First aired in 2019. Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm on her pivotal book Farming While Black, the Afro-Indigenous roots of sustainable agriculture and the work of supporting Black folks and other people of color in finding liberation on land. Plus Taina Asili’s 2025 Fever Pitch Pilgrimage and Song Tour for climate and social action, September 13-27, 2025. 

Meg Fama of The Farm Belly and Raquel Rivera of A Pinch of Salt are two long-time food business owners showing us what successful women-owned businesses can look like all while supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs. They talk about how and why they do what they do and the evolution of their businesses over the years; The Farm Belly from food truck to caterer to a new restaurant in New Haven, CT, and A Pinch of Salt through cooking experiences, food entrepreneur mentorship and training, plus catering in Bridgeport, CT and beyond. This episode also features the song "No Es Mi Presidente" from Taína Asili y La Banda Rebelde.

The Table Underground airs on WPKN 89.5 fm Community Radio in Bridgeport, CT the 4th Monday of every month, and by podcast any time. You can find more info on this episode, 85+ past interviews, photos, recipes, articles and more at www.thetableunderground.com 

Mohammed Alqurnah is an agronomist, entomologist and Beekeeper living in the Palestinian city of Bethlehem. Hana' Maaiah is a Farmer and Beekeeper of Jordanian and Palestinian descent based in the upstate, NY. Hana' recently returned from a two month long trip visiting Mohammed and other beekeepers in the West Bank. These two passionate beekeepers share about their love of these beautiful honey producing creatures, the realities of living and keeping bees under Israeli occupation, as well as the impacts of war, genocide and the climate crisis on bees - the pollinators we humans need to survive.

To see photos and more info go to www.thetableunderground.com
This episode was edited by Meg Dalton.
Our theme song is from the Passion Hifi.
The Table Underground airs the 4th Monday of every month at 12pm eastern on WPKN community radio, 89.5 in Bridgeport, CT and is available by podcast anytime.
Many thanks to Combcutters for connecting these two Palestinian Beekeepers, and for your work to uplift beekeepers, bees, their ecosystem and thriving life for all beings. To learn more and support Palestinian farmers and bee keepers  check out the Palestinian Union of Agricultural Worker Committees and you can donate to support them here. 

Growing food in the city is also an opportunity to grow community and healing in more ways than one. Dishaun Harris, aka Farmer D and the founder of Rootlife is a Black urban farmer and filmmaker manifesting the change he wants to see in his community. He stewards 5 community farms around the city of New Haven, CT and collaborates to create programs and events that nourish people’s bodies, minds, and spirits. Briana Mclean, one of Farmer D’s collaborators - is the talented cook behind the culinary business By Bri Marie. With a focus on plant-based ingredients, she cooks up well seasoned dishes at the farm-based classes and as part of her weekly prepared meals and catering services. Briana and Dishaun joined me to talk about food as medicine, community and liberation.

More info at www.thetableunderground.com and check out Rootlife's new documentary: Black, Brown & Green: A Digital Palette Of Agriculture In Elm City (New Haven, CT) and join the Liberated Land Cooperative's CSA - farm share delivery from CT Black and Brown farmers. 

Passionate policy advocates decipher food security and a farmland access bills, both up for a vote in CT this spring & let us know how and why to get involved. Guests include Reggy St. Fortcolin of Fridgeport and the Liberated Land Cooperative, Chelsea Gazillo of Working Lands Alliance and American Farmland Trust, and James Albis of Graff Public Solutions and a former State Representative for District 99.

We discuss the ins and outs of the legislative process plus Bills: SB 1418: An Act Reducing Barriers to Food Security & HB 5064 Is An Act Concerning An Option To Purchase Restricted Agricultural Lands at Agricultural Value which will create a larger land access program at the CT Department of Agriculture. For a simple language breakdown and details on how to get involved in the food security bill, check out this fab link tree - and for regular folk language of the farmland access bill check the Working Lands Alliance 2025 Priorities.

Go to www.thetableunderground.com for more info. 
We are happy to broadcast on WPKN community radio, 89.5fm in Bridgeport, CT

Welcome to the first episode of our 2025 re-launch of The Table Underground: stories of food, radical love and creative social justice! Our guests Cara Santino of CitySeed in New Haven, CT and Katrice Claudio of ReSET in Hartford share the skills and tools they use to support food business start-ups and give them a leg up on their delicious but challenging journeys.

A story short with Sandra and Miguel Pittman owners of Sandra's Next Generation Soul Food Restaurant in New Haven, CT. They share on their 32+ year journey as restaurateurs, being pillars in their community, and the family legacy they have fostered.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Ms. Kim, owner of the oldest Asian market in New Haven, CT where she's been running this neighborhood institution with her personal touch for cooking and community since 1985.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with husband and wife team Shilmat & Wub Tessema on serving up traditional Ethiopian food and culture at their restaurant since 1999 plus the 24/7 demands of the kitchen and raising a family of three now grown children.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com  - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Cositas Deliciosas owners Miguel Xicohtencatl & Cecilia Serrano - Speaking on their business and personal journey to establish this delicious Mexican fruit, juice, and take-out shop in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven, CT.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography