Watch Hungry for Answers

Hungry for Answers is an inspiring new series from discovery+ featuring author, poet, and activist Caroline Randall Williams. The show seeks to explore the intersection of food, culture, and identity, as well as uncover the hidden histories and untold stories behind some of America's favorite dishes.

As she travels across the country, Randall Williams meets with a diverse group of individuals to explore their personal relationships with food, and how those relationships are influenced by their cultural backgrounds and family traditions. From soul food in the South to the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, each episode offers a unique perspective on the role that food plays in different communities and cultures.

Throughout the series, Randall Williams uses her platform to raise awareness about the social justice issues inherent in the food industry. She highlights the work of local farmers and advocates for sustainable, ethical practices in food production, while also shining a light on the impact of food deserts and systemic inequality in access to healthy food.

One of the standout aspects of the show is Randall Williams' natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether she's cooking with a local chef, chatting with a small business owner, or listening to the stories of everyday people gathered around a table, she approaches each encounter with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for the power of food to bring us together.

In one episode, Randall Williams travels to the Pacific Northwest to learn about the importance of salmon to the Indigenous communities of the region. She visits a thriving salmon hatchery and meets with local fishers who share their knowledge and expertise about sustainable fishing practices. Through their conversations, Randall Williams uncovers the complex history of colonization and exploitation that has threatened the survival of salmon populations, and the ongoing efforts to restore balance and defend the rights of Indigenous people.

Another episode takes place in Nashville, where Randall Williams explores the legacy of African American cuisine and the deep cultural roots of comfort food. She visits a soul food restaurant and speaks with the owner about the challenges of running a small business, as well as the ways in which traditional Black foodways have been appropriated and commodified by larger, predominantly White-owned corporations.

On her journey, Randall Williams also explores the impact of food on mental health, highlighting the ways in which culinary traditions and mealtime rituals can provide a sense of connection and belonging for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. She discovers the power of community gardens to promote healing and create inclusive spaces, and learns about programs that use food as a way to build social connections and combat loneliness.

Through it all, Randall Williams brings her signature blend of warmth, intelligence, and poetic insight to each episode of Hungry for Answers. Her passion for food, culture, and social justice shines through in every conversation, and viewers are sure to come away from the series with a deeper appreciation for the ways in which food can connect us to our past, present, and future.

Hungry for Answers is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between June 8, 2022 and on discovery+