In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans shares her recent adventure through Memphis, Tennessee, a city where music, history, and food come together in unforgettable ways. From the bluesy beats of Beale Street and the legacy of Elvis Presley at Graceland, to the comfort food of Rendezvous and Arcade Restaurant, Memphis comes alive with character and charm.

Lisa talks about the city’s colorful street art, the timeless elegance of the Peabody Hotel, and her side trip to Tupelo, Elvis's humble birthplace. She also reflects on what makes Memphis so distinct, and why this soulful city continues to inspire travelers from all walks of life.

🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by Memphis: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648

🗺️ Read Lisa’s article on Memphis restaurants: https://www.foodieflashpacker.com/memphis-restaurants/

📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die 🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans

📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio features an inspiring conversation with Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Peggy James, who shares the creative journey behind her soulful new album 'Til I Turn Blue. Blending Americana, country, jazz, and folk-rock, Peggy reflects on the personal stories, life experiences, and emotional depth that shape her songwriting.

Hear about how her travels and time spent in America’s heartland have influenced her music, the power of storytelling through song, and her longtime collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Jim Eannelli. From themes of love and heartbreak to overcoming difficult life experiences, Peggy’s music paints a vivid soundscape of the American experience—introspective, honest, and deeply human.

'Til I Turn Blue is now available via Happy Growl Records on all major streaming platforms, with CDs available through local record stores and eBay.

More at: https://www.facebook.com/PeggyJamesMusician

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward features Rob Tonkin, author of the powerful memoir A**hole: Wild Stories of Trauma, Truths & Transformation (releasing July 21, 2025).

Known in the industry as “Rockin’ Rob,” Tonkin began his radio career at 14 and later produced the two-decade-long Honda Civic Tour, working with top artists like blink-182, The Black Eyed Peas, and One Direction. But behind the glitz of the music world lay a personal story of pain, survival, and transformation.

In this candid conversation, Tonkin shares what it took to face his childhood trauma—including sexual assault and the impact of a broken home—and how he found healing through self-reflection, therapy, and writing. He discusses the pressure on men to mask vulnerability, the effects of generational trauma, and the importance of emotional health, support groups like ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), and self-care.

🔗 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://www.robtonkin.com/ 📚 Learn more about Books Forward: https://www.booksforward.com/

Join us on The Big Daily Blend show for an immersive exploration of American music! This episode celebrates the vibrant tapestry of sounds that tell America's story, diving deep into its profound connections to culture, history, and identity. We'll navigate the diverse landscape of musical genres, uncover how travel shapes our sonic experiences, and examine the powerful legacy of protest songs throughout history. Hear about iconic artists who shaped the American musical landscape and discover how music unites communities and inspires change. Featuring personal stories and reflections on music's ever-evolving nature, this discussion culminates in a celebration of American music's enduring journey.

FEATURED GUESTS: - Johnny Schaefer – Cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter: https://hearjohnny.com/

- Kathleen Walls – Travel writer and author: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/

LISTEN TO OUR "AMERICAN MOSAIC" MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/ycck3eyn

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS and RANTS, RAVES & ROCK Podcasts. Explore Big Blend Radio's Network of Shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Kissing Day with this fun and heartfelt episode of MUSIC TALKS on Big Blend Radio, featuring award-winning musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey.

From the spark of a first kiss to the songs that soundtrack our most romantic moments, this lively conversation dives into the powerful connection between music and intimacy. Joey shares personal stories, reflects on how music shapes relationships, and chats about the evolving nature of romance and the importance of keeping music real. With heart, humor, and some deep thoughts on everything from house concerts to kissing songs, it's a show that hits all the right notes.

🎶 Don’t miss our curated Kissing Songs Spotify Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/yc4dnsxc

Learn more about Joey Stuckey, the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia – the “Southern Rock Capital of the World” – at https://www.joeystuckey.com.

This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s popular shows Big Daily Blend, Toast to The Arts, and Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll. Follow the Big Blend Radio Network here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork.

🎙️In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Journey Jukebox with Lisa, we’re diving into the soul of the South with an unforgettable journey along the Mississippi Blues Trail! 🎸🎤

Join travel writer Lisa Evans as she explores legendary landmarks like Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis, and Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi—where she caught a powerful performance by Shemekia Copeland. Discover the stories behind the trail’s historic markers and the influential musicians who made the Blues a global phenomenon.

🗺️ Read Lisa’s Full Article: 👉 https://rovology.com/united-states/mississippi/my-journey-of-discovery-along-the-mississippi-blues-trail/

🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Playlist on Spotify: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648

📚 About Lisa Evans: Author of "100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die" 🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans

📅 New Episodes Air Every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

Join us for a special National Tell a Story Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s BIG DAILY BLEND Show, featuring musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey! From emotional instrumentals and heartfelt folk to energetic classic rock and storytelling country tunes, we dive into the world of music that tells stories.

Don’t miss our curated Songs That Tell Stories Spotify playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/yymew7md.

Joey Stuckey, known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, the “Southern Rock Capital of the World,” is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/.

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s popular channels: "Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll." Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple discuss their film VITALIK: AN ETHEREUM STORY that provides an intimate look at the humanity and vision behind a technological revolution.

Through exclusive interviews with Vitalik Buterin, his parents, and leading tech figures—including Dmitry Buterin, Danny Ryan, Itzel Yard, and Tim O’Reilly—the film traces Buterin’s journey from childhood to the creation of Ethereum. Blending archival footage with firsthand insights, directors Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple explore the motivations and challenges that shaped Ethereum’s groundbreaking launch.

VITALIK is out on VOD via Gravtias Ventures. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqbOMrgYav0