Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast

The therapeutic benefits of ayahuasca are well-known and celebrated worldwide. However, when conducted by the wrong individuals, ayahuasca ceremonies can also lead to harmful outcomes. In this episode, host Mark Plotkin talks with author and explorer Robert Tindall about some of the potential risks and downsides of ayahuasca use.

Many people associate cacao (and chocolate) with its origins in Mexico, but few are aware that the plant itself is native to the rainforests of the northwest Amazon. Previous episodes of this season of "Plants of the Gods" traced the journey of cacao from the Amazon to Central America and then to Europe. In this episode, ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin continues to explore the captivating history of this remarkable treat, spanning from the American Revolution through the Industrial Revolution and into the 21st century. 

Discover the fascinating lives of isolated indigenous rainforest tribes and their rich healing plant knowledge. Explore the fragile cultural practices of the Acorio tribe and the profound influence of fire on their beliefs. Uncover the tragic consequences of Western contact, risking cultural loss and population declines. Dive into the Matzés people's rituals involving the green monkey frog and its hallucinogenic properties. Learn how harnessing indigenous wisdom can lead to sustainable development and conservation efforts.

Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist with over 40 years of experience in the Amazon, shares fascinating insights into the rainforest's healing potential. He delves into the dual importance of indigenous practices and scientific research for unlocking medicinal secrets. Discover the promise of Amazonian fungi in drug innovation and the rich healing practices of local shamans. Plotkin also emphasizes the need for equitable profit-sharing in medicinal plant commercialization and the preservation of invaluable indigenous knowledge for future generations.

Explore the fascinating world of rainforest plants, especially lianas, and their medicinal properties. Discover how ayahuasca and other species play vital roles in healing and cultural practices. Hear thrilling anecdotes from an ethnobotanist's Amazon journey that highlight indigenous wisdom. Dive into the ecological significance of these climbing wonders and their interactions with trees, while considering climate change's impact on their growth. It's a vibrant mix of botany, culture, and personal storytelling.

Ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin conducts a fascinating interview with William Siff, who is a licensed acupuncturist, clinical herbalist, and ethnobotanist who practices an unusual combination of both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Bill is best known to the general public as author of the classic work, "The Plant Medicine Protocol." The interview not only covers Siff's intriguing background and healing approach but answers the questions of what is a plant, what is a food, what is a spice, what is a medicine, and which species like black pepper are all of the above!

In this captivating discussion, pioneering naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian and Sir Hans Sloan come to life through their remarkable contributions to ethnobotany. Merian shares her innovative studies of cacao and the Amazon's biodiversity, while Sloan’s intriguing ties to the slave trade shed light on chocolate's complex history. The conversation also touches on Merian's collaboration with local cultures and the journey through podcast favorites, from Ayahuasca to the medicinal uses of plants by primates, highlighting the rich tapestry of nature and culture.

Denise Castronovo, founder of Castronovo Chocolates, shares her journey from childhood chocolate lover to ethical cacao sourcer. She explains the stunning array of flavors in artisanal chocolate, comparing its appreciation to wine tasting. The podcast highlights the importance of sustainable practices in cacao sourcing, the intricate conching process that enhances chocolate's texture, and the rise of high-quality, community-focused chocolate production in the Amazon. Denise also emphasizes empowering local communities to cultivate a more equitable chocolate industry.

In this episode of "Plants to the Gods," we continue our discussion about cacao and chocolate. Join us as Dr. Mark Plotkin delves into the rich history of chocolate and its entanglement with capitalism. Learn how the cacao plant, originally cherished by the Olmecs, Aztecs, and Mayas, went from the rainforests of the northwest Amazon to becoming a global commodity. Discover the fascinating story of how a clever candy maker leveraged the fame of Babe Ruth to sell his new chocolate bar, leading to a surprising courtroom battle over the iconic name. Accompany us as we explore the journey of cacao through empires, revolutions, and into our favorite confections today.

Delve into the fascinating history of cacao, from its origins in the Amazon rainforest to its role in Mayan and Aztec cultures. Explore cacao's use as currency, its significance in trade, and its influence in Aztec society. Discover the botanical, cultural, and economic legacy of chocolate.