On this episode of Big Blend Radio, author Sarah May discusses her inspiring memoir, She Journeys: A Memoir of Heartbreak and Homecoming (She Writes Press, Sept. 9, 2025). Through her personal story, Sarah shares how she overcame heartbreak, trauma, and toxic relationships, ultimately creating a life rooted in freedom, gratitude, and love.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah reflects on the importance of nature, rituals, and gratitude in the healing process. She opens up about reclaiming personal power, embracing vulnerability, and building healthy relationships, while encouraging others to take responsibility for their own happiness. By sharing her journey, Sarah hopes to empower listeners to find hope, healing, and renewal in their own lives.

💚 This episode is part of our National Wellness Month and Happiness Happens Month coverage, highlighting the power of resilience, healing, and choosing joy.

Learn more at: www.shejourneys.us

Key Takeaways: - Healing and self-discovery are lifelong journeys shaped by resilience. - Nature, rituals, and gratitude can guide personal transformation. - Building healthy relationships begins with personal growth and boundaries. - Sharing stories creates connection and empowerment.

Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Sarah May and Her Journey 04:45 – Life on the Road: The Van Life Experience 09:12 – Overcoming Darkness: The Journey of Healing 13:38 – Recognizing and Escaping Toxic Relationships 18:27 – The Power of Rituals in Healing 23:06 – Creating a New Life: From Trauma to Freedom 24:37 – Navigating Divorce and Relationships 26:29 – Understanding Abuse and Control 28:11 – Healing from Trauma and Personal Growth 30:02 – Reclaiming Personal Power 30:54 – The Healing Power of Nature 34:39 – Building Trust in New Relationships 36:45 – Gratitude and Personal Responsibility 42:51 – Empowering Women Through Healing

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, longtime fair lending and CRA expert Josh Silver discusses his new book, Ending Redlining: Through a Community-Centered Reform of the Community Reinvestment Act (Armin Lear Press, March 25, 2025). With the first major overhaul of CRA rules in nearly three decades set to take effect in January 2026, Silver explains what these changes mean for banks, communities, and the future of economic justice.

From the rise of online banking and cryptocurrency to the challenges of gentrification and housing affordability, Silver shares why a community-centered approach to banking reform is essential to ensuring fair lending and reinvestment in historically underserved neighborhoods. He also highlights the role of community banks, the power of documenting success stories, and how everyday citizens can take action to foster lasting change.

Learn more about Josh Silver and his work: Website: https://www.endredline.com/ Substack: https://joshsilver.substack.com/

Big Blend Radio’s “Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie” Podcast

In recognition of National Wellness Month and Back to School season, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany—author of “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story” —shines a light on the alarming rise of heart disease among younger generations.

The conversation explores key risk factors such as vaping, stress, obesity, and diabetes, while emphasizing the role of families in fostering healthy eating habits, physical activity, and heart health awareness. Dr. Jackie also discusses the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, the importance of routine checkups, and how family involvement can make a life-saving difference in promoting healthier lifestyles for kids and teens.

📘 Learn more about her book: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – National Wellness Month and Heart Health Awareness 03:37 – The Impact of Vaping on Heart Health 05:53 – Stress, Anxiety, and Their Effects on Youth 10:00 – The Dangers of Drug Use on Heart Health 13:00 – Family Responsibility in Heart Health 16:13 – The Mediterranean Diet and Heart Health 18:52 – The Importance of Family Activities for Heart Health 21:47 – Understanding Stents and Heart Health 23:55 – Back to School: Prioritizing Family Heart Health 25:15 – Closing Thoughts

🔔 New episodes air every 2nd Wednesday! Subscribe: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

🎧 Also featured on Big Blend’s “Quality of Life” & Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection show features climate storyteller and activist Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of “Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance” (Timber Press / Hachette, May 13, 2025).

Based in Southwest Virginia, Nalamalapu is a powerful new voice in climate storytelling and a leader in one of Appalachia’s most courageous environmental resistance movements. Holler chronicles the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline through the eyes of six local activists—a teacher, a nurse, a photographer, and more—who dared to challenge corporate power and government complicity in the heart of coal country.

The conversation explores: - How visual storytelling makes climate issues more accessible. - The diverse perspectives and skill sets that strengthen grassroots movements. - The importance of community involvement in resisting fossil fuel expansion. - How innovation, education, and personal stories can drive climate action. - Why self-care and balance are vital for sustaining long-term activism.

Blending personal insight, lived experience, and stunning visual storytelling, Nalamalapu offers a moving and empowering look at resilience, resistance, and the future of the climate movement. More at: https://denali-sai.com/

🎧 This Nature Connection episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Quality of Life" and "Rants, Raves & Rock" Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect,” dives into the world of con artists, deception, and trust. From the five tenets of trust to the psychology of scams, Lea unpacks why people get conned, how to recognize red flags, and the vital role of gut instincts and verification in protecting yourself.

