Front Porch AF

Kelli and Sue host a festive holiday edition of Front Porch AF with family, friends, and remote guests sharing favorite traditions — from tractor Christmas displays and eggnog recipes to St. Nicholas boots and gumbo. Plus a Bonus Video of the gang singing “Blue Christmas” — Front Porch AF style. Of course, there are Neighborhood Notes, listener mail, a Snack Friday Cookbook, and, challenging “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” for Sue’s new favorite Christmas song: Jason Quicksall’s "Git Off My Ass This Christmas”! And we plan how to invite our fellow North-of-Nashville neighbor Pete Hegseth to join us on the Front Porch. For videos, photos, and more, visit FrontPorchAF.com and socials @FrontPorchAF. Happy All The Holidays!

Hosts Kelli and Sue welcome Lauren Egan of The Bulwark to discuss the high-stakes Tennessee District 7 special election between Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps, the effects of gerrymandering, and why national Democrats are pouring in resources. The conversation covers campaign strategy, cultural messaging, the role of social media and rising Democratic figures, the impact of the Epstein files, and Lauren’s reporting background from Washington to Ukraine — plus light neighborhood stories, DoorDash mishaps, and local happenings. And for more photos, videos, and folderol: FrontPorchAF.com

Given the topic of immigration and immigrants in today's America, this episode's guest is most enlightening. Kelli and Sue sit down with Diana Perez from Conexión Américas to learn how the nonprofit supports Nashville's Latino community through English classes, education assistance, food distribution, workforce programs, and more. The episode highlights personal stories of success, current challenges facing immigrant families, community partnerships, and upcoming events like Mezcla and the online holiday bazaar. In a bonus video, Diana weighs in on the "Huggy v. Coozie" debate--and let's just say she is most diplomatic in her thoughts on this subject! Neighborhood Notes: It was *snowing* in Nashville on November 10. so Sue was getting out of town to warmer climes. And Kelli mysteriously acquired a boxful of motorcycle gear she can't remember ordering. Just another day in our 'hood. So grab a drink and join us on our audio front porch. And for more photos, videos, and tomfoolery, visit FrontPorchAF.com. Cheers, y'all!

"Big change has to start somewhere, and it starts just by doing it." In this episode of Front Porch AF, hosts Kelli and Sue chat over drinks and laughter before welcoming Joseph Clark from Nashville’s Oasis Center to discuss support networks for LGBTQ+ youth. They cover Oasis’s Just Us program, mental health services, the Stonewall Scholars internship, ways to volunteer or donate, and how adults can advocate for young people. For more information visit oasiscenter.org. Of course, there's also talk of wrestling, farm auctions, and the Drink Specials, Neighborhood Notes, and folderol y'all have come to expect on our audio front porch.  Check out extras at FrontPorchAF.com.  Cheers!

“Right now we just can’t forget that on a long enough timeline, fascism always loses.”  —My Cluck Hut co-founder Trevor Silva Fighting against fascism and for love and acceptance — that’s My Cluck Hut, a company started during the 2020 pandemic on a mission to change the world, one bar of soap at a time. Founders Dr. (by marriage) Trevor Silva and Dr. (for real) Jennifer Berry join Kelli and Sue to talk about their mission-driven company and how they give back, all done with wit, a smile, and a lot of love. As listeners have come to expect, there’s also porch chatter about Neighborhood Notes (Sue fell in love with a chicken; Kelli learned all about tonic water), Drink of the Day (vodka is back on Sue’s beverage menu), and more. Kelli and Sue also solved the dilemma of what swag to give their guests—since they usually give a Cluck Hut Candle! (Turns out the “replacement” swag made a great pairing with the candle. And yes, there’s video.) Come join Kelli and Sue on their audio front porch, grab a drink, share a  story, and solve ... all the problems of the world. Cheers, y’all! For photos, videos, and more: FrontPorchAF.com

After scintillating talk of snapping metal huggies, haunted drive-through car washes, and Taylor Swift’s new album (Sue is clueless), we talk about how to change the system from within with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something, a nonprofit organization which recruits and supports young, diverse progressives running for down-ballot office. Since its launch in 2017, Run for Something has helped elect more than 1500 leaders across nearly all 50 states. And fun fact: More people have signed up with Run for Something in the past ten months than during the entirety of Trump’s first four years in office. This is a must-hear conversation, especially if the current state of our politics reduces you to tears or rage—or in Sue’s case, a fifth gimlet. Shoutout and thanks to Tim Miller of The Bulwark (Sue’s spirit animal) for suggesting Amanda as a guest. So grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and join us on our audio front porch, and help us solve ... all the problems in the world. And there's more photos, videos, fun, and calls to action at FrontPorchAF.com

Our little town of Madison, Tennessee gets the big-city treatment with a new coffee table book! On this episode, Kelli and Sue sit down with author — and neighbor — Laura Amaral to talk about the new book MADISON: Portraits of Our Neighbors, created with award-winning photographer (and yes, neighbor) Stacie Huckeba. This luscious book captures nearly a hundred Madisonians — artists, business owners, farmers, musicians, and longtime locals — in a visual time capsule of this historic community on the north side of Nashville, Music City USA. The episode highlights how the project came together, the importance of preserving local stories, the character—and characters—that make Madison, and The Bend, unique. And of course, where listeners can find the book and see images online. Published by Vanderbilt University Press, MADISON debuts at the Southern Festival of Books, October 19, 2025. Full disclosure: Front Porch AF host Kelli is one of the cool kids featured in the book, along with her power tools, of course! There’s also a Bonus Porch Talk video with our neighbor, singer-songwriter-farmer Nicki Bluhm at her barn down the Bend. Nicki, along with horses Mo and Omega and blue heeler Birdie, are featured in MADISON. But no episode of Front Porch AF would be complete without Neighborhood Notes—including Sue’s Wrestling Adventures and Kelli’s new friends from Down Under. Oh, Sue also raps. Yes. You gotta hear it to believe it. Come join Kelli and Sue on their audio front porch, grab a drink, share a story, and solve ... all the problems of the world. Cheers, y’all! For more, visit FrontPorchAF.com.

"With Instagram and internet research, there is no excuse now for going to a bad tattoo artist." —SHANNON WAGES, Tattoo Artist   We start off with how Sue got her first tattoo at age 77 (from a great tattoo artist, Chuy, at his Tatuajes Raza studio), and why the rainbow peace sign is so meaningful to her. And fun fact: Kelli's first tattoo was administered by a dude named Buzzard in a Mississippi double-wide.   Then tattoo artist extraordinaire Shannon Wages joins Kelli and Sue to share her 19-year journey from working the shop counter to becoming a leader in an all-female tattoo studio. She discusses breaking into a male-dominated industry, mentoring other artists, and the importance of health, safety, and professional standards.   The conversation covers tattoo culture shifts—sleeves, face tattoos, and cover-ups—along with stories about refusing certain designs and advice for anyone considering a tattoo: do your research and choose a reputable artist.   Of course, there are Neighborhood Notes and Daisy the Dog updates (she's doing better!), along with the Mailbag, Drinks of the Day, and how we used Sue's tattoo as a benchmark in the show's aim to making a positive difference.   Please join Kelli and Sue on their audio front porch for this and more—and together we can solve ... all the problems of the world.     Photos, bonus video and more at FrontPorchAF.com

Q: What is the one thing you want our listeners to know? A: If you've been impacted by sexual assault, it was NOT. YOUR. FAULT.    —Greta McClain, founder of Silent No Longer This episode focuses on gender-based sexual violence. Our guest is Greta McClain, founder of Silent No Longer, an organization which empowers survivors of sexual violence to transform their stories into powerful forces for education and inspiration. Greta served as a Nashville police officer for more than a decade, then was the Victims of Crime Coordinator with the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. On a June night in 2017, in the parking lot of a truck stop, Greta was raped. She found herself sinking in despair after the attack, unable to come to grips with what had happened, and started planning to end her life. As she was writing her final good-byes to family and friends, a news story caught her eye. Something about ... "me too." Greta says that the hashtag #metoo saved her life. She realized that if the #metoo survivors could go, so could she. And not only could she go on, she could help others go on, too. Silent No Longer was born. Our conversation covers Greta’s work using creative expression to support survivors, available resources, and practical ways listeners can offer support. But Kelli and Sue also have to touch base with each other about Neighborhood Notes—Sue was in a music video! Kelli's new Australian friends love the pod! There's a Grass Roots & Nudie Suits Festival coming to Madison!—and of course, their Drinks of the Day (hint: Kelli's contains the word "Miller" and Sue channels her Grandma Linnie's alcohol preferences). There's also Aunt Janet's "Hillbilly Dew"—yes, the recipe is on the website. Please join Kelli and Sue on their audio front porch for this and more—and together we can solve ... all the problems of the world. More lots more, visit FrontPorchAF.com.  

Kelli and Sue welcome veteran Wes Minto to the front porch to discuss his Army experience, deployment to Iraq, and concerns about the use of military forces in U.S. cities, especially in the light of a soldier’s training to “toe the line.” Wes also offers practical advice on supporting veterans and how the public can engage with service members during tense moments. Along with travel tales from Down Under (Kelli went to Australia) and Up Yonder (Sue went to Michigan), a music video cameo, a fan’s Haiku to the show, and much more, it’s a darn good episode. And a important one, given what is happening on the streets of American cities today. For more information on how to support veterans, show photos, bonus videos, and drink advice, check out the website FrontPorchAF.com.

“The best thing about getting older is ... I got nothin’ to lose!” —Dr. Bob, on the Front Porch of Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, TN To set the stage for our foray into the topic of aging, we checked in with neighbors and friends about what they considered to be the worst and best parts of getting older. From the worst of chin hairs, sore joints, and the loss of loved ones, to the best of gaining wisdom, getting more comfortable with the idea of death, and not giving a rat’s ass about what other people think, folks from 29 to 77 weighed in. Kelli and Sue then sat back and talked about their own worst of/best of aging lists, exploring money, health, dementia, freedom, and family—a poignant and candid conversation that celebrates the journey of life, over paths smooth and rough. We also pass along some tips for getting your affairs in order (aka “Get your shit together, Kelli!”) before going to The Big Podcast in the Sky. For audio clips of the full man/woman-on-the-street interviews, more about the pod and Kelli-Sue adventures, music, photos, and videos, check out the website: FrontPorchAF.com Neighborhood Notes (of course we have those!) touch on why weeding sucks, doggy acupuncture, and for all you grammar nerds out there, breaking down definite vs. indefinite articles. You’re welcome.

After recapping a week of barbeque and burgers, juke joint dancing, beer parkas, and how Kelli is Rube-Goldberg-ing her own swimming pool, we spoke with our special guest, Francie Hunt, Executive Director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP). Francie made headlines in 2022, when she walked 538 miles across Tennessee, from Memphis to Johnson City, on Walk for Our Lives, what she calls her “pilgrimage for abortion rights and bodily autonomy,” in support of Planned Parenthood. Francie talks about Planned Parenthood’s history, its healthcare services (no, it’s not just abortion), and the threat that these services are facing from the unpopular attempts of the current administration to gut Planned Parenthood and the healthcare so many count on. There’s good news, though, with new initiatives by Planned Parenthood to aggressively combat efforts to kill it—with Campaign Crash Courses, Grassroots Organizing Retreats, and the Pink Horizon—all of which are designed to grow their network of committed legislators, raise awareness and support among the public, and continue to defend and protect reproductive rights and healthcare. For more about neighborhood notes, the mailbag, and general folderol, check out the website FrontPorchAF.com

After a glorious month of Pride festivities and shenanigans (see below), we capped it all off with a conversation with Kathy Halbrooks, PFLAG National Board Member and former Co-Chair, now Community Liaison, of PFLAG Nashville. PFLAG ​is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Founded in 1973 by the parents of a gay man who was beaten at a protest, PFLAG, as Kathy explained, used to stand for "Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays," but the organization has broadened to include all gender identity populations. Kathy tells us about how PFLAG offers support to those at all stages of their LGBTQ+ journey, as well as to their families and friends who are looking for ways to understand and support them. PFLAG offers a variety of services, from physical and mental healthcare to advocacy work and group meetings. PFLAG also advocates against harmful legislation to the LGBTQ+ community. But the core of PFLAG are the personal stories from the communities they serve. Many of those personal stories end with someone telling PFLAG: "You saved my life." Learn more at PFLAG.org  and PFLAGNashville.org. Kelli also reminds Sue that "A" is actually a vowel. Of course, the podcast wouldn't be complete without Kelli's Huggy of the Day (and how President George H.W. Bush gets pulled into this, we still don't know), the Pride Parade After-Party at Dee's, and how Kelli moved 44 tons of gravel. And we think we're going to do a mini-video talk about the Westboro Baptist Church. Stay tuned. For more audio, video, fun, and folderol, visit and sign up for our newsletter with exclusive subscriber content at FrontPorchAF.com

<Porch Talk Video HERE.> Our current Pride Special episode features an interview with Olivia Hill, Tennessee's first transgender elected official. Part of our outreach on socials included boosting a video of a short extra interview with Olivia to a wider Facebook audience than we usually get to. And it worked! The first day we got hundreds of new views--and then we got comments. All of which were, shall we say, discouraging and negative, and all prompted by Olivia's statement that she has transitioned and is no longer male: "You're a DUDE." "DNA." "Yes, SIR!" And so on and so on. So we decided to talk about this negativity, how to create a dialogue rather than knee-jerk-ism, and whether (and how) to continue getting out of our silo. We made a short video of us talking it out, and this is the audio of that. More at FrontPorchAF.com          

“They can tell me what bathroom to use ... but they can’t take away who I am.” —OLIVIA HILL Kelli and Sue celebrate Pride Month with our special guest, Olivia Hill, Nashville Metro At-Large Council Member, and the first elected transgender lawmaker in Tennessee history! Olivia’s transition journey belies the scare-tactic claim that kids can go to school one sex and come back the other—and other falsehoods about the transgender community. After serving 10 distinguished years in the Navy, including combat in Desert Storm, Olivia spent nearly 30 years operating the Vanderbilt University Power Plant. In 2019 she chose to live her truth and transitioned. Since then Olivia has become a fearless nationally recognized voice for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and justice for all marginalized communities. In 2023, Olivia shattered history, becoming the first trans woman ever elected to public office in the deep-red state of Tennessee. Olivia Hill’s story isn’t just about resilience — it’s about defiance, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a world where everyone has the right to live authentically, lead boldly, and rise without fear. Olivia’s interview capped off a full weekend of Drag Brunch Fun, Wrestling Mania, and fresh roadkill ... so grab a drink, pull up a seat, and join us for this Special Pride Episode of Front Porch AF!  Find out more at TheOliviaHill.com

“The problem isn’t organized religion. It’s bad religion.” —Rev. Jay Voorhees Saving the world by activism and outreach—or simply by helping your fellow human beings when they need you—is our theme, and we were thrilled to welcome our dear friend and spiritual advisor, Reverend Jay Voorhees, to talk with us. After bailing Kelli out of Grammar Jail, we review some Very Important Happenings on the Bend, including fire ants, a Tecate without a lime, cephalopods. You know, normal stuff. Then we focus on how to make a positive difference in our world—and how saving the world and saving souls converge for Jay. He tells us about his work helping to transform lives through empathy and spiritual grounding, particularly among the homeless community. Jay delves into how everyday acts of understanding and empathy can make the world a better place for everyone. And then we all have a drink. On a coaster that has a very important message. Find out more—and read that coaster’s message—at FrontPorchAF.com or wherever you pod.

Well, Kelli almost didn't make it for this episode—her flight to Nashville was diverted (in the middle of a tornado!) to St. Louis, where she had to rent a car to make it back—just in time to welcome our special guest for this episode: Laurie Green, founder of SAFPAW (Southern Alliance for People and Animal Welfare), a nonprofit that helps the homeless community face the daily challenges of living in poverty with their pets.  Laurie reports on the challenges faced by the thousands of unhoused in Nashville. She and SAFPAW help feed and provide assistance to those struggling with housing and income crises. On her visits, she is known not only as the "Dog Lady" but also as the "Food Lady" because some days, as her story of one little boy reminds us, she provides her clients the only meal they will have. But we also find out ways we can help. And that's the good news. In other porch action, Sgt. Sue of The Grammar Police explains why a prepositional phrase can have more impact that a possessive. You'll just have to tune in to find out more about this burning issue. And all the other usual folderol. Please grab a drink and sit down with us for a visit.

In this special edition of the pod, Front Porch videographer/researcher Piper Miegs returns from her travels and joins Kelli and Sue to quaff a cocktail and solve all the problems ... oh wait. We don't solve *anything* on this episode! We just sit around and gab about all sorts of things—especially about growing older. At 77, Sue is a lot closer to The End than Kelli or Piper, but turns out we all share the changes aging brings to our identities, our bodies, and our thoughts of What Comes Next. We recorded during Jazz Fest, so there was talk of that, and of getting calls from The Bulwark (swoon!) and our congressman (whaaa?), among other items of note and nonsense. We hope you enjoy listening to "Girl Talk" as much as we enjoyed recording it. Website with pics, notes, recipes, and ramblings: FrontPorchAF.com.

After a week when Sue survived a bloody (the blood was on her!) wrestling match and Kelli returned without serious injury from horse (no drinking while riding) camp, we gathered on our audio front porch to welcome neighbor Robbin Nolen to talk about equine assisted therapy. Robbin is a certified EAGALA Equine Specialist and runs Discovery Stable here on the Bend. She and her 11 horses provide equine therapy to a broad range of clients: youth with autism, sex trafficking victims, trauma survivors, and others with mental health challenges. They talk about the therapy process itself, its effects on both the clients and the horses, and how people can find out how to avail themselves of equine assisted therapy. And ... Sue makes a mistake. But she owns up. More at FrontPorchAF.com.