On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" show with Joey Stuckey, the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, Joey draws on his extensive experience as a blind award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer to share insights into the art and process of music production.

From preparing for that first recording session and managing nerves, to budgeting, collaboration, and finding balance between creativity and perfectionism, Joey offers invaluable advice for both emerging and seasoned musicians. The conversation also reflects on the growth that comes from mistakes, the evolving role of home versus professional studios, and the importance of celebrating milestones like Joey’s inspiring Alive Day.

Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/

What You’ll Learn in this Episode - How to prepare for the recording studio and set realistic expectations - Why budgeting and collaboration matter in music production - The value of mistakes and celebrating creative milestones

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joey Stuckey and His Journey 02:27 Preparing for the Recording Studio 09:32 Realistic Expectations in Music Production 16:09 The Role of Home Studios and Remote Collaboration 25:32 The Art of Communication in Music Production 36:35 The Role of a Producer vs. Engineer 38:22 Artistic Intent and the Creative Process 39:57 Understanding the Unconventional 41:30 Nerves and Performance Anxiety in Music 43:01 Creating a Comfortable Studio Environment 45:02 The Importance of Honest Feedback 46:32 The Growth Process in Music Production 47:24 Recognizing Diminishing Returns in Recording 49:20 The Balance of Creativity and Perfectionism 51:34 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Detours 54:04 Celebrating Triumphs: Joey Stuckey's Alive Day

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll," and "Success Express" podcast channels. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes us on an adventure through Nashville, Tennessee, the “Music City” that blends legendary stages, cultural landmarks, and artistic spirit. From the Ryman Auditorium and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, to the lasting legacy of Johnny Cash and the interactive experiences at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville continues to be a place where music shapes the community and connects people.

The journey also highlights unexpected and fascinating stops like the full-scale Parthenon, the historic elegance of the Union Station Hotel, and family-friendly attractions like Madame Tussauds Nashville. Lisa also spotlights the National Museum of African American Music, an essential stop for understanding the deeper roots of the city’s sound.

This episode is part of our celebration of American Adventures Month and American Artist Appreciation Month, honoring the destinations, stories, and creativity that make the U.S. such a vibrant place to explore.

🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by Nashville: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648

🗺️ Lisa’s Nashville Travel Articles & Resources: - National Museum of African American Music: https://writerlisa.com/2024/01/16/the-national-museum-of-african-american-music/ - The Parthenon: https://writerlisa.com/2023/11/14/parthenon-in-nashville-tennessee/ - Union Station Hotel: https://writerlisa.com/2023/12/08/union-station-hotel-nashville/ - Madame Tussauds Nashville: https://www.madametussauds.com/nashville - Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp: https://www.visitmusiccity.com/

📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die 🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans

📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Toast to The Arts, Way Back When, Big Daily Blend, and Rants, Raves & Rock Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates American Artists Appreciation Month with acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician John McAndrew, who talks about his brand-new solo album, Better Side of Me (Quarto Valley Records).

A seamless blend of blues, Americana, roots music, and pop sensibilities, Better Side of Me showcases McAndrew’s soulful and jagged vocal style—at once bluesy, plaintive, moving, and deeply inspiring. The album is a collaboration with producer Denny Seiwell (co-founder and drummer of Wings) and musician/producer Fernando Perdomo, whose combined expertise elevates McAndrew’s heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable listening experience.

In this conversation, John reflects on: - The storytelling power of songwriting. - The influence of the Midwest on his music. - The importance of intimate venues for live performances. - Collaborating with producers who understand and honor the artist’s vision. - The role of music in healing, reflection, and civil rights.

With his ability to inspire and uplift through music, John McAndrew continues to captivate audiences across the country while shining a light on the profound connection between art, humanity, and social healing.

🎶 Learn more about John at: https://johnmcandrew.com/ 🎶 Watch John’s Better Side of Me live concert at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood, CA: https://johnmcandrew.com/Concert-01.htm 🎶 Explore more episodes on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, where artist and art historian Victoria Chick delves into the life and legacy of Arthur Kraft (1922-1977). This talented Kansas City artist is known for his murals, mosaics, and significant contributions to public art.

The conversation explores: - Kraft’s artistic journey from a young age - Kansas City’s vibrant artistic history and his place within it - The importance of public art in shaping community identity - Challenges artists face in preserving their work amid shifting perceptions - Personal connections and the role of solitude in the creative process - The need to preserve artistic heritage for future generations

Also featured is a discussion tying in the influence of Thomas Hart Benton, further grounding the conversation in Kansas City’s rich artistic lineage.

Featured images are courtesy of Pat & Randy Kelly, owners of Kelly's Westport Inn — listen for Pat’s interview coming up next!

Read Victoria’s Articles: - The Life and Legacy of Artist Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ - Exploring Thomas Hart Benton & ‘Country’: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/

Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.

More to Explore - Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/

This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts and BIg Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s A Toast to The Arts podcast, award-winning author Matt Cost talks about his latest release, Glow Trap, the sixth and final book in his Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery series.

From the origins of the “glowy” nickname for extremist groups to the fascinating world of art theft, Matt shares the research and creative process behind this twist-filled conclusion to Clay Wolfe’s saga. Along the way, he reflects on writing 18 books in just over five years, the challenges of crafting layered characters, and what’s next for his storytelling journey.

Learn more about Matt Cost at: https://www.mattcost.net/

Subscribe to the podcast: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/

Join us for an inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer, as he shares the story behind his upcoming single “Find a Place”, produced by acclaimed musician and producer Stephan Oberhoff.

Together, Johnny and Stephan dive into the creative process behind the song, celebrating the healing power of music and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and joy in artistic expression. They also reflect on the cultural richness of the Nashville music scene, the emotional power of string arrangements, and the importance of community in supporting the arts.

Keep up with: - Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com/ - Stephan Oberhoff: https://stephanoberhoff.com/

Released during American Artists Appreciation Month, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that music has the power to bring peace, connection, and deeper meaning to our lives.

💡 Key Takeaways - Johnny’s new single “Find a Place” emphasizes peace, joy, and spiritual grounding. - Artistic collaboration deepens the creative process. - Authenticity in music resonates across all stages of an artist’s journey. - Music can heal, uplift, and help us navigate difficult times. - Strings and orchestration add emotional depth to songs. - Nashville's diverse music culture fuels inspiration. - Community and storytelling are essential to lasting creative expression.

Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts" as we celebrate American Adventures Month and American Artists Appreciation Month. We're joined by acclaimed photographer and visionary, Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Tanya shares her passion for the deep connections between artists and national parks, highlighting how NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs are crucial for interpreting and sharing the cultural and historical significance of these treasured landscapes. We explore how artists act as storytellers, unearthing the human history intertwined with nature, and creating art that connects us to our heritage and to each other.

From personal stories and ancestral connections to the importance of preserving history through archives and libraries, this conversation covers the challenges and resilience of artists working in these natural spaces. We also touch on how technology is shaping the future of art and why honoring the human legacy within our parks is more vital than ever.

It's a deep dive into the powerful role of art in keeping our shared human story alive within America's most beautiful places.

Learn More about NPAF: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Resources Mentioned: - Tour NY Public Library’s Famed Schwarzman Building: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/tour-ny-public-librarys-famed-schwarzman-building/

- Latest NPAF Artist-in-Residence Interviews: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing-category/national-parks-arts/

- NPAF Archive of Artist Interviews & Features in Big Blend Magazines: https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/xamdz/

Listen & Follow: - Toast to The Parks & Arts Podcast: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/

- Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, shares the fascinating stories behind the permanent exhibit “DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends.” Created in 1975, the series was inspired by traditional Papago (now Tohono O’odham, meaning “desert people”) legends, including The Creation of the World, The Monster of Quitovac, The Eagle-Man, and Ho’ok. Through vivid, expressive imagery, DeGrazia honored these Indigenous stories, helping preserve their cultural significance through visual storytelling.

Lance also talks about the life and legacy of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, whose bold work remains among the most reproduced in the world. The conversation covers DeGrazia's deep ties to Native American and Mexican heritage, his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, and his influence on generations of art lovers.

You'll also hear about the current rotating exhibits on display through September 3, 2025: “Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera,” “Louise Serpa’s Portraits of Ted DeGrazia,” and “The Way of the Cross.”

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Open 361 days a year, the gallery offers a unique glimpse into the artistic spirit of the Southwest.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday 📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork