In this season finale of Plants of the Gods, join host Dr. Mark Plotkin as we learn about everything mushrooms, which are truly having a moment! Drawing from an article he published in HerbalGram, Dr. Plotkin provides an overview of how our daily lives are transformed by fungi, in the past, present and the future. From Pink Floyd to hit TV show “The Last of Us”, from magic mushrooms to our favorite dishes, we wrap up season five with learning about the ways fungi continue to shape our story.

Join Dr. Mark Plotkin and Dr. Bruce Hoffman as they discuss the significance of lianas in the rainforest, a man's life saved by a rainforest vine, the different types of climbing plants and their medicinal properties, the undervalued importance of lianas in traditional medicine, the vast knowledge of a guide in identifying plant species, and the benefits of indigenous knowledge in rainforest stewardship.

Join ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan as he discusses the ceremonial use of agave plants, preserving indigenous traditions and desert wisdom, the legacy of ethnobotanist Howard Gentry, climate change and conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting knowledge and biodiversity.

Join ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan in conversation with Dr. Mark Plotkin as they discuss the power of the desert, the challenges facing the agave spirits industry, the negative impact of overharvesting, the difference between Mescal and Tequila, the importance of agricultural diversity, and the medicinal properties of agave.

Dr. Shauheen Etminan, co-founder of VCENNA, discusses the history of mind-altering substances in Zoroastrianism. They explore Ayahuasca's significance in different cultures and the connection between beta carbolines and mystical experiences. The hosts delve into the historical and religious background of the Middle East, and the connection between 'Homa' and 'Soma'. They also discuss plants and alkaloids as the source of mystical experiences, and the connection between Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism through the gift of the magi.

Explore the origins and cultural significance of coffee, from its botanical history to its role as a catalyst for revolutionary ideas. Learn about the intellectual power of coffee houses and their influence on famous figures. Discover how coffee played a unique role in Communist Romania. Delve into the specialty coffee movement and its origins on the West Coast.

Coffee's impact on human evolution and consciousness is explored through theories like the stoned ape and drunk monkey hypotheses. The history of coffee in France during the Napoleonic Wars is discussed, along with the significance and controversy of coffee throughout history.

In this episode of Plants of the Gods, we hear from Rhett Butler, editor-in-chief and CEO of Mongabay. Mongabay is a nonprofit environmental science and conservation news platform that produces original reporting by leveraging over 800 correspondents in 70 different countries. With a main focus on forests, wildlife, oceans, and the conservation sector, Mongabay reports on many regions that POTG host Dr. Mark Plotkin has spent his career working in. Today, join us in conversation with Dr. Plotkin and Rhett Butler to hear about everything from Mongabay’s origins, Rhett’s inspiration for his work, and how best to save the rainforest.     Mongabay's podcast covers the whole environmental spectrum, from Indigenous ecological knowledge to the latest in conservation science, with a variety of expert guests, authors, researchers, and activists. Find the Mongabay Newscast wherever you get podcasts. https://www.mongabay.com/podcast/

Did ancient Africans know and use antibiotics? Historical connection between wine and beer. Role of beer as nutrition, clean water, and medicine. Craft beer movement and brewing process. Unique and unusual beer varieties. Popularity of beer in Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. Frank Zappa's connection to beer and its importance. Promoting other podcast episodes and raising awareness for Amazon Conservation Team.

This podcast explores the history of beer, including its influence on civilization and its relationship with hallucinogens. It also delves into the discovery of tetracycline in ancient Nubian bones and the significance of indigenous knowledge. Additionally, it discusses the role of women in beer brewing, the rise of monasteries as dominant brewers, and the scientific aspects of brewing, including different yeast strains and their impact on flavor.