One of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in which 230,000 people perished, will be National Geographic's biggest docuseries of autumn, 'Tsunami: Race Against Time.'

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Barry Hirshorn, the seismologist who, in 2004, was tracking all the data as it trickled in. During the chaos, Hirshorn had to make sense of data so extreme as to be unreal. In 2004, Indian Ocean countries lacked the technology that could warn them, so Hirshorn knew that, based on his data, untold numbers of deaths were happening live. He raced to get the message to the remaining countries oblivious to the imminent calamity.

Premiering November 24, 2024, the series provides a 360-degree view into the heart-stopping events of 2004. It features personal accounts from survivors and scientists who raced against time to understand the catastrophe and warn the world. Told minute-by-minute through harrowing videos of survival – some seen for the first time – the four-part series offers an immersive look at the destructive wave as it surged across 14 countries.

TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME Premieres Across Two Nights, beginning Nov. 24, 2024 at 9/8c on National Geographic. All Episodes Stream Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu

With November 21st being World Philosophy Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio covering the award-winning documentary "Young Plato" that showcases Kevin McArevey, a Primary School headmaster in Belfast’s Ardoyne housing estates who invokes the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers to fight poverty, drug dealers and the IRA – restoring hope in the heart of a battered community.

Featured guests are Kevin McArevey, and director Neasa Ní Chianáín created the film with Declan McGrath. More at https://youngplato.com/

In perfect time for the holiday shopping season, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show features award-winning author C.B. Wilson, who is known for her popular Barkview Dog Mystery series. Hear about her books, her Bat Dogs petition, and much more. Visit: https://cbwilsonauthor.com/

Plus, check out her fun song, "12 Days of Barkview Christmas" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPMzjs0y7NM

In celebration of the holiday gift giving season, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channels. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

From the 98th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival to the Christmas Tour of Homes, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast focuses on what to experience this holiday season in Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana. Featured guest is Paige Alost, the Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches and check out the event calendar at https://natchitoches.com and learn more about the Christmas Festival of Lights at https://www.natchitocheschristmas.com/

Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show and check out the past episodes here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/

In observance of Cult Awareness Day, this episode focuses on life inside a cult, and then leaving and start life over.

FEATURED GUESTS: - GEOFF LEVIN is a musician, composer, producer, and film director of the “Brothers Broken” documentary on his life in and now out of scientology. Watch the trailer and learn more: https://www.brothersbroken.com/ - TAMARA MC was raised in a cult, but got out of it and became a world traveler, writer, and activist for girls and women worldwide. See her website for resources including a pages listing "325 Ways to Know if You are in a Cult" - see: https://tamaramc.com/are-you-in-a-cult/ - MATT COST is a prolific author of historical fiction and mystery, and the inspiration behind this episode. More: https://www.mattcost.net/

Get Ready for Thanksgiving with this episode of Big Blend Radio's COOKING WITH RUTH Podcast with Ruth Milstein, author of the Gourmand award-winning recipe book, “Cooking with Love: Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine.”

From shopping to cooking and serving, check out Ruth's List of Thanksgiving Tips and Recipes, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ruths-thanksgiving-tips/

Learn more about Ruth Milstein here: https://www.ruthmilstein.com/

Listen to Big Blend Radio's 3rd Sunday "Cooking with Ruth" podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/yr9jp58n

This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Big Daily Blend," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Part 2 of today's National Hiking Day or Take a Hike Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on unique and easy hiking experiences in England, Scotland, and Wales. Hear Part One that focuses on America, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/hiking-destinations-across-america-and-beyond/

FEATURED GUESTS & THEIR ARTICLES: - TRAVEL WRITER DEBBIE STONE talks about Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail an Articles: - Hadrian’s Wall Path: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/walking-hadrians-wall-path-national-trail/ - The Wales Coast Path: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/a-walk-on-the-wild-side-in-wales/

- GLYNN BURROWS OF NORFOLK TOURS talks about walking and easy hiking experiences along England’s Coastline and the Roman Roads of Peddar’s Way. Articles: - Walking England’s Coastline: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/walking-englands-varied-coastline/ - Roman Roads & Peddar’s Way: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/roman-roads-of-england/

In honor of National Hiking Day, also known as Take a Hike Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on various hiking destinations across America from Delaware and Maryland to Texas and Arizona, Arkansas and Hawai'i, plus, some global trail adventures that include the Cayman Islands and Slovenia!

FEATURED GUESTS: - JUDY KARNIA - Travel writer and nature therapy guide at https://judykarnia.com/ - JULIE DEE SUMAN - Travel writer and photographer at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/julie-dee-suman-travel-writer-and-photographer/ - SHARON K. KURTZ - Travel writer and photographer at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ - ELAINE A. POWERS - Author, conservationist, and biologist at https://elaineapowers.com/ - TIFFANY BERTRAM - Innkeeper & owner of Tiffany's Bed & Breakfast at https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/

CHECK OUT THIS PAGE for hiking articles and resources discussed in the podcast, as well as an online jigsaw puzzle of Saguaro National Park: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/hiking-destinations-across-america-and-beyond/

CHECK OUT PART TWO OF THIS PODCAST covering easy hiking experiences in the UK: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/easy-hiking-experiences-in-the-uk/