The “NOFO LIVE” podcast began as a passion project when Sunita Narma and Tracy Kessler were moving into new homes and embracing new chapters of their lives.
“We wanted to feel connected, not just to our physical spaces but to the incredible community around us,” they told us. “The North Fork is full of stories, history, and fascinating people, and we realized there wasn’t a space dedicated to capturing that energy in a real, unfiltered way. So, we decided to create that space ourselves.”
“NOFO LIVE” aims to bring the community together and highlight the voices that make the North Fork of Long Island special. We spoke to Narma and Kessler about the podcast that celebrates all things North Fork.
What are a few memorable moments you’ve each had on the podcast?
Tracy: One of my favorite moments was actually off-air. Sunita and I went to the East End Food Market in Riverhead one weekend, and as we were walking around, we knew more than 50 percent of the vendors because they had all been guests on the show. Everyone was waving and calling us over, and excited to see us in person. We were able to hug, laugh, and connect in person with our fellow North Forkers, and it was a tangible example of what we’ve created here with NOFO LIVE.
Sunita: I’m a people person through and through. I love making connections, getting to know my neighbors, and even accumulating new friends each Friday through NOFO LIVE. In real life, I have so many lifelong friends, and while social media gets a bad rap, it’s actually been an incredible tool for building friendships — after all, Tracy and I met through Instagram!
Some of the most memorable conversations have been with guests who took a leap of faith to start a new life on the North Fork. I’m constantly amazed by the diversity and ingenuity of the people here — how they found their way to this special place and what they’re building in each new chapter of their lives. Whether it’s a business rooted in family tradition, a lifelong dream finally coming to life, or a bold career pivot, every story adds to the fabric of this community. Getting to share and celebrate these stories each week is what makes NOFO LIVE so special to me.
Because we go live every Friday, anything can happen — tech hiccups, unscripted jokes, heartfelt moments, or guests dropping wisdom that sticks with us. Those real, unfiltered moments keep each episode fresh and authentic. But the real reward is hearing how an episode helped a guest gain customers, grow their business, or feel more connected to the community — proof that NOFO LIVE is making an impact, and that’s exactly why we show up every week. What truly stands out is the community response. When people say, “I never knew that about so-and-so,” or “I felt so seen in that conversation,” it reaffirms why we do this. NOFO LIVE isn’t just about interviews — it’s about bringing people together through stories, laughter, and real conversations that celebrate life on the North Fork.
What are your favorite spots on the North Fork?
Sunita: Nothing compares to the magic of a North Fork sunset. Every evening brings a new masterpiece — no two are ever the same. It’s my favorite ritual, a moment of stillness to take it all in. In fact, I’ve given myself the very official title of “Professional Sunset Watcher” because, honestly, if there were a way to make a career out of it, I’d be all in! There’s something about the way the sky transforms over the water that never gets old — it’s a daily reminder of how special this place is. This ritual is also a reminder that the simplest things in life bring the most serenity. That peace, along with the joy of living by the water, has been a huge inspiration behind NOFO Style, the business I launched last year, creating handmade bags, beach cover-ups, and more to celebrate the effortless beauty of North Fork living.
Tracy: My happy place is out on the water with my daughter and family. Whether cruising on the boat, paddleboarding to watch the sunset, or simply soaking in the salt air from the sandy beach, there’s nothing better than the freedom and peace that comes from being by the water. Living in a generational home just steps from Peconic Bay allows me to recall childhood memories of playing at that very beach and cherish the deep roots my ancestors established here on the North Fork. The North Fork’s beautiful bodies of water inspire reflection and gratitude in every moment spent here.
That love for the North Fork — whether it’s on the water or under a painted sky — is exactly what makes NOFO LIVE such a passion project for us both. Every episode is a chance to learn more from each guest about their experiences and celebrate what makes this place so special.
What do you love most about the North Fork community?
What we love most about the North Fork community is its deep sense of connection. It’s the kind of place where people genuinely care — whether it’s rallying around a local business, celebrating each other’s successes, or simply stopping to chat at the farmers’ market. There’s a mix of old and new here — lifelong locals and fresh faces — all adding their own energy and stories. NOFO LIVE thrives on that spirit, giving a platform to the voices that make this place special. The North Fork isn’t just a destination; it’s a community that welcomes you in and makes you feel at home.
At the end of every Friday conversation, we actually ask guests this very question: “What do you love most about being a part of the North Fork community?” And every Friday, we are reminded of just how special this place is. The answers always come back to the same core themes: connection, support, and the warm welcome that makes the North Fork more than just a place to live — it makes it a place to belong.
What’s next for the podcast?
The North Fork is full of incredible small businesses and community leaders, and in four years of NOFO LIVE, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Aside from a select few who return to highlight major annual events — like CAST’s Festival of Trees, Southold Winterfest, and the Mattituck Strawberry Festival — we’ve never had to repeat a guest. That just goes to show how many more stories are out there waiting to be shared. It feels like we’ll never run out of amazing people to chat with, and that’s what keeps us excited to show up every Friday!
Outside of the podcast, we both have our own businesses that keep us busy. Sunita recently launched NOFO style in 2024, a brand that creates handmade products — bags, beach cover-ups, and more — designed to celebrate the simplicity and charm of North Fork living. Tracy owns TK New York, a national event production firm that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Most recently, she’s directed her attention to her passion project, Kindness Grows Here, a campaign focused on promoting kindness, inclusivity, and equality. Even with these commitments, NOFO LIVE remains a priority, and we are dedicated to continuing to celebrate this incredible community for years to come.
One of our goals moving forward is to create more opportunities to connect with our audience in person. We host a vision board event in January to help set intentions and direction for the year, make it a point to be present at local happenings, and, of course, throw our annual NOFO LIVE celebration each May to mark the end of our season.
This year’s event is happening on May 14 at The Halyard in Greenport and is themed Bollywood Night (yes, Indian inspired foods, entertainment, and all) — a perfect chance for past guests and listeners to come together, celebrate, and experience the magic of NOFO LIVE beyond the screen.
If you’ve been tuning in every Friday or are just discovering us, come join the fun — it’s going to be an unforgettable night!
