On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author and journalist Simon Parkin discusses his new book, "The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice."

The first book to chart the history of the world’s largest collection of seeds, "The Forbidden Garden" shares the story of the Siege of Leningrad and how from 1941 to 1944, the scientists in the seed bank had to face an impossible choice each day: eat the collection to prevent starvation, or protect their life’s work to help end world hunger? More at https://www.simonparkin.com/

This episode is cohosted by Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

Check out Big Blend Radio's network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate the end of National Book Month and Family History with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut novelist Joanne Howard. Hear about her historical fiction debut "Sleeping in the Sun" that was inspired by her family history and shares the story of how unlikely friends uncover the cruel reality of British-led India.

Out now through She Writes Press, "Sleeping in the Sun" transports readers to the past where a young American and his Indian servant must face the reality behind a faithful family friend and the consequences of knowing this truth. It's a must-read for fans of "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Inheritance of Loss." More at https://www.joannehowardwrites.com/

From Germany and Poland, to England, New Orleans, Salem, Connecticut, Virginia, and South Carolina, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast focuses on Women Who were Shunned as Witches Throughout in History.

FEATURED GUESTS - MATT COST, award-winning author of history and mysteries, discusses the life and legacy of Marie Laveau, known as the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans." More about Matt's books: https://www.mattcost.net/

- KATHLEEN WALLS, travel writer & author, talks about her visit to the Wizard of Oz Museum in Kansas, and Grace Sherwood, known as the "Witch of Pungo" in Virginia Beach. Check out Katy's story about her adventures in Kansas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/theres-something-odd-in-kansas/

- ARYN YOUNGLESS, a writer and genealogist, talks about witch panic and trials in the US and how to research any possible witchy family history. Read her blog post about it all here: https://genealogybyaryn.substack.com/p/i-danced-for-the-devil?

- BARBARA REDDING, travel writer, talks about how both Germany and Poland were superstitious about witches in the Middle Ages and how hundreds of poor women were burned at the stake due to no fault of their own. Follow Barbara's world travels at https://barbararedding.com/

- JO CLARK, travel writer and photographer, talks about Mary Ingleman, the main target of the witch trials that took place in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1792. Keep up with Jo's adventures and podcast at https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/

- JUDY KARNIA, travel writer, talks about her "witchy" and "non-witchy" experiences in Salem, Massachusetts, known for its famous witch trials in 1692. Read her travel story, here: https://rovology.com/united-states/more-than-witches-art-and-history-in-salem-ma/

Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" Podcast features a new panel discussion every 4th Wednesday. Follow the show here: https://women-making-history.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork