by Fuggo King
When I first volunteered to be the host for the Highland Good Food Podcast, I was stepping into new territory. Albeit one without passport control.
The first episode I recorded was in May 2023, titled Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. I was fortunate to be trusted by the partnership to choose the subject and interviewees. I decided to begin with a topic I had first-hand experience of and spoke to people I already knew. I was then ably supported by Rachel Butterworth as editor, who shared helpful tips that improved both our communication and the editing process in future recordings.
By then, I was hooked. I love learning new things and speaking with people. Subsequent topics were shaped through meetings with the HGFP team, and useful contacts were often suggested. I would research as much as possible before conducting interviews. While I listened to a range of podcasts, I feel lucky that I was able to follow my own instincts and intuition when selecting interviewees. The episode I most enjoyed recording was the final one, on pollinators – partly because I met most of the contributors in person, but also because of the depth and range of knowledge shared.
I also revisited many of the earlier HGF podcast episodes. One of my favourites from season one is episode three, Taking Control of Our Bread. As a long-time bread baker and user of organic grains, I was fascinated to learn more about small-scale bakeries and heritage grain growers. In season two, I particularly enjoyed episode two, which explored the impact of small businesses and individuals on the local food system.
What I value most about podcasts is the opportunity for deeper engagement. Rather than skimming the surface of a topic, there is space for more thoughtful exploration. While images and short-form content on social media can inspire, more considered listening allows for richer understanding and can help avoid confusion or misunderstanding. Finding a balance – introducing topics in an engaging, accessible way while still offering depth – will be an exciting challenge for the next HGF podcast producer.
One of the more challenging episodes for me was making the Good Food Nation Act and Plan accessible. If you would like to learn more about how this is progressing, I recommend reading the previous blog by Ele, which offers a clear overview of both the opportunities and challenges.
There is no doubt in my mind that exploring more local, healthy and affordable food options is crucial for all communities. In a region like the Highlands, reducing food miles and offering alternatives to large online retailers and supermarkets is becoming increasingly important. Please continue to support local food where you can, and get in touch to contribute into the good food movement.
For now, I’ll head back out into the garden to pot up some seedlings and reflect on my next learning adventure.