Women Making History

Helen Woodward Animal Center: Adopting Pets and Learning About Them

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show highlights the mission, history, and impact of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California (and the story behind its founder, Helen Woodward). Co-host Angela Laws joins Michael Makie from the Center to discuss animal welfare, education, and the life-changing benefits of pet companionship through being a pet parent, adopting or fostering a pet, or volunteering. 
This episode covers:- The history and mission of Helen Woodward Animal Center- How fostering pets increases adoption rates and provides essential care- Changing perceptions of misunderstood breeds, like pit bull terriers- The adoption process and considerations for holiday adoptions- The therapeutic benefits of animal interaction for humans- How TrustedHousesitters supports pet care when owners travel
Whether you’re a pet parent, prospective adopter, or animal lover, this conversation underscores the importance of education, compassion, and community in animal welfare.
🐾 Learn more about Helen Woodward Animal Center: https://animalcenter.org/ 🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com 
🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" and “Women Making History” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Queen Esther on Gettysburg, Resilience, and Her Album Blackbirding

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.
Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future.
The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times.
🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady 
🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding 
🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com 
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 

Author Jane Eisner: Carole King - She Made the Earth Move

In this inspiring Big Blend Radio conversation, journalist and author Jane Eisner discusses her new biography, "Carole King: She Made the Earth Move" (Yale Jewish Lives, Sept. 16, 2025). Eisner explores the extraordinary life and career of Carole King, from her humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn to her rise as one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters.
The interview delves into King’s groundbreaking role in a male-dominated industry, her authentic and timeless songwriting, her struggles and triumphs as a woman balancing fame and family, and her activism on environmental and social issues. Eisner also highlights how King’s Jewish heritage and immigrant background shaped her artistry, and how her music continues to inspire themes of resilience, honesty, and hope across generations.
🎶 Carole King’s songs — from “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” to the Grammy-winning Tapestry album and beyond — remain beloved worldwide, and Eisner’s book offers a fresh, insightful perspective into the mind and soul of this legendary artist.
This interview is part of Big Blend Radio’s National Literacy Month programming, celebrating the power of books and storytelling. Through Jane Eisner’s biography of Carole King, we see how literature and journalism preserve the voices of cultural icons and inspire new generations of readers and music lovers alike.
📖 Learn more about Jane Eisner and her work at: https://jeisner.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.bigblendradio.com/ 

Tour Cayuga County: Harriet Tubman’s Legacy, Culinary Trails & Finger Lakes Adventures

Discover everything Cayuga County has to offer, from seasonal outdoor activities and unique culinary experiences like the Sweet Treats Trail, to art and music festivals, wineries, and community events. We dive into the area’s stunning landscapes shaped by its unique geography and agricultural roots, especially in wine, apple, and agricultural production. Whether you're interested in lakeside adventures, historic sites, or charming B&Bs, this episode has something for every traveler.
Our conversation also highlights the Erie Canal bicentennial, the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and women’s history, and how Cayuga County continues to inspire travelers with its blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor beauty.
🗺️ Plan your visit: https://www.tourcayuga.com/ 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to IFWTWA01:52 - Cayuga County's History & Harriet Tubman04:38 - Celebrating Women's History07:22 - A Legacy of Generosity and Care08:00 - The Role of Quilts in History10:45 - Experiential Learning Through Travel13:21 - Exploring the Great Lakes14:08 - New York's Hidden Gems16:56 - The Beauty of the Finger Lakes19:47 - Seasonal Activities (Autumn & Winter)22:25 - Culinary Delights: Sweet Treats & Local Produce25:12 - Wineries and Craft Beverages28:04 - The Arts and Music Scene30:49 - Festivals and Community Events33:43 - Lodging and Local Hospitality36:24 - Historical Significance & The Future of the Region
📢 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Way Back When," and "Women Making History" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Pots, Pans, and Protest: The Amazon Army of Kansas