Through stories, insights, and practical tools, the conversation highlights how con artists exploit human emotions, why reputation and recommendations matter, and how emotional intelligence can help you navigate trust in both personal and professional settings.

🔑 Key Takeaways: • Trust is built on five tenets: caring, commitment, consistency, competence, and communication. • Con artists often exploit trust and caring to manipulate others. • Listening to gut instincts is an important defense against deception. • Verification and research are essential when dealing with unfamiliar people or situations. • Love bombing is a red flag in both relationships and workplaces. • Scams often succeed by playing on desires, vulnerabilities, and emotions. • Investigative journalism plays a vital role in exposing con artists and scams. • Always trust your gut—but verify before you act.

Lea Brovedani has been named one of North America’s Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America. She’s an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, and her books include: 📘 Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World 📘 TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader

Beyond her leadership work, Lea is also a certified death doula, offering compassionate guidance and support for end-of-life planning. 🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work on trust: https://leabrovedani.com 🔗 Explore her end-of-life services: https://souljourneydoula.com

🎙️ Follow the SUCCESS EXPRESS Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's QUALITY OF LIFE Podcast Channel.

“Dumb Girl” (She Writes Press, Aug. 19, 2025) is an inspiring memoir of a woman who overcomes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of her early life to blossom into a gun violence prevention activist.

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features award-winning author and activist Heidi Yewman, who talks about her powerful new memoir, “Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control”.

In Dumb Girl, Heidi chronicles her life from surviving childhood abuse in a toxic environment to becoming a leading voice against gun violence. The title reflects the deep-seated struggles with self-worth shaped by her early experiences, and the book explores themes of trauma, resilience, forgiveness, and the power of community.

During this heartfelt conversation, Heidi shares how sports became a refuge, how activism provided an outlet for personal pain, and why storytelling is essential for healing and connection. She also addresses the urgent issues of gun violence, youth safety, and generational trauma—offering insights on why open, honest conversations are necessary to drive change.

Key Takeaways: - The meaning behind the title Dumb Girl and its connection to self-perception. - How childhood experiences shape identity and mental health. - The role of sports and community in fostering resilience. - Activism as a transformative path from trauma. - Why sharing stories helps lift shame and build connection. - Forgiveness as a challenging but vital part of healing. - The ongoing impact of gun violence on children and families.

🎧 Listen in and learn more about Heidi at: https://heidiyewman.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie and her husband Ron share their firsthand experience with a growing travel trend: medical tourism.

In this candid conversation, Ron details his journey to Istanbul, Turkey, for a hair transplant. He and Terri discuss the surprising affordability and high quality of medical procedures in Turkey, a country rapidly becoming a global leader in this field. Ron walks us through the entire process, from the pre-procedure consultations and the surgery itself, to the crucial post-op care and his recovery.

More than just a medical procedure, this episode highlights how the hospitality and comprehensive support provided in Turkey transformed the experience into an organized, stress-free, and even enjoyable vacation.

Key Takeaways: - Turkey is a leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for hair transplants. - The cost of procedures in Turkey can be significantly lower than in the U.S. - Medical tourism packages often include travel, accommodation, and a complete care plan. - The hair transplant process involves careful planning and skilled execution for successful results. - Turkish hospitality and a welcoming environment are key factors in the positive patient experience. - A successful medical tourism journey can lead to renewed confidence and personal growth.

LEARN MORE: Read the accompanying article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/first-class-hair-transplant-experience-in-istanbul/

LISTEN TO MORE TRAVEL WITH TERRI: New episodes air every Tuesday: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, and Quality of Life podcast channels. More: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of Happiness Happens Month, this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s Soul Diving Sunday Show features transformational life coach Shelley Whizin diving deep into the meaning of happiness—how it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and how it can coexist with grief and challenge.

Shelley discusses the power of resilience, the magic of random acts of kindness, and how we can all tap into a deeper sense of joy—even in a world filled with uncertainty. From self-acknowledgment to the cultural conditioning that often hides happiness, this heartfelt conversation offers practical tools for living more consciously and joyfully.

🧘 Key Takeaways: - Happiness is a sustained sense of well-being, not just fleeting joy - Finding joy during hard times builds emotional resilience - Random acts of kindness can profoundly impact others - Acknowledging yourself fosters inner happiness - Grief and happiness can exist side by side - Giving creates a ripple effect of joy - Societal norms often suppress expressions of happiness - Men may face unique challenges in embracing joy - Life is a journey—and enjoying the ride is essential

📘 Read Shelley’s article: Random Acts of Happiness https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/random-acts-of-happiness/

📚 Get her book What Do You Bring to the Table? on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Bring-Table-Inspirational/dp/1087932106

🎧 Listen to Soul Diving Sunday with Shelley. New episodes drop every first Sunday: https://soul-diving-sunday-shelley.podbean.com/

📺 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Quality of Life” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork