Edible Activist Podcast
170 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 98 ratingsEdible Activist is a podcast that feeds you empowering narratives and perspectives from the voices of emerging black people and people of color in food and agriculture who are stewarding the land, healing communities, and advocating for food justice and economic power across the globe. Hosted by Melissa L. Jones, she interviews a diverse group of everyday growers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and other extraordinary individuals, who exemplify activism in their own edible way!
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Episodes
#151: Exclusive Live Podcast: HOMEGROWN with Byrd's Nest Box
April 06, 2024 20:50 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBDuring this exclusive episode of The Edible Activist Live Podcast event, we opened our studio doors to welcome guests into a vibrant, in-person dialogue celebrating HOMEGROWN – paying tribute to the black women growers, farmers, and food activists who shape our communities. We had the privilege of interviewing none other than Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box, delving into her journey rooted in homegrown traditions and the pioneering women who have influenced her farming practices. From candid...
#150: Beauty Blooms Farm with Nia Nyamweya
March 22, 2024 16:26 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBBeauty Blooms Farm https://www.beautyblooms.org/
#149: From Roots to Market: Nourishing Community with Ashley Drakeford
February 25, 2024 14:02 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBJoin us for an enlightening discussion with Ashley Drakeford, the visionary behind Capital Market in Capital Heights, MD. With roots spanning six generations in Prince George's County, Ashley's profound commitment to community and social impact shines through her work. Discover how her family history shapes the mission of Capital Market, situated near the site where her ancestors were enslaved, and explore its sustainable approach to addressing food inequality. Ashley shares her daily respons...
#148: Cuzzin' Talk: Sean's Veggie Garden
January 22, 2024 00:38 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBEdible Activist launches its exciting 2024 season with a dope episode featuring Maryland native, Sean's Veggie Garden! Sean, a passionate grower and pepper master, is renowned as the ultimate watermelon connoisseur. Join us as hosts Melissa and Falani explore Sean's journey into the world of food cultivation, his deep affection for crabbing, and the sprinkling of nostalgic home-cooked memories. Tune in for a heartwarming and engaging conversation! Be sure to follow us on Instragam: @foodtalk...
#147: Plate to Passion: JuJu Harris on Culinary Education & Well-being
December 17, 2023 20:52 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBY Cooking Class information here.
#146: Breaking Bread: LaMonika Jones Unveils the Blueprint for Hunger Eradication in DC
November 19, 2023 20:57 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBJoin us for this episode as we welcome LaMonika Jones as the new director at DC Hunger Solutions. LaMonika shares her journey combating hunger in Washington, D.C., stressing the importance of avoiding silos in food and advocating for a comprehensive system approach. Our conversation explores the intersection of agriculture in her ambitious agenda, shedding light on the essence of ending hunger. LaMonika passionately emphasizes collaboration, highlighting the significance of working with local...
#145: The People's Market
October 13, 2023 01:12 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBStep into the world of "The People's Market" with us in this episode! Meet the visionary founder, Brandon Starkes, who is reshaping the game with a subscription-based food delivery service sourcing from local black farms and artisans in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Join us for a lively conversation that takes you to Brandon's roots in Prince George's County, where a deep love for agriculture was nurtured by the wisdom of his great grandmother. But we're not stopping there! We'll also dive in...
#144: Cuzzin' Talk: Food Justice, A Social Movement
July 10, 2023 00:13 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBXavier's Top Recommended Reads for Black Food Organizers and Advocates: Black Rice by Judith A. Carney Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler In the Shadow of Slavery: Africa's Botanical Legacy in the Atlantic World by Judith A. Carney & Richard Nicholas Rosomoff Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malinda Patrice Some Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic and the Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman by Malinda Patrice Some Ella Baker & the Black Freedom Movement: A Radica...
#143: Woman from the Well
June 12, 2023 12:14 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode, Tennessee native, Jarren Hill-Lockridge, also known as the "Woman from the Well '' shares her story and commitment to the Great Ward 8 in Southeast Washington, DC to prioritize health and wellness for the residents. As an advocate for her community, Jarren serves on the Ward 8 Health Council and also helped to build a green space project in Southeast centered around homegrown, local food and wellness. Tap in and listen to Jarren's journey that led her from the south to Chocol...
#142: Protecting Her Family's Farmland from Loss
April 23, 2023 13:40 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBSweet July, featuring Brittney Bell Surrat: https://sweetjuly.com/editorial/to-save-her-familys-land-this-communications-professional-became-a-farmer/
#141: Cuzzin' Talk: Growing Together
March 24, 2023 01:23 - 1 hour - 64 MBWe are celebrating Women's History month with another episode of Cuzzin' Talk featuring a special guest and the original cousin - Chrissy Sheffey of Charismatic Creations. In this episode we celebrate the accomplishments of one another as creative-preneurs and growing together to make an impact on people and communities. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind Chrissy's Earth Day Weekend events, the importance of connections, our shout outs to other amazing women in food and agriculture and al...
#141: Cuzzin' Talk Part III - Growing Together
March 24, 2023 01:23 - 1 hour - 64 MBWe are celebrating Women's History month with another episode of Cuzzin' Talk featuring a special guest and the original cousin - Chrissy Sheffey of Charismatic Creations. In this episode we celebrate the accomplishments of one another as creative-preneurs and growing together to make an impact on people and communities. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind Chrissy's Earth Day Weekend events, the importance of connections, our shout outs to other amazing women in food and agriculture and al...
#140: Cuzzin' Talk Part II - Nobody Wins When the Family Feuds...Over Land
January 31, 2023 01:47 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBRemember Jay-Z's line "nobody wins when the family feuds" in the acclaimed 4:44 album? Well, when family fights over land it can get downright ugly! The cuzzin's Melissa L. Jones and Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box dive right on in and open up about their personal challenges in attempting to acquire land within the family. Falani points out that when we often discuss land loss, many refer to the discriminatory USDA practices, imminent domain, and other racist acts that have swindled black fa...
#140: Cuzzin' Talk: Nobody Wins When the Family Feuds...Over Land
January 31, 2023 01:47 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBRemember Jay-Z's line "nobody wins when the family feuds" in the acclaimed 4:44 album? Well, when family fights over land it can get downright ugly! The cuzzin's Melissa L. Jones and Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box dive right on in and open up about their personal challenges in attempting to acquire land within the family. Falani points out that when we often discuss land loss, many refer to the discriminatory USDA practices, imminent domain, and other racist acts that have swindled black fa...
#139: Cuzzin' Talk Part I - New Series
December 13, 2022 18:22 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBMelissa L. Jones of the Edible Activist Podcast and Founder, Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box kick off a series of new episodes called Cuzzin' Talk. Both having come from large families who hail from the South, the two always call each other cuzzin' jokingly and swap family stories. Listeners can expect for us to talk about our family traditions, kitchen recipes that grandma and auntie handed down, our family lineage, travels to the South where we unearth so much rich history, and all the thi...
#139: Cuzzin' Talk: New Series
December 13, 2022 18:22 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBMelissa L. Jones of the Edible Activist Podcast and Founder, Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box kick off a series of new episodes called Cuzzin' Talk. Both having come from large families who hail from the South, the two always call each other cuzzin' jokingly and swap family stories. Listeners can expect for us to talk about our family traditions, kitchen recipes that grandma and auntie handed down, our family lineage, travels to the South where we unearth so much rich history, and all the thi...
#138: Flowers by Alexes: A Story of Legacy and Reclamation
November 18, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBAlexes Haggins, the Owner of Flowers by Alexes, spent a significant part of her childhood working at her dad's floral business on Upshur Street in Northwest, Washington, DC. The Washingtonian remembers being planted at the shop, surrounded by an abundance of flowers, wishing she was playing outside with her friends instead in their Uptown neighborhood. However, this is where Alexes would learn how to clean flowers and witness her dad wear his entrepreneurs hat. Alexes' story is one filled wit...
#137: Exclusive: I Got Interviewed by Afro Beets!
November 08, 2022 01:17 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBMelissa sits down in an exclusive interview with Chris Riddick of Afro Beets - the first time Melissa is ever interviewed by a media platform (and a black one at that)! In this episode Chris taps into her origin story, unearths her Mississippi roots and childhood, talks challenges of being a creator, and all-things Edible Activist (her podcast) and health justice. Tune in! This episode was recorded live at The Line Hotel DC.
#136: Queenz Cut Flower Farm with Shanice Fleming
October 25, 2022 01:27 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBIn this episode we talk with Shanice Fleming, founder of Queenz Cut Flower Farm based in Troy, NY to discuss her floral business. She details her ten-year experience working as a chef, talks about resources needed to scale her business, and educates us on the flower business. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)
#135: Corner Water with Ronnie Webb
October 25, 2022 01:23 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode we catch up with Ronnie Webb, Founder of The Green Scheme (@thegreenscheme), on his team's latest project: Corner Water! They are on a mission to provide premium natural alkaline water to communities who don’t have equitable access and help youth learn the core pillars to social entrepreneurship. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)
#134: Foraging While Black & Agroforestry with Ruth Tyson
October 06, 2022 02:20 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBForaging while black, wild energy and agroforestry? You will hear it all here as Prince George's County native and naturalist-at-heart, Ruth Tyson, details her foraging experience in this episode and how she began the journey. Ruth also educates listeners on agroforestry and the various types, in addition to sharing some of the research she has been conducting with farmers of color in hopes to expand more opportunities in this space. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Colo...
#133: Nutrition, Growing Food & Healing
September 28, 2022 19:10 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBRey Vanderpool is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Insight Nutrition where they use an Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) approach to nutrition counseling and therapy. In this episode, Rey kicks off the show sharing their health story that led to a field of study in nutrition. We also talk about ancestral foods, healing through farming, and Rey drops a few edible acts for our listeners. Subscribe and tune in! To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color ...
#132: Building a Dreamy Detroit Garden Community
September 21, 2022 03:40 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBA dreamy garden in Detroit? Ask Marilyn who is the creator of Griffin Gardens - a three lot garden oasis that started as a blank slate and gift from her dad. In the last year, Marilyn has cultivated a beautiful green space filled with florals, pollinators, vegetables, and most importantly, community. In this amazing and fun episode, Marilyn talks about how she expanded her garden from one vacant lot with the help of key Detroit partners, along with some of the challenges she faced in acquirin...
#131: NYC Activist Transforming How Cities Buy Food
September 21, 2022 03:36 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBCities can transform how we improve our food system and Ribka Getachew, Director of the NY Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) Campaign, joined our show to share just how! Ribka is a long-time organizer and food justice advocate who has been leading this campaign in New York City that serves as a game-changer for the procurement process within local government. The activist talks us through the campaign and how it would address longstanding systemic issues while centering values that support ...
#130: Changing Lives: Gardening & Beats with Kimani Anku
August 28, 2022 17:43 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBGardening & Beats founder, Kimani Anku, shares the origins of his gardening journey and how being in the green space saved his life, from health to mental challenges. The Webby Awards recipient is championing food activism work in his Prince George's County community and globally by working with families, individuals and youth to start their own garden so they can feel empowered to take control of their health and have access to healthy food. Tune in! To watch the live episode, subscribe to ...
#129: Black-Owned Farm Launches Hands-On Training Cohort in DC
August 10, 2022 02:17 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBIn this episode, the People's Farmer, Gail Taylor of Three Part Harmony Farm shares details about their inaugural farmer trainee program in partnership with JustTransition Power Force. Barriers to farming for black people have existed for many decades and Three Part Harmony is taking action by offering an opportunity to learn farm production in Washington, DC with priority given to black applicants. This is only part of the solution! Tell a friend, farmer enthusiast, or someone you know wanti...
#128: 3 Tips To Survive the Summer Heat While Gardening
August 10, 2022 02:13 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBDominque Charles of Plots & Pans joins us to share tips on how to protect yourself in the garden, along with your delicious garden beds, during the summer heat! To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)
#127: Good Greens & Southern Brunch with Byrds Nest Box
August 10, 2022 02:09 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBHaving spent summers in North Carolina to homestead with her family, Falani Africa inherited many memories that make up a big part of her agricultural journey. In this episode, the Byrd's Nest Box founder invites us into the home of her family and shares a bit of her lineage story that ultimately leads to the birthing of her business. Falani then activates our tastebuds with the details of her Southern-inspired brunch and also talks about her project: Seed Saturday's Culture. To watch the l...
#126: Black Florist Installs Reparations Garden Near White House
August 05, 2022 01:33 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBKehmari Norman, founder, Black Flower Market, details a Reparations Garden that was installed near the White House by her and an all-black team of Washingtonians as a call for President Joe Biden to enact the HR 40 Bill that would study reparations. The Eucalyptus Queen also talks about her Concrete Rose initiative that supports families of gun violence in Washington, DC and leaves viewers with a surprising Edible Act to take on. Tune in! Edible Activist broadcasts live every other Monday at...
#125: Four Ways to Grow Food in Tiny Spaces
July 18, 2022 02:17 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this episode, Chris Riddick of Afro Beets joins us to share four methods to grow food in tiny spaces. If you live in a city and don't have access to land or working with a tiny space, but want to grow food, this is the episode to tune into!
#124: Food Activist Shares Traumatic Collard Greens Experience
July 05, 2022 15:41 - 48 minutes - 44 MBAfter a traumatic experience with her collard greens, My Grow Connect's Founder, Jennifer Lumpkin, vowed to never grow on land she didn't own. This will be the first reveal of the story here on the Edible Activist Podcast!
#123: Why The Color of Food Activism Matters
July 05, 2022 15:29 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBThe Edible Activist Podcast is relaunching and kicking of it's first episode on YouTube. Join host, Melissa L. Jones for a conversation as she shares her mission for the podcast and what's to come! She is also joined by special guest, Jennifer Lumpkin of My, Grow, Connect for a conversation around food activism and why our voices matter in this space!
#123: Preppin' my Garden
February 28, 2022 20:58 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MBMelissa L. Jones drops in to share her work in the "garden" in preparation for a new season of podcast episodes!
#122: We Got 150 Acres of Land (Patreon Exclusive)
December 11, 2021 04:12 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBGrandad 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.
#121: Muscadines and Persimmons (Patreon Exclusive)
November 16, 2021 18:25 - 3 minutes - 3.6 MBIn 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
#120: Mama's Nature: Mississippi's First Plant-Based Juice Bar
October 21, 2021 14:40 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MB#TheSip has got the juice! Mississippi native, Keyah Williams, is the owner of Mama's Nature with three locations in the surrounding Jackson area. The beginnings of the business not only started with a whopping low personal credit score, that Keyah is not ashamed to share, 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, na...
#120: Mama Nature's: Mississippi's First Plant-Based Juice Bar
October 21, 2021 14:40 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MB#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 pu...
#119: How This Shipping Container Farmer's $200,000 Debt Has Been Forgiven
October 08, 2021 20:04 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBMario 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 t...
#119: How This Shipping Container Farmer's $200,000 Debt Has Been Forgiven (Update)
October 08, 2021 20:04 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBMario 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 t...
#118: We're on Patreon!
October 01, 2021 12:21 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBFoodTalksNColor 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!
#117: Edible Pop Up: Charismatic Creations
September 17, 2021 05:24 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBChrissy 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...
#116: September We're Back!
September 17, 2021 05:20 - 1 minute - 1.6 MBHey 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!
#115: Pollinating Gardens with Britt Huggins
July 29, 2021 16:49 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBA 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!
#114: New Age Provisions Farms
July 23, 2021 07:12 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBMario 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!
#113: Gabrielle Knox, the Professional Neighbor
July 16, 2021 16:03 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBGabrielle 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!
#112: Eester Farms Legacy with Bryan Epps
July 08, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBBryan 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.c...
#111: The Garden Give Back with Nafeesah Bush
June 25, 2021 19:44 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBLincoln 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 cha...
#110: Bress 'N' Nyam - "bless and eat"
June 18, 2021 17:35 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBThis 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...
#109: FishScale Fridays
May 28, 2021 03:20 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBEdible 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!
#109: Food Insecurity and Eating Disorders
May 28, 2021 03:20 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBIn 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!