Pizza wasn’t always welcome at the table—

And it certainly wasn’t always American. So how did a seemingly simple immigrant street food become the most shared, argued-over, and emotionally loaded meal in the country? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely uncover some surprising facts about the history of pizza in America, tracing its journey from Italian and ancient Mediterranean roots to our neighborhood pizza parlors, family tables, and regional loyalties that still divide and challenge us today.

This episode of Family Tree Food & Stories shares how pizza...

New Year’s Leftovers: What to Toss, What to Transform, and Why It Matters

What stays, what goes, and what gets reinvented with style and taste? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, your award-winning hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take on the post-holiday refrigerator—one container at a time, with how-to ideas and a recipe that will turn your holiday leftovers into a fancy homespun “gotta have.”

This episode isn’t just about food—it’s a look at what leftovers say about the way we live, how they reflect culture (in the US and els...

Why do families leave cookies for Santa?

What do people in other countries leave for Santa on Christmas Eve, and why have those foods become part of the holiday?

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph step in for Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely to examine the origins of Christmas treats and food traditions around the world. How have history, economics, and cultural storytelling shaped what we now consider “traditional” holiday foods? Mrs. Claus and Rudolph share their stories and examples of such treats as milk and cookies in the Unit...

Best Christmas food gifts, explained and shared.

What makes a Christmas food gift unforgettable? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy and Sylvia explore the best Christmas food gifts, sharing true stories behind fruitcake traditions, Hickory Farms boxes, homemade holiday drinks, and regional favorites that turn simple food into lasting memories.

What regional holiday traditions, family favorites, and even strange corporate food gifts have become long-running stories? Have you ever heard of Traveling Jack? Or received a food gift so simple—like a can of soup or an orange in a stocking—that you...

Bringing the holidays together: stories, shared recipes, and easy ideas for mixing Hanukkah, Christmas, and even Scandinavian Yuletide flavors at your family table.

What happens when Jewish and Christian traditions come together in one kitchen? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May talks with Magdalena Dryberg, a Swedish-born Jewish mom who blends Hanukkah, Christmas, and Scandinavian winter traditions into one fun and meaningful holiday season.

Magdalena shares easy ideas for blending faith, food, and family memories, and how anyone can create celebrations that feel special for everyone at the table. You’ll he...

Why do some manners survive for centuries while others disappear overnight? And which one still matters today?

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely uncover the surprising truths behind the rules we follow, the ones we break, and the embarrassing moments we all secretly Google.

From medieval knife etiquette and Victorian orange-cutting rules to restaurant dilemmas, awkward check battles, and the lesser-known rules of modern hosting, this episode reveals how manners have evolved — and why they’re more important today than ever.

A mix of cultural style, hist...

Home for the Holidays: The Lost Art of Decorating with Food

What if your next holiday centerpiece wasn’t from a store—but from your pantry? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely help you rediscover the forgotten art and easy ways to decorate with food. It’s been a long-standing, even ancient tradition that’s fun and everyone can join in and help.

From hanging this year’s turkey wishbone and saving it for next year’s wish-making activities, to crafting apple-head dolls, hanging cookie tree ornaments, and stringing cr...

Thanksgiving Traditions & The Stories That Feed Us

What makes Thanksgiving more than a meal? There’s a lot more of the old and new traditions that, when combined, can make this celebration one you’ll remember for years to come.

In this  episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely explore how food, family, and traditions shape our sense of gratitude and belonging across the generations, tables, and even time zones from how to make that traditional turkey better than ever, to the most bizarre dishes of the past decades. This episode takes...

How Cooking Mistakes, Burned Meals, and Starting Over Can Teach You More Than Any Recipe Book

Why are so many people afraid to cook?  It’s easier and more fun, even than you might think.  In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely dig into the big reasons and excuses behind avoiding cooking.  Learn how even the most devout non-cook recently turned her “I don’t cook” mantra into a way to learn about her family history and a new level of confidence. 

