Playing the Game vs. Altering the Game

What does it actually mean to be wild in the modern world—and why does it matter so much for our health, identity, and sense of belonging? In this episode, I explore those questions and more with Daniel Vitalis, host of the TV series WildFed and a lifelong advocate for reconnecting with nature through food, place, and embodied experience.

We dive deep into what wildness really is—not as a romantic ideal, but as a lived, practical relationship with the natural world. Daniel shares how wild foods offer more than just nutrition; they provide feedback, resilience, and a kind of intelligence that modern systems have largely stripped away. We talk about how convenience culture has distanced us from our instincts, our land base, and even our own hunger cues, and why reclaiming these relationships is essential for both personal and ecological health.

This conversation also weaves through nervous system regulation, ancestral skills, and the quiet confidence that comes from direct experience—whether that’s foraging, hunting, or simply learning to trust your own perception again. Daniel reflects on the responsibility that comes with sourcing food from the wild, the ethics of reciprocity, and how participation in nature changes the way we see ourselves as humans.

If you’ve felt a pull toward something more grounded, more honest, and more alive—this episode is an invitation to listen to that signal. It’s a reminder that wildness isn’t something we’ve lost; it’s something we can remember, one relationship at a time.

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.

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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00) Origins, Mentorship, & Navigating Truth in a Fracturing World

(00:30:04) Faith, Power, & the Illusion of Saviors at the End of an Age

(01:01:41) From Hunter-Gatherer Sovereignty to Hierarchy, Control, & the Modern Psyop

(02:10:48) Heaven, Hell, & the Choice Between Becoming Gods or Becoming Whole

(02:49:42) Consent, Control, & Choosing Humanity over the Machine

(03:10:23) Lost Civilizations, Broken Timelines, & the Architecture That Doesn’t Add Up

Resources:

• Website: danielvitalis.com

• Website: surthrival.com

• Instagram: instagram.com/danielvitalis

• Instagram: instagram.com/surthrival

• Facebook: facebook.com/SurthrivalCulture

• X: x.com/DVitalis

• X: x.com/SurThrival

• YouTube: youtube.com/WildFed

• Shop all our merch designs at lukestoreymerch.com

• Join me on Telegram: t.me/lukestorey