It's World Contraception Day and acclaimed Director/Producer Vaishali Sinha (Made in India and Ask the Sexpert) joins Big Blend Radio to talk about her documentary "Give It A Shot," which follows the decades-long global race to develop the first reversible male contraceptive since the modern condom. At the center of the story is 83-year-old Indian researcher Dr. Sujoy Guha, who has spent nearly 50 years on the technology, alongside a US-based team working toward the same goal.

Vaishali shares the personal story behind the film, why men currently have only three contraception options compared to more than fifteen for women, and why she believes this conversation matters now more than ever — including for reproductive rights in the US.

Watch the trailer and find screenings near you: https://www.giveitashotfilm.com/

It's World Contraception Day and acclaimed Director/Producer Vaishali Sinha (Made in India and Ask the Sexpert) joins Big Blend Radio to talk about her documentary "Give It A Shot," which follows the decades-long global race to develop the first reversible male contraceptive since the modern condom. At the center of the story is 83-year-old Indian researcher Dr. Sujoy Guha, who has spent nearly 50 years on the technology, alongside a US-based team working toward the same goal. Vaishali shares the personal story behind the film, why men currently have only three contraception options compared to more than fifteen for women, and why she believes this conversation matters now more than ever — including for reproductive rights in the US. Watch the trailer and find screenings near you: https://www.giveitashotfilm.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show is packed with news from the road. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith.

Fresh home from the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri, Roger shares the highlights. The conference marked 100 years since Joplin was promoted as the crossroads of the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, and brought together Route 66 Association members, tourism bureaus, travel writers, classic car clubs, and vintage trailer owners from every state and province on the route.

Hear about CeCe Otto's highway songs, Daniel Hershberger's 1920s tourist camp, 20-year-old Model T enthusiast Ian Borges camping in full period style, a trivia championship, and the pre-conference tour's surprise stop at the tiny post office in Opolis, Kansas. Plus, meet Flat Stinky, the conference's new travel companion.

Roger also announces the 2027 Jefferson Highway Association conference, the association's 14th, coming to St. Cloud, Minnesota, July 19–21, 2027, with a possible post-conference run north toward Itasca State Park, Bemidji, and beyond.

Lisa then announces the launch of the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide, a new monthly digital guide debuting October 1 and publishing the first of every month. The first issue is ad-free and celebrates the members and partners who helped make it happen, with haunted history along the highway, a directory, events, a Google Map for everything featured, and a new column called "The Notables." spotlighting a notable person born that month from each region of the route.

Learn more about the Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday. Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

This episode of Beyond the Stage on Big Blend Radio's "Rants, Raves & Rock 'N Roll" Podcast features the members of Mistress of Puppets, America's only all-female Metallica tribute band, recorded backstage at Asheville Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina.

Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with Kelly "Mama Het" Mader (lead vocals & guitar), Jen Phipps (lead guitar), Michelle Graves (drums), and Beth McPherson (bass) to explore the band's journey, their love of Metallica's music, and what it's like bringing one of the world's greatest metal bands to life on stage.

Based in Dallas, Texas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, Mistress of Puppets has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances packed with the power and precision of Metallica's legendary catalog. Beyond celebrating classic thrash metal, the band is inspiring a new generation of female musicians by proving that heavy metal belongs to everyone.

The conversation covers each member's musical background, favorite Metallica songs to perform, memorable concerts, touring, dream opening acts, and the excitement of opening for Nita Strauss, acclaimed guitarist for Alice Cooper. They also discuss side projects, the importance of supporting live music, and why friendship is one of the band's greatest strengths.

Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild—owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio's Adventures in Asheville Podcast—this episode of the Beyond the Stage series celebrates musicians, creativity, and the passion that keeps rock and metal thriving.

LINKS & RESOURCES: - Mistress of Puppets: https://www.mistressofpuppets.com - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/