This episode is a conversation with Shane Edwards, also known as Wild Dryad—a self-taught botanist, illustrator, and foraging educator. We explore the lost legacy of the pawpaw, America’s largest edible indigenous fruit, and how reconnecting with this tropical-flavored wild food is also a path to cultural restoration, land stewardship, and ancestral knowledge. If you’ve ever wondered what pawpaws taste like, where they grow, or why they vanished from our food system—this is the deep dive you've ...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 31 min
This episode is a deep conversation about traditional foodways and how food is so much more than calories. We explore how eating seasonally, preserving food, and building relationships with the land and each other can help restore our health, culture, and sense of belonging. From wild fermentation, to foraging, to regenerative land practices, this episode reconnects us with the flavors—and meaning—of food. Episode Overview: How seasonal cooking and local food dinners connect people to place Trad...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Wild mustard and cow parsnip are two edible plants hiding in plain sight—and they’re packed with flavor, nutrition, and foraging value. In this Year of Plenty Podcast episode, expert forager Orion Aon of Forage Colorado breaks down how to identify, harvest, and use both plants. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to identify wild mustard plants and cow parsnip in the wild Key lookalikes to watch for when foraging mustard or cow parsnip Where wild mustard and cow parsnip grow in North America ...
Apr 12, 2025•1 hr 45 min
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 mushrooms Fun ways to use pheasant back mushrooms...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 30 min
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 i...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 30 min
In this episode, we dive into functional nutrition, gut health, metabolic resilience, and heavy metal detoxing with returning guest and functional nutritionist Natalie Erle. Natalie combines ancestral wisdom with modern science to help people reclaim their health, and today, she’s breaking down the connections between metabolic dysfunction, gut health, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and even the rising epidemic of Alzheimer’s—all linking back to food. So stay tuned for powerful insights that can he...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 43 min
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 seedlings The critical role of light, heat & humidity in germination Top mistakes g...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 21 min
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 tha...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 45 min
We've been doing research into the history of Victory Gardens and were blown away by some of the facts we uncovered…so Poldi decided to sit down and record a rant about this amazing gardening movement of the early 1900s and give his reasons for why we should bring it. Use code “ yearofplenty ” (all lower case) for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.com MY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it out Leave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK w...
Jan 10, 2025•40 min
This episode is a Youtube livestream recording where we cover 5 wild edible plants to forage for in winter here in North America. Come join us and learn about these amazing edible plants so that you can start foraging for them yourself. No need to be one of those foragers that hibernates in the winter! What plants do we cover in this episode? Foraging for wild rose (how to harvest rose hips in winter) Foraging for pine bark Foraging for watercress in winter Foraging for the common hackberry in w...
Dec 22, 2024•1 hr 36 min
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 fo...
Dec 06, 2024•2 hr 1 min
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 diversity Key differences between feral apples and crabapples How to id...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 38 min
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 points A brief history of animal fats in the hum...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 18 min
This episode is a conversation with Danielle Prewett. Danielle is the founder of Wild + Whole and a Wild Foods Contributing Editor for MeatEater. Danielle believes that every meal should tell a story, and that sustainable eating starts by reawakening our connection to food and relying on the seasons and the inherent rhythms of nature to guide our choices. Episode Overview: Why are food system is broken and how eating consciously is the answer How you can start to eat and cook more seasonally Com...
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Today’s guest is Matt Skoglund, a first-generation bison rancher and the owner of North Bridger Bison in Montana. Matt is passionate about raising bison regeneratively, using holistic methods that improve biodiversity and soil health on the land. In this episode, we dive into his journey into bison ranching, why bison are so vital to the landscape, and how regenerative farming can reshape our food system. Episode Overview: Matt Skoglund's story as a first generation bison rancher in Montana Why ...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 40 min
In this episode of the Year of Plenty Podcast, I sit down with Orion Aon, an expert wild food forager and founder of Forage Colorado. Orion shares his vast experience in foraging, focusing on late summer to fall mushrooms. We dive into identifying, foraging, and preparing some of the best edible mushrooms you can find in the wild during this season. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced forager, Orion's insights on mushroom habitats, sustainable harvesting, and cooking wild mushrooms will ...
