Edible Activist Podcast

Mario Vitalis is the owner and operator of New Age Provisions Farms based in Indianapolis, Indiana where he hydroponically grows herbs, lettuce and microgreens. In this episode, Mario, who says he's no expert, shares his experience as a Freight Farmer, how access to land was the driver to container farming, and why hydroponic farming will become even more essential to our future due to climate change. Tap in!

Gabrielle Knox, the Professional Neighbor is a Detroiter, farmer and builder. In this episode, Gab talks about activating space for growing food, engaging with neighbors in her Detroit community, creative land use, and the model behind her business, Build Cooperatively. Tap in!

Bryan Epps, New Jersey native, is a returning farmer with an extensive background in organizing and community building. In this episode, Bryan shares the legacy of his family's land: Eester Farm, held for 200 years and how he's been called back to the agricultural grid and what the transition has been like. He also shares his perspectives on food and nutrition and his devotion to disrupting food apartheid. Tap in!

This program was brought to you by Freight Farms.

https://www.freightfarms.com/edibleactivist

Lincoln University's Food Service Director, Nafessah Bush, is a Philly native with a love for community. In this episode, she kicks us off sharing how she got her career started in the hotel industry, now working for Thompson Hospitality, the largest black-owned food company in the nation. Nafeesah had the honor to lead a Garden Give Back initiative this year at Lincoln (the FIRST HBCU) with faculty and students that sprung forth enthusiasm and gratitude from the campus community. We also chat about food insecurity on campuses and Nafeesah leaves us with a tip on the best cheesesteak in Philly! Tap in to listen!

This very special episode is an author talk featuring Chef Matthew Raiford & Amy Paige Condon in celebration of their new cookbook Bress 'N' Nyam: Gullah Geechee Recipes from a Sixth Generation Farmer! As CheFarmer Matthew shares the history of the Gullah Geechee, we explore rich Coastal Georgia, along with recipes, stories, and heirlooms that Matthew inherited. Amy also provides context to shaping the cookbook and working with Matthew to publish a creative piece filled with legacy, honor and awesome food. Grab a copy and tap in!

Edible Activist popped up at FishScale to chat with co-owner and chef, Brandon Williams. When we first had Brandon on the show, back in 2019, he introduced us to his amazing fish burger concept and shared his culinary journey. As the FishScale team closed up shop for the night, Melissa caught up with Brandon to talk about how his team has been able to push through the pandemic, supporting the local economy through food, activating buying power, and of course all-things wild-caught fish. Tap in!

In this episode, we chat with Patrilie Hernandez, founder of Embody Lib, to unpack how food insecurity and eating disorders are connected. Patrilie breaks down the definition of disordered eating, talks about dismantling beliefs around food that are tied to white supremacy and colonization, and we discuss the work that she does to apply a body liberation framework to various environments. Tap in!

Taking a moment to pause for Ma'Khia Bryant. May our princess rest in peace.

In this brief episode, Melissa L. Jones shares a personal piece on transcendence and the black agricultural experience, a reflection of the past, present and future. Tap in!

It all started with planting a few flowers before Tamara Elmore, of Richmond, VA, would find herself fully immersed in the garden! In this episode, we chat about the beginnings of Tam's gardening venture and attending farming school, she speaks on dealing with chronic pain and healing in the garden, and we discuss her two most recent projects: Bring on the Seeds and Tomatoes. We also couldn't conclude the show without Tam dishing on her must-have garden tools. Tap in! Sponsored by Hello Fresh.