From burnt pots and melted pie crusts to Engagemen...

Oatmeal: The Comfort Food That Connects Generations & More!

Oatmeal: it's a simple bowl with a story that spans continents, centuries, and countless family tables. In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share the interesting history, folklore, forgotten traditions, and a few recipe ideas behind one of the world’s most comforting foods.

From ancient Scottish porridge (yes hidden their Sporrans)to more traditional breakfasts, and eve oat milk and skincare, you'll learn how this simple grain has fed and even healed so many across the generations.

You mi...

Ever wonder what bone cookies, charcoal embers in a turnup, and candy corn have common?

In this ghostly episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely stir up the history, humor, and hidden meaning behind Halloween’s more interesting and fun traditions. From ancient Celtic rituals to good luck brew, and a lover’s prediction, this episode shares how food, folklore, and superstition have come together over centuries to create the Halloween we know today.

👻 Did you know Halloween started not with candy—but instead with cakes for the dead?

🕯️Ever...

The Hidden Power of Everyday Food Rituals to Connect Family, Friends, and Colleagues

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Sylvia Lovely turns interviewer and invites Nancy May to reflect on and share her experiences in going home to New York and Connecticut. The interview turns into a food story about going home and finding new friends, while creating new memories and connections

Through treats (think chocolate) and meals shared with colleagues, long-time friends, and family, the conversation explores how shared meals create continuity between past and present—bridging professional spaces, personal history, and th...

How family traditions, food memories, and simple kitchen smarts can help us eat well, waste less, and reconnect around the table.

In this Family Tree Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely celebrate World Food Day by diving into how food traditions, family stories, and old-fashioned kitchen wisdom can help us better manage our family’s budget today.  From McDonald’s Happy Meals and Burger King crowns to World War II ration cookbooks, casseroles, and potluck suppers, they explore how generations before us managed to feed their families with creativity, care, and a sense of community spiri...

🌽 Did you know that Native American Foods Sill Influence What You Eat Today?

How many of the foods you eat every day have roots in Native American foods and traditions?  A lot more than you might realize, so start counting and testing your family and kids now!

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share a list of indigenous foods, along with their history, traditions, and, yes, even spiritual connections, that influence your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and holiday celebrations today. 

A few key things you’ll learn in this...

Learn why your body—and heart—craves stew, pasta, and pancakes in the fall.

Ever wonder why mac and cheese, beef stew, lasagna, or even a slice of fruitcake creates cravings in the fall? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May & Sylvia Lovely dive into the cozy world of comfort foods—and trust us, there’s a lot more to it than just wanting that warm brownie or an extra spoonful of mashed potatoes on your plate!

Nancy and Sylvia aren’t just talking about our favorite go-to comfort recipes. They’re sharing some...

Let’s talk Mushrooms: from Shitake stories, and magic mushrooms, to the People’s “shrooms”  and more. 

This week, we’re talking about foods you probably wouldn’t expect to get too excited about: mushrooms. However, those funky spongy fungi have stories, secrets, and flavors that will give you something different to talk about at your next dinner table conversation. 

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely become the Fungi Gals (ha, ha, seriously!) and share fall comfort foods, mushroom myths, and a few “did-they-really-just-say-that?” moments.

👍Here are a few extra hints o...

Fermented Nuts, Pickled Eggs & Appalachian Moonshine: How We Preserve More Than Just Food, and Why it's Important.

Fall is more than a season—it's a reminder to preserve what matters, from seasonal foods to family recipes passed down through generations. In this richly layered episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share forgotten preservation techniques, Appalachian food lore, and hands-on kitchen wisdom from past generations.

You'll also hear about Sylvia's learned to revive a drunken raccoon, the FDA's ban on sassafras, and some inspiration for pickling and canning.

Fr...

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, and remembrance?

In this special Family Tree Food & Stories episode, we reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the extraordinary ways people found healing through food. From community kitchens in New York serving first responders, to small-town stories of family meals and final requests, this show explores how 9/11 changed America forever—and how sharing food helped us grieve, unite...

