Part 2 of 3 in our “Main Streets, Villages, Historic Downtowns & Plazas” series celebrating Independent Retailer Month!

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a lively panel discussion exploring the vital role of Main Streets and historic downtowns in shaping community identity, boosting local economies, and enhancing cultural tourism. From the preservation of architecture and museums to the rise of food trails, local bookstores, and festivals, our guests highlight how small-town authenticity and community engagement drive revitalization and lasting impact.

🎧 Panel Guests:

🕰️ Chapters:

🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned:

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's “Vacation Station” and “Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, shares the fascinating stories behind the permanent exhibit “DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends.” Created in 1975, the series was inspired by traditional Papago (now Tohono O’odham, meaning “desert people”) legends, including The Creation of the World, The Monster of Quitovac, The Eagle-Man, and Ho’ok. Through vivid, expressive imagery, DeGrazia honored these Indigenous stories, helping preserve their cultural significance through visual storytelling.

Lance also talks about the life and legacy of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, whose bold work remains among the most reproduced in the world. The conversation covers DeGrazia's deep ties to Native American and Mexican heritage, his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, and his influence on generations of art lovers.

You'll also hear about the current rotating exhibits on display through September 3, 2025: “Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera,” “Louise Serpa’s Portraits of Ted DeGrazia,” and “The Way of the Cross.” 

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Open 361 days a year, the gallery offers a unique glimpse into the artistic spirit of the Southwest.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Music Talks with Joey Stuckey” features a lively and insightful conversation with The Cravens Band, diving into theiR new album “Strangers to the Truth."

Formed in 2014 by brothers Bill and John Storch, The Cravens are a West Palm Beach-based band known for their genre-blending sound that fuses classic rock, melodic hard rock, glam pop, and Americana. With three studio albums, a live album, an EP, and several standout singles, their music continues to resonate across streaming platforms and radio stations.

Featured on this episode are clips from two new tracks from Strangers to the Truth: “Big Ole Sky” and “Around the Bend.” The band shares insight into their writing and recording process, their evolving lineup, and the importance of staying authentic to their musical voice.

The Cravens are:

Joey Stuckey, an award-winning blind guitarist, producer, educator, and the official Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, also discusses his creative workflow, the assistive technology he uses in the studio and on stage, and the enduring importance of musical dynamics and collaboration.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

🎶 Learn more:

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “English Connection” with Glynn Burrows—historian and owner of Norfolk Tours—explores the unique charm and cultural richness of England’s small towns and villages. From quaint pubs and vibrant village greens to the culinary traditions and walking paths that connect communities, Glynn highlights how these rural areas are vital to the nation’s heritage and sustainable future. The conversation also touches on local business support, historical village names, and even graveyard etiquette, offering a thoughtful glimpse into the everyday life—and deeper legacy—of England’s countryside communities.

🎧 Glynn Burrows joins Big Blend Radio every 4th Saturday to share stories about England’s past and present, and to help listeners explore their family roots.

📍 Learn more in Glynn’s companion article:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/experience-englands-charming-villages/ 

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels.

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity in underinvested communities throughout Los Angeles.

Featured Guests:

📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show highlights the vibrant and welcoming community of Bunkie, Louisiana, which has been recognized as the Jefferson Highway Community of 2025. The conversation showcases Bunkie’s deep historical roots, growing tourism efforts, and the pride residents take in their culture and heritage.

Featured Guests:

From railroad history and agricultural traditions to mouthwatering local cuisine (especially boudin!), the discussion celebrates what makes Bunkie such a unique and engaging stop along the Jefferson Highway. The episode also touches on community collaboration, future tourism plans, and the value of preserving cultural landmarks and stories. Learn more at https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

In celebration of International Self-Care Day, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany—author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”—explores why self-care is essential for heart health. From the importance of sleep and mindfulness to the evolving role of AI in healthcare, this episode offers practical and empowering ways to prioritize your well-being, especially for caregivers and women at risk for heart disease.

Dr. Jackie shares how stress management, learning about your own health, and even travel can all be powerful self-care tools. The conversation emphasizes that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s vital.

📘 Learn more about her book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/ 

In Part 2 of this Big Blend Radio California Employment Law Podcast series covering Minimum Wage Laws, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the latest wage increases impacting healthcare and hospitality workers in California. With living costs on the rise and pandemic aftershocks still rippling through the workforce, these new minimum wage mandates are creating both opportunities and legal challenges. This episode breaks down what these increases mean for employers and employees, and why staying legally informed is more critical than ever.

📖 Read & Listen to Part One:

📖 Read the current article:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025-part-2/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Hendrika de Vries discusses her moving and reflective new memoir, “Open Turns” (She Writes Press, September 2, 2025).

From surviving Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as a child to navigating immigration and competitive swimming in 1950s Australia, Hendrika shares her remarkable coming-of-age story of survival, strength, and self-discovery. As a teenager determined to shape her own identity in a world that tried to confine her, she dives—again and again—into life’s open turns with courage and clarity.

Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Hendrika unpacks how intention and resilience helped her transform trauma into triumph. She also discusses how personal narratives serve as vital historical testimony and how writing can empower future generations to face change with hope and purpose.

More at: https://www.agirlfromamsterdam.com/ 

🔑 Takeaways

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone takes listeners to Abruzzo, Italy, where she dined on a historic trabocco—a traditional wooden fishing structure turned extraordinary seafood restaurant.

Debbie shares the history of these fascinating coastal platforms, originally designed for fishing, and now repurposed for unique dining experiences like the one she had at Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio. From fresh seafood and regional pasta to local wines and seaside views, this episode blends history, cuisine, and atmosphere into an unforgettable Italian travel story.

📌 Key Takeaways:

📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dining-at-a-trabocco-along-italys-picturesque-adriatic-coast/