Happy Hour Hang Out

Big Blend Radio's "Holiday Happy Hour Party" 2025

Raise a glass and join the fun on Big Blend Radio’s Annual Holiday Happy Hour Party 2025, a festive roundtable celebration filled with cocktails, travel tales, holiday foods, music, and meaningful conversations about gift-giving and community.
In this spirited holiday episode, an all-star lineup of Big Blend Radio guest experts share their favorite holiday traditions, memorable travels, and seasonal culinary delights. The conversation also explores sustainable celebrations, thoughtful gift-giving (including the art of re-gifting), and why experiences and connections often matter more than material gifts.
The episode wraps up with a joyful and creative collaboration as everyone comes together to design the perfect Christmas card — a heartfelt reflection of shared experiences, gratitude, and community during the holiday season.
Featured Big Blend Radio Friends: * Author & Food Writer Jeff Spear: https://spearwrites.com/ * Travel Writer & Photographer Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ * Author & Editor Cliff Garstang: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ * Writer & Book Industry Expert Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ * Singer-Songwriter Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Author & Environmental Activist Cheryl Leutjen: https://cherylleutjen.com/ 
🍸 Cheers to holiday happy hours, shared stories, and celebrating the season together! 

Dog-Friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip

In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Road Trip Radio Show takes you on a dog-friendly journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.
Featured guests Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast, share their experiences traveling with their dog to iconic distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Preservation Distillery. Along the way, they highlight the pet-friendly Bourbon Barrel Cottages, the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace, and the growing international appeal of bourbon tourism.
You’ll also hear from Jay Ballard of Bourbon Barrel Cottages about their accommodations, tours, and event spaces, plus Lynn Aubrey of Buffalo Trace Distillery who shares the history and current visitor experience at America’s oldest continuously operating distillery.
This lively conversation blends travel, history, bourbon, and hospitality with great tips for planning a Kentucky getaway — especially for those traveling with pets.
📝 Read Steve & Karen’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-ultimate-dog-friendly-road-trip-on-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail/  
🎙️ Featured Guests* Steve & Karen Wilson – Owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” podcast. Sharing their dog-friendly Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip experience. 🌐 https://lion-rose.com  
*Jay Ballard – Overview of Bourbon Barrel Cottages and tour options, plus their event facilities. 🌐 https://www.bourbonbarrelcottages.com/  
* Lynn Aubrey – Insights on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the current visitor experience at the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. 🌐 https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/  
📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Big Daily Blend, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Vacation Station, and Pet Connection Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

The History & Legacy of Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City

This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly’s is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City’s nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway.
Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly’s Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of guests with its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Pat shares stories of his father’s vision, the bar’s evolution over the years, and its deep connection to the local community. From hosting sports fans and local events to supporting Kansas City’s artists and musicians, Kelly’s has long served as a gathering place where history, art, and community come together.
This conversation also underscores the importance of preserving local history and art, connecting to earlier Big Blend Radio episodes with artist and historian Victoria Chick on Kansas City-connected artists Arthur Kraft and Thomas Hart Benton:* Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ * Thomas Hart Benton: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ 
Learn more about Kelly’s Westport Inn at: https://kellyswestportinn.com/ 

Burger Bliss, Part One: Hamburger Happy Hour

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Hamburger Happy Hour Party” kicks off our 3-part “Burger Bliss” Series, celebrating National Sandwich Month and the lead-up to Labor Day Weekend grilling! This fun and flavorful group chat brings together food writers, world travelers, and burger lovers to swap stories, recipes, and favorite burger destinations from across America and around the globe.
From traditional backyard bites to creative gourmet stacks, we explore how hamburgers connect us through nostalgia, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. We also take a tasty trip around the world to sample unique international burger variations, reminisce about memorable burger moments, and admit our fast food guilty pleasures.
Chapters:00:00 – Hamburger Happy Hour Introduction02:53 – Exploring Favorite Burgers05:27 – Happy Hour Conversations: Who Would You Invite?10:37 – Memorable Burger Experiences16:09 – Unique Burger Ingredients and Preferences23:50 – Global Burger Adventures35:14 – Unique International Burger Experiences38:26 – Fast Food Favorites and Experiments
Featured Guests:- Jeffrey Spear – Food writer & author of My Life in Gluttony. Shares his Peppercorn Crusted Burgers Recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ 
- Jo Clark – Food, wine & travel writer (Have Glass Will Travel). Shares her adventures during Gwinnett Burger Week in Georgia.* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Article: https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/ * Podcast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-gwinnett-county-georgia/ 
- Cheryl Ogle – World traveler, travel advisor & owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel. * Website: https://heywannago.com/ 
- Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter & world traveler. Released his new single “Find a Place” on the day of this recording.* Website: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Song Info: https://hearjohnny.com/epk-for-find-a-place 
🎧 This Happy Hour episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
🔥 Stay Tuned! This is just Part One of our 3-part Burger Bliss Series. Don’t miss Parts 2 & 3, where we’ll serve up even more mouthwatering recipes, travel destinations, and burger-loving stories. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube for all the delicious fun: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio  

Happy Hour Picnic Party in Nature

Join us for a delightful "Happy Hour Hang Out" on Big Blend Radio as we celebrate National Picnic Month and Parks & Recreation Month! This engaging episode explores the pure joy of picnicking, the profound benefits of connecting with nature, and our favorite spots and foods for an outdoor feast from Arizona to England. 
We dive into the calming practice of forest bathing, the therapeutic power of nature's sounds, and the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's diverse landscapes, from vibrant wildflower seasons to dramatic monsoon experiences. Discover how nature can positively impact mental health and the simple pleasure of sharing picnics with loved ones, whether in your local park or while traveling the world.
Featured Guests:* Judy Karnia – Travel writer and forest bathing guide. Learn more at https://travelingnature.com/ * Eva Eldridge – Traveler, writer, editor, and book publishing expert. Discover more at https://evaeldridge.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Parks & Travel” podcasts. Explore our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Wine It Up in Oregon, California, Arizona, Hungary & Beyond!

