Porch Talk is a local talk show produced by Stephen Gage Productions. The series has been running on ARMA since 2015. Each month new episodes premiere that relate to a single topic or guest. The show highlights Auburn area events, issues important to the community, local organizations, and notable citizens.
The show is hosted by Rachael Tissot. Tissot has an extensive background in the performing arts. Her experience spans the genres of music, theater and film. Music found her at an early age when she began playing the piano at eight years old. She currently teaches film for Fearless Video Productions at Spotlight Studios, she is a music director and organist for Good Shepherd Catholic Community, Aurora, and is a wedding musician for the Finger Lakes region.
Rachael Tissot – www.rachaeltissot.com
Q & A with Rachael Tissot
What attracted you to the idea of hosting a public access show about your community?
When Steve first approached me about his idea to start Porch Talk, it immediately meant something to me because I knew it would have a positive influence on the community. I also knew the area didn’t have anything like it and that bothered me because I knew we needed something like this. My mom always said that If you don’t like something to do something about it. And so I agreed to do Porch Talk.
As a musician did you find the move to TV host difficult or similar to performing on stage? How is it the same/different?
Obviously, TV acting and music performance are similar in that they both require good energy, charisma and having a good sense about people, and in either situation, any slight insecurity can be felt by your audience so you have to be very comfortable with yourself. But what made Porch Talk different was that I wasn’t sure what style I should use as a host; would I be more inquisitive or would I have a stronger presence personality-wise? And then I realized, ‘Oh I just have to be me.’
What are the episodes that have been the most memorable/fun?
To be honest, they’ve each left an impression with me because every one of them has been around unique people and getting to know them which I love being able to do. Everyone has a story which is part of history and I feel very blessed to get a glimpse into someone’s life like that.
You did an episode from the morgue. What was that like? Did you find it interesting or unnerving?
Yes, the morgue one made me nervous. I don’t know if it was because I was cold in there or simply the topic made me a little uneasy. It seemed very heavy for Porch Talk which is normally such a light-hearted show, but I wanted to be serious about the issue without being too political, and ultimately walked away hoping I took a good approach to it but not satisfied I did.
As a musician have you found it rewarding to highlight area music like in the latest episode with The Auburn Music Boosters?
Of course! It’s always a real pleasure talking with another musician or someone involved in music. I like to learn what they’re doing sometimes so I can steal ideas from them ha, get inspired! But mostly, like in Music Boosters, it’s important to pass down our knowledge to the younger generation. Any person going a little out their way to do that, I have a lot of respect for because I can remember the adults that did that for me when I was a kid and how it’s made me better.
What would you like to cover or who would you like to interview that you haven’t?
There are so many people that I want to interview because it’s easy to find someone doing something interesting everywhere, business owner, school teacher, you name it; there’s a lot of good people in our little community. It’s a very active community. I am very proud of Auburn and its surrounding areas. But really to answer your question, I’ve been itching to get into the Auburn Prison to talk about the theater program they’re doing there. I think that would be really interesting.
What have you learned from your experience on Porch Talk?
I’ve learned that as a host, the more humble you are the better! People can’t be real with you until you’re real with yourself and if you’re trying to get people to open up to you, you have to remember that in the end, it’s not about you—it’s about the story you want to tell.
Porch Talk airs new episodes each month.
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