Episode 264: Wild American Foodscapes - Hawai'i

Episode 264: Wild American Foodscapes - Hawai'i

Author: Harvesting Nature February 19, 2026 Duration: 34:12
Summary Justin and Adam are joined by several guests for a conversation exploring the intricate relationship between food and culture in Hawaii, emphasizing the historical significance of traditional practices, the impact of introduced species, and ongoing efforts to revive indigenous food systems. They highlight the importance of sustainability, stewardship, and the cultural memory embedded in food practices, while addressing the challenges posed by modern dependency on imported food. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making Special Guests Lei Wann Kealoha Domingo Audrey Wilson Chapters 00:00 The Ancient Connection of Food and Land in Hawaii 01:23 Understanding Hawaii's Food Landscape 02:15 The Significance of Taro and Poi 04:11 Polynesian Agricultural Innovations 06:24 The Impact of Introduced Species on Ecosystems 08:45 Cultural Practices in Foraging and Hunting 10:47 Traditional Aquaculture and Food Evolution 11:17 The Practicality of Poke and Food Waste 13:41 Seasonal Gathering and Environmental Awareness 16:59 Historical Shifts in Food Sovereignty 19:24 Food Memory and Practical Sovereignty 21:41 The Fragility of Hawaii's Food Systems 24:53 The Importance of Cultural Practices in Conservation 26:48 Reviving Traditional Knowledge and Practices 28:56 Supporting Local Food Systems 30:11 The Tension of Food Dependency in Modern Hawaii Takeaways Hawaii's food culture is deeply intertwined with its land and history. Taro and poi are central to Hawaiian identity and genealogy. Polynesian settlers created sophisticated agricultural systems. Introduced species have drastically altered Hawaii's ecosystems. Foraging practices reflect a deep respect for nature and conservation. Aquaculture has ancient roots in Hawaiian culture. Poke originated from practical uses of fish, minimizing waste. Seasonal changes dictate gathering practices and food availability. Food sovereignty has been compromised by historical shifts in land control. Cultural practices are essential for conservation and sustainability. Keywords Hawaii, food culture, indigenous practices, sustainability, taro, poi, aquaculture, food sovereignty, cultural revival, environmental awareness Music Pauoa Like Ka Lehua, Raymond Kane Ulupalakua, Ku'ulei's Own Hole Waimea (mele hula), Kaulaheaonamiku Kiona Fair Hawaii, Tony Ku with Tomomi Sugiura Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Townsend and the team from Harvesting Nature host Wild Fish and Game Podcast, a series that treats wild food as a starting point for much wider conversations. Rather than just a collection of tactics or recipes, this podcast digs into the entire cycle of bringing food from the landscape to the table and beyond. You’ll hear discussions that connect the act of hunting or fishing to the rhythms of the season, the specifics of a place, and the cultural traditions that shape our approach to harvest. Episodes move through every stage of the process-the pursuit, the careful work of butchery, the various methods of preservation, and finally, the cooking that turns ingredients into a meal. It’s about the craft involved in each step and how these skills integrate into a practical, meaningful lifestyle. The conversations often explore how these harvested foods are carried through real life, nourishing families and communities. For anyone curious about the depth and connectivity of a life centered on wild foods, this podcast offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at a system that is as much about philosophy and responsibility as it is about sustenance. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration of what it truly means to know where your food comes from.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Wild Fish and Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 282: Learning to Hunt Lanai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:36
Summary: Justin shares his detailed experiences hunting on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, exploring its unique terrain, logistics, and the challenges of island hunting. Discover insights into hunting Mouflon sheep and Axi…
Episode 281: Cooking by Cut - Making the Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
Summary: Justin and Adam discuss their new book 'Cooking by Cut', exploring the philosophy of butchery, cooking techniques, and global influences on wild game preparation. They share insights on organizing the book, unle…
Episode 280: Advanced Offal and Wild Game Butchery with Anna Borgman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Summary: Justin and Anna Borgman explore the fascinating world of organ meats, butchery, and processing wild and domestic animals. They share practical tips, cultural insights, and personal stories to inspire a deeper ap…
Episode 279: The Wild Pantry, Part VI, Pickling Wild Foods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Summary: Justin and Adam explore the rich history, science, and techniques of pickling, emphasizing safety, creativity, and cultural diversity. Discover how vinegar preserves, enhances flavors, and offers endless culinar…
Episode 278: The School of Salmon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:09
Summary: Join us as Melanie Brown shares her deep connection to salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, exploring its cultural significance, sustainable practices, and environmental challenges including the impact of farmed salmo…
Episode 276: The Wild Pantry, Part V, Preserving Wild Food with Fat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the history, techniques, and safety considerations of fat-based preservation methods like confit, rillette, and oil preservation. They discuss how the…
Episode 275: Wild Game Without Borders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:09
Summary: Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore how global cuisines can inspire new approaches to cooking wild game, emphasizing techniques suited for tougher, leaner, and more variable ingredients. They discuss the…
Episode 274: The Wild Pantry, Part IV, Smoking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:33
Summary: This conversation delves into the ancient art of smoking food, exploring its historical significance, cultural practices, and the science behind how smoking enhances flavor and preserves food. The hosts discuss…
Episode 273: Wild Salmon, Wild Forests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:31
Summary: Join us as Tyson Fick from Yakobi Fisheries shares insights into Alaskan salmon fishing, conservation efforts, and the ecological importance of wild salmon. Discover the nuances of sustainable fishing, the impac…