🍴 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 of food culture, history, and culinary revenge—where poisoned banquets, chef scandals, and real-life true-crime stories collide. If you’ve ever wondered about the powerful, sinister-looking side just placed on your plate, this episode is a feast you won’t want to miss.

From poisoned pies to power plays in the kitchen, this episode blends food history, true crime...

✍️ 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 May and Sylvia Lovely reveal the history of food writers and critics—from the Mesopotamian food writers who carved their stories on clay tablets to the story behind how Michelin stars come about and are funded and can make or break a restaurant.

Nancy and Sylvia also put the spotlight on legends like Jacques Pépin, who t...

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 Pubs,”  your Family Tree Food & Stories Podcast hosts, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, raise a frosty pint and share some of the most timeless traditions, history, colorful characters, and personal stories that make bars, pubs, and taverns the cornerstones of many small towns and community family life so rich.

From famous corner bars like Cheers in Boston and the White Horse...

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 you, your family, neighbors, and the planet.

Family Tree Food & Stories, Ep. #46

Tune in as this episode of the Family Tree Food & Stories podcast crawls straight into the fascinating (and sometimes squirm-worthy) world of edible insects. In “Foods That Bug Us,”  your co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely explore cultural traditions, health benefits, and some less familia...

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? They're all part of ice cream's surprisingly scandalous past that Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share in this week’s episode of Family Tree Food & Stories. 

This week, we share how ice cream has evolved from when the Egyptian pharaohs made it,  to what snow cream is, to how it became so much fun that it was banned on Sundays (yes...

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 4,500 years ago, sourdough has evolved into a global obsession—and in this episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely delve into the rich story of how it all started and its subsequent expansion. From ancient Egyptian brewing methods to quirky pandemic starter names like “Twinkle,” which have been shared around the world, this discussion dishes up wild...

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, to creating a mock apple pie with, yes, zucchini! 

There’s so much of it in the garden during the summer growing months that knowing what to do with Zucchini might include abandoning it on a neighbor’s porch – there’s a specific day for that, too. 

Oh, and don’t forget to listen to the...

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 biting into the crunchy taste of summer picnics and potato chips! Join us, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely as we dip into some of the more interesting history, stories, and a few good recipes about one of our favorite snack foods – the actual American potato chip.

Did you know that the first potato was the result of a snarky restaurant customer named Rocke...

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 were coming, and they were going to be good.

That’s what we, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, are talking about in this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories. We’re going back to the days when food made vacations even more fun, from roadside diners and belly clams to tho...

What Do Hot Dogs, Rum, molasses, and a 250-year-old piece of meat have to do with Independence Day?

This isn’t your grade school history lesson. This is the Family Tree Food & Stories Independence Day (or July 4th) holiday episode. In this show, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take a big bite into the real reasons we celebrate with pie-eating contests, backyard grilling, hot dogs, and enough fireworks that, yes, have their own food origins. In this show, you’ll also learn how food has sparked more than one revolution, and how our early colonial forefathers might have...

What Kids Really Eat at Camp (And Why They, and We Adults, Love It Too!). A Dive into REAL Summer Camp Cuisine.

Have you ever eaten eggs on a stick? Or discovered that the Tootsie Rolls from your camp care package mysteriously disappeared (spoiler: it probably wasn’t a raccoon)? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely dive headfirst into the weird, and often funny, stories of summer camp and food, both for kids and adults.

They’re talking about buffalo balls (can you guess what they are. . . really?), bug juice...

Man's Best Friend: Crazy Dog Stories You've Got to Love~

Hold onto your leashes— because this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories is going to the dogs in the best (and most hilarious) way possible. Join Nancy May, Sylvia Lovely, and The Mighty Quinn as they all dig into the meaty, messy, and downright outrageous history of what our four-legged friends, our dogs, eat, need to eat to stay healthy, and have eaten—from prehistoric wolf scraps to gourmet meal kits and, yes... even cotton balls soaked in olive oil.

