Women Making History

Strong Women in the American West

This "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on Strong Women in the American West, specifically in Colorado.
FEATURED GUESTS- Linda Ballou author of "Embrace of the Wild: Inspired by Equestrian Explorer Isabella Bird." She takes you on a heady ride from the lush Hawaiian Islands to the majestic Rocky Mountains where she meets a mercurial mountain man. Info: http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 
- Pat Benedict Jurgens, author of the award-winning novel "Falling Forward: A Woman’s Journey West." This is the story of an ordinary woman who meets life’s unexpected turns with strength and resilience. Info: https://patjurgens.com/ 

Don't You Dare - Uncovering Lost Love

In celebration of Pride Month, this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio (June 2023) features Author Gayla Turner, Singer-Songwriter-guitarist Jill Knight, and Vocalist/Composer Johnny Schaefer. This conversation covers Pride celebrations, flamingos, summer holidays, and the "Don't You Dare" audiobook and song project. Gayla Turner’s "Don’t You Dare," book weaves together a current-day journey of discovery and a love story that took place between two women in the early 1900s—a story that would forever change her life. Johnny Schaefer (guest co-host of the Big Daily Blend podcast) wrote the song "Don't You Dare" for the audio book, which features Jill Knight on vocals and guitar.
FOLLOW:- Singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer - ⁠https://hearjohnny.com/ ⁠- Gayla Turner - Author of "Don't You Dare" - ⁠http://www.gaylaturner.com/⁠- Singer/songwriter Jill Knight - ⁠https://www.jillknight.com/⁠

Reggae Artist Annicia Banks - Up Front!

In celebration of June being Caribbean American Heritage Month, this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio features reggae singer-songwriter Annicia Banks who talks about her debut EP “Up Front” with Raw Vue Music, her world travels, and cooking. The EP introduces her original songs, including a collaboration with the late and legendary Bob Andy, with the first single a cover of the Dennis Brown hit "Love Has Found Its Way" featuring original saxophonist Dean Fraser. More: http://www.rawvuemusic.com/ 
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Annicia has toured the Caribbean, United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe, using the dulcet tones of her voice to provide background support for internationally acclaimed reggae artists Judy Mowatt (of I-Threes fame), Bunny Wailer (original member of The Wailers), Sister Carol, and the legendary "Crown Prince of Reggae" Dennis Emmanuel Brown. 

Catching Up with Shelley King - Madam Mystic Album

Award-winning Texas singer-songwriter and musician Shelley King returns to Big Blend Radio to catch us up about her active touring schedule and her 10th album "Madam Mystic." This is the third album that she has collaborated on with John Magnie and Steve Amedée, members of the renowned New Orleans group, The Subdudes. She also worked with esteemed musicians and vocalists Eric Thorin, Cindy Cashdollar, Will McFarlane, Shawn Camp, Carolyn Wonderland, Greta Cornett and Phuong Nguyen, Matt Skinner, and Tim Cook.
Shelley King's decades-long journey in the music industry has been on her terms. She's taken on the roles of songwriter, band leader, studio producer, owner of her own label and publishing company, to self-release all of her work.  Her talent, energy, commitment to the craft, and service to the community led her to be recognized by the Texas Legislature and appointed Official Texas State Musician. She’s won several Austin Music Awards, and had her songs recorded by several internationally known musicians.  More at https://www.shelleyking.com/ 
This episode is featured on the following Big Blend Radio podcast channels: Big Daily Blend, Women Making History, A Toast to The Arts, and Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll. Keep up with our shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr. Helen McKibben - Drop: Making Great Decisions

Closing off Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Dr. Helen McKibben, a seasoned clinical therapist with over 35 years of experience, and the creator of the innovative and unique self-help technique, "Dropping to the Blank Screen." 
Hear about her new book “Drop: Making Great Decisions" that teaches how to use neuroscience to activate the brain in the way it is designed to work emotionally, and to change your brain's responses to yourself and other people. You can use your emotional instincts to make great decisions. Trust your brain and set yourself up for self-reliance.
McKibben holds a doctorate in psychology, counseling licenses in multiple states, and national certification. She is passionate about neuroscience and the interaction between the brain and emotions. https://helenmckibben.com/ 

Children's Book Author Linda B. Davis - Food Fight

In Honor of World Digestive Health Day (May 29) and Mental Health Awareness Month (May), this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio features author Linda B. Davis who discusses her engaging and empowering middle grade novel on finding self-esteem with a little-known eating disorder known as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), often characterized as “extreme picky eating.” WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/b7dqpTEB-dA Linda holds a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in clinical social work from University of South Florida. Her past work experiences include research investigating how the sense of smell facilitates mother-infant bonding, clinical work with people newly infected with HIV, and psychoeducational support for adults and children living with mental illness.Ultimately, her career training prepared her to be curious about why we do the things we do. This has come in handy as a mother and a writer. She is passionate about the need for accessible and accurate information about mental health, especially in children’s books. Out now, her novel, “Food Fight,” was inspired by a young relative’s experience living with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). More: https://www.lindabdavisauthor.com/ 
 
 

Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education

With May 28 being National Ethopia Day, it led us from this Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" conversation with Somali-American writer Warda Mohamed Abdullahi. Her powerful memoir, "Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education,” not only tells the story of her own resilience but also that of striving refugees around the world. Set in the rugged shrublands of rural Ethiopia, the contentious neighborhoods of South Africa, and the icy streets of Michigan, Warda is the story of a fierce young woman on a tireless quest to become the first member of her family to go to college. More: https://wardaabdullahi.com/ 

Sue Ingalls Finan - Author of The Cards Don't Lie

Inspired by the contributions of citizens during the Battle of New Orleans, this"From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio features author Sue Ingalls Finan who discusses her novel, “The Cards Don’t Lie." It's a story of love, rebellion, intimacy, betrayal, and heroism in the face of terror and barbaric brutality. Borrowing from real-life accounts from women during this battle, Finan tells of three women essential to the city’s defense. 
Featured music is 'Crystal Ball' by Jon Roniger & The Good for Nothin Band.