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.
Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? How did America come together in the days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks? And why did food—from cornbread to clam chowder—become a powerful symbol of comfort, resilience...
🍴 Mystery, Murder & Meals: When Food Turns Deadly Could the food on your plate become a deadly weapon? In this week’s episode of Family Tree Food & Stories , Nancy and Sylvia stir up the darker, and questionably juicy side o...
✍️ Ink, Ingredients & the Power of Food Writers Who do you think shapes the way we eat, cook, and talk about food today? Well, you'll find some of the answers in this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories , as co-hosts Nancy...
From our family's original alehouses (think medieval times) to modern gastropubs, hear how your favorite watering hole and social hangout has shaped society, from birth to passing. and why. In this episode about “Bars and Pub...
New ideas for creating a family food tradition that’s right in your back, or front yard. The Growing Craze for Edible Insects: From Crickets to Tarantulas and the health, wellness, and eco-friendly benefits that could help yo...
From presidential obsessions to dog treats, how ide cream has made the dog days cool. What do Thomas Jefferson's 18-step ice cream recipe, Fidel Castro's 18-scoop binges, and a failed assassination attempt have in common? The...
The Art, Science, History, and Stories of Sourdough: From the Start to Now In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories , we’re rising to a new level with sourdough. What began as an accidental blend of flour and water over...
How to Manage an Onslaught of Zucchini and Still Enjoy It! In this episode, we take you into the garden of the mighty Zucchini. From its origins – it’s more interesting than you might think, why they were vital during WWII, ...
How one insult created an entire snack industry, and weird recipes, history, and stories about the $32.2 billion American-born potato chip market. It's delicious! In this episode (#42) of Family Tree, Food & Stories , we’re b...
When Food Makes the Trip Worth It: Eat Well and Wander, or Travel Often Have you ever been on a family road trip, staring out the car window, just waiting to see that giant Big Boy sign? You knew it meant one thing—burgers we...
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.
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.