Nature Connection Radio

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul?

In this shared and heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey.

Shelley traveled in real physical pain — dealing with a bulging disc and sciatica — yet refused to stay home. What unfolded was a profound journey of healing, stillness, grief, and transformation. From a shattering 40-minute ceremony invoking Mother Earth and the white lions, to sitting in silence with wild lions on the African savanna, to confronting the brutal reality of canned hunting farms, this conversation goes deep into what it means to truly be present.

Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith — who has lived in both South Africa and Kenya — joins Shelley for a richly layered conversation about the cycle of life, the web of nature, trophy hunting, and the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

LINKS & RESOURCES
- Shelley's Article: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/the-lionesses-the-mothers-and-me 
- Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com 
- Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
- Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast 
- More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast features cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, sharing their favorite ways to experience Asheville's natural beauty. From spectacular waterfalls and colorful wildflowers to fascinating mushrooms, butterflies, and wildlife encounters, this conversation highlights why Western North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Known for its stunning mountain scenery, Asheville is surrounded by incredible outdoor destinations including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the North Carolina Arboretum. Steve and Karen discuss seasonal highlights, the best times to see rhododendrons and native wildflowers in bloom, where to discover some of the region's most beautiful waterfalls, and how visitors can responsibly enjoy Western North Carolina's outdoor treasures.

Along the way, they also touch on local music, community events, and why Asheville remains one of America's most beloved destinations for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor adventurers.

Whether you're planning a summer getaway or simply looking for inspiration to spend more time outside, this episode celebrates the beauty, adventure, and wonder of the great outdoors in and around Asheville.

LINKS & RESOURCES
-  The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 
- Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ 
- Adventures in Asheville Podcast: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/

In this special "Getting to Know You" episode of Big Blend Radio, we celebrate National Creativity Day and reconnect with longtime Big Blend friend, travel writer, author, and storyteller Elaine Masters as part of the launch of our new online community, Big Blend Media House, and its Front Porch News newsletter.

A longtime Big Blend contributor and friend, Elaine is known for her thoughtful travel writing, cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and love of water adventures. Hear about her experiences diving with manta rays, exploring destinations around the world, contributing to a National Geographic travel book, and working on her upcoming spiritual travel memoir, "Where Wonder Leads." 

Along the way, Elaine discusses the importance of cultural respect, trusting your intuition, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, sustainable living practices, the value of independent media, and how travel, nature, and storytelling can enrich our lives.

LEARN MORE:
• Visit: https://www.tripwellgal.com/ 
• Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/elaine-masters-travel-writer-success-insider  
• Check Out: https://bigblendmediahouse.com

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with author, environmental attorney, geologist, and eco-conscious living expert Cheryl Leutjen about sustainability, creativity, community building, and finding joy in challenging times.

Known as “The Eco-Worrier,” Cheryl shares how humor, playfulness, and intentional gatherings can help people reconnect with nature and each other. From creating pollinator gardens and fairy gardens to hosting eco-chic parties with purpose, this inspiring conversation explores practical ways to live more consciously while still embracing fun, beauty, and celebration.

The discussion also highlights Cheryl’s upcoming book, "Party on Purpose: Your Complete Guide to Eco-Chic Entertaining," along with her passion for protecting Earth’s Life Support Systems through everyday action and meaningful community connection.

Learn more about Cheryl and subscribe to her newsletter:
https://cherylleutjen.com/ 
https://loveearthnow.substack.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/loveearthnow/ 

This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s new “Getting to Know You” series celebrating the new Big Blend Media House and its "Front Porch" Newsletter. Visit: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable expedition cruise through Antarctica and South Georgia Island, exploring not only the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife, but also the strict environmental protections and sustainable tourism practices that help preserve one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.

From towering icebergs and dramatic polar landscapes to unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals, and seabirds, Rose reflects on the awe-inspiring beauty and emotional impact of visiting the “Last Continent.” She discusses what it’s really like to travel aboard an expedition cruise through the Southern Ocean, including the logistics of Antarctic travel, onboard life, and the importance of flexibility in remote environments.

The conversation also dives into the extensive conservation efforts that protect Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. Rose explains how carefully managed tourism, biosecurity protocols, and strict wildlife regulations help minimize environmental impact while allowing travelers to experience this extraordinary destination responsibly.

Whether you dream of expedition cruising, wildlife photography, polar exploration, or immersive nature travel, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a deeper appreciation for one of the most pristine places on Earth.

📖 Read Rose’s Antarctica Articles: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/antarctica-south-georgia-rose-palmer 

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 

📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1 

🎧Follow the Podcast from your Favorite Listening Platform:
https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/