Way Back When

Author Leo Daughtry - Talmadge Farm

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Leo Daughtry discusses his debut novel, "Talmadge Farm" that transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. It's a sweeping drama that follows three unforgettable families navigating the changing culture of North Carolina at a pivotal moment in history. 
"Talmadge Farm" (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author's personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, North Carolina, during periods of turbulent societal change. More at: https://www.leodaughtry.com/ 
Leo Daughtry is a life-long resident of North Carolina. After graduating from Wake Forest University and its School of Law, he established a private law practice in Smithfield, N.C. He was a member of the N.C. House and Senate for 28 years, including serving as House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader. 

Debbie Stone - Little Rock is an Arkansas Gem

This is episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas. 
Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

Fascinating Family History Research Stories & Findings

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows, he discusses Family History Research with three special guests, and everyone has some fascinating stories and findings from their genealogy adventures to share! Read Glynn's Family History Research article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-research-in-many-guises/  
FEATURED GUESTS* ARYN YOUNGLESS is a writer and genealogist in the Los Angeles region. Visit:  https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/* JO CLARK is a travel writer and photographer in South Carolina who is actively researching her family history in the UK. See her Gettysburg Family History story, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/ * ELAINE POWERS is a retired biologist and author in Tucson, Arizona and board member of the Tucson Sisters in Crime writers group. She's related to Edgar Allan Poe! Visit: https://elaineapowers.com/ 
GLYNN BURROWS is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research.* Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/  * Follow his podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History channel. 

Jefferson Highway News - It's Happening in Oklahoma!

Celebrate Small Business Month (May) and National Travel & Tourism Week (May 19-25, 2024) with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show that focuses on the Jefferson Highway Association's efforts in Oklahoma which includes new road signage, the first state chapter, and the upcoming 2025 Conference in McAlester (June 4-7, 2025). 
FEATURED GUESTS:- ROGER BELL, President of the Jefferson Highway Association. Info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/  - DELAINA STEVENS - President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway.- BILLY SUMNER - McAlester Tourism Manager & Vice President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway. More: http://www.travelmcalester.com/    
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST. Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches

With the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebrations coming up (June 20-22, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all about the sports history, culture, and impressive athletes of Natchitoches and the state of Louisiana. Featured guests are K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Doug Ireland - Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is an impressive $23-million museum complex in the historic downtown district of Natchitoches. It's collection of portraits and memorabilia celebrate the achievements of more than 300 legendary Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures. Other sports-themed exhibits and interactive media trace the history and importance of sports to life in Louisiana.  The complex is also home to the Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Info: https://lasportshall.com/  
Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/  
Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here:  https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/ 

Author Anna Monardo - After Italy Memoir

This episode of Big Blend Radio features author Anna Monardo who discusses her new and award-winning memoir, "After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage" (Bordighera Press, May 14, 2024).
Author of "The Courtyard of Dreams" and "Falling in Love with Natassia," Anna pivots from her career as an established fictional author to reveal the truths she discovered while investigating her family’s story. Starting in Southern Italy, 1948 leading to the U.S. and igniting a family feud so volatile it leads to separation, domestic violence, and an inescapable legacy of fractured love. At 39, caught in her own failing “marriage of convenience,” Anna looks to her family’s immigration history as she charts her personal path to self-discovery and the adoption of her son.
Anna’s story speaks to those breaking the cycle of family trauma, the cultural conflicts among immigrant families, and the risks we take when going against family expectations. More: https://annamonardo.com/

Jo Clark - Experiencing Gettysburg in the Footsteps of Ancestors

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear about her roots travel experiences in Gettysburg, where she literally stepped in the footsteps of her ancestors. Read her article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/
Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd

Marni Patterson - A Walk Through Ancient & Modern History in Northern Greece

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Marni Patterson talks about her 10-day experience in Northern Greece where she traveled through centuries of history.  
Hear how she walked in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Paul the Apostle, saw monasteries that date back to the 11th century, monuments to World War I, met revolutionary heroes, and saw tragic reminders of Nazi occupation. She also discovered some fascinating women's history. You can read her article about it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ancient-northern-greece/ 
Marni Patterson is a freelance travel writer, photographer and videographer in Phoenix, AZ who writes about destination travel, local customs and cultures, and history. Keep up with her at https://mptravelwriting.com 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/