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
Sep 4, 2024 • 59min
Plants of the Gods: S6E5. From Ayurveda to Acupuncture: An Interview with Herbalist William Siff
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!
Aug 21, 2024 • 23min
Plants of the Gods: S6E4. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: Maria Sibylla Merian and Sir Hans Sloan, Two Unforgettable Characters
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.
Aug 7, 2024 • 54min
Plants of the Gods: S6E3. The Ethnobotany of Heirloom Chocolate: An Interview with Denise Castronovo
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.
Jul 24, 2024 • 27min
Plants of the Gods: S6E2. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: Cacao Moves from Mexico to Europe
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.
14 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 34min
Plants of the Gods: S6E1. Food of the Gods: The Ethnobotany of Chocolate
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.
Feb 21, 2024 • 20min
Plants of the Gods: S5E10. The Mushroom Moment
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.
Feb 7, 2024 • 47min
Plants of the Gods: S5E9. The Ethnobotany of Amazonian Lianas: A Conversation with ethnobotanist Bruce Hoffman
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.
Jan 24, 2024 • 25min
Plants of the Gods: S5E8. Part 2 — Mescal, Tequila and Magic Toads: A Conversation with ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan
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.
Jan 10, 2024 • 36min
Plants of the Gods: S5E7. Part 1 — Mescal, Tequila and Magic Toads: A Conversation with ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan
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.
Dec 27, 2023 • 37min
Plants of the Gods: S5E6. Plants of the Gods in Ancient Persia: A Conversation with Dr. Shauheen Etminan
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.
