In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes.

The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living.

Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools.

We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life.

Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/

As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In recognition of Train Your Dog Month and Hug a Puppy Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” Podcast focuses on puppy care, training, and responsible ownership, featuring hosts Lisa Smith (Big Blend Radio) and Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.

The conversation explores what puppies need to thrive, from early training and socialization to clear communication, grooming, and veterinary care. Lisa and Angela discuss the importance of understanding breed traits, choosing ethical breeders or adopting from shelters, and the long-term commitment required when bringing a puppy home.

The episode also addresses the dangers of backyard breeding, the rise of pandemic puppy adoption, and how positive training builds trust, confidence, and lifelong bonds. With personal stories and practical tips, this episode offers both a heartwarming and practical guide for new and future puppy parents.

🐾 See the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog for more Puppy Care & Training Tips: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=puppies

🐾 Learn more about responsible pet care and travel solutions: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com

🎙️ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” podcast channel.

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood explores mare reproductive health, focusing on the anatomy and care of the uterus and why it matters for overall equine wellness. Christy explains common reproductive considerations for mares, including cycle inconsistencies, behavioral changes, and the importance of regular grooming and hands-on inspections. The conversation also covers responsible breeding practices such as artificial insemination, monitoring for twins during pregnancy, and why veterinary guidance is essential when making breeding decisions.

Key Takeaways: - The uterus is a vital organ for mares and essential for reproduction. - Proper care and observation are crucial for maintaining reproductive health. - Grooming plays a significant role in building trust and overall horse health. - Awareness of anatomical details can help prevent potential reproductive issues.

This educational episode highlights the responsibility horse owners have to prioritize health, make informed choices, and support the long-term welfare of their mares.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more: https://wdnhorse.com/

🎧 Listen to more episodes of the “ABC's of Horses” podcast: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

In celebration of National Cat Lovers Month, Big Blend Radio’s Pet Connection show explores the powerful role pets play in creativity, storytelling, and everyday life with author D.R. Ransdell. Drawing inspiration from her cats and canine companions, Ransdell shares how animals influence her writing, travel experiences, and artistic perspective.

Co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.com joins the conversation, offering practical holiday pet care and safety tips to help pet parents keep their cats and dogs happy, healthy, and stress-free during the festive season.

This episode highlights Ransdell’s pet-inspired books: * The Cezanne Chihuahua: A French Coast Pet Art Mystery * The Secret Lives of the Pink House Cats: Prose Poems by Five Felines

🐾 Learn more about D.R. Ransdell and her books: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ 🐾 TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com

🎙️ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” and "Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show explores the magic of children’s literature, therapy dogs, and holiday traditions in New York City with special guest Andy Honda, MD, author of the "Koa’s Ruff Life" series. Andy shares how her real-life therapy dog, Koa, inspires her heartwarming stories—especially the newest book, "Koa’s Ruff Life: Christmas Time in New York City."

From Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows to the Rockefeller Center Tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, The Rockettes, The Nutcracker, and more, this conversation reveals how Koa’s real-life adventures bring comfort, learning, and joy to children of all backgrounds. Co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters also joins the discussion, highlighting the importance of pet care, animal interaction, and emotional wellness in families and communities.

Learn more at: 🐾 Koa’s Ruff Life: https://www.koasrufflife.com 🐾 Andy Honda, MD: https://www.andyhondamd.com 🐾 TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com 🎧 More “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com

🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” "Quality of Life," and "Toast to The Arts" podcast channel. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this heartfelt and shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood celebrates the wisdom, experience, and enduring spirit of senior horses. These gentle teachers play an invaluable role in guiding young horses and riders alike, offering lessons in patience, resilience, and trust.

Christy shares personal stories and insights into the care, health, and longevity of senior horses—emphasizing their continued value and the deep bonds they form with humans. hear how older horses contribute to the stability of a herd, the importance of proper nutrition and comfort, and how their life experiences enrich every equestrian relationship.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more at: https://wdnhorse.com/

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com

In observance of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (and other pet-related holidays this month), this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Pet Connection" show highlights the mission, history, and impact of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California. Co-host Angela Laws joins Michael Makie from the Center to discuss animal welfare, education, and the life-changing benefits of pet companionship through being a pet parent, adopting or fostering a pet, or volunteering.

This episode covers: - The history and mission of Helen Woodward Animal Center - How fostering pets increases adoption rates and provides essential care - Changing perceptions of misunderstood breeds, like pit bull terriers - The adoption process and considerations for holiday adoptions - The therapeutic benefits of animal interaction for humans - How TrustedHousesitters supports pet care when owners travel

Whether you’re a pet parent, prospective adopter, or animal lover, this conversation underscores the importance of education, compassion, and community in animal welfare.

🐾 Learn more about Helen Woodward Animal Center: https://animalcenter.org/ 🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" and “Women Making History” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Pet Sitter Education Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” show dives into the world of pet sitting with co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters. This inspiring conversation highlights the lifestyle, responsibilities, and education required for pet sitters, and how the experience can transform both lives and careers.

Learn how to: - Build trust and communicate effectively with pet parents - Create a strong, compelling pet sitting profile - Gain valuable experience through volunteering - Understand animal behavior and provide personalized care - Prepare for emergencies and veterinary needs - Connect with the larger pet sitting community

🐾Learn more about Trustedhousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com

🎙️ This show also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” channel.