Sep 11, 2024•2 hr 13 min
In this episode, I chat with Kyle Kamp, the expert nutritionist behind Valley to Peak Nutrition, about the critical aspects of backcountry nutrition for hunters and other backcountry enthusiasts. Whether you're gearing up for a multi-day backcountry hunt or hiking trip, dialing in your nutrition can make all the difference. Kyle shares practical tips on how to fuel your body efficiently, manage calorie intake, and ensure proper hydration and meal timing while in the backcountry. Episode Overview...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 27 min
In this episode, Poldi chats with Ken Thrall all about how you can increase your odds for success in the elk woods. Ken works for Kifaru Gear and has hunted elk for over a decade. Episode Overview: Tips for better e-scouting to find locations on the map that might hold elk How Ken’s e-scouting methodology changes from elk archery to rifle season What a typical glassing session looks like for Ken when he is scouting for elk A brief lesson on elk behavior, how elk move throughout the day, and how ...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 44 min
This Year of Plenty Podcast episode is a conversation with Randy Newberg. Randy is a passionate hunter and the voice of the public land hunter in America. With decades of experience on public lands, he’s become a leading advocate for self-guided hunters and others who appreciate public lands. Randy hosts two popular TV shows, 'Fresh Tracks' and 'On Your Own Adventures,' and the Hunt Talk Podcast, where he speaks unfiltered about hunting and conservation. Episode Overview: Randy Newberg's Journey...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Ryan is a dedicated marketing director with a solid 20-year career in media development within the hunting and outdoor markets. He was the marketing director at Mystery Ranch for a long time and fractionally helped out as VP of Marketing at LandTrust. Above all, Ryan is deeply passionate about hunting, climbing, health and photojournalism. Episode Overview: How Ryan got into hunting and what it means to be an outdoorsman His journey working at Mystery Ranch, a premier backpack company Ryan’s hea...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 50 min
This episode is a conversation with Tim Frost (aka Hoosier Forager) all about oyster mushroom foraging. Tim is a wild edible mushroom identification expert and educator. His content covers edible & medicinal mushroom and plant identification, cooking & storing wild foods, as well as general foraging tips. Episode Overview: How Tim started his mushroom foraging journey Why we love oyster mushrooms and foraging for them Unique fun facts about wild oyster mushrooms How to identify some of t...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 46 min
This episode is Part 2 of our conversation with James Mann (aka Spicebush Woodcraft). James if a foraging educator, homesteader, and chef. Episode Overview: Why James built a thermal greenhouse to get more out of his homestead What his thermal greenhouse looks like and how he built it (including the budget) How the greenhouse allows him to grow plants during cold seasons How he collects rainwater to water the plants in his thermal greenhouse The benefits of a thermal greenhouse for homesteading ...
Jun 24, 2024•44 min
From prehistoric times to modern day supermarkets, nuts have been a reliable food source throughout history. And there are plenty of species you can gather in the wild to fill your pantry! Hickory nuts being one of them. In this episode, we chat with James Mann from Spicebush Woodcraft and dive deep into the world of hickory nut foraging. Episode Overview: James shares the story of how he got into hickory nut foraging Why you should forage for hickory nuts and which species have the best flavor ...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 27 min
EP 123 | This episode is a conversation with Kyle Seip (aka Castiron Kyle) who is a castiron cookware expert, hot sauce nerd, and heirloom vegetable seed trader. Episode Overview: New things happening in the cast iron cookware world Kyle’s gardening projects for 2024 How to grow healthy pepper plants How to make fermented hot sauce at home Kyle’s process for saving seeds from his vegetable harvests Trading heirloom seeds with people across the world Use code “ yearofplenty ” (all lower case) for...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 23 min
This conversation is a deep dive into the world of elderberry foraging. And for you to learn more about this amazing plant species, I brought on none other than Jesse Akozbek. Jesse is a great guy and a very good forager and most importantly wants you to be one too! He is known for his technical yet approachable style of teaching foraging that gives people the confidence to forage safely and responsibly. You may have seen him through his online platform, Feral Foraging, where he posts everything...
May 21, 2024•2 hr 20 min
This episode is a conversation with upland bird hunting guide Jake Perry, owner of Superior Upland LLC. Jake specializes in ruffed grouse hunting and this species is the focus of this episode. Episode Overview: Jake's love for upland birds and why he decided to become a guide Ruffed Grouse Hunting 101: Everything you need to know and more to be successful in the grouse woods Ruffed grouse behavior and how to scout for them The three big factors that will help you locate ruffed grouse time and ti...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 25 min
Are you looking to grow veggies in a small space? Join Poldi and Lindey as they discuss their gardening plans at their new apartment. Many renters decide not to grow food, because of limited grow space. But it is possible! In this episode, you will learn how Poldi and Lindey have grown squash and other veggies using grow bags and trellises, as well as their plans for the upcoming gardening season. Episode Overview: How we plan to grow squash and other veggies on a patio using grow bags Squash va...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Ready to discover the best tool for understanding food labels and more? This episode is a conversation with Julia Putzeys who is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and founder of the Trash Panda app. Join Poldi and Julia as they discuss the confusing landscape of food labels and ultra-processed food ingredients. And learn about the ultimate tool for understanding food labels. Episode Overview: Julia’s journey into the nutrition world and what motivated her to start the TrashPanda App T...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 30 min
EP 118 | Join Poldi and Lindey as they explore the delicious and healthful world of homemade, nutrient-dense ice cream. Discover how this classic treat can be transformed into a nutrient powerhouse with just a few simple ingredients. Episode Overview: Delving into the origins of ice cream and its evolution from ancient times to the present day. Unpacking the nutritious value of homemade ice cream and how it differs from store-bought varieties. An exploration of the key ingredients that turn ordi...
Mar 20, 2024•59 min
EP 117 | This episode is a recording of a recent X space where Poldi and co-host Lindey discuss spruce tree foraging, how to distinguish spruce from other conifers, and some ways of using spruce as an ingredient in the kitchen. Spruce trees are perfect for winter foraging! Poldi and Lindey also share a recent scientific review linking ultra-processed foods to chronic diseases and test their ketone levels for the first time since starting a keto diet in 2024. Use code “ yearofplenty ” (all lower ...
Mar 11, 2024•47 min
