Year of Plenty: Traditional Foodways

This episode is a conversation with Savanna aka Foraging_KY who is a lifelong forager passionate about mushrooms, gardening, and native plants. We chat about some of her favorite spring mushroom to forage for and do a deep dive into Pheasant Back (aka Dryad Saddle) mushrooms.Episode Overview:Learn about spring mushrooms like morels, pheasant back, scarlet ear cup, woods ear mushrooms, lions mane, and more.How to safely forage for pheasant back mushroomsFun ways to use pheasant back mushrooms in the kitchenWhere to find pheasant back mushrooms in the US and the habitat it likes to grow inAnd moreUse code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/live/CWkGP7EcOoE?si=37FD5_s6_UwwXlbBSupport the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RConnect with Savanna:https://www.instagram.com/foraging_ky/

Cattails are one of the most abundant and overlooked wild foods in North America— providing nutrient-dense food all year long. But why aren’t more people taking advantage of this superabundant plant? In this episode, expert forager Clay Bowers breaks down everything you need to know about identifying, harvesting, and preparing cattails, plus tips for avoiding toxic lookalikes. If you’re interested in wild food, survival skills, or adding a reliable staple to your foraging toolkit, this episode is packed with actionable insights.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to identify common cattail species and avoid lookalikesThe best parts of cattails to forage in every season—and how to harvest themHow to collect cattail pollen as a high-protein flour alternativeThe nutritional value and culinary potential of cattailsCattails’ role in wetland ecosystems and how they benefit the environmentPrimitive survival uses of cattails beyond food, from basket weaving to shelter buildingUse code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su_PbDpuxPMSupport the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RConnect with Clay Bowers:https://www.nomiforager.com/

In this engaging discussion, guest Natalie Erle, a functional nutrition therapy practitioner, explores the intricate link between gut health and chronic diseases. She highlights how nutrient deficiencies contribute to ailments like fatigue and brain fog, and emphasizes the importance of gut microbiome balance. Natalie also discusses practical detox strategies for heavy metals and advocates for a cyclical approach to ketogenic diets for optimal brain health. Tune in for expert insights on reclaiming health through ancestral wisdom and modern science!

Want to grow healthier, stronger seedlings? In this episode, permaculture expert Kareen Erbe reveals her best seed-starting secrets, covering everything from ideal grow lights and humidity levels to common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you grow resilient plants from the start.What you’ll learn in this episode:The best seed-starting setup for strong seedlingsThe critical role of light, heat & humidity in germinationTop mistakes gardeners make & how to fix themEssential gear for successful indoor seed startingSurprising lessons from years of experienceUse code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95nA0a-Z-P8Support the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RConnect with Kareen:https://brokengroundpermaculture.com/Watch Kareen's Seed Starting Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0Z9YgVV5zc 

This Year of Plenty Podcast episode is a conversation with Mathew, the visionary behind Little Way Farm and Homestead, a family-owned and operated farm and homestead training center. Over the past few years, Mathew has transformed his farm into a thriving direct-to-consumer business—an inspiring story filled with innovative farming practices. We explore topics like silvopasture systems, raising soy-free chickens, and how Mathew is defying industry norms by raising cattle (rose veal) in a way that’s unheard of for grass-fed operations. It's a method you won’t hear about anywhere else.Use code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oomXtAszd8Support the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RConnect with Mathew:https://x.com/Mathew_of_LWFAHhttps://littlewayhomestead.com/

Delve into the forgotten legacy of Victory Gardens that flourished during the World Wars. Discover how gardening transformed into a civic duty and spurred communal resilience. Learn about the staggering impact of these gardens, producing 40% of the nation’s food during WWII. From enhancing biodiversity to boosting personal health, gardening is presented as a path toward empowerment and community engagement. Poldi passionately calls for a revival of home gardening to create a more sustainable and connected society.

Discover the thrill of winter foraging with five wild edible plants! Learn how to harvest nutritious rose hips and the secrets of pine bark as a traditional survival food. Explore the unique flavor of watercress found in clean streams and unravel the history of hackberries that once nourished ancient humans. Don't forget the sweet temptation of ripe persimmons, perfect for baking! Winter offers a bounty, so gear up and embrace the harvest!

In this episode of the Year of Plenty Podcast, Chef Will Morton and Spencer Freehling join Poldi Wieland for a Foodies Roundtable that’s all about celebrating the outdoors through food. Chef Will is a professional chef with a specialty in wild game and fermentation, while Spencer is a professional photographer and videographer in the hunting and fishing industry. Both are passionate foragers, outdoorsmen, and food enthusiasts. Together, they share their experiences and expertise from the past foraging season, dive into creative culinary techniques, and explore the untapped potential of wild ingredients.Episode Overview:A wild mushroom foraging season recap, including lessons learned.Hunting for the elusive black mountain morel mushroom and why it’s so special.How Chef Will pickles mushrooms without using oil.Tips for preserving chanterelles and other mushrooms for long-term use.Wild plants and mushrooms we want to forage for in 2025.The art of making vinegar, plus an inside look at Chef Will’s specialty vinegar business.How Chef Will ages wild game meat using dry and wet aging techniques.A gear breakdown: the best vacuum sealers for outdoorsmen.Exploring unique ingredients like beaver meat, beaver tail, and cooking with beaver fat.Use code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Podcasts on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysHpvJYDstQSupport the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RConnect with Chef Will:https://www.willymos.com/Connect with Spencer:https://www.instagram.com/s.freehling/?hl=en

In this episode, we explore the world of wild apple foraging, with a focus on crabapples and feral apples found across the U.S. This masterclass is packed with practical tips for identifying, harvesting, and using wild apples. We dive into their fascinating history, genetic diversity, and how to make the most of these unique fruits in your kitchen.Episode Overview:The history of wild apples and why there is so much genetic diversityKey differences between feral apples and crabapplesHow to identify native and non-native crabapples in the wildWhere to find wild apples and when to harvest themTechniques for processing crabapples and preserving their flavorCreative recipes for crabapples to try at homeUse code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Podcasts on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkuPRjeg-eMSupport the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53R

In this episode, we explore the tradition of rendering animal fats, focusing on tallow and lard and their unique uses in cooking and beyond. We discuss the role of animal fats in human history, why they fell out of favor, and their modern revival. Plus, Lindey shares her experience with homemade tallow soap, highlighting its skin benefits.Episode Overview:The differences between tallow and lard, including texture, cooking applications, and smoke pointsA brief history of animal fats in the human diet and their role in traditional societiesHow animal fats fell out of favor in the U.S. due to the rise of seed oils and industrial marketingMethods for rendering fat: water rendering vs. dry renderingThe nutritional benefits of grass-fed animal fats and the impact of rendering methods on nutrient retentionWild game fats: unique characteristics and handling tips for bear and deer fatPractical uses for rendered tallow beyond cooking, like making tallow soap and skincare productsUse code “yearofplenty” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Podcasts on Youtube:https://youtu.be/CwBiA3OAGbs?si=YAImrlnFe6wA-9g5Support the podcast via donations:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53R