15 MAR 2021 · Welcome to Volume 2, Episode 2! Today, Andrew takes a virtual trip to Lost Creek Farm in Lost Creek, W.Va., to talk to Mike Costello.
Costello is a native Appalachian, growing up in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and a graduate of the then-P.I. Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University. Not only is Costello a media-minded fella, he's part owner and operator at Lost Creek Farm, a relatively small but innovative farm in Harrison County. Costello and his partner Amy Dawson, who was unavailable to join the episode due to prior engagements, describe themselves as, "Two West Virginia cooks and farmers creating and sharing story-rich mountain cuisine." They operate an Instagram account (@lostcreekfarm), as well as produce their own podcast, The Pickle Shelf Radio Hour, as well as videos and other pieces of media to share their work and thoughts. Their work was also showcased on Anthony Bourdain's CNN show "Parts Unknown" a few months before the famous chef and world traveler committed suicide in France.
Andrew and Mike touch on many topics, though none more important as food insecurity in West Virginia and greater region but also Appalachian resiliency and what that truly means. Other topics include wild game cooking, foraging and goals for the farm.