Edible Activist Podcast

Grandad a.k.a Big Daddy dropped a gem in a car ride with Melissa L. Jones, while driving through rural Mississippi in smalltown Canton. "We got 150 acres of land." She learns about the mass of land that her grandad owns on his side of the family and shoots out questions for him! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com.

In this brief snippet, Grandma Catherine and her granddaughter, Melissa L. Jones chow on muscadines and talk about this seedy and tangy fruit that Grandma would forage in Butler, Alabama. She'll make you chuckle! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com

#TheSip has got the juice! Jackson, Mississippi native, Keyah Williams, is the owner of Mama Nature's, a plant-based juice bar in the heart of the capital, along with two other locations. The beginnings of the business not only started with a whopping low personal credit score, which Keyah is completely transparent about, but in the trunk of her car selling juices to customers. Keyah shares an inspiring story in this episode of how she "lost it all" but is now walking authentically in her purpose. The 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year spills her future plans for the business, and talks about supporting black entrepreneurs to help launch their wellness pursuits. Tap in!

Mario Vitalis of New Age Provision Farms took out $200,000 in USDA loans to fund his hydroponics shipping container operation in Indianapolis and now his debts have been forgiven. At the onset of starting his business, Mario made several attempts to qualify for a loan - a process that was wrapped in discirimination and rejection. Receiving encouragement from his late grandfather pushed him to appeal and not give up. Mario's story takes a few detours along the way, one that will bring you to tears, but ultimately it ends in victory with a zero loan balance and a new book in store. Tap in to hear Mario tell his story!

FoodTalksNColor and Edible Activist join Patreon! In this episode, Melissa L. Jones takes us back to 2009, where her food story began and reminds listeners of her 'why' behind the mission of amplifying BIPOC voices in food and agriculture. Listen in and learn how you can help further the mission by joining their Patreon community!

Chrissy Sheffey, former Edible Activist guest and founder of Charismatic Creations says that "the true essence of hospitality is rooted in black people." This week we travelled up 495 to Waldorf, MD where Chrissy's garden-to-table cocktails and amazing experiences come to life. We sat in the middle of Chrissy's warehouse and paid homage to the past, acknowledging the footprint that black people had, and still do, in the spirits industry. Chrissy also shares navigating the beverage space as an independent business, how to finesse a drink on-the-fly, and her latest project: Spirited Soul Garden!

Hey listeners, we took an extended summer break, but excited about the guests that we have lined up and some updates to share. Stay tuned and keep watch for the next episode!

A plant lover and educator, Britt Huggins enjoys being in the garden and gracing green spaces with pollinators. In this episode, the Philly native recounts how agriculture rescued her during a difficult season in her life and attributed the land for her healing. Britt also shares the importance of seed keeping along with some tips on how to organize them. Tap in!

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. 

Humanity and environmentalism go hand-in-hand. And for Detroit Dirt's founder, Pashon Murray, the two remain at the center of her mission! In this episode, Pashon paints her story of witnessing entrepreneurship at an early age with her dad who owned a landscaping business. This experience ultimately led her down a path of discovery, lobbying, and eventually birthing a compost company. We unpack Detroit Dirt's business model, talk climate + food, address food insecurity, and discuss showing up in a white space, as a black woman, authentically. Tap in!

Sankofa: go back and get it! Kamal Bell, CEO of Sankofa Farms did exactly that when he and his family acquired 12 acres of farmland in Cedar Grove, North Carolina. In this episode, Kamal walks us through the USDA process, one that brought forth discriminatory challenges along the way, but ultimately ended in victory! Kamal also shares his insight on opportunities beyond farming, being transparent about agriculture life, and how he's rooting for young black men (the Sankofites) to attain the skill of farming. Oh, we also share laughs about Sankofa's beekeeping experience. Tap in!Sponsored by Hello Fresh.