Success Express

California’s New Healthcare Minimum Wage Laws for 2026

California’s healthcare minimum wage landscape is changing in 2026 — and employers need to be ready.
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Employment Law” Podcast, San Diego employment attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down California’s new minimum wage requirements for healthcare workers, explaining who is covered, key compliance deadlines, and what healthcare employers, staffing agencies, and HR professionals must do now to avoid costly penalties.
Ward discusses the complexities of the law, why it’s being called “a bear,” and how organizations can proactively prepare for the phased wage increases.
📖 Read Ward’s article: "California Healthcare Minimum Wage: It’s a Bear!" on Substack: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/california-healthcare-minimum-wage  📘 Explore Ward’s new "California Employment Law" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/CALIFORNIA-EMPLOYMENT-LAW/ 
👨‍⚖️Connect with Ward Heinrichs at https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 
🎧 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 

AI & The Future of Music: Insights from NAMM & The Grammy's with Joey Stuckey

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks with Joey Stuckey," Joey shares key insights from his recent experiences at industry events including the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show and The Recording Academy’s Grammy Week. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming music creation, performance, and accessibility.
Joey discusses the growing role of AI in the music industry, from tools that support musicians with disabilities to emerging concerns around copyright, ownership, safety, and environmental impact. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI training data, protecting digital identity, and balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.
This forward-looking episode offers valuable perspective for musicians, creators, and music lovers navigating the evolving intersection of technology and artistry.
🎸 About Joey StuckeyJoey Stuckey is Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, an award-winning blind guitarist, producer, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio. He is a passionate advocate for accessibility and innovation in music. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/  

Building a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works at Work

In this shared Leadership Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares practical, sustainable self-care strategies for leaders, supervisors, employers, and employees alike.
In today’s demanding work environments, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Rita discusses how daily routines, supportive systems, healthy boundaries, and positive self-talk can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and improve workplace culture. She also explains how leaders who model healthy habits create more productive, engaged, and balanced teams.
In recognition of National Leadership Day, this conversation is a timely reminder that modeling healthy habits is part of great leadership.
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 
🔹 NEW! Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/ 
🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 

Inside the World of Food, Wine & Travel Writing: How IFWTWA Empowers Storytellers

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we go behind the scenes of the global organization that connects and supports professional storytellers in the food, wine, and travel industries.
Hear from IFWTWA leadership about how the association empowers writers through networking, professional development webinars, press trips, contests, and its annual conference. Discover how storytelling fosters authentic travel experiences, how social media and branding elevate visibility, and why human connection remains at the heart of impactful travel journalism.
With more than 240 members worldwide, IFWTWA continues to grow as a vibrant community for writers, photographers, bloggers, and destinations seeking meaningful collaboration.
👥 Featured IFWTWA Leaders* Cori Solomon – President & Membership Chair; Conference Co-Chair:https://www.writtenpalette.com/ * Susan Lanier-Graham – Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/ * Robin O’Neal Smith – Treasurer & 2025 Conference Co-Chair (Contests):https://RobinONealSmith.com * Andrew Harris – 2nd Vice President & Culinary Advisor; 2026 Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com * Kathryn (Kat) Anderson – Social Media Committee Chair: https://coffeeandmascara.org * Amy Piper – Editor-in-Chief of IFWTWA's "Food, Wine, Travel" Magazine: https://FollowthePiper.com * Judi Cohen (Traveling Judi) – Secretary, Professional Development Webinars: https://www.travelingjudi.com * Pam Baker – Marketing Committee Chair: https://PamandGaryBaker.com 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 📰 Check out Food, Wine, Travel Magazine: https://fwtmagazine.com/ 🎧 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 📰 Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Attorney Ward Heinrichs on Joint Employment Law in California

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the complexities of joint employment relationships under California law. 
The discussion explores how employees can legally have more than one employer at the same time, particularly in franchise and staffing agency arrangements. Ward explains how joint employer liability can arise, who may be responsible for wage and hour violations, and how harassment and HR oversight factor into these cases. This episode is essential listening for employers and employees navigating California’s evolving employment landscape.
📖 Read Ward's Article on Substack: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/joint-employment-law-in-california  
CONNECT WITH WARD HEINRICHS:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ - https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ - https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network:  https://success-express-business.podbean.com/  

World Ag Expo: The Global Heart of Agriculture & Agribusiness in Tulare, California

The World Ag Expo® is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind, and this episode of Big Blend Radio takes listeners inside its global reach and local impact. 
Featured guests Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Lausten, Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center®, share insights into why Tulare County stands at the heart of agriculture—feeding communities across the nation and around the world.
Held February 10–12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center® in Tulare, California, World Ag Expo® provides a powerful platform for networking, education, and business development in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The event hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees from over 70 countries each year.
In this conversation, Megan and Donnette explore how innovation and technology are transforming modern agriculture, the importance of public engagement in understanding food systems, and the significant economic impact the expo delivers to the local community. The discussion also highlights the role of volunteers, educational seminars, international connections, and local food vendors—including popular features like the wine and cheese pavilion—that make World Ag Expo a truly immersive agricultural experience.
Whether you’re involved in farming, agribusiness, economic development, agritourism, or simply curious about where our food comes from, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the world’s most influential agricultural events.
Featured Guests:– Donnette Silva Carter, CEO, Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ – Megan Lausten, Marketing Director, International Agri-Center®: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ 
Plan Your Visit:- World Ag Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/ - Sequoia Tourism Council: http://discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Postcards with a Purpose: How Visual Storytelling Makes You Heard

How do you truly get your message across in today’s distraction-filled world?
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast we talk with author, life coach, photographer, and communication expert Steve Piacente about his innovative project, “Postcards with a Purpose,” which blends photography with powerful communication lessons.
Steve shares why preparation is essential for successful presentations, how addressing the WIFM (“What’s In It For Me?”) factor keeps audiences engaged, and why storytelling and visuals are more important than ever as attention spans shrink. He also explains how slides should support—not compete with—the speaker, why reading from scripts can hurt your impact, and how energy, curiosity, and connection help ensure your message is truly heard.
This conversation is packed with practical insights for professionals, speakers, leaders, and creatives who want to communicate more effectively and connect more deeply with their audiences.
STEVE PIACENTE is an author of fiction and non-fiction, certified life coach, photographer, former journalist, and Director of Training at The Communication Center. He is also the owner of Next Phase Life Coaching.
Learn more about Steve’s life coaching and books:https://www.stevepiacente.com/ 
Explore Steve’s photography:https://www.piacentephotos.com/ 
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevepiacente/ 
Read “Postcards with a Purpose” on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/focus-shapes-message-steve-piacente-5y3ke https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/message-inside-frame-steve-piacente-dg1ye https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-message-needs-lens-2-steve-piacente-cksze 

Why Transformational Life Coaching Is a Path to Happiness

In this insightful Big Blend Radio "Soul Diving Sunday" conversation, transformational life coach Shelley Whizin —also known as the Live & Die Happy Coach — explores the deeper “why” behind personal growth, happiness, and authentic living. Shelley shares how transformational life coaching focuses on tiny, intentional shifts that create meaningful, lasting change, and how self-discovery often begins long before we realize it.
The discussion touches on midlife awakenings, the heart-and-soul connection, mentorship, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s happiness. Shelley explains how joy can be cultivated through everyday moments, conscious choices, and nurturing relationships—both with ourselves and others. This episode offers inspiration for anyone seeking clarity, fulfillment, and a more joyful path forward.
🔗 Related editorial Q&A: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/why-transformational-life-coaching 
🔗 Learn more about Shelley at https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
🔗 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" and "Quality of Life" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork