Wild Edible World

WEWP#81: Delicious Shoots and The Hosts That Eat Them! Michael and Steve run around the forest to find delicious wild vegetable shoots and talk about what they foraged as well as what maristematic growth is. In the second half, your hosts dry-fry their harvest and taste-test various vegetables.New merch items were hinted at in this episode... Maybe if you check the store, you'll find something new ;)

Wood Sorrel has been featured in our wonderful logo by Laura Feller (@laurafeller.creates) since the start of our show over THREE YEARS AGO (!!!) and we still have never done an episode on it. So here it is!! It is an extremely common plant and one of many people's first experience with a wild food so Steve and Michael do a speed run of identifying factors & flavors and in the second half provide a personal update of the hosts' lives. We've been a little slow to update the show but we are in the process of making a permanent studio to seriously upgrade the show so stick with us!!!!!(content warning: some cursing)

WE'RE BACK! A FORAGER'S STORY!! We return to the show after an extended hiatus to chat with JJ Reich (@blackwalnutdaddy ), author of "Nuts About Black Walnuts". JJ's self-published book all about black walnuts offers a detailed and in-depth analysis of almost every topic you could possibly imagine involving ye olde Juglans Nigra. Available on Amazon, this collection of essays is definitely a must-have for anybody curious about black walnuts, whether you're an old experienced forager or a new one!! JJ is such a pleasure to chat with and has such a great attitude and sense of humor; we loved having him on the show and we hope you enjoy our conversation!We know we couldn't cover everything about black walnuts in one episode so look forward to hearing from JJ again in the future!!!

Gorgeous Gorgeous Panelists: GABRIELLE Cerberville @chaoticforager JIM McDonald @herb.craft CHRIS Gavin @eagle_outdoor_skills SEAN Zera @macludrania Pretty Pretty Panel Hosts: JB Douglas @thewildgrocery STEVE Cantu @snoopdoggydogwood Huge thanks to Rachel and the Will Forage For Food team for making the GLFG happen every year, it is truly one of our very favorite events to attend and participate in! Join the "Will Forage For Food" Facebook group to be a part of the amazing community! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We had the pleasure of being accepted to host a panel at the Great Lakes Foragers Gathering in Michigan! While at the event, Steve had the opportunity to sit down with several attendees and chat about foraging, origins, and their activities that weekend. You'll hear from @clay__bowers, 12-year old Joselle, & @wildernut Tim Coddington! Enjoy this short-form episode and we'll be back next week with the full panel episode with several VERY COOL GUESTS!!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

"Re-peopling Prairie: History, Ecology, & How They Can Bettter Inform Prairie Science" is available for pre-order on Dr. Liz's Etsy page so give her a follow @chase_prairie to keep up with her exploits and awesome art!! We're back from "Summer Break" (AKA Michael had a baby) with an awesome interview with Dr. Liz Kozik @chase_prairie about her incredible comic dissertation: "Re-Peopling Prarie". Her dissertation is full of incredible information about Illinois' past as "The Prairie State" and suggests directions moving forward that harmonize with the pre-colonial history of this land. Not only that, it is only of the most visually stunning and comprehensive works of science we have consumed with our own eyes. Congrats on successfully defending your thesis and we are so grateful you are sharing your work with the rest of us!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Mike Snyder is a passionate mushroomer in Missouri with his wife, Cara, and daughter! We were psyched to have him on the show- Michael met Mike at the Flyway Fungi Festival in 2023 and they connected on sheer love of nature and passion for sharing. We delve deep into Snyder's origin story and how he feels called to educate folks on mushrooms. Mike teaches log innoculation classes and has his own product line with nourishing body butters and balms for whatever ails ya! Check out everything they do at @wildwisebotanicals !! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

In this loose and silly episode, Steve and Michael discuss their gratitude for the past two years of the show and set out some goals and plans for what they'd like to see in the future for the show! This episode has almost nothing to do with foraging but we wanted to take a moment to feel so lucky to be able to make this show where we get to meet and work with so many awesome and talented folks. Love you guys! here's to two more years!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Ben (@4plexdining) is a chef in Missouri that overcame the difficulties during the pandemic by wielding foraged ingredients to create a a baked good/fermented beverage pop-up out of his kitchen. Most recently he helped start and lead Temperence Kitchen, a dining experience whose proceeds are forwarded to "Ben's Friends" an awesome organization that offers support to members of the food and beverage industry that struggle with substance abuse or addiction. Ben is such an inspiration and we hope you find his message as hopeful and encouraging as we do! Check out the new episode on all streaming services (yes ALL) and give Ben a follow! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Danny Pejsa is a Chef working in the Lansing, MI area! Chef Danny is passionate about close-to-source dining and there's plenty of overlap with foraging within that scope. We also chat about his experience cooking with previous guest Alan Bergo @foragerchef at the Midwest Wild Harvest Festival in 2023. Say "YES, CHEF!" to this episode of WEWP!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Spencer Lowery is the Treasurer for the Alabama Mushroom Society and a lifelong forager. We got to know Spencer more in our conversation, like his favorite mushrooms to eat and his upcoming mushroom events! He's not on Instagram, but catch him on TikTok or Patreon at "foragenorthamerica" to follow his exploits and recipes across the country! It was awesome to chat with Spencer and if YOU want to talk to us about foraging, hit us up!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

https://whiteoak.librarycalendar.com/event/earth-day-foraging-wild-food-wild-edible-world-401 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We have the distinct pleasure of chatting with Orion about cheeseburgers and books... I mean foraging!!! Nah, we cover it all in this awesome episode with @foragecolorado ; content creation, his natural resources degree and occupation, and of course all of his favorite foraging stories!! Orion is the best- but if you are in the online foraging community already you probably already knew that! Listen to the new episode out now! Love y'all --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Come with us on a culinary journey exploring Biagio DiSalvo's past and current experiences with foraging. We discuss his history in science, his favorite recipes to make and, of course, all about his foraging path!! Follow him at @bscucina We can't wait to see what else he cooks up and maybe a future collab??

Allen is a pure spore force and is obsessed with eliminating food waste. In this fresh new episode, Michael and Steve talk about Allen's history in Big Mushroom and what foraged ingredients he's currently into. Allen is also an integral part of Colorado Essence Festival with several other major mushroom creators!! We hope you enjoy this dope episode and check out Allen's projects! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We have an episode from the WEWP VAULT today- here's a previously unreleased phone call we had with the dynamite Colter Barnes from History's ALONE season 8! We talk a lot about his foraging during the show, the adversity he faced, as well as his lifestyle and plans in Alaska!! This is such a good episode and went on the shelf for a while due to the less-than-desireable audio quality. However, listening back through this Colter has amazing insight, and hindsight, on nature and his time on the super popular survival show and this will prove to be another valuable episode of our show. Thanks to everybody for listening and extra thanks to @colterwambachbarnes for chatting with us, sorry it took forever to release! super triple thanks to @keweenaw_apothecary for being a sponsor of the show and for making this connection!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Time-travel back to fall with this special episode of WEWP where Steve and Michael talk about SCRUMPING and taste-test several wild varieties of apples and compare them to a few "control" grocery store apples. This is an ASMR-heavy episode with just the boys out in the woods that will leave y'all wanting to go scrumping!! This is a late release meaning it was recorded in the fall, during peak apple season. *Scrumping is a term used to describe the act of collecting wild apples --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Brad is a wetlands scientist and reached out to talk to your two favorite foraging hosts! In this new episode WEWP#65 with Brad Earnest we chat about his favorite and least favorite plants, his experience with helping homeowners burn or select plants for wetland restoration! We met at a local library to chat so enjoy this NPR-vibe heavy episode, haha!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Get pecan crazy!! We talked with Farmer Dave of @rockbridgetrees about the diversity in pecans and how accessible and beneficial nut trees are to our environment, our bellies, and even our pocketbooks! Dave is such an inspirational nursery grower with a lot history and personality and we barely scratched the surface with this interview! Hope you all enjoy the new episode and get the urge to plant some nut trees! As they say, the best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago but the second best time is today! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We're back to our classic format!! Interviewing foragers is fun and all but we wanted to bring it back to our core with just Michael and Steve this episode. A couple of sweeties discussing a sweet sweet plant, the honey locust! Listen to them discuss the visual varieties this tree possesses as well as the awesome sweetness it contains!! Hope you enjoy it! Remember to support our show by visiting our merch store and checking out our awesome custom t-shirts and seasonal hot sauce!! Thanks so much for being the coolest listeners in the podcast world. We love you!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Doug lives in the Chicago suburbs and wanted to call in to chat with your resident foragers Michael and Steve about raising Icelandic sheep, foraging, and finding new passions!! We love chatting with our listeners! Douglas doesn't have a social media @ but still streams our show (thanks Douglas!!!) and sent us a bunch of photos of his different projects which will be featured in this post! Enjoy the new episode, we're slowly but surely working behind the scenes to bring you a better and more accessible show this year so thank you all for listening!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

WOWEE-WOW were we excited to chat with Shane Alden Edwards @the_wild_dryad ! Shane is a multifaceted forager and artist in the Chicago suburbs so he met up with Michael and Steve for little to talk plants! Check out his art on his website and his myriad of videos on his socials, Shane is super cool! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

In episode 60 (!!) Chef Lorenzo Tavani @lorenzo__cooks schools Michael and Steve on his history in the culinary field and his inspirations to start foraging. Lorenzo has all sorts of dinner events in Colombus throughout the year so follow his IG and check his website for scheduling updates!! You're definitely going to want to gobble up his food AND his videos!!! Cheers to your PASSION, chef!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

The fellas had an awesome call with musician and forager Sean Rowe about his history with foraging! Sean has a deep history with music and foraging and the two come together with his new YouTube series "Can I Eat This, Sean" where he hosts a fellow musician through a new foraging experience and then have a jam session. He's certainly one of the coolest foragers out there with a wealth of experiences to draw from. Listen to the new episode and get groovy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

The boys have a long chat with Wade Fox, @foxamongbears , to chat about all things Koji, fermentation, the maillard process, and of course foraging!! Wade is an absolute creative force of nature and weilds his skills like a master in the kitchen, yet humbly and hungrily learns from his peers. We can't wait to taste more of his wizardry - listen to the episode and get inspired to make your own alchemy!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

In this episode, Steve and Michael sit down with a couple pieces of mail they've received over the last couple of weeks and talk about the talented folks we share this community with!! In the second half they discuss the new merch and taste the new hot sauce on air! Keep on scrumpin', folks. Love y'all ❤️ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Jesse is coming to us from Alabama to take us to Acorn School! In this episode we took a deep dive into Jesse's history with acorns; the whole A-Z on processing and eating. We loved having him on and his online presence is excellent- check him out on all the socials and videosites @feralforaging Much love, Jesse, can't wait to have you back!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Pretty much exactly one month ago, Michael spent some time in Minnesota and while he was there he sat down with Tim Clemens, @mnforager , for a lovely little chat regarding Tim's origin story in the first half and then after the break they munch on some "Buzz button" or "electric daisies"! Tune in for our electrifying conversation! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Bonus Labor Day episode! This is a long overdue release with Jon Miller regarding our collaboration together! Michael went on a brisk morning walk with Jon to chat about the spruce tip collecting we did as an event for their brewery membership program. For a little while longer, you too can enjoy the fruits of our labor with the Morton Arboretum, also in Lisle IL. Find "In Search of Spruciness" American Pale Ale at Bubblehouse while you still can! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

In this episode we have a phone call with forager, chef, and author Alan Bergo of @foragerchef and Forager Chef's Book of Flora regarding the new Minnesota mushroom collection law proposal. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Bonus episode! Friend of the cast, Luke Oswald, recently interview WEWP host Steve Cantu on his show Publicly Challenged! Here's the episode info from his feed: In this episode, I talk to Steve Cantu of Wild Edible World Podcast. We sat in a park at a picnic table and discussed our lack of chanterelle that we had found and decided to record an episode and cover a wide array of topics and somehow tie it all in with foraging and wild food preparation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

From ToS feed: NEW DROP with Michael Baker and Steve Cantu of Wild Edible World Podcast and it's too fresh; pun intended. Michael and Steve discuss their backgrounds, how they teamed up, the history of foraging and the impact of agriculture vs. foraging. This episode is a substantial reminder to get outside and truly enjoy everything that nature has to offer. As always - a supreme thank you to Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, Ritual Zero Proof for the support and Cheyenne English for the beverage design. Get Outside, The To S Crew --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Many know of Milkweed as a wonderful pollinator plant, but did you know it is also delicious?? On this episode the boys discuss how to identify Milkweed, how to prepare it to eat, how to distinguish it from dogbane, and on the second half they have a little Milkweed bud snack! Listen and share the show from your favorite platform (except utoob

In this smasher of an ep, the boys enjoy the rain as they talk about one of their very favorite herbs: beebalm! Like many plants, it has several common names but the flavor is all the same. Packed with deep oregano-like flavor, this plant can be used in a variety of food ways and is a highly popular plant for native pollinators. Classic 2-for-1!! Listen to our new episode now on all platforms; sharing our show helps our reach so tell your weird plant friends about us! If plants ARE your friends, you can always rate or review our show 5 stars wherever you can to help new people find us algorythmically! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Lorelle about seaweed! Lorelle is currently based out in Oregon but has a varied past through Appalachia- this shows in her unique perspective of flavors, stories, and conservation. Follow her online at @lorellemorel and please consider reviewing the show wherever you can or tell your friend about us- your 5-star rating or word-of-mouth recommendation really helps us reach new people which helps the show grow!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

This episode the boys sit down with the incredible talented @foragerdad Cade who makes candies with a variety of foraged ingredients. Through his business, @viridescencecandyco, he expertly captures the essences of a variety of ethereal plants and produces gorgeous, sparkly, sweet handmade suckers and crystal sugar geodes. We had such a blast talking to him and hope you all find his work as amazing as we do, and all supporting a trans-owned and operated small business! Check out @viridescencecandyco on social media to keep up with his next releases! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Luke Oswald is a lifelong student of the outdoors and friend of the pod. On his show, he speaks to many prominent naturalists, hunters and foragers about their techniques and general life chat. He was such a fun guest to have on and we can't wait to collab with him further. We'll be looking for any and every excuse to talk with him again!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

This week we have a special Forager Highlight episode where we sat down with friend and sponsor of the show, Brendon Fox of Keweenaw Apothecary! We talk in person about his origins, his inspirations, and also his incredible products. Thanks for listening! Be sure you follow Brendon at @fox.up.north and check out his etsy store also @keweenaw_apothecary!! And please please please rate and review the show wherever you can, and if you've done that then share us with a friend!! Word of mouth is huge!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Surprised we haven't done a ramp episode yet? So are we! We couldn't put this one off any longer- this prized spring allium is out and delicious! Please rate and review wherever your get your podcasts! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Pink Drink!! This episode the boys return from "spring break" to talk about a common spring bloomer: the Dame's Rocket, hesperis matronalis! A spicy but delicious member of the mustard family, the plant has many edible stages and a variety of uses. Please remember to highly rate and review our show wherever possible- it costs you 0 cents and really helps the show! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Michael and Steve take aim at a recently somewhat controversial wild edible plant, the daylily! In this episode we talk about the daylily edible parts, notes on toxicity, toxic lookalikes, and long history of human consumption! While Michael and Steve have never gotten ill from eating it, mostly we referenced Marie Viljoen's book Forage, Harvest, Feast where she does an excellent job trying to narrow down why and how people have gotten sick from daylily. (Spoiler alert- there's still no straight answer!) Listen and learn wherever you get your podcasts! Please remember to rate and review the show if you like us!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Michael and Steve chat about one of the most common mushrooms around! The pheasantback! Surely, if you've been morel hunting even once, you've probably come across this sometimes massive mushroom. Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts, and remember to rate and review our fun little show if you've liked it :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

In this episode, the boys celebrate Spring's hesitant arrival by chatting about growing sprouts. Listen now wherever you get your pods and be sure to rate and review 5 stars wherever you catch our show! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

If you've been following @edible_illinois for any time, you know he loves moss. In this episode, Michael and Steve speak generally on mosses, how they feel, their edibility, and their expansiveness. In the second half, the boys take you out on the trail for a moss tasting and some ASMR action, WEWP-style. Hope you enjoy the episode!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

This episode Michael takes you to a family-owned and operated commercial maple farm in Illinois! It is a little special for how far south it is for typical maple tapping but the age and longevity of the forest really bring its own special tones to the sirup. In the interview, Jeff and Grace talk about day-to-day work on a maple farm and what it takes to make such a precious sweet liquid. Listen now on your podcaster of choice!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Another fun episode for you WEWPers out there where we talk about the importance of pollinators while bringing a spotlight to a pretty underrated pollinator and seed distributor- the humble bat! Evynn Davis joins us on the second half to share about her time researching fruit bats in Panama. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

We had professional forager @clay__bowers on the show to school us on chaga. We don't find much chaga in our parts so we reached out to get his expert advice on everything chaga! Listen now on all platforms. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

Oyster mushrooms! You can find them during the cold weather months and they are packed with protein, easy to use, and delicious! Listen to the oyster episode now, wherever you find your podcasts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

JB Douglas: queer forager, Master's student, and Foraged.com icon has joined the show to chat! While being one of our first and biggest fans, JB has made a footprint in the foraging world with his personality and photography skills. We love his work on his personal food page, jbdouglas.food and the recipe work, cooking, and photography with foraged.com and were so excited to talk about his personal history, his job, and all the foraging banter you could ask for! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-baker62/support

A very WEWP Wednesday to you all! This episode Michael and Steve talk about remedies we love to help bolster our health through the colder, less sunny, less active months. Be sure to tag us in photos of your remedies or wild food creations, we'd love to see what our listeners are making!!! Also if you've bought a pin from us- show us what you put it on! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-baker62/support

Michael and Steve sit down with Mike Lagodny, professional wildlife guide and long-time friend of Steve! We chat about what it's like living practically on Yellowstone National Park, Mike's favorite foragables, his business "Montana Yellowstone Tours", as well as some good reading recommendations! Listen wherever you get your pods and if you're ever in Montana, get a tour with Mike- he's incredibly compassionate, super smart, and really knows his way around the ropes!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-baker62/support