This Craft Nation

On Day thirteen of the trip, we talk with Chad Rosen - founder of Victory Hemp Foods.   Chad moved from California in 2014 and put down roots in Northern Kentucky, where Victory Hemp Foods is based. Chad was on the cutting edge of developing Hemp as a legal, American crop and is dedicated to bringing hemp into the rural economy where sustainable economic development is a priority. www.victoryhempfoods.com

We talk with Wes Shugart who founded Music City Leathers, continuing an American tradition by making custom cowboy boots, by hand the old way.  Wes lends an interesting historical perspective, along with a wealth of knowledge about how custom boots go beyond fashion statements and live as an example of functional art.  www.musiccityleather.com

In Part Two of this incredible farm-tour interview with the legendary Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms, we talk more about the overall farm rotation, but also get deeper into the food systems at large, how food gets to the consumer and how our choices can make a difference. 

http://www.polyfacefarms.com/

http://www.polyfacefarms.com/joels-bio/

In Part I of a two-part interview, we tour Polyface Farms with the passionate and whip-smart, Joel Salatin, the "Lunatic Farmer."  Joel shows us everything from his cow-manure-composting pig beds to his mowing and mobbing cattle and his mobile chicken rigs, in this walking tour with loads of information about sustainable agriculture.

Kyle and Fred get a solid night of farmhouse-quality sleep in upstate New York, and enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Deanna Fox,  a food writer, teacher and a kind, supportive voice towards compelling stories and quality-driven, mindfully sourced, food and drink.

Fred and Kyle talk about the world of beer with John Holl, Co-founder and editor of Beer Edge and host of the Drink Beer, Think Beer podcast, over morning beers at Departed Soles brewery in Jersey City, New Jersey

Roger Sadowsky leads Fred and Kyle on a tour of Sadowsky Guitars in a warehouse building in Long Island, NY.  Roger is a world-renown maker, and he generously shares how his approach and methods developed over the years, including the impact of working with clients like Marcus Miller and Will Lee early in his career.  

Kyle and Fred arrive in Baltimore, MD and meet Founder and President of the American Distilling Institute Bill Owens for gin and tonics and lively conversation about brewing, distilling, photography and travel. 

Fred, Kyle, Jeff and Seth introduce the interviews from Third Man Records in the Cass Corridor of Detroit, MI.  They talk about the origin story of Third Man Records, and the context and method of pressing vinyl in the digital age.  

Fred and Kyle connect digitally and reflect on the current state of the project, how COVID-19 will impact the marketplace for makers and craftspeople, and what to expect in Season 3.