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

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

Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.
Amazon Rainforest
Ethnobotany
Coffee
Ayahuasca
Cacao
Chocolate
Traditional Medicine
Enlightenment
Salvia Divinorum
Brugmansia
Spice Trade
Indigenous Knowledge
Psychoactive Plants
Amazonian Lianas
Shamanism
Kratom
Johann Sebastian Bach
Honoré De Balzac
Psychedelics
Mood Enhancement

"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 Ha... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes80Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural SciencesAlternative HealthHealth & Fitness

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

Latest Episodes

How do Indigenous knowledge and Western science come together in the study of nature and plant medicine? Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, a chemical biologist and author of The Spirit of the Rainforest, joins Dr. Mark Plotkin to explore ethnobotany, animal... more

Wade Davis, celebrated author and anthropologist, joins Mark Plotkin for a personal reflection on the life and legacy of legendary ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes. Davis traces Schultes' journey from his transformative encounter with peyote to h... more

Mark Plotkin sits down with Wade Davis — author of One River, Lost Amazon, and dozens more — for a deep dive into one of South America's most misunderstood and miraculous plants. Drawing on their shared history working alongside the legendary Richard... more

In this episode, we're bringing you the second half of our conversation with Dr. Pamela Kryskow. A co-leader of the largest study on microdosing, she shares what researchers are beginning to understand about how psychedelic plants could treat conditi... more

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Recent Guests

Wade Davis
Special guest
Author and ethnobotanist
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S8E6 Richard Evans Schultes' Legacy — Where Science Meets the Sacred
Pamela Kryskow
Medical doctor and clinician focused on mental health, psychedelic-assisted therapy, PTSD, and trauma
Roots To Thrive Psychedelic Therapy Program (Canada)
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S8E3 Can Psychedelics Treat "Incurable" Trauma? (Dr. Pamela Kryskow, Part 1)
Dennis McKenna
Ethno-pharmacologist, author, storyteller, chemist, and founder of the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy
McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S8E1 Dennis McKenna on the remarkable Amazonian plants that shape human consciousness (part 1)
Rebekah Senanayake
An intrepid ethnobotanist studying ayahuasca healing in the Amazon
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E10. When Plants Speak: Exploring Ayahuasca with Rebekah Senanayake
Mike Jay
Author of Psychonauts, a book on the historical contexts of psychedelics and their influence on modern psychology and culture.
Yale University Press
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay
Dr. Rob Silver
Pioneer veterinarian specializing in the use of botanical medicines.
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver
Dr. Joe Watkins
An archaeologist, anthropologist, and member of the Choctaw Nation.
University of Arizona
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance
Dr. Christopher McCurdy
Leading authority on kratom and faculty at University of Florida
University of Florida
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy
Doug Preston
Esteemed journalist and author
Author of The Lost City of the Monkey God
Episode: Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong!

Host

Mark Plotkin
Host of the show; renowned ethnobotanist focused on Amazonian healing plants and shamanic practices.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 987 ratings
  • Wonderful podcast!

    I love this podcast! Plants are 1 of my passions & Dr. Plotkin & guests delivers. Grateful to all involved in the production of this wonderful & fascinating podcast. All my relations.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    103 Flatbrook
    United Statesa year ago
  • Please listen to this masterpiece of a podcast.

    Thank you so much Mark. You’ve introduced an entirely new world to me. We (my partner and I) listen to all of your podcasts. Anyone reading. Please listen to this masterpiece of a podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    expandyourmind90
    Germany2 years ago
  • Amazing series of podcasts

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Phina
    2 years ago
  • Thank you!

    I stumbled upon this and am looking forward to listening. I’m a self taught ethnobotanist and many years ago I devoured Schultes & Raffauf’s The Healing Forest in addition to your books. This podcast will keep me busy for awhile!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shabema
    United States2 years ago
  • Well done!

    Really appreciate the respect Dr. Plotkin has for the Indigenous communities and sharing this valuable knowledge. I stumbled upon this podcast and it’s definitely one of my top 3 favorite podcasts of all time. Thank you 🙏🏽

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    M. Land
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many comments highlight high-quality guests and compelling case studies across plant medicines and ethnobotany.
Listeners praise accessible yet rigorous discussions and the host's deep respect for Indigenous communities.
Audiences appreciate the blend of history, science, and storytelling, calling episodes educational and engaging.
Some listeners note occasional complexity but find episodes rewarding and thought-provoking.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Plants of the Gods: S7E10. When Plants Speak: Exploring Ayahuasca with Rebekah Senanayake
Q: Can you talk about who maybe should be cautious or should avoid ayahuasca?
People should consult experts and be open about their situations to avoid potential dangers.
Plants of the Gods: S7E10. When Plants Speak: Exploring Ayahuasca with Rebekah Senanayake
Q: How would you define or describe the epistemological wild card?
It's about how indigenous ways of knowing challenge Western understanding.
Plants of the Gods: S7E10. When Plants Speak: Exploring Ayahuasca with Rebekah Senanayake
Q: What is the difference between the indigenous use of ayahuasca and the peasant or campesino use of ayahuasca?
It varies based on the shaman or curandero's practices rather than cultural origins.
Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver
Q: Can you share some success stories where Western medicine just fell short?
For dogs suffering from anxiety during fireworks, conventional medications often fail, whereas a combination of mushrooms and cannabinoids has shown promise.
Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver
Q: How much of this is now being taught in veterinary schools, and if not, why not, and what the future looks like?
It is an emerging therapy in holistic medicine; some vet schools offer elective courses on it, and it's growing rapidly due to pet owners seeking kinder alternatives.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show offers deep conversations at the intersection of ethnobotany, anthropology, and psychedelic science. Guests span ethnobotanists, historians, clinicians, and authors who dissect how hallucinogenic plants and fungi have shaped cultures, healing practices, and contemporary policy. Episodes frequently blend field anecdotes, historical context, and rigorous science, highlighting indigenous knowledge, conservation, and the evolving role of plant medicines in medicine and society. A standout throughline is the tension and synergy between traditional use and modern research, making complex topics accessible and compelling for listeners who value evidence, ethics, and cultural respect.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Psychedelic Podcast
2. The Emerald
3. The Hamilton Morris Podcast
4. Ram Dass Here And Now
5. Living Myth

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 80 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Wade Davis
2. Pamela Kryskow
3. Dennis McKenna
4. Rebekah Senanayake
5. Mike Jay
6. Dr. Rob Silver
7. Dr. Joe Watkins
8. Dr. Christopher McCurdy

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