Nancy and Sylvia bring on a ve...

This one's for you (and yep, your dad too) — it's the Family Tree Food & Stories Father’s Day 2025 special. Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are back, talking all things dad while the grill’s heating up and a cold one is cracking open. They're dishing out a full plate of stories, oddball traditions, and yes — lots of meat talk. Because let’s be real: dads + grills = primal joy.

This episode serves up everything from barbecue stats and big green eggs to a 4,000-year-old Father’s Day message carved into a stone tablet (seriously). There’s also a side of laught...

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to feel like you’re scaling Mount Pinterest?

At its heart, weddings are really all about celebrating a love story—yours, or another person you care about. In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia

Lovely pop the champagne and dive into the wild world of weddings with the ever-wise Sara Barton— AKA their Wedding Whisperer and planning guru.

Here you’ll go beyond the bouquet toss and dive into the quirky, forgotten, and freshly minted traditions shaping weddings today. Ever heard of a recipe car...

The Farmer’s Market Hustle: What They Don’t Want You to Know, and Why.

What do Boston’s Little Italy, bourbon-pickled beans, heirloom tomatoes, and escaped snails have in common with today's farmers' markets? Well, you're about to hear the answer and more in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories! Nancy May and Sylvia roll up their sleeves and dig deep into the quirky, gritty, and delicious history and evolution of farmers’ markets. From 1600s bartering stalls to today’s “authentic-ish” local setups, they explore the wild world of what it really means to buy fresh and...

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 War battlefields to your backyard barbecue.

You’ll discover the surprising origins of the Memorial Day holiday when it was first known as Decoration Day, explore the wartime roots of today’s most iconic summer foods—like hot dogs, cornbread, and SPAM—and even a shared story of how Nancy almost grilled a bunch of baby...

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 & Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take you on a journey through the rich history and personal family stories of bourbon.

Here they'll take you on a journey of some very interesting "spirited" origins of iconic distilleries like Buffalo Trace, delve into the differences between bourbon and whiskey, and share some personal tales—like that time someone tried to smuggle ho...

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 & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely delve into the lost stories behind how Mother's Day food and family traditions, some sweet and others wild and wacky.

You’ll learn some lesser-known facts about Mother’s Day, like how the celebration as we know it today originated in a West Virginia church in 1908 and when President Woodrow Wilson declared it a nati...

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 151st Kentucky Derby, The Run for the Roses, or Mint Juleps if you prefer!

Picture this: You’ve got your mint julep or bourbon in hand, and you’re surrounded by ladies in big hats, and 150,000 of your closest friends, who are all cheering for their favorite horse to win the race. But, there's more to Derby weekend...

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 battling uncooperative pasta to creating a "lasagna disaster piece" that’s now legendary. Her candid, self-deprecating tell-all may be a dose of reality for some of you who’ve tried to make the perfect lasagna and had your disasters along the way. 

But all are worth a good laugh or two, for sure. This episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories isn’t just...

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 with Father Jim Sichko, a priest, who tells an extraordinary story of how food became an important part of his ministry. 

Father Jim shares the story of his mother's weekly tradition of cooking meals for garbage collectors, whom she served at the family's formal dining room table.  Everyone was welcome as family to their table.  On one afternoon, Father Jim...

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 their mic up to the table with renowned Kentucky chef Ouita Michel, who takes us on a journey through her culinary heritage – from a community garden to owning eight celebrated restaurants rooted in local tradition.

For those unsure of their career direction, you'll hear how Ouita changed her career path from aspiring lawyer to award-winning chef and ho...

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 unforgettable spring food-related memory — a story of how love, loss, and a little imagination helped one family hold on to hope.

In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, co-host Nancy May shares a personal story from her childhood, when she was trying to make sense of her younger sister Tracie’s illness. You’ll hear th...

