“I really feel I was called here, and I really feel this land itself is calling for human touch.” —Jessie, Slow Life Family Farm
Fat of The Land, Aperitivo S1:1 

Dear For The Wild Community, 

Welcome to our new storytelling series, Fat of The Land.

To take in the first episode, it feels important to begin with the longing that inspired this field-based conversation.

Ayana shares, “I came to Italy because I wanted to immerse myself in a certain kind of life, the one we imagine where food matters, where meals take time, where there's a sense of continuity between land and people, a life that feels well-lived. I was curious about what would happen if I followed that desire all the way through, whether it would actually satisfy something or just sharpen the appetite.”

This story invites us beyond the surface of beauty to ask: what draws us to the beautiful, delicious, and sensuous in the first place?

Episode One

The opening episode, “Aperitivo,” grounds us in Sicily with Carlo and Jessie of Slow Life Family Farm. Together with Ayana, they dive deep into the history of Noto, Sicily, and how it has sustained human life across centuries.

Carlo and Jessie share the long traces of settlement on the land with nuance. What does it mean to be independent as growers and gardeners while also recognizing our interconnectedness with both the land and each other across time? 

Let this episode pique your appetite for more to come. This five-part series will unfold week by week.

Gratitude

We chose our sponsors with care, and we’re so grateful that we’ve been able to release this series with their support.

Ritū

Ritū made a custom landing page for us and would like to offer For The Wild listeners 25% their first month with discount code FORTHEWILD25. To bring Ritū into your morning (or anytime of day!) head over to drinkritu.com.

Elaÿa

Head to terraelaya.com to learn more about upcoming Elaÿa experiences or to host an event.

Further Listening

Episode One
“Digestivo”

In this bonus mini episode, Ayana speaks with Tatiana Pais Becher in the Italian Dolomites about what it takes to be a good guest and how locals are returning to the land.

By joining us on Patreon, you get early access to all five Fat of The Land “Digestivos” (mini audio episodes on craft, tradition, conscious tourism, regenerative farming, truffle hunting). Patreon membership also gives you access to our zines, archives of extended episodes, and more.

And to stay with the hunger a little longer… listen in to these related conversations: