What makes a picnic so much more than a meal outdoors? In this shared and uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Shelley Whizin, the "Live & Die Happy Coach," explores how picnics, family reunions, and simple gatherings in nature can strengthen relationships, celebrate loved ones, and create lasting memories.

Shelley shares how food is a beautiful metaphor for life and connection, why play and laughter are essential ingredients for healthy relationships, and how celebrating our elders and family legacy enriches every generation. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the joy of potlucks and shared experiences, and even the value of taking yourself on a solo picnic as an act of self-care.

Whether you're planning a family reunion, gathering with friends, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this episode is filled with practical ideas and heartfelt inspiration for celebrating life while the people you love are here.

🥪 Read Shelley's companion article & recipe: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/celebrate-them-while-theyre-here

📰 Follow Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com

🌐 Visit Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/

🎙️ Listen to Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast

🎧 More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

Welcome to this shared inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast with hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough.

Pull up a chair for global conversations that shape a better world as we explore how travel, community, culture, and collaboration connect to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this debut episode, the hosts are joined by Carlisle Richardson, an international relations expert whose career has included serving as Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations and as a United Nations Economic Affairs Officer. Carlisle played a key role in negotiations that helped establish the landmark Sustainable Development Goals and contributed to preparations for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Together they discuss: - Why the Sustainable Development Goals matter to everyone - - How travel builds understanding across cultures - The importance of protecting heritage sites and cultural identity - Sustainable tourism and water conservation - Community-led solutions that create global impact - Inspiring children and future generations to become changemakers - The role of storytelling in preserving culture and encouraging sustainability - Why every individual can help build a more resilient future

Whether you're passionate about travel, conservation, education, culture, or simply making your community stronger, this conversation offers practical inspiration and a hopeful perspective on creating positive change—one story and one connection at a time.

Carlisle's Books 📚 The Soft Underbelly — https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Underbelly-Carlisle-Richardson-ebook/dp/B0H2FLMPN8/ 📚 Rose Grows Veggies — https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Grows-Veggies-Carlisle-Richardson/dp/1068739991 📚 Island Journeys: The Impact of the Island Way of Life at Home and Abroad — https://www.amazon.com/Island-Journeys-Impact-Life-Abroad/dp/1599326124

Resources & Links ➡️ Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ ➡️ Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ ➡️ The Steppes of Henry Foundation: https://theglobalhenry.org/ ➡️ UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

New episodes of Table & Compass air every first Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/

Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year with this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, featuring award-winning author Mima Tipper discussing her acclaimed young adult novel, "Channeling Marilyn" (She Writes Press).

Rather than retelling Marilyn Monroe's life, "Channeling Marilyn" imagines what might happen if Marilyn's spirit became a mentor to a shy modern-day teenager struggling with confidence, body image, identity, and finding her own voice. Through this unique coming-of-age story, Mima explores timeless themes of fame, self-acceptance, grief, resilience, friendship, and the courage to become your authentic self.

In this thoughtful conversation, Mima shares how her fascination with Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural legacy inspired the novel, why Marilyn remains one of the world's most recognizable icons nearly a century after her birth, and how the pressures of celebrity continue to resonate in today's social media-driven world. She also discusses writing for young adults, the importance of authentic storytelling, the role of theater in building confidence, protecting creativity in the age of AI, and how personal loss shaped this deeply emotional novel.

This episode is especially timely as we honor Marilyn Monroe's 100th anniversary year, celebrating not only the Hollywood legend's enduring influence but also the universal journey toward self-love and embracing who we truly are.

Learn more about Mima Tipper: https://www.mimatipper.com/

Presented in partnership with Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/

Enjoy more author interviews, book reviews, and literary features: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/