Women Making History

Historic Detroit Mansions and the Women Behind Them

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" Podcast with travel writer Lisa Evans explores the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Detroit, spotlighting two extraordinary estates—Cranbrook Educational Community and Meadow Brook Hall.
Celebrating Women’s History Month and looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, this episode highlights the powerful legacy of Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose vision and philanthropy helped shape Meadow Brook Hall and left a lasting impact on the region.
Beyond the mansions, the conversation dives into Detroit’s dynamic story—from the rise of the automotive industry to the global influence of Motown Records and modern creative voices like Jack White. Discover how innovation, artistry, and resilience intersect in this iconic American city.
Whether you're planning a heritage trip, exploring architectural landmarks, or seeking destinations that honor the nation’s history, Detroit offers a compelling journey into America’s past, present, and future.
Lisa's Detroit Articles* Cranbrook: A Place Made by Hand: https://fwtmagazine.com/cranbrook-a-place-made-by-hand/ * The Woman Behind the Walls of Meadow Brook Hall: https://fwtmagazine.com/the-woman-behind-the-walls-of-meadow-brook-hall/ 
Detroit Travel Resources* Cranbrook: https://www.cranbrook.edu/ * Meadow Brook Hall: https://meadowbrookhall.org/ * Detroit Institute of Arts: https://dia.org/ * The Henry Ford: https://www.thehenryford.org/ 
🎵 Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596 
📖 NEW: Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 

Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia: George Washington’s Roots, Civil War History & Women's History

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and author Kathleen Walls explores the rich heritage of Fredericksburg, Virginia—making this the perfect conversation as America approaches its 250th anniversary and during Women’s History Month in March.
Located along the Rappahannock River between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Fredericksburg is filled with stories that shaped early America. Kathleen shares insights into the area’s deep connections to George Washington, including his childhood at nearby George Washington's Ferry Farm.
The discussion also highlights the legacy of Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s mother, whose home and memorial in Fredericksburg offer important perspectives on women’s roles in early American history.
You'll also hear about Fredericksburg’s role in the American Civil War, including fascinating sites like the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, where visitors can discover 18th-century medicine and the story of Revolutionary War hero Hugh Mercer.
Along the way, Kathleen busts historical myths (including the truth about Washington’s famous “wooden teeth”) and shares practical travel tips for exploring Fredericksburg today—from trolley tours and museums to historic homes and heritage sites that bring America’s past vividly to life.
Whether you're planning a heritage road trip, celebrating America’s 250th, or looking to experience history where it happened, Fredericksburg offers a powerful journey into the people, places, and stories that shaped the nation.
LINKS & RESOURCES* Read Kathleen's Article on Fredericksburg: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/historic-fredericksburg-virginia 
* Plan your Visit to Fredericksburg: https://fxbg.com/ 
* Keep up with Kathleen's Travels: https://www.americanroads.net/ 
* Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
* Follow this Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
* Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: Preserving History in New Smyrna Beach

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark explores the powerful stories preserved at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
This special episode celebrates the second anniversary of the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast and also recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting the importance of community storytelling and the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities. Walking along the quiet residential streets, visitors might easily pass a small white church on North Duss Street. Yet inside the historic Sacred Heart/St. Rita Church is something extraordinary—a living archive of African American history in coastal Volusia County.
Through photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and community voices, the museum shares stories of resilience, culture, and community leadership. This episode also explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned Florida Highwaymen artists, and the power of genealogy and local storytelling in preserving history for future generations.
Be sure to watch Jo’s social media channels for the upcoming launch of her new digital podcast magazine, "Have Glass Will Travel," which will feature travel stories, articles, and highlights from the "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museumhttps://www.blackheritage.org/ 
- Read Jo's article: https://mainlymuseums.com/post/1421/mary-s-harrell-black-heritage-museum-preserving-history-in-new-smyrna-beach/ 
- Watch the New Smyrna Beach travel episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/egIxyOk8o7M?si=TpO56JJBgyT301j4 
- Read Jo’s New Smyrna Beach travel article https://recipestravelculture.com/new-smyrna-beach-endless-salty-sunshine/ 
- Follow Jo Clark:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
- New episodes air every 2nd Sunday: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

The Dawes Arboretum: How Beeman and Bertie Dawes Created a Living Museum of Trees

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beeman Dawes and Bertie Dawes.
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy.
In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy.
From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees.
🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Descendant: Linda Stasi Reveals a Hidden Italian American Saga

