In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beauty, and lesser-known treasures.

The conversation begins with the remarkable story of May Rindge, known as the “Queen of Malibu,” whose fierce determination helped protect the region from the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. Linda shares fascinating anecdotes about Rindge’s legacy, including her role in shaping iconic landmarks such as the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House, both enduring symbols of Malibu’s cultural heritage.

The episode also explores Malibu’s quieter side — from hidden beaches and scenic hiking trails to springtime wildflower blooms and beloved local dining spots like Malibu Seafood Café. Along the way, Linda encourages travelers to look beyond the celebrity headlines and experience Malibu’s soulful landscapes, layered history, and timeless coastal charm.

📝 Read Linda’s travel article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/in-a-malibu-state-of-mind-linda-ballou-shares-the-amazing-tale-of-may-rindge-the-queen-of-malibu-other-reasons-why-you-should-visit/

🌍 Keep up with Linda’s books & adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Parks & Travel” and "Women Making History" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Recorded on location in St. Augustine, Florida, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and living heritage of America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Travel writer Terri Guthrie discusses St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial roots and iconic landmarks, including the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, both of which play a major role in understanding the city’s early military, cultural, and colonial history.

The conversation highlights St. Augustine’s strategic importance as a Spanish stronghold, the stories behind its massive stone fort overlooking Matanzas Bay, and how these sites connect to the city’s broader narrative of exploration, defense, and cultural exchange. The episode also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging indigenous history and preserving untold stories as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary.

Special guests Bob and Maria Alvarez, COO and CFO of the Historic Florida Militia, share how historical reenactment brings the past to life through immersive education and storytelling. They discuss their involvement in reenactments, their work on the PBS documentary America’s Untold Story, and why keeping history alive is essential for future generations. The discussion also explores the deep Spanish connections between St. Augustine and the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the city’s global and historical significance.

Plan your visit to St. Augustine, Florida: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/

FOLLOW TERRI’S ADVENTURES - https://travelwithterri.net/ - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/

LISTEN - New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - As part of our America 250 programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” “Parks & Travel,” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

As part of our Book Blitz Month programming, award-winning author, explorer, photographer, and cetacean specialist James Michael Dorsey joins Big Blend Radio to share stories from a lifetime of global exploration. Hear how writing, photography, and storytelling serve as artistic tools for cultural preservation. From crafting personal travel narratives to documenting oral traditions, this episode celebrates literature, narrative craft, and the role of creative expression in giving voice to disappearing cultures.

Having traveled through 60 countries, Dorsey discusses his work documenting remote cultures, endangered languages, and oral traditions, as well as his experiences studying and interacting with whales in some of the world’s most remote marine environments.

He reflects on the urgency of cultural preservation, noting that when the last speaker of a language is lost, an entire library of knowledge disappears. From encounters with the Hadzabe people of Tanzania to time spent observing cetaceans, this conversation explores storytelling, responsible travel, and the deep connections between humans, wildlife, and place.

🔗 Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, and work: http://www.jamesdorsey.com/