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History Podcast, we explore the powerful story of the Amazon Army March of 1921 in Southeast Kansas. Thousands of women — armed not with weapons, but with pots, pans, and unshakable courage — marched to support miners demanding fair working conditions. This occurred on the historic Jefferson Highway.
Featured guests are:- Phyllis Bitner – Chair, Miners Hall Museum Foundation Board of Trustees. The Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas is dedicated to preserving and sharing Southeast Kansas coal mining history and its diverse immigrant culture. More: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ 
- Linda Knoll – Board Trustee of Miners Hall Museum and one of the founders. She is the playwright of Army of Amazons, the catalyst for the "Solidarity" mural project (1999–2000). Linda’s work has been featured through the Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau, honored with a Civil Rights Award by the NEA, and even nominated for an Emmy through PBS. More: https://www.amazonarmy.com/ 
Although this conversation premieres for Labor Day, the story of the Amazon Army is timeless — a reminder of how ordinary women made extraordinary contributions to justice, equality, and workers’ rights.
📖 Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the Amazon Army March02:33 – Historical Context of Franklin and Coal Mining05:34 – Immigrant Experiences and Community Development08:40 – Life in the Coal Mining Towns11:27 – The Role of Women in Labor Movements14:26 – The March of the Women: A Historical Perspective16:52 – Conditions of Miners and Their Families19:51 – Strikes and Labor Rights in the Mining Industry22:28 – The Impact of Gender on Labor Movements30:45 – The Hidden History of the Amazon Army33:54 – Women’s Rights and Social Justice36:05 – Resilience and the Fight for Rights37:16 – Moonshining and Economic Struggles41:51 – Preserving History and Future Projects48:43 – A Poetic Reflection on Struggles
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Women Making History," "Jefferson Highway," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

From Heartbreak to Healing with Sarah May

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, author Sarah May discusses her inspiring memoir, She Journeys: A Memoir of Heartbreak and Homecoming (She Writes Press, Sept. 9, 2025). Through her personal story, Sarah shares how she overcame heartbreak, trauma, and toxic relationships, ultimately creating a life rooted in freedom, gratitude, and love.
In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah reflects on the importance of nature, rituals, and gratitude in the healing process. She opens up about reclaiming personal power, embracing vulnerability, and building healthy relationships, while encouraging others to take responsibility for their own happiness. By sharing her journey, Sarah hopes to empower listeners to find hope, healing, and renewal in their own lives.
💚 This episode is part of our National Wellness Month and Happiness Happens Month coverage, highlighting the power of resilience, healing, and choosing joy.
Learn more at: www.shejourneys.us 
Key Takeaways:- Healing and self-discovery are lifelong journeys shaped by resilience.- Nature, rituals, and gratitude can guide personal transformation.- Building healthy relationships begins with personal growth and boundaries.- Sharing stories creates connection and empowerment.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Sarah May and Her Journey04:45 – Life on the Road: The Van Life Experience09:12 – Overcoming Darkness: The Journey of Healing13:38 – Recognizing and Escaping Toxic Relationships18:27 – The Power of Rituals in Healing23:06 – Creating a New Life: From Trauma to Freedom24:37 – Navigating Divorce and Relationships26:29 – Understanding Abuse and Control28:11 – Healing from Trauma and Personal Growth30:02 – Reclaiming Personal Power30:54 – The Healing Power of Nature34:39 – Building Trust in New Relationships36:45 – Gratitude and Personal Responsibility42:51 – Empowering Women Through Healing

Open Turns: A Story of Resilience, Resistance & Reinvention

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- Immigration involves both loss and transformation.- The silent generation offers a legacy of strength through adversity.- Women’s stories are often shaped by resistance and resilience.- Personal storytelling preserves overlooked histories.- Legacy is created through voice and visibility.

Author Sam Davey - The Chosen Queen

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, author Sam Davey talks about her powerful new novel "The Chosen Queen," a feminist reimagining of the Pendragon prophecy told through the eyes of Igraine—Arthur’s mother and a woman of great strength, wisdom, and influence. Shifting the spotlight from kings and knights to queens and mothers, this is a story about power, destiny, and the women who shaped legend.
Sam shares her inspiration behind the book, how she blends history and myth, and what it’s like to juggle writing with a full-time career at London’s Royal Opera House. She also discusses her deep connection to Arthurian lore, the role of nature and magic in her storytelling, and her commitment to portraying women’s voices in history.
🔹 Highlights:- A fresh feminist perspective on Arthurian legend- Igraine’s journey as a mother, leader, and visionary- The intersection of myth, magic, and historical research- Sam’s path as a writer, and advocate for women’s stories
Learn more at https://www.samdaveyroughmagic.net/