In this episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill interview herbalist and author Marcos Patchett. Marcos shares his journey into herbalism and medical astrology, influenced by his grandfather and a series of personal experiences. He discusses his in-depth research on cacao, chronicled in his books 'The Secret Life of Chocolate' and 'Pharmacocoa.' The conversation delves into the history, cultivation, traditional preparation, and medicinal benefits of cacao, highlighting its unique qualities and its significant cultural impact in Mesoamerica. Marcos also touches on his new medical astrology education platform, Plan*tarium, designed for herbalists and medical practitioners.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:31 Meet Marcos Hatchet: Herbalist and Author

01:00 Discussing Chocolate and Astrology

02:02 Marcos' Journey into Herbalism

08:24 The Influence of Mentors and Teachers

11:34 The Obsession with Chocolate

15:05 The Holy Grail of Chocolate

23:55 Cacao Cultivation and Mythology

38:36 The Resilient Dandelion and Planetary Herbs

40:14 Cacao: The Venusian Delight

41:06 The Complex Nature of Cacao

44:27 Traditional Preparation of Cacao

45:07 Foaming Agents and Techniques

57:33 Medicinal Uses of Cacao

01:02:19 Choosing the Right Cacao

01:07:03 Books, Reviews, and Courses