Grief and Growing: An Immigrant Seed Keeper's Story of Cultivating Connection by Dr Mehmet Oztan

Featuring a reading of Grief and Growing: An Immigrant Seed Keeper's Story of Cultivating Connection by author Dr. Mehmet Oztan, this conversation traces the emotional and cultural journey of an immigrant seed keeper. Join host LuAnna Nesbitt and special guest Ira Wallace as they discuss the "Karalahana" of the Black Sea, the striking parallels between Turkish and Southern foodways, and how the act of saving seeds can serve as a form of therapy and a bridge to one's heritage.NOTE: This episode was recorded May 8, 2025.Support the showThank you for listening to the Crop Stories Podcast. The Crop Stories Podcast is a production of The Utopian Seed Project, a non-profit celebrating agricultural biodiversity in the Southeast. To support our work, purchase a copy of the Crop Stories journal, or learn more about our projects, visit us at utopianseed.org.Follow the JourneyInstagram: @utopianseedprojectLink to Support: https://www.utopianseed.org/crop-story-audioIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, as it helps these stories grow.