On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.

Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.

Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.

Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail

Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure: https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ Learn more about Robin O'Neal Smith: https://robinonealsmith.com/

Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

July is Parks & Recreation Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of America's public lands while learning how to explore them safely and responsibly.

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast, award-winning travel writer Linda Ballou shares one of the most unforgettable stories from her memoir "Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales." Inspired by naturalist John Muir, Linda embarked on a horseback journey through California's magnificent High Sierra wilderness where unexpected accidents, injuries, and a dramatic helicopter rescue became powerful lessons in outdoor adventure.

As part of her Lessons Learned from Travel series, Linda discusses how to choose reputable outfitters, why guide training matters, the importance of emergency medical evacuation insurance, and how proper preparation can help travelers safely enjoy national parks, wilderness areas, and other outdoor destinations.

Whether you're planning a hiking trip, horseback ride, rafting adventure, or visit to a national or state park, this episode offers practical advice for exploring responsibly while protecting the wild places we love.

Resource Links

📖 Read Linda's companion article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/not-all-outfitters-are-created-equal/

🎧 Listen to the audiobook edition of Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Angel-Walkabout-Travelers-Tales/dp/

🌍 Linda Ballou: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🎧 Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

📖 Explore the NEW Lost Angel Travel Adventures Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/

Few bands have shaped music, fashion, and popular culture quite like Boy George & Culture Club. Perfect for Pride Month, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast features acclaimed filmmaker Alison Ellwood who shares the story behind her compelling documentary chronicling the band's extraordinary rise, lasting influence, and enduring legacy.

Known for celebrated music documentaries including "The Go-Go's", "Laurel Canyon," and "Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing," Alison discusses the extensive archival research, rare footage, and authentic storytelling that bring Boy George and Culture Club's remarkable journey to life. The conversation explores the band's impact on music, identity, fashion, LGBTQ+ visibility, and the cultural conversations that continue to resonate today.

Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival before its North American release, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of one of pop music's most influential and groundbreaking bands.