In this episode I have a lovely conversation with Doug Oster, an Emmy award-winning garden host, writer, and producer, at his forested homestead in the North Hills. We delve into Doug's journey into gardening, starting from his grandmother's garden to becoming a renowned garden guru. Doug discusses his beginnings as a photo editor, his transition into gardening and writing, and his eventual success in various media platforms including TV, radio, and the internet. Key topics include successful gardening techniques, rehabilitation of environmental areas by letting nature do what it does naturally, and Doug's personal evolution as a gardening expert.

Trina Goggins shares her story of how she went from reluctant, novice gardener to heirloom preservationist. From humble beginnings in her backyard, Trina now cultivates over 100 varieties of peppers in her microfarm, focusing on African American heritage seeds. She challenges industry norms, emphasizing diversity and education in her community. What sets Trina apart is her hands-on approach to creating unique blends of hot peppers, shunning store-bought options in favor of her own homemade creations. She delves into the complexity of pepper flavors, from chocolate peppers to Fillias blue, and shares her expertise in crafting blends that tantalize the palate with layers of heat and fruity undertones. Trina's homemade pepper blends for The Hood Garden showcase her dedication to flavorful, culturally rich food, all from her base of operations in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood.

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#thehoodgarden #heirloomcollards

In this remastered episode, to celebrate the opening of Leona's new scoop shop in Lawrenceville, we're revisiting my interview with Katie Heldstab recorded in January 2021 - during the peak of the pandemic.

Katie shares her culinary journey from Minneapolis to Wisconsin and settling in Pittsburgh, reflecting on her experiences with home cooking, humorous mishaps, and transformative culinary discoveries.

Amidst tales of food adventures, Katie also discusses the role of food during those "uncertain times", sharing anecdotes about ordering takeout during the pandemic.

In this episode, Betty and T.Lyle Ferderber, founders of Frankferd Farms Organic Foods, share their inspiring journey from young idealistic hippies to pioneers in the organic food movement. Starting in a 200-year-old farmhouse, they ventured into organic farming and product development, influenced by the innovative practices of Walnut Acres farm. They recount their role in shaping organic certification standards and navigating the complexities of the global food industry. Despite challenges, their four-decade-long commitment to sustainability and ethical practices at Frankferd Farms stands as a testament to their enduring dedication. Their story illuminates the evolution of the organic food industry and serves as a source of inspiration for sustainable living enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.

In Season 3, episode 6, we delve into the impactful work of Denele Hughson at Grow Pittsburgh. For nearly a decade, Denele has championed food security and community empowerment.

Recognizing food as a powerful connector, Denele focuses on education and workforce development to combat food apartheid. Despite challenges, Grow Pittsburgh prioritizes inclusivity, shifting perceptions and fostering community engagement.

With roots in Pittsburgh, Denele's commitment to food sovereignty is unwavering. By growing what communities want to eat and supporting small farms, she ensures access to fresh, locally-sourced produce.

Join us as we explore Denele's inspiring journey and the transformative potential of community-led food initiatives.

In this episode we delve into the inspiring journey of

Here's a shorter version of my interview with Ben from earlier this week. Enjoy!