Join us as we Wine It Up and toast to National Wine Day with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's Eat, Drink & Be Merry show! This celebration explores the unique characteristics of wines from Oregon, California, Arizona, and Hungary, along with delicious wine pairings and personal wine journeys. 
From vineyard updates to charcuterie boards and the rise of orange wine, this lively roundtable uncorks the diversity of global wine experiences and highlights why every day is worth celebrating with a good glass of wine.
🎙️ Featured Guests:- Peggy Fiandaca – LDV Winery (Arizona) – https://ldvwinery.com - Dave Specter – Bells Up Winery (Oregon) – https://bellsupwinery.com - Jo Clark – Food/Wine/Travel Writer – https://recipestravelculture.com & https://haveglasswilltravel.com - Sharon K. Kurtz – Travel Writer & Photographer – https://sharonkkurtz.com - Clifford Garstang – Author & World Traveler – https://cliffordgarstang.com - Diane Dobry – Travel Writer & Hungarian Wine Expert – https://gettinghungary.com 
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Show:- Sharon's Article on Folktale Winery & Vineyards:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sipping-stories-at-folktale-winery-vineyards - Jo’s Article, Podcast & Travel Guide on Sonoma County:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sonoma-county-offers-more-than-great-vineyards - Diane's Go-To for Hungarian Wines: http://tastehungary.us 
🍷 For more episodes on food, wine, and cooking, visit: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com 

Pizza Party Happy Hour: Styles, Toppings, and Dream Guests!

🍕 National Pizza Party Day is HERE! 🎉 Join us for a fun and delicious episode of Big Blend Radio's HAPPY HOUR as we celebrate everything pizza! From classic deep dish and thin crust debates to the age-old question of pineapple on pizza, we're diving deep into the world of everyone's favorite food.
We explore unique pizza parlors and ask our fantastic guests the ultimate pizza party question: If you could invite ANY three people (alive, passed on, or fictional) to a pizza bash, who would they be and what kind of pizza are you serving?
Our special guests include:🍕 Peggy Fiandaca, LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com/ 🍕Jeffrey Spear, Branding Expert & Writer: https://spearwrites.contently.com/ & https://www.studiospear.com/ 🍕Rose Palmer, Travel Writer & Photographer (live from a cruise!): https://quiltripping.com/ 🍕Clifford Garstang, Acclaimed Author: https://cliffordgarstang.com/  
Craving some pizza inspiration? Check out these recipes and articles:🍕 Chef Ivan's Pizza Dough: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 🍕 Peggy's Quick & Fresh Marinara: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-quick-and-fresh-marinara-recipe/ 🍕 Giada's Positano Pizzas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/positano-pizzas/ 🍕 Spicy Veggie Pizza-Dilla: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spicy-veggie-pizza-dilla/ 🍕 Margherita French Bread Pizza: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/margherita-french-bread-pizza/ 🍕 5 Italian Foods You Won't Find in Italy: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/five-italian-foods-you-wont-find-in-italy/ 
Don't forget to check out this episode on the Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry channels of the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Let's Make Pizza with Chef Ivan Flowers!

In this flavorful shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Happy Hour" shows, 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor Chef Ivan Flowers serves up everything you need to know about crafting the perfect homemade pizza. From dough-making secrets and topping techniques to fun facts about regional pizza styles, this episode is a delicious deep dive into everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Chef Ivan also dishes on who he and his wife Tracy would invite to their ultimate pizza party—bringing personality, warmth, and plenty of foodie inspiration to the mic.
Whether you're gearing up for National Pizza Party Day on May 16, 2025, or just craving a slice of kitchen creativity, this episode is your go-to guide for pizza night success.
Plus, check out Chef Ivan’s DIY Pizza Dough recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 

A Happy Hour Toast to Spring 2025

Celebrate the Start of Spring with this Big Blend Radio ”Happy Hour” Show that focuses on wine, sips, and nibbles from around the world and across America. 
FEATURED GUESTS* MERLE ROSENSTEIN is a freelance writer specializing in travel, drinks, and food. She holds Level 2 Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification. Merle will focus on her global travels and Bangkok’s Cocktail Culture. Visit: https://superbubbie.ca/
* CHERYL OGLE is a world traveler, travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. Cheryl will share some of her favorite regional food and drinks from her travels. Visit: https://heywannago.com/
* PEGGY FIANDACA owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham. Peggy talks about their unique events, tasting an pairing parties, and winemaker talks held at their tasting room in downtown Scottsdale. Visit: https://ldvwinery.com/
* DAVE SPECTER is the winemaker of Bells Up Winery in Oregon, that he owns and operates with his wife Sara. Hear about their private and exclusive wine tastings hosted by Dave, and upcoming  2017 Library Release Party with  Chef Carlos Perez. Visit: https://bellsupwinery.com/

Cards, Characters & Cocktails

Celebrate Card Reading Day (Feb. 21) and Play More Cards Day (Feb 22) with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Happy Hour" show that features a virtual card game between three fictional characters. 
FEATURED GUESTS:- Singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ - Author & travel writer Kathleen Walls: https://katywalls.com/ and https://americanroads.net/ - Author Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts Show" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Check out our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork