Edible Activist

In this episode, we sit down with Chi Walker—creative force, culinary curator, and one-half of the duo behind Fried Chicken and Caviar, the pop-up redefining what luxury looks and tastes like through a soulful, intentional lens. Chi invites us into her world of flavor, storytelling, and cultural reclamation, where ancestral roots meet culinary innovation. We explore the inspiration behind the name Fried Chicken and Caviar, the duality it represents in Black culinary traditions, and what it means to create elevated dining experiences that honor soul, heritage, and community. From spring garden influences to family food memories, Chi shares how her dishes become vessels for joy, resistance, and reimagined narratives. This is more than a conversation about food—it’s about presence, power, and claiming space at the table.

In this episode, we’re joined once again by LaMonika Jones, Director of State Initiatives at the Food Research & Action Center, for a food policy update. LaMonika breaks down key threats to SNAP at the federal level, offers insight into where we are in D.C.’s local budget process, and unpacks the broader impacts these decisions have on families. Together, we explore what’s at stake and how community members can take action. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to the most recent federal updates to SNAP.

Meet Kizzy Anderson James—a fierce spirit cultivating community, creativity, and flavor straight from the soil. In this episode of Edible Activist, host Melissa L. Jones welcomes the dynamic force behind Anderson James Farm. Kizzy is an urban farmer, disabled veteran, chicken mama, and storyteller whose journey from military service to farm life is as inspiring as it is impactful. Together, they explore the roots of her entrepreneurial path, the power of raising chickens in the city, and how she fuses creativity into everything from her crops to her kitchen. Kizzy also shares memories of the family cooks who shaped her and the farm-fresh meals that keep her connected to her purpose.

In this episode, we sit down with Tamara, the founder of Great Mother Garden Solutions, to explore the deep roots of land stewardship and herbal wisdom. From ancestral influences to the decision to grow her own herbs, she shares her journey of reconnecting with the earth. We unpack the overlooked healing power of dandelions, discover her favorite herbs for everyday use, and hear her heartfelt advice for aspiring growers looking to cultivate their own herbal gardens. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, this conversation is full of grounded insights and inspiration straight from the soil.

In this episode, we explore the rich tapestry of Black foodways with Josmine Evans, founder of Indigo Culinary & Co. As a cultural preservationist, chef, and storyteller, Josmine is on a mission to honor the culinary traditions of the African diaspora—one spice blend, one dish, and one story at a time. She shares how her travels across the African Atlantic have deepened her understanding of ancestral foodways and how her work with The Joy Project is helping to reclaim and celebrate these legacies. From preserving Black culinary traditions to using food as a form of resistance, Josmine invites us into a powerful conversation about seasoning, storytelling, and the liberation found at the table.