Episode 246: How The Lost Kitchen’s Star Chef Is ‘Finding Freedom’ After Hitting Rock Bottom; Pushing Past ‘The White Colonial Imagination’ To Enjoy Nature

Erin French, chef and owner of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, captures her rocky ascent to success in her new memoir, “Finding Freedom.” (Courtesy)

Erin French’s ascent to rock star chef almost didn’t happen. Before becoming the owner of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, she lost nearly everything that mattered in life. This week on NEXT, we talk with French about her journey and new memoir “Finding Freedom.” Plus, as a way to diversify staff and address inequality, more employers are dropping degree requirements for certain jobs — and gaining a market advantage. And we hear from Mardi Fuller, a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro, about enjoying nature despite the prevalence of the “white colonial imagination.”

Guests:

Erin French, chef and owner of The Lost Kitchen, a renowned restaurant in Freedom, Maine, and author of the new memoir, “Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking A Life From Scratch.”

Mardi Fuller, outdoor enthusiast and volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro.

Contributors:

Kirk Carapezza, managing editor and correspondent at GBH News
To Diversify Staffs, Some Employers Drop Degree Requirements

Quincy Walters, reporter at WBUR
‘I Feel Seen’: House Of Bawdy Adult Novelty Store Affirms Black And Queer Lives

Nina Keck, senior reporter at Vermont Public Radio
‘COVID Hit Us All So Hard’: Vermont Hospice Workers Say PTSD Will Last Years

Sofia Rudin, editor and reporter at The Public’s Radio
‘Constant COVID-brain’: Rhode Island School Nurses Describe The Stress Of Keeping Students, Teachers Safe During A Pandemic

About NEXT

NEXT is produced at Connecticut Public Radio
Host/Producer: Morgan Springer
Freelance Producer: Lily Tyson
Executive Editor: Vanessa de la Torre
Senior Director: Catie Talarski
Music: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon, “On My Way To You” by Noelle Micarelli, “To Meet You There” by Anjimile and “The Sea” by Francesca Blanchard.

New to NEXT? You can find every episode or one you missed within our archives

We want your feedback! Send critiques, suggestions, questions and ideas to next@ctpublic.org. Help us spread the word! If you like what you hear, rate and review us on iTunes.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.