Wild Fish and Game Podcast

Summary

In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the significance of freezing as a method of food preservation. They discuss the historical context of freezing, the science behind how freezing affects food, and practical tips for safe freezing practices. The conversation also covers the different types of freezers, the impact of air exposure on food quality, and best practices for freezing various types of food. The episode concludes with insights on managing freezer inventory effectively.

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Meat Tracker Magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Freezing in Food Preservation

05:30 Understanding the Science of Freezing

08:01 Freezer Safety and Best Practices

10:22 Types of Freezers and Their Impact

13:36 The Effects of Air Exposure and Freezer Burn

15:24 Effective Food Wrapping Techniques

19:05 Freezing Different Types of Food

23:46 Managing Your Freezer Inventory

30:11 Conclusion and Next Steps in Preservation

Takeaways

Freezing is a common yet often overlooked method of food preservation.

Historically, freezing was about stability rather than extreme cold.

The introduction of home freezers changed food handling dynamics significantly.

Freezing affects food texture due to ice crystal formation.

Freezer safety is more about handling than arbitrary timelines.

Air exposure leads to freezer burn, which is a form of dehydration.

Vacuum sealing is one of the best methods to prevent freezer burn.

Different foods require different freezing techniques for optimal preservation.

Labeling and organizing your freezer can prevent waste and improve efficiency.

Freezing should be treated as a skill to maximize its benefits.

Keywords

freezing, food preservation, freezer safety, wild food, freezing techniques, food storage, freezer burn, preservation methods, wild pantry, food science
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Summary

In this episode of Harvesting Nature, hosts Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans discuss the evolution of their podcast, which has expanded beyond hunting and fishing stories to encompass broader themes such as food systems, preservation, and the integration of wild food into everyday life. They introduce three new monthly series aimed at deepening the audience's understanding of wild food culture and practices. The conversation also touches on personal updates, including plans for new books, camps, and the growth of their ecommerce store, all while maintaining a focus on community engagement and feedback.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Harvesting Nature's Evolution

09:03 Personal Updates and Future Plans

14:15 Introducing New Podcast Series

20:01 Exploring the Wild Preservation Pantry

23:59 The Wild Harvest Report and Community Engagement

Takeaways

Harvesting Nature is evolving to include broader food system discussions.

The new series will focus on regional foodscapes and preservation techniques.

Community engagement is key to the podcast's growth and direction.

Keywords

Wild food, food systems, preservation, hunting, fishing, Harvesting Nature, cooking, butchery, food culture, podcast
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Summary

In this engaging conversation, Chris Whonsetler, the Okayest Cook, shares his journey into the world of cooking and hunting. He discusses the evolution of his culinary skills, the challenges of sausage making, and the importance of butchery in understanding the food we eat. The discussion highlights the connection between cooking and hunting, the role of photography in food presentation, and the philosophy behind the Okayest Cook brand, which embraces imperfection and encourages others to learn and experiment in the kitchen. Chris emphasizes the value of community and sharing experiences in the culinary world, making it clear that it's okay to be the Okayest cook and that everyone is on their own journey of learning and growth.

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Links

Okayest Cook Website

Instagram

Chris Whonsetler

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wild Cooking and Podcasting

02:57 The Journey into Hunting and Cooking

05:49 The Evolution of Cooking Skills

09:02 First Experiences with Wild Food

12:00 Misconceptions and Learning from Mistakes

15:00 The Art of Sausage Making

17:51 Challenges in Sausage Production

19:52 Exploring Butchery Techniques

21:14 The Art of Butchering: Learning Through Practice

22:21 Understanding Cuts: Regional Variations and Terminology

23:55 Visual Aids in Butchering: Enhancing Learning

24:35 Field Care: The Reality of Butchering Wild Game

27:20 The Importance of Proper Butchering Techniques

29:29 First-Time Experiences: Overcoming Intimidation in Butchering

31:20 Prioritizing Cuts: Efficient Butchering Strategies

33:20 Building a Connection: The Relationship Between Butchery and Hunting

35:01 The Decline of Processors: A Call to Learn Butchery Skills

37:35 Favorite Cuts: Surprising Discoveries in Butchering

41:16 The Art of Cooking and Butchering

42:06 The Okayest Cook Philosophy

44:30 Exploring Ingredients and Cooking Techniques

46:40 Culinary Growth and Learning

49:46 The Intersection of Photography and Cooking

52:41 Authenticity in Culinary Exploration

56:10 Embracing Mistakes in Cooking

Takeaways

Cooking and hunting can be learned later in life.

The journey of cooking is filled with trial and error.

Sausage making is a challenging yet rewarding skill.

Butchery connects you more deeply with the food you eat.

Understanding different cuts of meat enhances cooking.

The Okayest Cook brand embraces imperfection in cooking.

Cooking is about enjoying the process, not just the outcome.

Photography enhances the way we appreciate food.

Community and sharing experiences are vital in cooking.

It's okay to be the Okayest cook; everyone starts somewhere.