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Linda Stasi discusses her powerful new historical novel The Descendant, arriving March 10, 2026 and available now for pre-order.
Inspired by real family history, the book uncovers a sweeping Italian immigrant saga that stretches from Sicily to the coal mines and ranchlands of the American West. Linda shares how deep journalistic research led her to shocking discoveries about labor exploitation, early Mafia networks, and the overlooked role of immigrant women in shaping the West.
The conversation explores the tragic legacy of the Ludlow Massacre, the roots of cultural stereotypes, and why stories of resilience and reinvention still matter today. From rebellious cowgirls to bootlegging empires, The Descendant challenges the myth of the “John Wayne West” and re-centers the multicultural reality of American history.
📘 The Descendant releases March 10, 2026 — pre-order your copy now.🔗 Learn more about Linda Stasi: https://lindastasi.com 
📰 Read our complete review on Substack:https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-descendant 

Magical Malibu: Its Queen, Hidden Gems & Coastal Escapes

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beauty, and lesser-known treasures.
The conversation begins with the remarkable story of May Rindge, known as the “Queen of Malibu,” whose fierce determination helped protect the region from the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. Linda shares fascinating anecdotes about Rindge’s legacy, including her role in shaping iconic landmarks such as the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House, both enduring symbols of Malibu’s cultural heritage.
The episode also explores Malibu’s quieter side — from hidden beaches and scenic hiking trails to springtime wildflower blooms and beloved local dining spots like Malibu Seafood Café. Along the way, Linda encourages travelers to look beyond the celebrity headlines and experience Malibu’s soulful landscapes, layered history, and timeless coastal charm.
📝 Read Linda’s travel article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/in-a-malibu-state-of-mind-linda-ballou-shares-the-amazing-tale-of-may-rindge-the-queen-of-malibu-other-reasons-why-you-should-visit/ 
🌍 Keep up with Linda’s books & adventures:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Parks & Travel” and "Women Making History" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Nancy Bernhard: The Double Standard Sporting House

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward, airing on the second Wednesday of the month, features author Nancy Bernhard, who discusses her novel "The Double Standard Sporting House." The episode also celebrates National Books Blitz Month, spotlighting powerful stories that illuminate overlooked voices and hidden histories.
Set in 19th-century New York, "The Double Standard Sporting House" explores women’s history through a bold and revealing lens — examining the societal constraints placed on women, the influence of Tammany Hall, and the stark double standards that shaped women’s lives. In this engaging conversation, Bernhard sheds light on how brothels became one of the few paths to financial independence for women, while also addressing the intersections of race, gender, power, and survival.
The discussion dives into the realities faced by women navigating restrictive laws, limited rights, and moral judgment, while also touching on burlesque as social satire, reproductive autonomy, and why sex workers’ voices have so often been excluded from historical narratives. Thought-provoking and timely, this episode connects past struggles to ongoing conversations about women’s rights today.
🔗 Episode & Author Links✍️ Author Website – Nancy Bernhard: https://www.nancybernhard.com/ 📚 Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 🎙️ Explore the Big Blend Radio Network where this episode aired on the "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

One True Song: Anna Karney on The Power of Music and Connection

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we welcome back Bay Area singer-songwriter, educator, and activist Anna Karney for a heartfelt conversation about music as a force for connection, healing, and social change.
Anna discusses her latest album "One True Song," a powerful collection of soulful folk rock and alternative singer-songwriter music rooted in themes of justice, hope, and collective action. Co-produced by Michael Rosen (Rancid), the album features an impressive lineup of Bay Area musicians including James DePrato (Chuck Prophet Band), Phillip Bennett (Jefferson Starship), Uriah Duffy (Fantastic Negrito, Whitesnake), and more. From the gentle “Suspended” to the driving “Out of Body” and the socially charged “Freedom Summer,” the album blends raw acoustic songwriting with the full energy of a rock band.
The conversation also explores Anna’s work as a choir and guitar teacher in San Francisco, the healing power of music, the importance of community, and how art bridges culture, history, and human connection. We also highlight her new holiday single, “Ring In the Holidays,” a joyful celebration of togetherness through music.
Beyond recording and performing, Anna’s career spans composing music for video games like Star Wars Galaxies and SimCity, scoring ballet and modern dance, and earning the prestigious “Dreamcatcher” Award for her impact on youth through music education.
🎶 Learn more, stream, and explore Anna Karney’s music:https://karney.org/ https://karney.bandcamp.com 
This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts," "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll," "Big Daily Blend," and "Women Making History" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork Photos: Tanja Nixx