Plants of the Gods: S6E7. The Medicinal Plants and Fungi of the Amazon

The Plants of the Gods podcast

The Plants of the Gods podcast

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

il y a un an 17:37

MP3•Maison d'episode

The Amazon rainforest - teeming with unstudied plants, fungi, and shamanic cultures - has long been considered an almost inexhaustible source of healing plants and potions.   In this episode - Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist who has been studying the plants and peoples of Amazonia for four decades - provides a detailed and incisive overview of the medicinal power and potential of the world’s greatest rainforest!

66 episodes

Plants of the Gods: S6E7. The Medicinal Plants and Fungi of the Amazon

106 subscribers

published il y a un an

MP3•Maison d'episode

66 episodes

Tous les épisodes

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance 41:15

il y a environ 11 jours41:15

41:15

“Plants of the Gods” has featured dozens of episodes detailing the power, potential, and pitfalls of using hallucinogenic plants and fungi – and even frogs – for healing purposes. The Psychedelic Renaissance is in full swing — but what does it look like to the indigenous peoples themselves? Anthropologist Dr. Joe Watkins of the Choctaw Nation offers his thoughtful perspective on these fascinating issues.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E3. Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy 15:53

il y a environ 25 jours15:53

15:53

A mind-blowing mint? Salvia divinorum, a perennial herb in the mint family, has been used by traditional healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, to understand more about what ails a patient. Known for its potent psychoactive effects, Salvia can induce dysphoria and dissociation. But new scientific research is shedding light on the plant's unique effect on the brain, and its potential in treating psychiatric disorders. We continue our conversation with Dr. Chris McCurdy, a medicinal chemist and behavioral pharmacologist at the University of Florida, who is one of the foremost experts on this plant of the gods. Show notes: Babu, Kavita M, et al. “Opioid Receptors and Legal Highs: Salvia Divinorum and Kratom.” National Center for Biotechnology Information , U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2008, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18259963/.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy 34:02

il y a 6 weeks34:02

34:02

The tropical Asian tree kratom – a member of the same botanical family that has given us both coffee and quinine – is showing great potential for successfully treating a variety of serious afflictions, from stress to opioid withdrawal. Ironically – depending on dosage – it can act either as a stimulant or a sedative. The episode features an insightful interview with Dr. Christopher McCurdy, the leading authority on this extraordinary plant of the gods. Show notes: “About Christopher R McCurdy.” University of Florida College of Pharmacy , pharmacy.ufl.edu/profile/mccurdy-christopher/ . Accessed 17 June 2025. Grundmann, Oliver, et al. “Not All Kratom Is Equal: The Important Distinction between Native Leaf and Extract Products - Grundmann - 2024 - Addiction - Wiley Online Library.” Wiley Online Library , 9 Oct. 2023, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16366. Smith, Kirsten E., et al. “The Rise of Novel, Semi-Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products.” Wiley Online Library , 3 Dec. 2024, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16728. Talesnik, Dana. “McCurdy Studies Whether Kratom Can Reduce Opioid Withdrawal, Ease Pain.” National Institutes of Health , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23 June 2022, nihrecord.nih.gov/2022/06/24/mccurdy-studies-whether-kratom-can-reduce-opioid-withdrawal-ease-pain.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong! 24:43

il y a 8 weeks24:43

24:43

The lure of lost cities is a deep and enduring fascination that combines equal parts mystery, adventure, treasure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. The existence and discovery of these ruins – whether it was King Tut's tomb or Machu Picchu – demonstrates the brilliance of ancient civilizations and their impermanence and mortality. In this episode, host Mark Plotkin recounts his experience as part of an expedition in search of the so-called "Lost City of the Monkey God," as well as the role that hallucinogens and shamanism played in helping us understand some of the artwork and cultures of these ancient peoples. Episode Notes Clottes, Jean, and David Lewis-Williams. The Shamans of Prehistory: Trance and Magic in the Painted Caves . Translated by Sophie Hawkes, Harry N. Abrams, 1998. Plotkin, Mark J. Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice: An Ethnobotanist Searches for New Medicines in the Amazon Rain Forest . Penguin Books, 1994. Preston, Douglas. The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story . Grand Central Publishing, 2017. Schultes, Richard Evans, et al. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing and Hallucinogenic Powers . Healing Arts Press, 2001. Vaz, Mark Cotta. Living Dangerously: The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong . Villard, 2005.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E10. Perils and Pitfalls of Ayahuasca: An Interview with Robert Tindall 47:07

