François Couplan is a forager, ethnobatanist, wild chef, traveller, and published author of more than 120 books on wild edible plants, herbal medicine and culinary botany. He has 50 years of experience as a teacher, and over 70 years of life experience.  Even as an infant, he was already turned on by plants, so that's where his journey with plants begins, and where we start our conversation. About growing up in Paris, and seeing green everywhere, even in the city. About how it's always easier to relate with plants than it is with people. About being young in the 60s and 70s and developing an interest in a different, more psychedelic kind of plants. About how he discovered botany and ethnobotany and how he started teaching and writing books.  About dropping out of society, living in the woods and evaluating your basic needs. About how nature is always there, even when we are destroying it. About the problem with cultivating plants and agriculture, and how everything is humanized. And lots more. You can find more information about François and his work on the website: https://couplan.com/ Most of his books are available in the webshop, including my favourite: https://couplan.com/livres/remedes-et-recettes-a-lortie/ Or follow him on Instagram @harmonie_plantes_sauvages François also mentions the book "Food for free" by Richard Mabey. A complete guide to help you safely identify edible species that grow around us, together with detailed field identification notes and recipes. If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook. But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart 💚 🎼 music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer: The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode. We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests. The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.