Way Back When

Step inside one of America's most legendary luxury hotels!

Recorded on-site, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast features travel journalist Terri Guthrie in conversation with Les Patin, Marketing Manager of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Since opening in 1893, The Roosevelt has welcomed presidents, celebrities, Mardi Gras royalty, and generations of travelers seeking timeless elegance in the heart of New Orleans. Originally opened as The Grunewald Hotel, this iconic property has survived fires, Prohibition, the Great Depression, Hurricane Katrina, and today shines following its spectacular restoration as part of the Waldorf Astoria collection.

From Huey P. Long's famous suite and secret passageway to the legendary Sazerac Bar, elegant Fountain Lounge, historic Blue Room, rooftop pool, luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa, beautifully restored guest rooms, and the beloved Waldorf Wonderland holiday display, discover why The Roosevelt remains the Crown Jewel of the Crescent City.

Whether you're planning your next New Orleans getaway, love historic hotels, or simply enjoy fascinating stories of American hospitality and architecture, this episode offers an insider's look at one of the country's most iconic destinations.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode also celebrates one of the nation's most storied historic hotels and its enduring place in American history, hospitality, and culture.

Learn more about The Roosevelt New Orleans:

Learn more about Terri's travels:

- Travel with Terri Podcast (airs every other Tuesday):

- The Luxe Explorer Magazine:

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.

Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.

Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.

Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:

Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:

Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. 

Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.

Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.

This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.

Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.

📖 Read Rose's Articles:

🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ 

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 

📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG 

🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

As part of Big Blend Radio's America 250 celebration, this special episode of Way Back When explores one of the most pivotal moments leading to the American Revolution.

Travel writer Debbie Stone shares her immersive visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, authentic replica tea ships, and fascinating Revolutionary War artifacts bring the events of December 16, 1773 vividly to life. From tossing tea into Boston Harbor to discovering the stories behind the patriots who helped shape American history, Debbie explains why this engaging museum experience is a must for history lovers of all ages.

The conversation also explores the significance of the Boston Tea Party, remarkable artifacts including one of the only surviving tea chests from the original protest, Abigail's Tea Room, and how visitors can connect this experience with nearby Revolutionary War sites in Lexington and Concord.

Whether you're commemorating America's 250th Anniversary, or planning a history-filled trip to Boston, this episode offers inspiration to experience one of America's defining stories firsthand.

📖 Read Debbie's articles:

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Global Adventures with Debbie Stone:

📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine:

Journey through the history of California's Sequoia Country as we explore the parks, people, and places that have shaped Tulare County—from giant sequoias and Indigenous heritage to military history, railroads, agriculture, and the communities that continue to preserve the region's remarkable legacy.

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's California's Sequoia Country podcast, discover the fascinating stories behind Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the General Grant Tree, Colonel Allensworth, Native American tribes, historic communities, museums, and the agricultural traditions that continue to define this remarkable region. Learn how nature, history, and culture come together to create one of California's most inspiring destinations.

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:

📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT: 

📡 This episode celebrates America 250 and Parks & Recreation Month (July 2026). 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the timeless beauty of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island, and Savannah, Georgia, sharing highlights from an unforgettable Lowcountry journey filled with history, nature, coastal charm, and Southern hospitality.

Beginning in Charleston, Sharon discovers the city's rich colonial history, vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, and acclaimed restaurants before attending a family wedding at the luxurious Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. She then heads south to Savannah, where charming public squares, centuries-old architecture, fascinating museums, rooftop bars, and scenic riverfront views reveal why the city remains one of America's most romantic destinations.

Along the way, Sharon shares memorable wildlife encounters—from dolphins and bald eagles to herons and alligators—along with recommendations for historic walking tours, harbor sailing excursions, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Bonaventure Cemetery, exceptional Lowcountry cuisine, and the welcoming culture that makes this region so special.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Savannah offer unforgettable opportunities to experience the history, culture, landscapes, and hospitality that have helped shape our nation's story.

📝 Read Sharon's "Low Country Escape" article:

📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 

🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:

🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:

The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years — and today we're diving into why this magnificent medieval embroidery is so much more than a war story. It's a record of cultures colliding, merging, and ultimately transforming a nation.

Historian and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows joins Lisa on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast to unravel the remarkable story behind the tapestry — from the Norman invasion of 1066 and the fate of poor King Harold, to what the tapestry reveals about everyday life: boats, horses, armor, farming, and even a few naughty bits in the border.

Glynn and Lisa also explore how the Norman Conquest layered onto the Romans, the Vikings, and the Anglo-Saxons to create the England we know today — and how that same thread of cultures mixing, clashing, and merging runs through American history too.

🗓️ Don't miss it in person: The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 through July 2027 — the first time it has been in the UK since it was made. Tickets are limited, so book early!

RESOURCE LINKS

📖 Related Reading: Touring Battlefields of Britain (including the Battle of Hastings): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain 

🌐 Visit English Connection to listen to more episodes and to read Glynn's magazine: https://EnglishConnection.uk 

Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference.

Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism.

Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region.

The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences.

Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County! 

Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas:

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. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 

Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:

📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the show at:

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone explores the captivating city of Córdoba, Spain, where centuries of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences have created one of Europe's most fascinating cultural landscapes.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba invites visitors to wander its winding historic streets, discover architectural masterpieces, and uncover stories that span more than two thousand years. Debbie shares highlights from her journey, including the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Catedral, one of the world's most remarkable examples of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the historic Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress that played a significant role in Spanish history.

The conversation also delves into Córdoba's celebrated traditions, from colorful festivals and lively plazas to the elegance of the famed Andalusian horses, whose performances reflect the region's enduring cultural heritage.

Whether you're drawn to history, architecture, or immersive cultural experiences, this episode reveals why Córdoba remains one of Spain's most extraordinary destinations.

📖 Read Debbie's article:

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine:

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author Pam Webber discusses her new novel, "Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love," the first book in a new World War II series inspired by the little-known "Miracle of Massawa" in Eritrea, North Africa.

Set in 1942 during the height of World War II, the novel follows fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas as she embarks on her first mission to investigate the theft of military payroll funds and uncover a dangerous conspiracy threatening Allied operations in the Red Sea region. Along the way, readers encounter espionage, deception, romance, wartime intrigue, and the remarkable story of the women who served as spies during WWII.

In this fascinating conversation, Pam shares the real history behind the novel, including the role of the OSS—the precursor to the CIA—how women were recruited into intelligence work, the influence of MI6 on American spy training, and the strategic importance of North Africa in the Allied war effort. She also discusses her extensive research, from declassified documents to personal letters, and how she created her courageous protagonist, Kit Thomas.

Learn more about Pam Webber and her books at https://www.pamwebber.com 

Visit Big Blend's new home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/