Welcome to Family Tree, Food & Stories

Family Tree, Food & Stories

Family Tree, Food & Stories connects generations through family stories, food history, and heritage. Each episode uncovers the stories behind cherished recipes, unforgettable meals with family and friends, and unique food traditions that bring us together at the table. Here's where we celebrate how food creates lasting connections—every meal tells a story, and every story is a feast waiting to be shared. Tune in and join our family, where your story has a place at our table.

May 22, 2025

Hot Dogs, Heroism, and Burgoo: Memorial Day Foods History and Surprising Stories

What does watermelon have to do with Memorial Day? And how many pounds of hot dogs do we consume over Memorial Day weekend? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories , Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take you from old Civil ...

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May 15, 2025

The Bourbon Episode: Buffalo Trails, Wild Whiskey, Moonshine Memories and Family Traditions

Aged to Perfection: The Bourbon Episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories! Ever wondered how bourbon became such a staple in old-fashioned American family gatherings and even recipes? In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stori...

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May 8, 2025

"A Mother's Day to Remember: From Pizza to Martinis and More for Mom.

Mother's Day Celebrations, Meals, Traditions, History, and Stories to Last a Lifetime ! Are you looking for some inspiration to make this Mother's Day 2025 a bit more special? In this next episode of Family Tree Food & Storie...

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May 1, 2025

The Insiders Guide to The Kentucky Derby: Food, Fun, History behind The Run for The Roses

The 151st Kentucky Derby: Foods, Traditions, and Stories You Might Not Know About! Hold onto your hats—or your fascinators—because in this Family Tree Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are taking you to the...

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April 24, 2025

Show Me the Noodles: The Lasagna Disaster Fix

In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories , Sylvia Lovely learns that after owning a restaurant for 20 years, how to cook a “simple lasagna”. Her experience in the kitchen takes a few unexpected twists and turns, from ...

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April 17, 2025

What happens when God helps buy a cow?

Food, Faith & Acts of Kindness: Father Jim's Spiritual Journey Have you ever considered how deeply food connects to our spiritual lives? In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories , Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely sit down wi...

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April 10, 2025

From Lawyer to Culinary Star: Chef Ouita Michael, James Beard Nominee Food Journey

How food changed the career direction of this law-school-bound college student. Have you ever wondered how the foods we eat shape who we are? In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely pull th...

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April 3, 2025

And Enchanted and "Eggstra" Special Easter Story

A Story for Tracie, and What to do With Leftover Easter Egg Shells. What do a five-year-old’s Easter tale, a magical sugar egg, and a kitchen full of hard-boiled chaos have in common? They’re all part of one rather unforgetta...

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March 27, 2025

Camping, Cooking & Unexpected Traditions From Candy Sticks to Fire Smoked Biscuits and more

Learn to discover traditions you might not even know you've got! In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories , Nancy May , co-host, helps her guests Heather Dyer and Erin Walker of the Three Kitchen's Podcast discover that...

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March 20, 2025

Vernal Equinox Foods: The Jelly Bean Diet, Muskrat, and Beer Are on This Menu

Spring Food Traditions You'll Want to Eat In this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely explore rather different and interesting springtime traditions, sharing some foods that you mi...

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About the Hosts

Nancy May Profile Photo

Nancy May

Co-Founder, Family Tree, Food & Stories

🎙️ Meet Nancy May, a dedicated business professional and entrepreneur who co-founded the vibrant Omnimedia company Family Tree, Food & Stories and co-hosts the podcast Family Tree, Food & Stories. With a heart for creating personal connections—which she learned from her dad and mom—and a wealth of experience, Nancy has built an impressive career that bridges the worlds of business, imagination, and resourcefulness.

While Nancy's career took her to the heights of corporate America – from advertising executive to trusted advisor of Fortune 500 CEOs and global Corporate Directors – she never lost touch with what matters most: the power of personal connection. Her pioneering work hosting Boardrooms' Best, among the first CEO podcasts in 2017, and then the Eldercare Success podcasts, along with her insightful byline in CEO Forum Magazine, earned her recognition from Forbes as one of America's top governance experts. But ask Nancy what she's most proud of, and she'll tell you it's creating ways where people can create honest and authentic connections.

However, what truly sets Nancy apart is that she quickly puts everyone she meets at ease and can connect with others on a personal level. A multi-talented entrepreneur and five-star author, Nancy puts her unique energy into Family Tree, Food & Stories, where she serves as co-lead producer, author, and host. In this vibrant space, Nancy celebrates the universal themes that bring us together: family, friends, food, and stories, where she makes every listener feel like they are part of her family.

Outside of work, Nancy shares her life with her husband Bob and their two energetic Standard Poodles, The Mighty Quinn and Otis of Redding. Nancy often jokes that they treat them like their children (woof).

Join Nancy as she weaves together stories, laughter, and love, reminding us of the connections that make every day important and a bit more special.

Sylvia Lovely Profile Photo

Sylvia Lovely

Co-Founder, Family Tree, Food & Stories

🎙️ Meet Sylvia Lovely—a passionate storyteller, dedicated leader, and co-founder of the omnimedia company Family Tree, Food & Stories. Sylvia isn't just an award-winning author and visionary; she's a beacon of inspiration who invites you to gather around the table and celebrate life’s rich tapestry of family traditions and memories.

A dedicated business professional with a remarkable 30-year tenure as the CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities, Sylvia has proven herself to be a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Among her accomplishments, she’s noted for transforming the landscape of state and local governance and for innovative programs that have empowered and revitalized communities across the country. Her expertise didn’t stop there; as the Chief Legislative Agent for cities in the Kentucky General Assembly, she became a powerful voice for change.

But Sylvia's talents extend beyond the C-Suite as co-owner of the popular Azur Restaurant and the popular Dupree Catering and Main on Main and co-host of the Food News and Chews radio program, where she shares her love for food and storytelling.

What drives Sylvia now is her love for the rich, colorful stories that make us who we are. From her native Appalachian heritage to her own family's traditions and memories, Sylvia is on a mission to amplify the voices and stories that need to be told and heard.

As a writer, teacher, radio host, and podcast host, Sylvia has a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. Her infectious enthusiasm will make you want to sit down and share your own story. Her Writing and Sharing the Stories of Your Life program has received national acclaim and touched countless lives across the country and around the world, proving that everyone's story deserves to be told.

When she's not collecting, writing, and sharing stories, you'll find her surrounded by the joy of her family - including her husband, two sons, and ten grandchildren, who keep her heart full and her stories flowing.