Fat of The Land, Primi S1:2
Episode two of Fat of The Land grounds us deeper in Sicily with Jessie and Carlo of Slow Life Family Farm and Mila of Bimbi Naturali. Across the conversation, themes of hunger, desire, and the allure of independence continue to unfold.
“Hunger drives us to do beautiful things, crazy things, horrible things, but that is the most human thing I can point to. We’re a very hungry species, and that hunger moves us.”
This episode asks us to consider the root of our desires and how they may draw us toward the land rather than away from it. Through reflections on patience and the wisdom of living within natural cycles, the conversations invite us to imagine beyond a world of instant gratification. As Mila reminds us, “nature needs time.” What kind of fulfillment becomes possible when we learn to move at nature’s pace?
Fat of The Land is a series that asks us what we mean when we look for connection between people and the land. Following a desire for real relation, for deliciousness, and for slowness, each episode traces what happens when we follow this desire.
Let this conversation nourish the desires and longings that draw us back into relationship with the land.
Biographies
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At Slow Life Family Farm, we carry on the legacy of a 2nd generation family of guides, deeply embedded in the history and nature of Sicily. Founded by Carlo, a renowned historical and nature guide, and Jessie, an expert in natural plant uses, our farm is a living testament to a life intertwined with the land. Our mission is to cultivate not just organic produce but to foster a community around the authentic Sicilian way of life, integrating age-old traditions with sustainable living. Born in Siracusa, Carlo is an esteemed English-speaking guide in Eastern Sicily, known for his work with BBC nature documentaries and Netflix’s Chef’s Table series. With a passion for the traditional uses of plants, Jessie brings a wealth of knowledge about local crafts, foods, and medicines to our farm’s daily life.
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Mila is an educator and director at the nature school, Bimbi Naturali, located in rural Sicily.
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Ayana and her daughter spend their days exploring the wilderness of Coastal Alaska (US) while strategizing ways to halt large-scale industrial projects within wild salmon habitat. She is the co-founder and host of For The Wild, an independent slow media project and podcast devoted to land-based protection, co-liberation, and the tender work of remembering our place within the living world. Through over a decade of intimate dialogue with visionaries, knowledge keepers, and artists, Ayana brings forth stories that awaken reverence, ignite resistance, and dream toward a future shaped by reciprocity and collective care. Her work is rooted in devotion; to the Earth, to truth telling, and to the quiet transformation that comes from listening deeply.
Credits
For The Wild is created by Ayana Young, Victoria Pham, Erica Ekrem, Julia Jackson, and Aurie Bittle. This episode is brought to you by generous sponsorships from Ritū and Terra Elaÿa.
Ritū is a nourishing daily drink made from ancient plants cultivated long before coffee existed — roasted chicory, barley, shade-grown cacao, amaranth, maíz morado, and mesquite blended into a morning cup that honors the land it comes from, delivered in a compostable bag that returns to the earth.
Ritū built a custom landing page for us and would like to offer For The Wild listeners 25% their first month with a discount code FORTHEWILD25. To order yourself some Ritū, head over to drinkritu.com/forthewild .
Terra Elaÿa is a sanctuary where ancient ways meet the needs of our time. We emerge at this time of crossroads, standing as a space for the transformation, renewal, and re-enchantment of the human spirit. Located in the heart of southern Italy, we provide a place to come into a deeper relationship with life: to slow down, listen, and restore embodied wisdom.
Head to terraelaya.com to learn more about upcoming Terra Elaÿa experiences or to host an event.
Behind-the-Scenes Extras
In this bonus mini episode, Ayana speaks with Matteo, a truffle hunter near Rome, about his family lineage and what it’s like to work in the world of truffles.
By joining us on Patreon, you get early access to episodes, reflection prompts, 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.
Digital Zine
Launching in June
Listen to the series…
