WildFed Podcast — Hunt Fish Forage Food

Tyler Sharp — CEO & Editor in Chief of Modern Huntsman — joins us for a fascinating conversation on his time in Africa, his thoughts on the rebranding of modern hunting, and how we can take control of the hunting narrative before we lose it forever. Tyler shares about his immersive experiences living and hunting in the African bush that were formative to his balanced outlook on modern hunting culture, and we also get to dig in on one of the most controversial hunts on earth — the African elephant. Tyler is passionate about elevating the hunting narrative, and we discuss his thoughts on the North American model of conservation, the hunter's paradox, and how we can make hunting more inclusive for all who want to participate.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/074

Dr. Karl Malcolm is an ecologist and hunter who leads the Renewable Resources department for the Eastern Region of the US Forest Service. With his inclusive, boundary-pushing, and thoughtful ethos on conservation, he's a model of the hunter/conservationist of the future. In this episode,  Karl shares about his experiences working with Moon Bears in China and the contrast between hunting and conservation here versus there. We also discuss his fresh perspectives on bringing other stakeholders outside of the hunting and angling community into the conservation funding model and how we can build bridges between hunters and non-hunters. Karl encourages us to push the conservation conversation into a new arena, and this thought-provoking interview will give you a lot to think about!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/073

In today's episode, our host Daniel Vitalis shares an incredible experience he had fishing for a blacktip shark in the Florida Keys. Despite strong, well-managed populations here in the US, fishing for sharks has become somewhat controversial — largely due to unregulated and unethical practices in other parts of the world — and Daniel's story leads this episode into a much bigger conversation about the complexities of fisheries, regulations, hunting predators and the emotional charge around charismatic species, and the future of hunting and fishing in the US. Enjoy!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/072

Today's guest is Dr. Susan Crockford — zoologist, author, and the polar bear expert that’s rocking the boat on the climate change narrative that these bears have become — through very manipulated data and media talking points — enmeshed in. To be clear, this podcast isn’t countering the theory of climate change, but rather the way polar bears have been misused as the charismatic mega-faunal poster children for climate change. Susan is here to share her research and set the record straight on polar bears, what’s really going on with the arctic ice, and what can happen when you step out of line in the scientific community. This eye-opening interview is a must-listen!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/071

In his book, The Fifth Beginning, archeologist and anthropologist Dr. Robert Kelly proposes a way of looking at the human saga that divides our history up into five distinct turning points — what he calls Beginnings — times of radical transition that fundamentally alter the way we live on the planet and with one another. In this conversation, Dr. Kelly walks us through the history of humanity, using the first four Beginnings as a framework that leads us to what he proposes is our current major stage of the human journey — the Fifth Beginning. This is a fascinating conversation, and we range across both time and geological space as we review human antiquity and speculate about our future too.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/070

Barb Barton — author of Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan, endangered species biologist, and leader of a local women's circle that teaches traditional wild food knowledge — joins us to share about wild rice, wild foods, and relationship to place from her unique perspective as someone with experience in both indigenous and modern approaches. Daniel and Barb discuss the history of wild rice, appreciating wild foods as gifts, the importance of restoring traditional knowledge, how speaking the English language vs North American indigenous languages can shape our worldview, and how to create ecological change on an individual level.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/069

It's always a pleasure to have Arthur Haines — botanist, forager & Maine Guide — back on the show! In this episode, Daniel and Arthur go in-depth on maple syrup, maple trees, and their own home sugar bushes. An iconic wild food of the Northeast, maple syrup is an important staple in both Daniel and Arthur's homes. Tune in to gain an understanding of the process of harvesting maple syrup, its indigenous history, health benefits and nutrient profile, along with simple strategies for a beginner's maple sugaring set-up. If you're interested in getting started harvesting maple syrup, this conversation will give you invaluable insights from two seasoned harvesters to get you going this spring!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/068

"Hunting teaches a person to think with his heart instead of his head. That is the secret of hunting," says Dr. Randall Eaton — internationally-recognized authority in animal behavior, wildlife conservation and human evolution — in his book The Sacred Hunt. Dr. Eaton has dedicated his life to promoting hunting as a healthy expression of humanity, and it was a great honor to have him join us for a conversation about the more spiritual side of hunting. In this episode, Dr. Eaton shares his perspectives on the importance of connection and respect in hunting, the origins of trophy hunting, and recounts some of his incredible experiences with whales. We even get into some fun and subjective side tangents, including his thoughts on metaphysics and psychic communication with other species!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/067

Tony Seichrist — owner and head chef at The Wyld and past podcast + WildFed TV show guest — just hosted us for a week of hog hunting outside Savannah, Georgia, and we sat down to talk wild hogs, recap a successful hunt, and to discuss our wild pork preparation. Wild hogs are invasive to the area and can be particularly destructive to native habitat and agricultural land, so hunting them is not just encouraged, but rather, management agencies are seeking total eradication of this deleterious, non-native species. In this episode, we discuss the wild hog conundrum — hunting with reverence and respect, yet also with a goal of eliminating the species from the landscape. There’s plenty of side tangents on utilizing meat from older animals, what it means to self-identify as a hunter and more!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/066

Donnie Vincent — explorer, biologist, conservationist, and sportsman — uses cinematography to share intimate stories and adventures from the field that beautifully represent his conscientious approach to hunting. In this thoughtful conversation, Daniel and Donnie explore why the struggle and hardship in hunting is well worth the reward. They discuss how connection to land and participation in the cycle of life fuels what they do, and they also unpack why being present in the hunt matters. A must-listen and inspiring conversation for all who value procuring their own food from the wild!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/065

Dr. Greg Skomal — senior fisheries biologist with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries — is one of the world's leading shark experts and is the foremost authority on great white sharks in the Northeast. Join us for a glimpse into a typical day at "the office" for Greg — from harpooning great whites for research off the coast of Cape Cod to an adrenalizing encounter with a shark while out on the boat’s pulpit. In this riveting conversation, Greg sheds light on this often misunderstood species and shares a bit about their evolutionary biology, life history, intelligence, attacks on humans, and the current science that informs white shark management and conservation.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/064

Dr. Mark Elbroch — mountain lion biologist, tracker, writer & Puma Program Director for Panthera — joins us to discuss his latest book, The Cougar Conundrum, where he unpacks the relationship between humans and mountain lions, as well as challenges the North American model of wildlife conservation. Mark gives us a brief history of hunting and conservation, and we explore his thought-provoking — and sometimes controversial — views on our current wildlife management policies. A must-listen for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, hunters and non-hunters alike!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/063

We sat down with wild game cookbook author Kate Gooding at her home in Maine to chat about our shared love of preparing and eating wild game. A self-trained chef, the secret ingredient in Kate's flavorful dishes is the eclectic range of spices she utilizes. Kate shares some of her favorite ways to prepare wild game, including two of our favorite meats — bear and beaver. She also shares the basics of making a delicious stock, her essential kitchen equipment recommendations, and her top spice tips. Kate's enthusiasm about wild game cookery is sure to inspire you to experiment in the kitchen in the new year!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/062

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/061

Dr. Krysten Schuler — wildlife disease ecologist at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab — joins us for a briefing on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a highly contagious prion disease that affects deer species. We learn some facts that may surprise you about prions, best processing practices for deer hunters in CWD-affected areas, and Krysten's thoughts on the future of deer hunting in the US. We also get into Krysten's research on lead ammunitions' impacts on wildlife and how she and other researchers are working to get more hunters to make the switch to non-toxic ammo.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/060

Mansal Denton is the founder of Sacred Hunting and host of the Mansal Denton Podcast. Mansal has a fascinating past that ultimately led him to mentoring under a Muskogee/Creek medicine man in his pursuit of the art of sacred hunting. In this powerful conversation, Daniel and Mansal explore their own conscientious approaches to this ancestral practice, Mansal's unique experiences hunting with indigenous peoples, our death-phobic society, and becoming comfortable with mortality. At the heart of sacred hunting is connection — to food, to place, to the species you hunt, and, for many, to spirit.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/059

"Whether your interest is harvesting wild plants for food and medicine, hunting to feed your family, or being better prepared for the potentially challenging times ahead, cultivating natural awareness and a deep understanding of ecology will give you a serious edge."

Chris Gilmour — forager, tracker and wilderness survival guide — joins us to share how cultivating awareness can increase your competency and resilience in the field and beyond. We discuss how you can use tools like tracking and bird language to hone your senses and build awareness in all aspects of your life. We also chat about how tracking has shaped our development over time, fascinating micro-nuances in tracking, counter tracking, and Chris even gives us some simple awareness exercises you can get started with right now.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/058

Judy Camuso is Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is the first woman ever to lead MDIFW. A wildlife biologist, avid birder, hunter and outdoor enthusiast, Judy's world is rooted in the outdoors, and she's ardent about preserving access to hunting and fishing for all. It was great fun getting to ask Judy some of our most pressing questions regarding state management of wildlife and wild places. We also chat about getting women involved in hunting, Maine's unique access laws, and so much more!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/057

It was a great time getting together with wild food enthusiast, author, and foraging instructor Langdon Cook. Daniel and Langdon had a wide-ranging conversation focused on the wild foods of the Pacific Northwest but with an overarching theme of stewardship of wild species and places that's applicable to any ecoregion. Tune in to hear about x-rated clams, the fascinating underground world of mushroom hunters, how the plight of wild salmon impacts us all, and so much more!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/056

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/055

Dan Gardoqui — nature-based mentor and bird language expert — joins us to share how bird language and tracking can not only make you a better hunter but also improve the richness of your experience in the field. Talking with birds is being in conversation with the wild, Dan says, and it will make you more conscious of how you move through the woods. In this fascinating conversation — complete with Dan's bird calls and squirrel alarm sounds — he shares how birds can reveal nature's secrets and provides actionable tips to get you started in learning bird language and tracking.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/054

We hosted new hunters Martissa Williams and Rod Coleman in Maine to guide them on their inaugural hunt. During their visit, we explored how race can create unique barriers to entry when starting out in hunting. Hunting is a shared evolutionary and ecological food acquisition pattern of all of humankind, and we hope this conversation can open dialogue on how we as hunters can make sure that everyone who wants it can easily find a pathway to this ancient but relevant practice.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/053

Ed Butler aka the Working Class Woodsman is a skilled woodsman with a lifetime of knowledge from time spent in the woods. He's a native of rural New Hampshire and is passionate about all things hunting, harvesting, foraging, and fishing in the Northeast. We had a great time sitting down to talk with Ed about what his wild food year looks like — an impressive array of species, including black bears, bass, beavers, and more. We also chat about the value in processing your own game, persisting through failure in the field, specializing vs generalizing in hunting, and pro-tips on cooking squirrel and beaver. Enjoy!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/052

Emma Teal Laukitis and Claire Neaton — the Salmon Sisters — grew up on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska where they've worked on their family's commercial fishing boats since they were young. In this episode, Emma and Claire give us a glimpse into their inspiring and unique seafaring lifestyle. They share about the Alaskan salmon fishery, the role of women in commercial fisheries today, and the ins and outs of the industry. At the heart of their message is a deep appreciation for their coastal heritage and creating meaningful relationships to wild places through fishing and food.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/051

The close bond between humans and dogs is undeniable. But how did our stories become so intertwined? David Ian Howe — anthropologist, archaeologist & science educator — studies the relationship between dogs and humans, and he joins us to share how dogs became domesticated. Tune in to hear how this story unfolds from the early human-wolf relationship all the way up to our modern times with hundreds of breeds of the domestic dog. Daniel also shares about his unique experiences hunting with dogs, including his own Plott Hound, Ellie.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/050

Arthur Haines — botanist, forager & Maine Guide — is back on The WildFed Podcast! "We are pieces of a complex web," says Arthur in this intimate and powerful conversation. From describing their stories of miscarriage and the loss of a newborn to recounting their experiences hunting black bear, Daniel and Arthur cover some pretty personal and thought-provoking territory on the topics of birth, life, death, and the ethics of killing.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/049

While filming with our friend Lori McCarthy in Newfoundland, we sat down for a roundtable discussion with Lori and local artisan Clare Dawn Fowler. Lori has dedicated her life to preserving the cultural food heritage of Newfoundland, and Clare creates sustainably beautiful designs using Newfoundland harp seal leather and fur. In this episode, we explore Newfoundland's cultural heritage, specifically the long-standing tradition of seal hunting. Quite controversial in some parts of the world, in Newfoundland, seal hunting is an integral part of who they are. Clare and Lori share the story of the local seal hunt, the many uses of seal throughout their culture, and the importance of traditions like this one being preserved for future generations.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/048

Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental writer and the author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Ben's expansive knowledge on the deeply misunderstood beaver, their profound positive impacts on ecosystems, and how they've shaped our history will re-orient your view of North America, and with any luck, convert you into a Beaver Believer. In this episode, Ben takes us through the captivating history of beavers from their Pleistocene roots to their near extirpation during the "fur-pocalypse" to modern restoration efforts — with lots of fascinating facts about the industrious beaver along the way.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/047

After an afternoon of tasting wild apples, we sat down to talk with apple enthusiast, author, forager and arborist Matt Kaminsky, aka Gnarly Pippins. Matt teaches us about the apple’s “extreme heterozygosity,” a trait that leads to the incredible genetic variation we see in their wild fruits. We recorded this conversation at Red Kill Mountain — the largest wild apple savanna in New York. In this episode, Matt will guide you through the world of wild apples — from pippins to prohibition and everything in between. And there’s some good tips for foragers too. With apple season fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to get up to speed before you get out on the land!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/046

"As foragers, we need to be gardeners," says Ben Falk — regenerative ecosystem architect and founder of Whole Systems Design. In this insightful conversation, Ben shares how we in the wild food world can be agents for good on the landscape. He discusses strategies for creating habitat for wildlife right where you live — building resilient living systems that attract wildlife and allow wild plant populations to flourish. We also discuss sustainable foraging, our responsibility to tend the wild, Ben's essential daily tools, and why beaver should really be a verb.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/045

Clay Bowers is a foraging instructor and wild food generalist based in Northern Michigan. He aims to inspire people to become integrated with their local ecology through foraging and leads foraging classes locally. In this conversation, Clay and Daniel reflect on some of their favorite wild food endeavors, including sucker fishing, squirrel hunting, and trapping. Clay also has some thought-provoking ideas on how foragers can infuse a bit more soul and story-telling into their writing. Enjoy!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/044

Bruce McGlenn is a third generation hunter-gatherer of the Northwest and founder of  Human Nature Hunting — a Washington-based school dedicated to healing the connection between humans and nature through hunting and gathering. In this episode, we get to the heart of the ancestral practice of hunting and take a look at where it's going into the future. Bruce and I have a thoughtful conversation on perceptions of hunting, diligence in butchering, newcomers to the hunting world, and the importance of being a good steward of life and death. Bruce is an incredible resource for those just getting started on their hunting journeys!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/042

John Slattery — bioregional herbalist, forager, educator, and author — is passionate about helping people develop deep and meaningful relationships with wild plants. In this episode, we delve into the medicinal side of wild plants and hear about John’s personal journey along the plant medicine path in the desert southwest. His approach is grounded in traditional indigenous knowledge and years of hands-on experience. This conversation will leave you inspired to deepen your connection to your local flora... and, perhaps, view plants with a bit more wonder.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/041

Tune into this special edition of The WildFed Podcast for a spring turkey hunt recap from six hunters — some seasoned turkey hunters and some just starting out — including a few familiar voices. From the calls and the shots to missed opportunities and amusing predicaments to a young boy's first turkey hunt and the hunt from a perspective of a state turkey biologist — this episode is packed with insights! Our guests include Carter Heath, Christi Holmes, Justin King, Kevin Merrow, Kelsey Sullivan, and our podcast host Daniel Vitalis. An enjoyable and informative listen for avid turkey hunters and beginners alike!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/040

Adam Haritan is the nature enthusiast behind Learn Your Land — a media channel dedicated to plant and mushroom ID, wild food harvesting,  and the benefits of nature connection. Daniel and Adam have a lively conversation on all things wild food, including why you should get to know non-edible wild species, understanding wild mushrooms, the future of foraging regulations, why so many mushroom foragers are "psychedelic people," how hunting changes nature interaction, and more. Adam's enthusiasm is sure to inspire you to deepen your connection to your local landscape!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/039

We had the serendipitous opportunity to sit down with local Maine legend and State Bear Biologist Randy Cross just as he was ending an illustrious 37-year career leading the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife black bear management and monitoring program. A guide and mentor at heart, Randy shares his profound wisdom and insights into black bear history, behavior, ecology, and his forecast for bear-human coexistence into the future. A must-listen for anyone interested in bear ecology and the conservation of all wild species, especially this incredible omnivore.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/038

Daniel had a great time chatting with Wade Truong and Rachel Owen — the charismatic duo behind Elevated Wild, a brand dedicated to hunting, fishing, foraging and exploring the untamed table. Rachel and Wade are based in Virginia, where, they say, "it's a great place to be a wild foods generalist." We take a walk through their wild food year and hear about the many different species these two get after — Snakehead, Sika Deer & Cobia to name a few. Their innovative culinary creations and cooking tips are sure to inspire you to take your wild food cooking game to the next level!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/037

Micah Woodcock is a wild seaweed harvester and the owner of Atlantic Holdfast Seaweed Company. His life is intimately intertwined with the marine ecosystem where he sustainably hand-harvests these nutritious sea vegetables. Tune into this interview for Micah's sustainable harvesting techniques, the wild world of seaweed politics, a fascinating discussion on developing a relationship to place, and much more. If you eat seaweed, want to, or best of all, are interested in procuring your own supply, this interview is not to be missed!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/036

After a week spent offshore fishing and wild hog hunting in Georgia, we sat down with our gracious host Tony Seichrist — lifelong fisherman and chef at The Wyld — for a wide-ranging conversation you do not want to miss. Tony is something of a renaissance man, and his journey to becoming a chef is both fascinating and inspiring. We also get into the local sheepshead fishery, Tony's pro fish cooking tips, knife skills, being a generalist, and a recap of our memorable Georgia hunting and fishing adventures.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/035

Dylan Stewart is a Maine-based spearfisherman, freediver, and the talented artist behind Bold Coast Burns. In this episode, Dylan gives us a glimpse into what it's like freediving and spearfishing off the coast of Maine, sharing some of his incredible experiences along the way. We discuss the species Dylan targets when spearfishing, freediving safety and breathing tips, the unique firsthand perspective of fish behavior that diving offers, the evolution of Dylan's fish artwork, and so much more. Enjoy!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/034

Renowned botanist Arthur Haines joins us for a conversation that ranges from deep, philosophical ideas about early human beings to extremely practical tips on harvesting wild blueberries. With a low barrier to entry, wild blueberries are an excellent pursuit for the novice and experienced forager alike! In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn about the wild blueberry's range and its important function in the diet, along with harvesting and processing best practices to get you started in the field this summer.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/033

In this interview, we learn about the complex world of lichens from Felicity Roberts — a rural Newfoundlander, lichen expert, certified herbalist, writer, and wild food advocate. "There's nothing simple about lichens," says Felicity, and she's not kidding. These extremophile organisms — often called "the lungs of the forest" — can be useful indicators of the health of an ecosystem. Felicity's enthusiasm for lichens is contagious as she guides us through the biology, folklore, and practical applications of these natural wonders.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/032

Alan Bergo — The Forager Chef — is back on the show! A surgeon on the plate, Alan's speciality is creative and innovative wild food cuisine. If you're looking for ways to move from store-bought food to more wild harvested food during this pandemic, tune in for Alan's unique culinary solutions that will increase your self-sufficiency and foraged culinary prowess simultaneously. A must-listen that's peppered with golden nuggets of wild cuisine wisdom! Alan also shares his newly released video-show — The Wild Harvest — which is guaranteed to inspire you to get out on the landscape to forage, fish, hunt & cook this spring!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/031

If you're living in an urban environment and feeling overwhelmed about getting started in hunting, Fisher Neal is your guide to breaking down the barriers to entry and getting out into the field. A lifelong hunter based in New Jersey, Fisher is the owner and head guide of Learn to Hunt NYC where he introduces city-dwellers to the joy and satisfaction of harvesting wild game to fill their freezers. Fisher is passionate about new hunter recruitment and mentorship, and he's got some innovative ideas on how we can engage the next generation of hunters. If you live in a city or suburb and are wanting to get into hunting, fishing & foraging, this interview is for you!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/030

In this episode, Daniel chats with Hank Shaw — award-winning food writer, hunter, angler, forager & chef. Hank started his wild foods website — one of the largest sources of wild food recipes on the internet — in 2007, and he shares how he's seen wild food culture change over the years. Always on the quest for new terrain, Hank gives us an inside look into how he learns about wild foods when he's in a new eco-region. Daniel and Hank also discuss foraging regulations, the hunter-forager divide and more!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/029

Despite the crises at hand, viruses themselves are incredible “creatures”. With all of us using the language of virology lately (without always knowing what it is we’re really talking about) we decided now was the time to learn how they fit into the ecology of our planet. We were fascinated by what we learned. “Earth's Virology Professor” Vincent Racaniello, PhD is a Higgins Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University and host of the popular podcast This Week in Virology. Vincent joins us on The WildFed Podcast to give us a crash course in viral ecology and the virome. "We live and prosper in a cloud of viruses," he says, and most viruses are actually beneficial, not harmful. Tune in to learn some fascinating facts on viruses, as well as hear Vincent's expert insights on COVID-19 and our global response.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/028

Lori McCarthy — Newfoundland-based wild food expert — is back on The WildFed Podcast! Lori gives us a look inside what life looks like for a forager, angler & hunter in Newfoundland during this pandemic. We discuss the value in developing food security right now and how we'll be building our own wild food and herbal medicine stores in the coming months. Passionate about cultural heritage, Lori shares the importance of honoring our elders by preserving their generation's wisdom — the stories of the old ways of food.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/027

Live from quarantine! We chat with our friend Kevin Kossowan — creator of James Beard Award twice-nominated web-series FROM THE WILD. Kevin and Daniel share how they've been getting out on the landscape to hunt, fish & forage in their respective eco-regions during quarantine. They also discuss the implications of the global pandemic on our food supply chain and the restaurant industry with advice on how to stay nimble and adaptable during this uncertain time. Enjoy!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/026

Tim Knedler is the Fish Culture Supervisor at the New Gloucester State Fish Hatchery of Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife where he oversees the facility's annual production of 60,000 catchable salmonids. Tim hosted us at the New Gloucester Hatchery where we got an in-depth overview of their operation and how the fish are raised. We even got to stock some brook trout ourselves! While we at WildFed prefer to chase and eat genetically-wild fish, our interview with Tim — a fisherman himself whose very passionate about his work at the hatchery — changed our perspective on hatcheries for the better. If you want to learn more about the inner-workings of the hatchery system, find yourself on the fence about stocked fish, or just want to know if these fish are worth catching and eating, this show's for you!

Tune into the intro of this episode for Daniel’s thoughts on fishing for hatchery-raised fish vs. their genetically-wild counterparts.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/025

Dr. Stephen Rich is a Professor of Microbiology and Director of the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he researches zoonotic diseases. He's particularly focused on the tick-borne illness Lyme disease and runs a lab called TickReport where you can send in ticks to test for pathogens. In this interview, Dr. Rich gives us a comprehensive overview of ticks & their life cycles, tick-borne disease, how to prevent tick bites and more. It's the beginning of tick season in many areas — now is the time to educate yourself on strategies to minimize your risk of tick-borne illness!

Nikaline Iacono is the owner and visionary behind Vessel & Vine — an eclectic bar and bistro in Maine with a focus on locally-sourced cocktails and cuisine. We sat down with Nikaline at "The Vine" for a wide-ranging conversation over foraged cocktails. Be warned: We traverse a lot of territory in this interview — some of it taboo — including the complex horse-human relationship, how to make a Chaga Toddy, invasive species, and even eugenics. Enjoy & cheers!

Robert Steneck, Ph.D is a professor of Oceanography, Marine Biology and Marine Policy in the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine. He's a marine ecologist whose laboratories include coastal zones in the Gulf of Maine and the Caribbean, and his lifetime of marine research is prolific, with topics ranging from coral reefs to lobsters to marine ecosystem dynamics and more. We sat down with Bob on the front porch of his seaside cottage for this conversation on ocean ecology, the management of ocean fisheries, and his hope for a community-based fisheries management model in the future.

Learn about becoming a modern-day hunter-gatherer with Arthur Haines — hunter, forager, renowned botanist and Maine Guide. Arthur is an incredible resource on both the philosophical and practical aspects of all things wild food. This episode provides a useful framework for getting started in foraging, choosing your weapon, having a good relationship with your local game warden, developing marksmanship, and more.

Tune into the intro for Daniel's thoughts on the novel coronavirus and how it relates to the modern-day hunting & gathering lifestyle.

Carter Heath is a lifelong turkey hunter, turkey hunting mentor and Regional Director of the National Wild Turkey Federation for New England. In this episode, Carter walks us through turkey hunting basics — from turkey terminology to in-the-field hunting calls, equipment and best practices. If you're new to turkey hunting or looking to pick up some tips from a seasoned expert, this podcast will give you a good handle on how to get started. Carter's enthusiasm is contagious and is sure to inspire you to get out in pursuit of wild turkeys this spring!

Dr. Laura Brandt is a Wildlife Biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in South Florida and has been studying the ecological role of alligators and other wetlands species in the Everglades region for almost 40 years. In this episode, Laura shares her passion for alligators and the Everglades as she takes us on a guided tour of the River of Grass. You'll learn about Everglades restoration, alligator ecology, where alligator & crocodile habitats overlap, the surprising gentleness of alligators in parenting and so much more.

Lifelong outdoorsman Conor Sullivan specializes in fisheries management, maritime law enforcement and is an established outdoor writer. His fishing background is what fisherman's dreams are made of — having fished in the wilds of Alaska and Hawaii and throughout the lower 48 as well. In this interview, Conor shares what it's like living amongst apex predators in the Alaskan frontier, tells tales of high speed trolling in Hawaii, and imparts his valuable knowledge on breaking down barriers to entry into fishing for those just getting started.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/018

Kathryn Hopkins — director of the International Maple Syrup Institute and statewide resource for the Maine maple syrup industry — shares the ins and outs of modern maple syrup production. We discuss how the sap flow process works, where maple syrup is produced, best practices for the syrup harvester and the sugarbush, how the grading system works and so much more. If you're interested in getting started with harvesting your own maple syrup this year, you won't want to miss this comprehensive guide! Enjoy, and as Kathy says, if you're going to eat sugar, make it maple...

In this interview, Dr. Molly Lutcavage — a research professor at UMass Boston and director of their Large Pelagics Research Center — joins us on The WildFed Podcast. Molly has spent almost her entire career working on developing a better understanding of bluefin tuna ecology and their populations. What she and other researchers have uncovered through years of boots on the ground research — and what you'll be hearing about today — has not yet been widely accepted in the scientific narrative of bluefin tuna, but she hopes that will change. Her incredible story is a must-listen complete with controversy, environmental bullies and scientific myth-busting!

Arthur Haines — hunter, forager, renowned botanist and Maine Guide — is back on The WildFed Podcast for an insightful conversation about the nuances of wild food nutrition, wild ricing and its politics, black bear hunting with hounds, and many other complexities of hunting & foraging in our modern world. Fresh off of filming WildFed Episode 6 — which features both wild rice and black bear harvests — Arthur and Daniel carefully navigate these sensitive and controversial topics from both ancestral and experiential perspectives. Enjoy this thought-provoking conversation!

Today's guest, Richard Zane — lead biologist with USFWS Northeast Region’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program — sheds light on how the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation works and why it's been so successful. Through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act that’s been around for nearly a century, the Federal Government uses funds collected as excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment to support wildlife field research, habitat restoration and programs that help to restore and maintain healthy wildlife populations in the US. Gain a better understanding of the role hunting and fishing have on preserving North American wildlife and wild places now and for generations to come!

Catherine Schmitt — science writer and author of The President's Salmon — joins us to share the rich cultural and natural history of the Atlantic salmon. From the days when Maine's Penobscot River ran thick with migrating salmon to the current grim status of under 1,000 salmon returning to the river annually, the Atlantic salmon's conservation story is still in progress. Catherine takes us through the history of the salmon fishery and gives us the current status update on the health of this still-recovering species. An important listen for anglers, conservation-minded folks and anyone who cares about Earth’s ecology and the plight of one of our planet’s most celebrated species!

Kelsey Sullivan is the Migratory and Upland Game Bird biologist for Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW). Kelsey oversees the MDIFW game bird management program and has been an integral part of the continued success of Maine's wild turkey recovery and management. In this interview, Kelsey shares the inspiring story of the recovery of Maine's wild turkey and the work he does with MDIFW to conserve this population for generations to come. In addition, you'll hear about Kelsey's work in Alaska on the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the wide range of opinions on Maine's turkey population, and Kelsey's best tips for successful and conscientious turkey hunting.

