Discover the Historical, Cultural, and Traditional Roots of Louisiana's Oldest City on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast with K. Nicole Connell of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. Hear about the historic sites, movie locations, and fun fall festivals, events, and activities the whole family can enjoy!

Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches and check out the event calendar at https://natchitoches.com/

Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show and check out the past episodes here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" Show features Jeff Reed, showrunner and cinematographer of the new National Geographic series, "National Parks: USA." From Zion and Yellowstone to Katmai, the Everglades and Olympic, this five-part series features a blend of wildlife weaved seamlessly with stories of rich culture, history and geological landmarks.

As Jeff shares, NATIONAL PARKS: USA reveals Indigenous stories from some of today’s tribes, linking the past with the present, and highlighting the importance these lands have had through countless generations and the need for these national treasures to remain for the future. Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/z42Ph8A2Uh8?feature=shared

Starting Sept. 8, 2024, "National Parks: USA" Is available on the National Geographic channel on Hulu: https://on.natgeo.com/3Qor0Ko

Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Military Monday" Show with award-winning military historian and author Mike Guardia honors two Hispanic US Military Heroes, Alfred Velazquez Rascon and Raul Perez "Roy" Benavidez.

ALFRED VELAZQUEZ RASCON is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel. In 2000, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a medic near Long Khánh Province during the Vietnam War. On more than one occasion Rascon exposed himself to enemy fire and grenades by covering the bodies of those whom he was aiding with his own. In addition to Vietnam, Rascon also served as a medical officer in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

MASTER SERGEANT RAUL PEREZ "ROY" BENAVIDEZ was a US Army soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valorous actions in combat near Lộc Ninh, South Vietnam on May 2, 1968, while serving as a member of the United States Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War.

MIKE GUARDIA is the author of over 20 other military history books including "The Combat Diaries: True Stories from the Frontlines of World War II." His latest book is the Amazon best-seller, “Fire in the Hole: Tales of Combat with the 1st Engineer Battalion in Vietnam.” More: https://mikeguardia.com/

Mike Guardia appears on Big Blend Radio's military history shows every 1st Monday. Follow his podcast here: https://mike-guardia-military-monday.podbean.com/