Setting Up Our New Home
Welcome to the new Big Blend Media House! We are currently in the exciting transition of moving nearly 30 years of stories, interviews, and photography into this digital space. Since 1997, we have been building our media brand in the U.S., and we are now thoughtfully organizing our life’s work into welcoming rooms and gardens for you to explore.
Meet Your Hosts (and the Real Boss)
Big Blend is a mother-daughter creative partnership between Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith. As adventurers and full-time travelers, they have spent decades following their dreams to see the world and understand how the world lives. Together, they bring a combined legacy of over 60 years in media, conservation, and the arts to everything they touch.
Nancy J. Reid (The Mother): A world traveler, fine artist, and writer. Nancy is a lifelong wildlife conservationist who worked in Kenya with Joy Adamson (Born Free) and spent years raising funds for the Cancer Association through her art tours in South Africa. On the road, she is affectionately known as the "Traveling Lap" for every pet—and horse!—they meet and care for.
Lisa D. Smith (The Daughter): The engine of the Media House—an editor, podcast host and producer, and photographer. While managing the daily evolution of their digital platforms, publications, and global community, she also serves as the official Driver, Dog Walker, and Luggage Carrier.
Priscilla (The Pink Sock Monkey): Our Ambassador of Awesome, travel mascot, and self-appointed Quality Control Editor. Since Nancy and Lisa are far better at documenting the world than taking a selfie, Priscilla has stepped in as the official Fashionista. She handles the photo ops and selfies as we travel, ensuring the Media House stays as stylish as she is.
Our Roots & Our Mission
From the wildlife of Kenya to the art galleries of Europe and the vibrant cultures of Mexico and South Africa, our roots are multicultural and deeply grounded in nature, history, and the arts.
This heritage fueled our core belief: Education is the most formidable weapon that can be waged against fear, ignorance, and prejudice. We believe that travel leads to understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of cultures and customs different from our own—and ultimately to world peace.
A Legacy in Motion
What officially launched as a U.S. brand in 1997 has evolved into a network of over 40 podcast channels and dedicated digital magazines. Since our inception, we have reached a global audience of over 4 million people who have become part of our media world. Our work is founded on the principle that networking and helping others to market themselves leads to financial stability; paving the way to better education, travel, and the spirit of giving back to the community.
The New Front Porch News
To keep our community connected, we are excited to launch our New Front Porch News e-newsletter. Delivered Monday through Friday, along with our special Weekend Edition, this is our way of staying in touch as we build this space bit by bit. It’s where we share the latest podcast episodes and articles from our experts, alongside puzzles, recipes, and updates from our life on the road.
Exploring the House
As we travel full-time on our Love Your Parks Tour documenting public lands across the country and around the world, we connect with local communities through pet-sitting via TrustedHousesitters.com. We invite you to wander through our rooms:
Taste & Travel
History & Culture
Nature & Environment
Parks & Recreation
Art & Entertainment
Lifestyle & Leisure
Business & Personal Growth
Welcome to the family. Welcome to the House.