il y a 37 weeks47:07

47:07

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.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E9. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: From Revolution to Industrialization 32:46

il y a 39 weeks32:46

32:46

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.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E8. The Ethnobotany of Isolated and Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples 23:19

il y a 41 weeks23:19

23:19

The concept of uncontacted or isolated indigenous rainforest groups enthralls many people, even those who have no particular interest in rainforest conservation or tribal cultures. Yet there certainly exist dozens of these groups in Amazonia, if not more. How can we estimate what and how much they know about the healing plants of the rainforest if we do not contact them first? This episode attempts to answer this seemingly oxymoronic question.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E7. The Medicinal Plants and Fungi of the Amazon 17:37

il y a 43 weeks17:37

17:37

The Amazon rainforest - teeming with unstudied plants, fungi, and shamanic cultures - has long been considered an almost inexhaustible source of healing plants and potions. In this episode - Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist who has been studying the plants and peoples of Amazonia for four decades - provides a detailed and incisive overview of the medicinal power and potential of the world’s greatest rainforest!…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E6. Ayahuasca and Other Lianas I Have Known and Loved 12:29

il y a 45 weeks12:29

12:29

This episode delves deeply into the ethnobotany of these bizarre rainforest plants. From the ethereal ayahuasca to galvanizing guarana, we hear tales of how these species can be used for everything from curing deadly spider bites to measuring climate change.

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E5. From Ayurveda to Acupuncture: An Interview with Herbalist William Siff 58:47

il y a 47 weeks58:47

58:47

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!…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E4. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: Maria Sibylla Merian and Sir Hans Sloan, Two Unforgettable Characters 23:11

il y a 49 weeks23:11

23:11

Join host Dr. Mark Plotkin, ethnobotanist and founder of the Amazon Conservation Team, we continue our discussion about cacao. In this episode, Dr. Plotkin sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Maria Sibylla Merian, a pioneering naturalist whose groundbreaking work in the Amazon predated that of many famous explorers. Discover how this remarkable woman, who began as an artist in 17th-century Germany, became one of the first Europeans to scientifically document the plants, animals, and cultures of the Amazon. Dr. Plotkin also shares his favorite episodes from the "Plants of the Gods" podcast, including stories of Ayahuasca, absinthe, and even how apes use plants for medicinal purposes. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of the Amazon and the extraordinary individuals who have helped us understand its wonders.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E3. The Ethnobotany of Heirloom Chocolate: An Interview with Denise Castronovo 53:33

il y a 51 weeks53:33

53:33

In this episode of Plants of the Gods, join us as we continue delving into the rich and complex world of chocolate. Our guest, Denise Castronovo, founder of Castronovo Chocolates, shares her journey from tasting fine Swiss chocolates as a child to sourcing cacao directly from the Northwest Amazon. She works with indigenous and local communities to ensure ethical practices and the highest quality ingredients. Denise explains the difference between mass-produced and artisanal chocolate, highlighting the latter's 600+ flavor notes influenced by cacao varietals. Join us as we explore chocolate's ancient origins, modern artisanal production, and the importance of sustainability in the chocolate industry.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E2. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: Cacao Moves from Mexico to Europe 26:44

il y a 1 year26:44

26:44

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.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S6E1. Food of the Gods: The Ethnobotany of Chocolate 33:33

il y a 1 year33:33

33:33

Today, we kick off Season 6 of Plants of the Gods, as host Dr. Mark Plotkin of the Amazon Conservation Team explores the fascinating history of cacao, highlighting its ancient origins in the Amazon rainforest and its transformation into the beloved chocolate consumed worldwide today. From its discovery by indigenous peoples in South America to its role in the highly sophisticated Mayan and Aztec cultures as a sacred and valued commodity, cacao's journey is a testament to its enduring significance across centuries and continents. Join Dr. Plotkin as he uncovers the delicious botanical, cultural, and economic legacy of this remarkable plant in a journey through the history of chocolate.…

The Plants of the Gods podcast

1
Plants of the Gods: S5E10. The Mushroom Moment 19:42

il y a 1 year19:42