Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast
Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.
"Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation" is a new and unique podcast focusing on the hallucinogenic plants and fungi whose impact on world culture and religion – and healing potential - is only now beginning to be appreciated as never before. Unlike other podcasts relating to these issues, "Plants of the Gods" is hosted by renowned ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin, a Harvard and Yale-trained scientist who has been studying the healing plants and shamans of the Amazon rainforest for almost four decades. An award-winning scientist and best selling author, Dr, Plotkin is a spellbinding storyteller who will be speaking from personal experience and will be joined by other leaders in the field.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 41min
Plants of the Gods: S7E10. When Plants Speak: Exploring Ayahuasca with Rebekah Senanayake
Rebekah Senanayake, an ethnobotanist with deep ties to indigenous ayahuasca practices, shares her fascinating journey through the world of plant communication. She contrasts western and indigenous beliefs while exploring the profound personal transformations that ayahuasca can bring. Rebekah emphasizes the power of simplicity in ritual, likening ayahuasca ceremonies to flotation tanks and other trance practices. She also discusses the risks of ayahuasca tourism and advocates for mindful participation in these sacred traditions.
Sep 24, 2025 • 18min
Plants of the Gods: S7E9. Spice - A New Book by Roger Crowley
In this episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin takes us on a sweeping journey through the epic history of the spice trade—one of the most transformative chapters in global history. From ancient trade routes and religious rituals to colonial conquests and modern capitalism, spices like cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cloves have shaped agriculture, medicine, navigation, and even warfare. Dr. Plotkin also reviews Roger Crowley's gripping new book, Spice: The 16th-Century Contest That Shaped the Modern World.
Sep 10, 2025 • 19min
Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay
The Plants of the Gods podcast has pioneered the concept of mind-altering substances not being merely hallucinogens but also "ideogens," substances that generate new ideas and creative concepts. Nowhere was this more evident than among artists and the scientists in 19th-century Europe, from Sigmund Freud to Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William James. This episode details this much-overlooked chapter in modern history and discusses a recent book by cultural historian Mike Jay on this topic.
Aug 27, 2025 • 31min
Plants of the Gods: S7E7. The Ethnobotany of Brugmansia, the Tree of the Evil Eagle.
Ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin discusses Brugmansia, some of the most beautiful hallucinogenic plants in the botanical world. Their bright flowers hang like sacred trumpets and have long been used by traditional healers of the Andes-Amazon region as an important component of their medicine chest. Closely related to the 'hexing herbs' of European witches of the Middle Ages (as detailed in an earlier episode), these fascinating plants can heal - or harm.
26 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 28min
Plants of the Gods: S7E6. The Ethnobotany of the Spice Trade: How it Built the Modern World
The spice trade revolutionized global culture, shaping economies and culinary practices. It enabled rich trade connections, while influencing medicine and religious rituals. Listeners learn about the distinction between herbs and spices, and how these plants were pivotal in ancient civilizations. The impact of the spice trade stretches from the Roman Empire to the Age of Exploration, intertwining with themes of cultural exchange and economic power, all while revealing the hidden costs of colonialism and environmental change.
Jul 30, 2025 • 53min
Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver
Dr. Rob Silver, a seasoned veterinarian and author of "There’s a Mushroom for That!", dives into the transformative role of mushrooms and cannabis in veterinary medicine. He shares compelling stories, including Grover’s recovery from hemangiosarcoma through holistic care. The discussion highlights innovative practices like microdosing for canine behavioral issues, the unique benefits of cordyceps, and the safe integration of cannabis into pet treatment plans. This enlightening conversation redefines how we view animal care and natural remedies.
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance
Dr. Joe Watkins, an archaeologist and anthropologist from the Choctaw Nation, shares invaluable insights on indigenous perspectives regarding the psychedelic renaissance. He discusses the implications of mainstream interest in plant medicines and the historical context surrounding it. Dr. Watkins highlights the importance of proper harvesting practices, the concern over neo-shamans, and the balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation. He advocates for engaging youth through cultural programs while emphasizing the need to protect indigenous knowledge and practices.
Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Plants of the Gods: S7E3. Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy
Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a leading medicinal chemist from the University of Florida, dives into the fascinating world of Salvia divinorum. He explains its surprising chemical properties and how salvinorin A interacts uniquely with kappa-opioid receptors. The conversation touches on traditional Mazatec healing practices and the herb's potent, often dysphoric effects. McCurdy also highlights the broader implications for therapeutic plant research and the importance of understanding whole-plant pharmacology in the quest for new psychiatric treatments.
Jun 18, 2025 • 34min
Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy
Christopher McCurdy, a leading expert on kratom and a professor at the University of Florida, discusses the dual nature of this fascinating plant. He reveals its potential to treat opioid withdrawal while acting as both a stimulant and a sedative, depending on dosage. The conversation dives into kratom's traditional uses in Southeast Asia, its cultural significance, and the importance of indigenous knowledge in understanding its benefits. McCurdy also emphasizes the need for further research to ensure safety and efficacy, advocating for collaboration with traditional users in the scientific exploration.
Jun 4, 2025 • 25min
Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong!
Dive into the allure of lost cities and ancient civilizations! Hear about groundbreaking LiDAR technology revealing hidden ruins in Honduras. Discover the mystical aspects of shamanism and how they connect to hallucinogens through fascinating experiences. Mark Plotkin shares a personal ayahuasca journey that leads to insights about shape-shifting and ancient art. Plus, explore the intriguing misinterpretations surrounding the legendary 'monkey god' and the cultural influences that may have shaped this myth.
