Ep. 1 - The Intertidal System and Foraging with Alanna Kieffer

In April 2022, I officially launched my research for this book project by taking a clamming class on the Oregon Coast with my friend, Lindsey. In advance of the class, I began to get nervous. It was a really rainy, cold spring in the PNW and I just pictured myself out there in the mud flats, soaking wet and miserable.

It turned out to be anything but miserable. It was truly an incredible experience, and not just because it was resplendent and sunny. The fun and joy I felt were partially due to the instructor, Alanna Kieffer, who so very clearly had an outsized affection for the ocean and the creatures therein. Her enthusiasm was contagious. And as I approached the year anniversary of launching my immersive research, I thought I’d interview Alanna. And bonus, she agreed to be featured in my inaugural audio issue/podcast episode of Cramming for the Apocalypse.

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