Thames River

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" on Big Blend Radio!
Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable experience celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary aboard the Magna Carta barge with European Waterways. This luxurious barge cruise along England’s historic Thames River blends elegance, culture, and centuries of history — from Oxford to Hampton Court.
Along the way, Rose and her fellow travelers explored iconic and historic sites such as Christ Church College in Oxford, Cliveden House, Dorney Court, Windsor Castle, Runnymede, and Hampton Court Palace. The conversation delves into the preservation of historic barges, the exceptional culinary experiences onboard, and the natural beauty that defines the Thames — from swans gliding by to rainbows after the rain. Rose also shares insights into filming locations tied to British television and film and teases her next adventure cruising the Mediterranean.
🌐 Read Rose's article about her Thames River barge cruise: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/celebrating-our-40th-anniversary-with-a-luxury-english-barge-cruise/🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.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 

Queen Esther on Gettysburg, Resilience, and Her Album Blackbirding

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.
Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future.
The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times.
🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady 
🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding 
🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com 
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 

Charming Quebec City: History, Festivals, Nature and Culinary Delights

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon”, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us to the old-world charm of Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city in North America.
From strolling cobblestone streets to enjoying lively festivals that celebrate French heritage, this conversation explores the city’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Listeners will also hear about outdoor adventures like e-biking and kayaking, Quebec’s renowned culinary scene featuring regional wines and Michelin-starred dining, and travel tips including the best times to visit and how to make the most of your stay with a privilege pass. Whether in winter or summer, Quebec City is truly a destination for all seasons.
📝 Read Sharon’s full article:https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/quebec-city-step-into-old-world-charm/ 
🌐 Plan your visit to Quebec City:https://www.quebec-cite.com/en 
🎙️ Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:https://sharonkkurtz.com 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 
🎧 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork