Bloomington, Indiana – Nature lovers and food enthusiasts have something exciting to look forward to this month as WFIU debuts a special nine-part series dedicated to the art of foraging. The series, titled “Eats Wild,” is a fresh extension of WFIU’s popular food and farming show Earth Eats and aims to inspire listeners to explore the edible wonders of the natural world.
Hosted and produced by Kayte Young, the series will take audiences on a journey through fields, forests, and kitchens, learning about wild foods from seasoned foragers. Through engaging conversations and hands-on experiences, Young hopes to encourage listeners to observe seasonal changes, engage with their surroundings, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature’s bounty.
“The embodied learning that happens when we search for plants and mushrooms, when we learn to notice the characteristics that allow us to identify them, and when we prepare them and taste them—that kind of learning stays with us and maybe changes us,” said Young.
The first episode is set to premiere on Saturday, March 29, at 7 a.m. and will air again on Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. on WFIU. It will also be available as a podcast for those who prefer to listen on demand. The debut episode will feature an interview with Monique Philpot, the founder of Soulcraft, Bloomington’s first forest and folk school. Listeners will get an inside look at Philpot’s wild edibles classes at Indiana University and Soulcraft, providing insights into the rich tradition of spring foraging.
The series is structured around the three foraging seasons—spring, summer, and fall—each with its own unique focus. Following the premiere, two additional spring foraging episodes will air on April 5 and April 12. The series will then return in the summer with new episodes on June 21, June 28, and July 5, highlighting warm-weather foraging finds. The final three episodes, dedicated to fall foraging, will be released on September 13, September 20, and September 27.
Listeners can expect not only engaging discussions but also practical guidance on identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods. By joining Young on her journey, audiences will gain valuable knowledge from experts while also being encouraged to step outside and try foraging themselves.
Whether you’re an experienced forager or a complete beginner, “Eats Wild” promises to be an enriching and educational experience. Tune in to WFIU or listen to the podcast to embark on a delicious adventure through nature’s hidden pantry.