Keywords

Cooking, hunting, butchery, wild game, sausage making, food photography, okayest cook, culinary skills, recipes, food community
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Summary

In this episode, Justin and Adam examine how wild food culture is evolving as it moves into the mainstream. They discuss the influence of technology and AI on hunting, foraging, and social media, the growing respect for indigenous foodways, and the renewed focus on ethical meat care. The conversation also addresses misinformation within the community and the need for self-regulation. Looking ahead to 2026, they explore a coming divide between education-driven content and spectacle-based media, and why preserving traditional knowledge matters more than ever.

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Chapters:

00:00 The Evolution of Wild Food Culture

07:09 The Impact of Technology on Foraging and Butchery

13:57 Misinformation and the Community's Role

20:02 The Future of Wild Food and Social Media Dynamics

24:51 The Impact of AI on Social Media and Entertainment

26:53 Indigenous Voices in the Wild Food Movement

29:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Food Sovereignty

32:46 Technology's Role in Wild Food Practices

35:58 The Intersection of Technology and Hunting

41:28 Ethics of Technology in Hunting and Foraging

Takeaways:

Wild food has become mainstream and is now widely shared on social media.

There is a growing appreciation for meat care and fish quality among consumers.

Indigenous foodways are gaining recognition and leadership in the wild food conversation.

Technology is reshaping traditional food practices, including hunting and foraging.

Misinformation about butchery and meat care is prevalent on social media.

Short videos can lead to misconceptions about the complexity of butchery.

Community regulation of information is crucial in combating misinformation. AI is changing the way we consume content on social media.

Indigenous voices are gaining recognition in the wild food movement.

Technology is both a tool and a challenge in wild food practices.

Drones and thermal optics are becoming common in hunting.

Ethics in hunting are being challenged by new technologies.

AI-driven apps can mislead foragers if relied upon solely.

The wild food culture is built on trust and experience.

There is a growing divide between tech-savvy and traditional practitioners.

The future of wild food will require balancing technology with traditional knowledge.

Keywords:

Wild food, foraging, butchery, technology, social media, indigenous foodways, meat care, misinformation, community policing, future trends, AI, social media, indigenous food, wild food, technology, hunting, foraging, food sovereignty, conservation, ethics
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Summary

In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the creative potential of holiday leftovers, particularly focusing on wild game. They discuss various ways to transform leftovers into exciting new dishes, emphasizing the importance of using every part of the meal, including bones and offal. The conversation highlights the value of intentional cooking and the skills developed through working with leftovers, ultimately encouraging listeners to see leftovers as opportunities rather than burdens.

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Leftover Roast Recipe Ideas:

Leftover roast can be sliced, chopped, ground, or shredded and turned into hot or cold sandwiches with leftover holiday sides, pot pie, shepherd’s pie, barley stew, packaged ramen upgrades, Philly cheesesteaks, stacked sliders, breakfast hash, tacos or quesadillas, fried rice, stuffing for Chinese bao buns, lasagnas, pasta bakes, bánh mì sandwiches, subs, spring rolls or egg rolls, risottos, curries, croquettes, fritters, tamales, chili, hand pies, pasties, or even used as pizza toppings.

Leftover Fish Recipe Ideas:

Leftover fish works beautifully in fish cakes, croquettes, chowder, soups or stews, fried rice, tacos, melty sandwiches like tuna melts or Reuben-style sandwiches, fish or potato patties, pasta with cream sauces such as Alfredo, fish salad, dips, smoked fish breakfast hash, pâté, sushi fillings, bagel toppings, quiche or frittata, or baked into a whole fish pie.

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Links:

Mashed Potatoes with Spruce Tip Swirl

Wild Turkey Leg Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage Sauce

Fuchsia Dunlop’s Spicy Sichuanese Chicken Salad

Chapters:

00:00 Transforming Leftovers: A Culinary Opportunity

02:47 Creative Uses for Wild Game Leftovers

06:20 The Transformation Rule: Elevating Leftovers

11:01 Versatile Mashed Potatoes and Other Sides

13:27 Utilizing Bones and Offal: The Hidden Gems

18:37 The Importance of Using Leftovers

24:11 Intentional Cooking: Skills from Leftovers

25:15 Rapid Fire Leftover Transformations

30:42 Personal Favorites: Transforming Turkey Leftovers

Takeaways:

Leftovers can be transformed into new meals rather than being seen as waste.

Wild game leftovers offer unique flavors and opportunities for creativity.

The transformation rule emphasizes changing the form, texture, or context of leftovers.

Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile holiday leftovers.

Bones and offal can be used to create rich stocks and broths.

Using leftovers is a way to honor the effort put into sourcing wild food.

Waste is a modern concept that can be mitigated through intentional cooking.

Wild food encourages a deeper connection to ingredients and their value.

Transforming leftovers can enhance cooking skills and creativity.

Leftovers can tell a story and bring new life to previous meals.

Keywords:

Leftovers, wild game, cooking, transformation, holiday meals, creative recipes, food waste, intentional eating, culinary skills, wild food
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