Success Express

We're Not Family: Building Healthier Workplace Teams

In this thought-provoking (and shared) episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) examines one of the most common—and potentially problematic—workplace metaphors: the idea that coworkers are "family."
While the concept is often intended to foster connection and belonging, Rita explains how the family metaphor can blur boundaries, create unrealistic expectations, and introduce unhealthy power dynamics into the workplace. Unlike families, work relationships are professional, with defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures.
This conversation explores how language shapes organizational culture and why leaders should be intentional about the metaphors they use. Rita discusses the difference between chosen and assigned family, the risks of parental and child roles in supervision, and how these dynamics can undermine trust, transparency, and effective communication.
Rather than viewing organizations as families, Rita encourages leaders to think in terms of teams—whether a sports team, jazz ensemble, or another collaborative model. By fostering transparency, ownership, and shared purpose, organizations can create healthier cultures where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Conference 2026 in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21!
Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference.
GUESTS:- Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com - Susan Lanier-Graham — Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com - Andrew Harris — Culinary Advisor & Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com 
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:- Exclusive private dinner at High Stakes — Chef Paul Bartolotta's brand-new restaurant, opened just for conference attendees- Cheese workshops, Bloody Mary demos & opening reception at Milwaukee Public Market-  Professional development panels — Inside the Industry, Media Kits That Work, No Stupid Questions & more- Milwaukee Day — art museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, brewing history, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, African American history tour, spy bar lunch & more- Closing reception at the historic Women's Club of Wisconsin- Pre & post trips: Shipshewana, Indiana & New Glarus, Wisconsin and more.
Open to all IFWTWA members and non-members, the Conference will be hosted at the non-smoking Pottawatomi Hotel & Casino. Day passes available for local Milwaukee writers!
LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/ 

Meet Produce Expert Robert Schueller: Passion, Produce & Success

Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month with this special "Success Express" episode of Big Blend Radio featuring longtime Big Blend friend Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations and Produce Expert for Melissa's Produce.
Known nationally as "The Produce Dude," Robert has spent nearly three decades helping consumers discover fresh fruits and vegetables, understand seasonal produce, and explore healthier ways to eat. In this fun and inspiring conversation, Robert answers Big Blend's signature Success Insider questions, sharing stories about his career journey, family, favorite hobbies, life lessons, travel dreams, and the passion that has fueled his success.
Along the way, listeners learn about the remarkable story behind Melissa's Produce, America's largest distributor of specialty produce, and how the company continues to introduce consumers to exciting fruits, vegetables, and healthy food innovations from around the world.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Learn more about Melissa's Produce at https://www.melissas.com 
- Read Robert's Success Insider Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/success-insider-melissas-produce-expert-robert-schueller 
- Discover more expert interviews, podcasts, articles, and stories at:https://bigblendmediahouse.com 

Travel Writer & Storyteller Elaine Masters: Following Wonder Through Travel, Nature & Life

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 

Getting to Know Clifford Garstang: From International Law to Award-Winning Fiction

In this special “Getting to Know You” episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with award-winning author, editor, traveler, and former international lawyer Clifford Garstang about his fascinating journey from international development and law to a celebrated literary career.
A longtime guest on Big Blend Radio, Clifford has joined us over the years to discuss his books, literature, writing life, and international travels. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on perseverance, artistic integrity, storytelling, nature, travel experiences, and the creative process behind writing fiction.
Clifford is the author of six works of fiction including "The Last Bird of Paradise," "Oliver’s Travels," "The Shaman of Turtle Valley," "House of the Ancients and Other Stories," "What the Zhang Boys Know," and In an "Uncharted Country." He is also editor of the acclaimed anthology series "Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet."
Learn more about Clifford Garstang and subscribe to his Substack:- https://cliffordgarstang.com/ - https://cliffordgarstang.substack.com/ 
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s “Getting to Know You” series celebrating the launch of Big Blend Media House and its new newsletter, Front Porch News. Visit: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Understanding California Commission Pay Laws for Sales Employees

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs explains how California commission laws impact both employers and employees, including the legal differences between inside and outside sales roles, minimum wage protections, overtime exemptions, independent contractor concerns, and why written commission agreements are essential.
The conversation explores how commission structures work in real-world sales environments, from retail and automotive sales to remote work and field sales positions. Ward also discusses California’s legal requirements for commission contracts, what happens when commissions are delayed or disputed, and why vague language in agreements can lead to costly litigation.
Whether you’re a business owner creating compensation plans or a salesperson reviewing a commission agreement, this episode offers valuable insight into protecting your rights and understanding California employment law.
📖 Read Ward’s article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-sales-commission-laws-2026
Explore Ward’s Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-magazine 
Connect with Ward Heinrichs:- https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ 
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-employment-law-with-ward-heinrichs 

Supervision Matters: How Leadership Drives Employee Retention

In this insightful shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the critical role supervision plays in employee engagement, retention, and organizational success.
Rita explains why effective supervision is rooted in partnership, trust, and support—not micromanagement—and how supervisors have a direct impact on workplace satisfaction, morale, and burnout prevention. This conversation highlights how recognition, transparency, and relationship-building can strengthen teams, improve retention, and create healthier workplace cultures.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:• Supervision is about partnership, not micromanagement.• Effective supervision reduces turnover and burnout.• Trust and recognition are essential for employee engagement.• Supportive supervisors can transform workplace culture.• Strong relationships improve communication and morale.• Transparency helps build healthier work environments.• Burnout prevention starts with supportive leadership.• Employee satisfaction is closely tied to supervision quality.• Innovative support practices can boost morale and retention.• Leadership directly impacts organizational success.
Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 

Getting to Know Johnny Schaefer: Award-winning Singer-songwriter

This episode of Big Blend Radio spotlights "Big Daily Blend" cohost and award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer  @hearjohnny  based in Southern California, in a special “Getting to Know You” conversation.
In this inspiring and personal interview, Johnny shares his musical journey, creative influences, and the deeper purpose behind his songwriting. From emotional storytelling to the power of connection, he reflects on how music can heal, uplift, and bring people together in meaningful ways.
The conversation dives into authenticity in performance, navigating the music industry, and the importance of staying true to your voice as an artist. Along the way, Johnny opens up about his inspirations, life lessons, creative process, and even a few fun personal insights—making this episode both heartfelt and engaging.
Read Johnny’s “Music Insider” Editorial Q&A: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/getting-to-know-johnny-schaefer Listen to Johnny on Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/meet-the-experts-johnny-schaefer Keep up with Johnny: https://hearjohnny.com/ Join Johnny’s Gratitude Club (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones