Episodes

  • Author Clay Shwab - Manny Shwab and the George Dickel Company
    Jun 28 2024

    There was once a Tennessee whiskey that dwarfed Jack Daniel's, and a powerful man was behind it: V.E. "Manny" Shwab. Until now, virtually nothing has been written about either.

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show features Clay Shwab, who discusses his biography about his great-grandfather, "Manny Shwab and the George Dickel Company." This riveting read shares the untold story of a Tennessee whiskey tycoon who influenced society in Nashville’s gilded age.

    Their story is one of a Jewish Alsatian immigrant's dream of finding community and prosperity in the New World and his son who rose to dominate Tennessee politics, whiskey, and finance for decades; of smuggling during the Civil War; of the raging, sometimes fatal, battle against Prohibition; and of the wild side of rapidly growing Nashville during the 19th and early 20th centuries. More: https://clayshwab.com/

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Author Tamara J. Walker - Beyond the Shores
    Jun 19 2024

    In honor of Juneteenth, this episode of Big Blend Radio features author and writer Tamara J. Walker who discusses her book, "Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad," which is a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.

    Part historical exploration, part travel memoir, "Beyond the Shores" reveals poignant histories of a diverse group of African American expats who left the United States (and its racism) behind, building new lives abroad. Learn about Florence Mills, the would-be Josephine Baker of her day, in Paris, Richard Wright, the author turned actor and filmmaker, in Buenos Aires, and more.

    Along with being Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University, Tamara is the author of “Exquisite Slaves: Race, Clothing, and Status in Colonial Lima.” More: https://www.tamarajwalker.com/

    She is also a co-founder of The Wandering Scholar, a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to make international education opportunities accessible to students from low-income backgrounds. More: https://www.thewanderingscholar.org/

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • The Gettysburg Cyclorama and Painters Philippoteaux
    Jun 15 2024

    This episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on the Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting “Pickett’s Charge up Cemetery Ridge” at the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. The innovative Gettysburg Cyclorama was the work of father-son painter duo Henri Philippoteaux (1815 – 1884), and Paul Philippoteaux (1846 – 1923). Read Victoria's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/dioramas-cycloramas-and-the-painters-philippoteaux

    Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/

    Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw - 19: The Musical
    Jun 10 2024

    Celebrate Women's History, and Audiobook Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw, creators of the groundbreaking new musical audiobook “19: The Musical.”

    Originally created and performed on stage, "19: The Musical" shares the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote - The 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel. Alice Paul and the suffragist's fight for equality have been re-imagined for a new generation with a poignant and uplifting message that will resonate for years to come.

    Learn more: https://www.19themusical.com/

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • The Real Red Tails National Geographic Documentary
    Jun 3 2024

    This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Military Monday" Show with award-winning military historian and author Mike Guardia features Dr. Brian Smith, President and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, who discusses the new National Geographic documentary "The Real Red Tails."

    Out now, "The Real Red Tails" shares the story of the astonishing discovery of a WWII-era P-39 airplane in Lake Huron, Michigan. Tuskegee pilot Frank Moody perished in the crash, but the significance of what he and his fellow airmen accomplished survives to this day. This fascinating one-hour National Geographic documentary special explores the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as the mission to solve this 80-year-old mystery.

    Mike Guardia is the author of over 20 other military history books including "The Combat Diaries: True Stories from the Frontlines of World War II." His latest book is the Amazon best-seller, “Fire in the Hole: Tales of Combat with the 1st Engineer Battalion in Vietnam.” More: https://mikeguardia.com/

    Mike Guardia appears on Big Blend Radio's military history shows every 1st Monday. Follow his podcast here: https://mike-guardia-military-monday.podbean.com/

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Author Leo Daughtry - Talmadge Farm
    May 29 2024

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Leo Daughtry discusses his debut novel, "Talmadge Farm" that transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. It's a sweeping drama that follows three unforgettable families navigating the changing culture of North Carolina at a pivotal moment in history.

    "Talmadge Farm" (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author's personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, North Carolina, during periods of turbulent societal change. More at: https://www.leodaughtry.com/

    Leo Daughtry is a life-long resident of North Carolina. After graduating from Wake Forest University and its School of Law, he established a private law practice in Smithfield, N.C. He was a member of the N.C. House and Senate for 28 years, including serving as House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Debbie Stone - Little Rock is an Arkansas Gem
    May 28 2024

    This is episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas.

    Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/

    Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Fascinating Family History Research Stories & Findings
    May 25 2024

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows, he discusses Family History Research with three special guests, and everyone has some fascinating stories and findings from their genealogy adventures to share! Read Glynn's Family History Research article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-research-in-many-guises/

    FEATURED GUESTS * ARYN YOUNGLESS is a writer and genealogist in the Los Angeles region. Visit: https://www.genealogybyaryn.com/ * JO CLARK is a travel writer and photographer in South Carolina who is actively researching her family history in the UK. See her Gettysburg Family History story, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/ * ELAINE POWERS is a retired biologist and author in Tucson, Arizona and board member of the Tucson Sisters in Crime writers group. She's related to Edgar Allan Poe! Visit: https://elaineapowers.com/

    GLYNN BURROWS is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. * Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ * Follow his podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um

    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History channel.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins