In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine &amp; Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine &amp; Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.
The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.
Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.
🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: <a href='http://www.visitflanders.com/'>http://www.visitflanders.com/</a>  
🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: <a href='https://www.ifwtwa.org/'>https://www.ifwtwa.org/</a>  
🌐Follow this podcast: <a href='https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/'>https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/</a> 
🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a> 
Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine &amp;amp; Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine &amp;amp; Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: &lt;a href='http://www.visitflanders.com/'&gt;http://www.visitflanders.com/&lt;/a&gt; 
🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: &lt;a href='https://www.ifwtwa.org/'&gt;https://www.ifwtwa.org/&lt;/a&gt; 
🌐Follow this podcast: &lt;a href='https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/'&gt;https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders shares how Flanders blends powerful history with world-class art, slow living, and culinary traditions.

Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026. 
 
Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.
Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.
Visit: <a href='https://www.thisordinarything.com/'>https://www.thisordinarything.com/ </a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Filmmaker Nick Davis joins Big Blend Radio to discuss his powerful new documentary, This Ordinary Thing, releasing December 5, 2025 (Cinema Village, NYC) with a theatrical roll out and VOD Release to follow on March 31, 2026.

Blending performance, personal testimony, and historical narrative, This Ordinary Thing explores the profound acts of humanity that occurred during the Holocaust—ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Through the stories of rescuers and survivors, the film reveals the duality of human nature during one of history’s darkest moments, highlighting the courage, compassion, and moral clarity that emerged in the face of unimaginable brutality.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nick Davis shares insights into his creative process, the emotional weight of telling these stories, and the remarkable cast of actors who bring these moments to life. The conversation reflects on trust, moral choices, and the critical importance of remembrance—making this episode especially timely for today’s world and a meaningful tie-in for the documentary’s release.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Visit: &lt;a href='https://www.thisordinarything.com/'&gt;https://www.thisordinarything.com/ &lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Nick Davis discusses his new documentary This Ordinary Thing, exploring extraordinary acts of courage and humanity during the Holocaust.

This Ordinary Thing Film:  Humanity, Courage & the Holocaust

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon,” award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a captivating train journey through beautiful Bavaria.  Exploring at her own pace, Sharon visits historic cities, spa towns, wine regions, and cultural landmarks — all while reflecting on how travel deepens our understanding of history and broadens our connection to the world.
From Nuremberg’s profound World War II history to the wellness traditions of Bad Kissingen, the opulence of Bayreuth, the wine heritage of Würzburg, and the beer culture of Bamberg, Sharon reveals the many layers that make Bavaria such a rich and rewarding destination. Her journey also explores the medieval magic of Rothenburg, the region’s architectural treasures, and the importance of remembrance at historical sites. Whether traveling solo or with others, Sharon shows how exploring Bavaria by train offers unmatched flexibility, insight, and inspiration.
📝 Read Sharon’s “All Aboard Bavaria!” article in the all-new Big Blend Wander the World Digital Podcast Magazine: <a href='https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1'>https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1</a> 
🌍 Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: <a href='https://sharonkkurtz.com'>https://sharonkkurtz.com</a> 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station,  and Way Back When channels: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a> 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: 
<a href='https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com'>https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon,” award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a captivating train journey through beautiful Bavaria.  Exploring at her own pace, Sharon visits historic cities, spa towns, wine regions, and cultural landmarks — all while reflecting on how travel deepens our understanding of history and broadens our connection to the world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From Nuremberg’s profound World War II history to the wellness traditions of Bad Kissingen, the opulence of Bayreuth, the wine heritage of Würzburg, and the beer culture of Bamberg, Sharon reveals the many layers that make Bavaria such a rich and rewarding destination. Her journey also explores the medieval magic of Rothenburg, the region’s architectural treasures, and the importance of remembrance at historical sites. Whether traveling solo or with others, Sharon shows how exploring Bavaria by train offers unmatched flexibility, insight, and inspiration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📝 Read Sharon’s “All Aboard Bavaria!” article in the all-new Big Blend Wander the World Digital Podcast Magazine: &lt;a href='https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1'&gt;https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌍 Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: &lt;a href='https://sharonkkurtz.com'&gt;https://sharonkkurtz.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station,  and Way Back When channels: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:
&lt;a href='https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com'&gt;https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Explore Bavaria by train with travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz as she uncovers the region’s rich history, culture, and storybook charm.

Wandering Through Bavaria: A Train Adventure of History, Culture & Heritage

This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans. 
Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing mission to map, preserve, and promote this international heritage road.
Learn how traveling the Jefferson Highway supports small towns, preserves historic corridors, and continues America’s tradition of discovery through road-tripping and cultural connection. Visit the Jefferson Highway Association at <a href='https://jeffersonhighway.org/'>https://jeffersonhighway.org/</a> 
We also highlight two major new resources now available for modern travelers: 
🌐 NEW: Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website – The brand-new online guide featuring updated travel directories, lodging, historic stops, attractions, and community resources along the route. The interactive map is in progress, but the directories are fully live. The quarterly digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide publication will be out in January 2026. Visit <a href='https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/'>https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/</a> 
📰 NEW: Jefferson Highway Dispatch – Our new Substack publication offering traveler insights, historical stories, updates from the road, special features, and community spotlights. Subscribe: <a href='https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/'>https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/</a> 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network:  <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing mission to map, preserve, and promote this international heritage road.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Learn how traveling the Jefferson Highway supports small towns, preserves historic corridors, and continues America’s tradition of discovery through road-tripping and cultural connection. Visit the Jefferson Highway Association at &lt;a href='https://jeffersonhighway.org/'&gt;https://jeffersonhighway.org/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We also highlight two major new resources now available for modern travelers:
🌐 NEW: Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website – The brand-new online guide featuring updated travel directories, lodging, historic stops, attractions, and community resources along the route. The interactive map is in progress, but the directories are fully live. The quarterly digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide publication will be out in January 2026. Visit &lt;a href='https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/'&gt;https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📰 NEW: Jefferson Highway Dispatch – Our new Substack publication offering traveler insights, historical stories, updates from the road, special features, and community spotlights. Subscribe: &lt;a href='https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/'&gt;https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network:  &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Edwin Meredith’s original vision of the Jefferson Highway, the challenges of mapping the route, and current revival of the historic route.

Celebrating 110 years of the Historic Jefferson Highway

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Global Adventures with Debbie Stone, we celebrate an exciting milestone — the launch of Debbie’s brand-new Global Adventures Digital Magazine, where each podcast episode now integrates with her immersive travel stories and photography.
This week, Debbie takes listeners on a dazzling journey through Morocco, based on her recent private tour with Wilderness Travel. From the Imperial cities of Rabat and Fez to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Debbie recounts “pinch-me” moments filled with history, culture, culinary discoveries, and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
She also shares smart travel tips, insights into local customs, and stories from unique accommodations that elevated her Moroccan adventure into something extraordinary.
🌍 Read the Morocco feature in her new Global Adventures Magazine: 
<a href='https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/'>https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/</a> 
🎧 Listen &amp; Subscribe: 
<a href='https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/'>https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/</a> 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks &amp; Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Global Adventures with Debbie Stone, we celebrate an exciting milestone — the launch of Debbie’s brand-new Global Adventures Digital Magazine, where each podcast episode now integrates with her immersive travel stories and photography.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This week, Debbie takes listeners on a dazzling journey through Morocco, based on her recent private tour with Wilderness Travel. From the Imperial cities of Rabat and Fez to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Debbie recounts “pinch-me” moments filled with history, culture, culinary discoveries, and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She also shares smart travel tips, insights into local customs, and stories from unique accommodations that elevated her Moroccan adventure into something extraordinary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌍 Read the Morocco feature in her new Global Adventures Magazine:
&lt;a href='https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/'&gt;https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 Listen &amp;amp; Subscribe:
&lt;a href='https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/'&gt;https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks &amp;amp; Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.  Explore the network: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

From Rabat to the Sahara, Debbie Stone uncovers Morocco’s history, flavors, and unforgettable moments in this captivating travel story.

Magical Moments in Morocco with Wilderness Travel

A Big Blend Radio History Podcast Channel featuring expert interviews and conversations focusing on History, Heritage, Culture, Travel, and The Arts.

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