I think one of the reasons I started this podcast was to talk to people like Stacie Huckeba.

If you’ve been around the East Nashville creative scene for any length of time, you’ve seen her work — photos of Dolly Parton, Todd Snider, Elizabeth Cook, Jason Isbell, and countless others. What you may not know is that Stacie came into this line of work late, without a road map, and made a career out of instinct, trust, and relentless follow-through. And maybe the bigger surprise? Her photographs were just the start. She’s a storyteller, full stop — and in this episode, she shares some absolute gems.

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We talked about the psychology of Todd — how he saw the world, how he needed to be seen, and how that understanding shaped their friendship. There’s a story about a backyard full of geese that’s as funny as it is heartbreaking, and there’s a moment toward the end — when she describes him waving at no one in particular — that might be the most tender thing I’ve heard anyone say about him.

If you can, watch this one on YouTube. Stacie brought a collection of never-before-seen photos from her archive, and the conversation hits different when you can see the moments she captured. That said, the stories are the real point — and if you’re just listening, you’re still in for something special. Toward the end, we shift gears and talk about what it’s like to build a creative life from scratch — without a pedigree or a plan. If you’ve ever felt like it was too late to start, or like you didn’t quite have the right credentials, Stacie’s story might change your mind. It definitely made me feel braver.

~ Korby

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