NEW SERIES
Tasting Wild EXPLORES THE FLAVORS OF NATURE
NEW SERIES
Tasting Wild
EXPLORES THE FLAVORS OF NATURE
EXPLORES THE FLAVORS OF NATURE
Important Vehicle Information.1
Mazda and National Geographic CreativeWorks collaborate on original streaming Series
We believe that nature offers us a unique opportunity to find inspiration and unlock our creativity. This is why we created the Mazda CX-50—built from the ground up to encourage and enable us to spend more time in the outdoors.
And now, for the first time ever, Mazda has collaborated with National Geographic CreativeWorks on an original streaming series, Tasting Wild. We paired the Mazda CX-50 with Celebrity Chef Melissa King for five distinct, immersive experiences in evocative outdoor settings.
Guiding her through this journey are six Nat Geo Explorers and Photographers—experts in the studies of fungi and butterflies, geothermal science, filmmaking and more. Throughout it all, the CX-50 helps Melissa step further into the great outdoors to form deeper connections with nature and create original dishes that are worthy of wonder.
JOURNEYING THROUGH NATURE REVITALIZES OUR CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY–MAKING US MORE HUMAN.
CHEF MELISSA KING: FORAGING AND COOKING OUTDOORS.
Entrepreneur and chef Melissa King has helmed multiple Michelin starred kitchens and is a Level 1 Sommelier. She also recently curated the menu for the 2022 Met Gala. Now, she’s taking her skills in the kitchen, outside—with the Mazda CX-50.
The accomplished chef is not unfamiliar with exploring unique pairings and daring flavors. Her signature style of cooking combines Asian and modern California cuisine, integrating culinary practices from her heritage, while incorporating new techniques to create truly distinct dishes.
Helping Melissa and the Mazda CX-50 find their way through these excursions is a select group of National Geographic Explorers and Photographers. Experts in their respective fields, these intrepid individuals are passionate about helping others get out into nature and appreciate all that it has to offer.
Nat Geo Explorers and Photographers:
FOSTERING LEARNING AND DISCOVERY.
Andrés Ruzo
National Geographic Explorer
Andrés Ruzo is a passionate scientist, public speaker and author. He was the first geoscientist granted the shamanic blessing to study the Boiling River of the Amazon in Peru—a phenomenon once thought legendary. He strives to inspire others to adventure into and appreciate nature.
Kiliii Yuyan
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER AND EXPLORER
Respectfully embedding himself among the people he photographs, Kiliii illuminates stories of indigenous communities with deep cultural connection to the natural world. An award-winning Nat Geo Photographer and Explorer, he is also a craftsman—building traditional kayaks by hand.
Korena Mafune
National Geographic Explorer
Dr. Korena Mafune is a fungal ecologist and Nat Geo Explorer. She studies how plant-fungal interactions shape environments and how they help create the intricate balance of old growth forests. Korena believes that being immersed outdoors reveals harmony between humanity and nature.
Anand Varma
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER AND EXPLORER
An award-winning National Geographic Explorer and Science Photographer, Anand Varma has a unique focus—macrophotography. His work reveals the beauty of nature’s otherwise invisible details, telling the story behind the science. His approach offers a new lens for nature exploration.
irene yee
National Geographic Adventure Photographer
Rock climber Irene Yee showcases a more accessible side of outdoor adventure. She highlights human connection among rock climbers of all skill levels—capturing the beauty of the sport, climbers and nature itself. Irene believes this experience can be transformative for all involved.
Savor the Outdoors with Mazda CX-50
WATCH TASTING WILD
A glacial excursion in The Cascades: Humanity, crafted in nature.
Photographer, filmmaker and craftsman Kiliii Yuyan and Melissa take the CX-50 through Washington’s snowy alpine region to discuss the deep connection between creativity and nature.
Self-discovery in the High Desert: Nature's Uplifting Power.
Mazda believes nature transforms us, every time we head into it. So, Melissa takes the CX-50 into Oregon’s high desert where she tries rock climbing for the first time with Photographer Irene Yee and studies butterflies with ecologist Amanda Egertson.
Where the forest meets the sea: Beauty is in the Details.
Science photographer Anand Varma shows Melissa how nature’s tiniest details reveal both beauty and new things about the natural world. Then, Anand turns a Mazda CX-50 cargo area into a photo lab.
From Rainforest to Volcano—an epic journey in Hawaii: Exploration Fuels Creativity.
The Mazda CX-50 helps Geothermal scientist Andrés Ruzo and chef Melissa King explore the lava fields of Hawaii’s windward side and climb to the top of Mauna Loa–the largest active volcano on the planet.
Exploring old growth in the Pacific Northwest: Finding Balance in the Forest.
Old growth forests have a harmonious balance that is in part maintained by fungal ecology. Dr. Korena Mafune and Melissa travel off-road in a Mazda CX-50 to forage for wild mushrooms and explore.
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