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 they have been unwittingly nurturing new family food traditions. Throughout the episode, they uncover in subtle yet significant ways that their treasured memories—like old-fashioned savory, sweet, sticky candy sticks at roadside gift shops or planning comforting meals around a campfire—have seamlessly woven into the fabric of their lives.

By retracing their steps through family camping experiences, Erin...

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 might never have heard about before.

Nancy and Sylvia delve into the world of spring foods...

The Ultimate Guide to Irish Traditions Worth Knowing This

St. Patrick's Day

Join Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely for a fun-filled St. Patrick's Day special on Family Tree, Food & Stories! This episode takes you beyond the green beer and shamrock decorations to explore different traditions that make Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day unique.

☘️Ever heard of "drowning the shamrock"? You’ll learn about this quirky tradition: place a shamrock in the bottom of your beer mug, drink it down, and then toss this good lucky charm over your shoulder. Just try not to s...

This is a Chilling Episode about Food, Family and Refrigeration:

Join Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely as they take you on a cool adventure through the history of refrigeration in this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories about the "Refrigeration Revolution: From Ice Blocks and Straw to TV Dinners."

As with each episode, there's always a wild food and family story, but in this show, you'll also learn some really cool things,s including how refrigeration changed food storage, from ice blocks and caves to quick freezing and frozen foods. Nancy and Sylvia also share...

This episode is dedicated to February and all things F in the kitchen and around the table.

What happens when food, family, and February collide? In this Family Tree Food & Stories episode, Nancy stirs up a pot F-related and a few unexpected fiascos. 🧀

This episode explores family, food, and traditions starting with the letter F. From fondue nights to adventures with friends, and a fiery mishap, each story shared shows you how food brings us together, can spark a new tradition, and create memories that will have you smiling, and laughing for years to come.

"I'm not a bad cook—I just don't cook!"

Can a Self-Proclaimed Non-Cook Create Meaningful Mealtime Traditions?

What does a wedding gift of handwritten recipes, family memories, and a self-proclaimed non-cook have in common? In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share these details and more with Meredith Plant.

This episode shares how our recollections of the past can help us find new strength and joy. Yes, you can even meditate on a recipe you want to add to our personal collection.

Meredith shares how her in...

Dive into a decadent world of desire as Family Tree, Food & Stories hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely unwrap the mysteries behind Valentine's Day's most seductive treats. Join chocolate expert Norma Taylor as she reveals how to get thousands of chocolate-covered strawberries out to lusting customers.

Nancy and Sylvia dive under the covers to reveal some interesting and lesser-known history and traditions of how those silk heart-shaped chocolate boxes even include a little black lace. Remember those innocent candy conversation hearts?  Perhaps they were the precursor to modern-day text messaging.  What do you think?

This ep...

One Waitress, One Microphone, a Whole Lot of Regret, and a Story That Became a Family Legend.

This true Family Tree, Food Story begins with a simple radio interview that soon spirals into a chaotic comedy of errors. Here, your Co-Host Sylvia Lovely recounts a college indiscretion that involved a local Moorhead restaurant and a disastrous on-air performance that threatened a financial loss and derailment of her boyfriend's career (and possibly their relationship forever!).

What started as a seemingly harmless attempt to help her then-boyfriend, Bernie, a struggling radio host, takes an unexpected turn, leaving...

How Our Hunt For The BEST Cake Keeps Us on The Road!

🥕 What if a single bite could change your life? In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, you’re invited to join Nancy and Bob on a 36-year quest to rediscover the flavor that made their wedding day even more sweet.  A delicious and magical carrot cake from a special bakery in Fairfield, Connecticut, their quest to recreate that perfect bite has taken them from New York to Florida, California to Canada, and beyond.  Their quest has done more than taking these two on shunpike road trips. ...

How a Glass of Wine and a Cold Night in a Bar Became One of This Mom’s Favorite Story.

This Family Tree Food & Stories episode is a delightful blend of humor and fun reflection as Sylvia recounts an unforgettable night in Duluth, Minnesota. What starts as a simple mother-son bonding watching the “big game” at a local bar turns into an unexpected tale of personal embarrassment and triumph.

With a mix of wit and warmth, Sylvia shares how even the most humiliating moments can become one of those stories you will want to tell over and...

What Might be Cooking at President Trump's Inaugural Ball? Lessons from presidential plates past and present.

🎙️In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely dish up a banquet of stories and foods that have graced inaugural balls throughout U.S. history. From George Washington’s solitary dining to Lincoln's midnight chaos, this episode reveals how these menus reflect presidential personalities, American culture, and even our own family mealtime tastes. You'll learn about the quirks of Chester Arthur’s Rhode Island eel, Dolly Madison’s introduction of fancy ice cream, and even how turtle...

How a pre-colonoscopy walk turned into a wild surprise and a mysterious roast thief!

📌In this next episode of Family Tree Food & Stories - What do you get when you mix a colonoscopy prep, an overexcited Goldendoodle, and a "found"three-pound beef roast in the middle of a walking trail? It's a story that’s almost too wild to believe!

In this episode, Co-Host Sylvia Lovely recounts a chaotic journey to wrestle a juicy roast from her dog’s jaws—all while enduring the delightful side effects of her “prep.” Honestly, this one still offers a good laugh...

Could There be Gold in that Pork Roast and Doom in the Chicken? New Year's Foods to eat for an extra plateful of good luck.

Welcome to 2025! In this special New Year’s edition of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely kick off the year with some quirky traditions.🎉

Did you know eating chicken 🐔 on New Year’s could potentially give you a bowl of bad luck? Or that a sauerkraut shred might be the key to riches? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, we're spilling the beans (and the sauerkraut...

How to Eat Your Christmas Tree and Create a Deliciously Unusual Holiday Tradition 🎄

What do you do with a leftover Christmas tree? Toss it? Compost it? Nope—how about eating it? Yes, you heard that right! In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, we’re setting the table with a new way to turn your bedazzled Christmas tree into a gourmet treat.

From sweet pine syrups to pine needle tea, baking with your tree's bark (and a treat you can bite), and even pine-infused ice cream, Nancy May, co-host of Family Tree, Food & Stories explains how to...

From Stinky Food Stuck in a Tree to Finger Licking Christmas Traditions in Japan: This holiday episode will have you asking for a second helping.

🎄✨What’s the story behind the quirky German Christmas pickle? And why do families in Japan celebrate the holidays by licking their fingers? Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Sylvia Lovely as they dive into the heart (and stomach) of Christmas and family food traditions in this holiday episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories.

In this show, they share everything from Martha Stewart-inspired table settings to Southern comfort recipes. Have you eve...

What happens when a small-town girl becomes a college Freshman with ambitions? This episode is one every parent, and Freshman will learn from!

In this episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, join co-host Sylvia Lovely as she recounts a pivotal moment in her life that intertwines ambition, family expectations, and an unforgettable dining experience. Raised in a humble background where college wasn't even on the radar, Sylvia's sudden declaration to pursue higher education led her to Moorhead State University. However, a seemingly simple luncheon turns into a memorable lesson in social graces when Sylvia encounters a...

What's the best way to make pasta? It's all in the drying.

🍷🍝What do an old kitchen table, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a lucky (and we mean lucky) pig have in common? They’re all part of this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, where Nancy May and show guest Bobby Hedglin-Taylor, a man of many hats, dive into some rich country Italian family-food stories rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania.

Nancy and Bobby share some preview moments from his forthcoming book  “Escape to Ravioli Mountain: A Memoir in Food.”  Bobby’s experience in the kitchen w...

What happens when a fake waitress, a wannabe on-air actress, tries to save the day? 🤦‍♂️

In this episode, you'll want to join Sylvia Lovely, co-host of Family Tree Food and Stories, for a show filled with unexpected twists and turns. When Sylvia's boyfriend Bernie, a radio host 📻 in Moorhead, Kentucky, finds himself without a guest for his show, Sylvia steps up with a daring plan intertwined with a bit of creative freedom. 💡 What happens next is a rollercoaster of emotions and on-air surprises. This heartwarming and humorous story showcases how quick thinking can turn a potential disaster into a memorabl...

Surprising Ways to Give More Thanks and Create a Better Thanksgiving Together.

Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, which focuses on Thanksgiving secrets, traditions, history, and more.  

Ever wonder why presidents pardon turkeys? Or why cranberry sauce sparks family feuds? This Family Tree Food & Stories episode reveals the quirky history and hidden stories behind America's favorite feast day.

You'll learn the details behind:

The people who make a restaurant a family. A Chef, a Friend, and a Legacy of Kindness.

This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show for an excellent reason. Sylvia, Co-Host of Family Tree, Food & Stories, and her husband, Bernie Lovely, the owners of Restaurant Azure and Patio in Lexington, Kentucky, recently woke to a phone call telling them of the sudden and unexpected passing of their Sous Chef, Austin Poplewell "Popcorn."

Known for his gentle spirit and culinary creativity, Popcorn’s presence turned their restaurant into a second family, filling it...

From Adam and Eve's First Bit to Tailgating, Hot Dog Pie, and More: Pull your chair up to the table and listen in to this next episode.

What do hot dogs, tailgating, and a centuries-old food tradition have in common? More than you might think! In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, your co-hosts, take you on an unexpected journey through the quirky, funny, and interesting ways food has brought us together.... even from the day of Adam and Eve! Now, there's a food story!

Tune into this next...

Ghosts that belly up to the bar and join you at the table. What might happen next?

Why do so many ghost stories start at the dinner table? In this special Halloween edition, Nancy May, co-host of Family Tree Food & Stories, joins forces with her and Sylvia’s friend and fellow podcaster, Leo York (AKA James), from The 13th Floor, to investigate the haunted pasts of America’s most iconic restaurants. From offering meat pies to appease mischievous spirits to ghostly figures that still roam Boston’s historic Union Oyster House, you’ll learn where some of our favo...

Recipes From My 90-Year-Old Mom, and so Much More!

With our special guest, Freda Meriwether.

In this episode of the Family Tree, Food & Stories podcast, Co-Host Sylvia Lovely reconnects with her good friend, Freda Meriwether, who shares captivating and colorful food tales of her 90-year-old mother, Gloria Polly Medea Rice. The conversation spans Gloria's rich reputation as a 'character' in her community and her renowned recipes, particularly some that required a mad dash to grab it first in the backyard! Freda recounts their family's traditions, the small-town love and support Gloria receives, and the importance...

Are there such things as lucky foods?

Have you ever wondered why your mom always tossed salt over her shoulder, whether it spilled or not? Or why did your grandmother say NEVER to cut spaghetti noodles? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely pull the kitchen curtain back on some of the weird and most interesting food superstitions that still sneak into our family gatherings today. 🍀🍔

From the mysterious practice of keeping stinky fish scales in your wallet to the ancient art of using pasta-chewing shadows to predict your f...

Favorite Final Food and that Important Story

What unexpected request could transform a bittersweet farewell into a heartwarming celebration of life? Tune in to discover a touching tale that reveals the powerful bond between family, a daughter, a stranger, love, and the foods that bring us back home.

Episode Summary:

In our inaugural episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, co-host Nancy May recounts a deeply moving experience during her father Stuart's final days. Amidst heartfelt conversations and emotional farewells, an unexpected request from Stuart unveils a touching and unforgettable moment. Join us to...

What Do Hot Dogs and Adam & Eve Have in Common? More Than You Think!”

In this debut episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely kick off the show with surprising food traditions and stories that connect us with family and friends. How do hot dogs, candy corn, Adam and Eve, and the Civil War be linked? The answers might surprise you  as Nancy and Sylvia reveal the unexpected ties between these foods and our shared family histories, with a blend of humor, nostalgia, and a little bit of history.

Lea...