Lori McCarthy - founder of CodSounds - is a wild food forager who has dedicated her life to preserving the cultural food heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Lori invited us up to Newfoundland to share a bit of what makes the place she calls home so special. We recorded this interview at the end of an incredible week of unique wild food adventures with Lori as our guide. Tune in to hear what it's like living in a region so interwoven with its cultural wild food traditions, the history of the Newfoundland cod fishery, and a recap of some of the highlights from the wild food trip of a lifetime.

Jim Knutson — owner of Reel Identity Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys — is an avid and lifelong hunter and fisherman. Jim and Daniel met by chance in a tackle shop in Marathon Key talking iguana hunting, and they now enjoy offshore fishing & iguana wrangling together every year. Jim is full of riveting and hilarious stories from a lifetime of hunting and fishing, and he shares some of them with us in this interview — from tickling trout to freediving for abalone to a story about learning to hunt deer you have to hear to believe.

In this episode of The WildFed Podcast, Daniel talks with award-winning journalist and author of The Last Whalers, Doug Bock Clark. Doug spent three years living in Indonesia with indigenous subsistence whalers — a people-group known as the Lamalerans — and recounts everything from his first-hand accounts of being on whale hunts to the experience living with hunter-gatherers. This story is powerful, gripping, poignant, and especially interesting and inspiring for modern subsistence hunter-gatherers. We'd love to hear what you think and feel about it!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/009

Take a deep dive into the surprisingly complex life of seaweed with Jessica Muhlin, Ph.D! Jessica is an intertidal ecologist and associate professor of Marine Biology in the Corning School of Ocean Studies at Maine Maritime Academy. Her passion for marine macroalgae (aka seaweeds) is contagious. In this conversation, Jessica shares her extensive knowledge on seaweed reproductive ecology, the many applications of seaweed, the sustainability of seaweed harvesting in Maine, and much more. She also shares some helpful tips on seaweed foraging so you can start incorporating this wild protist into your own diet!

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/008

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/007

Best-selling author and lifelong fisherman Paul Greenberg gives us a briefing on the health of our world’s fisheries and their sustainability into the future. Paul wrote a trio of books — Four Fish, American Catch and most recently, The Omega Principle — that take an investigative look at healthy, sustainable seafood and our relationship to the fish on our plate. We delve into each of Paul's books, get to the root of fish flavor perceptions, take an in-depth look at the sushi fish, get the lowdown on the science and startling truths of Omega-3s and get Paul's big picture outlook on the sustainability of our ocean's ecosystem into the future. This is an important listen for those who care about the state of our oceans and the conservation of our wild fisheries.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/006

It was such a pleasure to chat all things wild food with Jenna Rozelle — Maine-based wild food educator & board member of the New England chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Jenna is passionate about fostering relationships between people and their local landscapes. An active and conscientious hunter, fisher & forager, she’s a true ambassador for this lifestyle. In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics — and have a lot of laughs along the way — including the future of foraging, plant people vs. animal people, veganism, hunter's orange, following the rules, posting land and so much more.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/005

After a week in Wisconsin with Alan Bergo — @foragerchef — we sat down to talk about what he calls “the final frontier of food”. With an emphasis on foraging for flavor — rather than calories — Alan shares how we can paint our plate with a new palette of unique flavors. Wild foods like meristematic pine cones and sweet fern — examples, he says, of “real plants doing real plant things”. On the cutting edge of wild food cuisine, Alan will make you rethink how you use wild foods in the kitchen with his innovative & practical advice.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/004

Deb Perkins, bear biologist, and now “The Personal Ecologist” inspires us to bring “exquisite attention” to our interactions in nature to foster a deeper connection to our local ecology. She shares fascinating stories from her years as a field biologist studying bears all over North America, and we chat about her work in ecological habitat design.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/003

A lively fireside chat with Arthur Haines, Sara Moore, William Orne and Daniel Vitalis after a weekend spent fishing for lake whitefish in Northern Maine. Topics discussed include what’s changed over the years in the North Maine Woods, fishing regulations and staying legal, the history of whitefish and Bill’s moose calls.

View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/002