Women Making History

Filmmaker Amy Nicholson - Happy Campers

This episode of Big Blend Radio features filmmaker Amy Nicholson who discusses her documentary "Happy Campers." The film chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life. Learn more: https://www.happycampers.film/ 
 
Amy Nicholson is a New York-based filmmaker and commercial director whose projects often explore the essence of Americana with a humorous eye and a warm respect for her subjects. Nicholson’s most recent documentary, a short titled Pickle, won multiple audience awards, was selected for The New York Times’ Op Docs, and was featured on the Criterion Collection alongside Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven. Pickle was also nominated for an IDA Award and Cinema Eye Honors.
Nicholson has produced and directed several features. Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride won the Special Jury Prize at DOCNYC and was held over twice at the IFC Center. Muskrat Lovely premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival and was broadcast on Independent Lens. Nicholson’s films have screened at Hot Docs, Sheffield, Full Frame, DOK Leipzig, BFI London, Camden, Traverse City, Rooftop Films, and the MoMA. They have been reviewed by Variety, Indiewire, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Susan Hoffman - Grand Distance

A grandparent’s job is to love the grandchild. A grandchild’s job is to receive that love. With such a unique relationship between generations, it’s the mutual affection and time shared between a grandparent and grandchild that strengthens the bond and makes for a full human being. What happens when the balance of this relationship is interrupted? It’s a losing situation for everyone involved, and while children have no voice and no choice, it’s the grandparents who do.In honor of Grandparents Day, we're revisiting this 2021 Big Blend Radio interview with Susan Hoffman who discusses her book "Grand Distance." Susan became an advocate and activist for disenfranchised grandparents after she was faced with a stay-away letter from her grandson’s parents following a stepparent adoption.  
Susan is also the author of “Grand Wishes,” “A Precious Bond,” “It Won’t Happen Again” and “Do You Want to Be Right or Do You Want to Be Happy.” She is the creator and director of Advocates for Grandparent-Grandchild Connection, a charitable non-profit 501C (3) organization. More at https://www.grandparentchildconnect.org/  

Musician Rachel Flowers - Hearing is Believing Documentary

In honor of SuperHuman Day (Sept. 7), we're revisiting this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with composer and musician Rachel Flowers and filmmaker Lorenzo DeStefano, who discuss the inspiring documentary film, “Hearing in Believing." The film covers two years in the life of the tight knit Flowers family with Rachel’s stunning music as the soundtrack. Among the great musicians appearing with Rachel in the film are Grammy winners Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, Arturo Sandoval, two-time Grammy nominated jazz pianist, Taylor Eigsti, Progressive Rock icon Keith Emerson, and 50 members of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. More: www.HearingisBelievingFilm.com 

Musician Rachel Mari Kimber Goes to Saguaro National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestrates, harmonises, teaches, and produces, all from the heart. She also plays cello and sings for the band Black Forest Society, and also for Happy Joy Harmony. More: https://freeyourspiritheal.wixsite.com/love  
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

Sharon K. Kurtz - Fly Fishing on the Flathead River

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz, she shares her experience with Pursuit Glacier Park Collection, where she and 5 other travel writers learned the art of fly fishing.
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River, bordering Glacier National Park in Montana, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and exceptional rafting and fishing opportunities. But what truly sets it apart for a fly-fishing float is the thrill of navigating rapids, adding an adventurous twist to the experience amidst breathtaking wilderness. Read about Sharon's adventures, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/fly-fishing-the-flathead-river/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at  https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/ 
Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/. 

Steve Wallis - Hannah: The Soldier Diaries

Celebrate Military Monday and Music Monday with this episode of Big Blend Radio that features professional theater writer, producer, and author Steve Wallis. Hear about "Hannah: The Soldier Diaries," a powerful story of love, loss, and hope that takes listeners through a theater-like experience, with an audiobook that immerses listeners in an emotionally charged narrative from the comfort of their own homes. 
Wallis invites listeners to meet Hannah as she begins a relationship with Lance Corporal Jack Webb in summer 2012 and is quickly smitten. Hannah has to decide quickly whether to embark on a whirlwind affair or walk away, as the couple only has four weeks together before Jack has to return to the army to fight in the Afghan War. More: https://hannahthesoldierdiaries.co.uk/  

Shelley Whizin - Embracing Life Fully After Fifty!

As we navigate through life, especially after reaching the milestone of 50, we become more acutely aware of our mortality. The mirror reflects changes we didn’t expect, and the world around us shifts in ways that can be both disorienting and enlightening. This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL DIVING SUNDAY Show with transformational life coach Shelley Whizin focuses on the Unexpected Gift of Mortality. Shelley's chapter, "Are You Ready to Die?" in the bestselling book "50 and Fabulous, Navigating Wrinkles, Spasms & Generational Chasms," is not about death in the traditional sense; it’s about embracing life with every fiber of our being, recognizing the preciousness of each moment. Check out the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/50-Fabulous-Navigating-Wrinkles-Generational/dp/B0D953ZKQ1SHELLEY WHIZIN is the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ and author of "What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life." Keep up with her here: https://www.shelleywhizin.com/Tune into Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley" show every first Sunday here: http://tinyurl.com/2bjbectk 

Author Bridey Thelen-Heidel - Bright Eyes Memoir

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Bridey Thelen-Heidel, advocate and teacher, and author of the memoir, "Bright Eyes: Surviving Our Monsters and Learning to Live Without Them," (She Writes Press, September 24, 2024). A raw and immersive account of growing up alongside an abusive, narcissistic mother, "Bright Eyes" is an astonishing narrative of Bridey’s tenacious spirit, commitment to optimism in the face of unspeakable trauma, and dedication to breaking cycles of abuse. Learn more and pre-order the book here: https://bridey-thelenheidel.com/  Watch Bridey's popular TedX talk "ROB The Trauma: Steal Back Your Life," here: https://bridey-thelenheidel.com/tedx