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

Dr. Pamela Kryskow, a medical doctor specializing in mental health and psychedelic-assisted therapy and medical lead for Roots to Thrive, explores using psilocybin and ketamine to reach deep trauma. She contrasts synthetic psilocybin with whole mushrooms, discusses entourage effects and patient experiences, and considers therapy models versus profit-driven medicine.

This is a special joint episode of Plants of the Gods and Brainforest Café. Host Dr. Mark Plotkin continues his conversation with ethnopharmacologist Dr. Dennis McKenna. They reflect on the origins and impact of the ESPD conferences, launched in 1967, and how these landmark gatherings helped shape the field of ethnopharmacology. The discussion also explores the enduring legacy of Richard Evans Schultes and his profound influence on ethnobotany. Dennis emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and the respectful integration of Indigenous knowledge into modern medicine—an approach that remains vital to the future of psychedelic science. Show notes: McKenna Academy https://mckenna.academy/mka-podcast/ ESPD Books: https://mckenna.academy/mka-programs/espd55/#espdbooks

This is a special joint episode of Plants of the Gods and Brainforest Café. Plants are virtuoso chemists. Some create molecules that closely resemble the neurotransmitters shaping human consciousness — a mystery that fascinates ethnopharmacologist Dennis McKenna, PhD. In Part One of this episode, Dennis explains why psychoactive plants are powerful tools for understanding the relationship between the brain and the mind, and reflects on the legacy of his late brother, Terence McKenna, whose work pushed the boundaries of psychedelic thought. The brothers' experiences with the plant medicines of Indigenous peoples in the Colombian Amazon would go on to shape Dennis' scientific career in profound ways.

Season 8 kicks off February 23 with an interview featuring Dennis McKenna, PhD — a renowned ethnopharmacologist who has spent more than 40 years researching the therapeutic potential of Amazonian plant medicines. Stay tuned for the full interview!

Rebekah Senanayake, an ethnobotanist with deep ties to indigenous ayahuasca practices, shares her fascinating journey through the world of plant communication. She contrasts western and indigenous beliefs while exploring the profound personal transformations that ayahuasca can bring. Rebekah emphasizes the power of simplicity in ritual, likening ayahuasca ceremonies to flotation tanks and other trance practices. She also discusses the risks of ayahuasca tourism and advocates for mindful participation in these sacred traditions.

In this episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin takes us on a sweeping journey through the epic history of the spice trade—one of the most transformative chapters in global history. From ancient trade routes and religious rituals to colonial conquests and modern capitalism, spices like cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cloves have shaped agriculture, medicine, navigation, and even warfare. Dr. Plotkin also reviews Roger Crowley's gripping new book, Spice: The 16th-Century Contest That Shaped the Modern World.

The Plants of the Gods podcast has pioneered the concept of mind-altering substances not being merely hallucinogens but also "ideogens," substances that generate new ideas and creative concepts. Nowhere was this more evident than among artists and the scientists in 19th-century Europe, from Sigmund Freud to Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William James. This episode details this much-overlooked chapter in modern history and discusses a recent book by cultural historian Mike Jay on this topic.

Ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin discusses Brugmansia, some of the most beautiful hallucinogenic plants in the botanical world. Their bright flowers hang like sacred trumpets and have long been used by traditional healers of the Andes-Amazon region as an important component of their medicine chest. Closely related to the 'hexing herbs' of European witches of the Middle Ages (as detailed in an earlier episode), these fascinating plants can heal - or harm.

The spice trade revolutionized global culture, shaping economies and culinary practices. It enabled rich trade connections, while influencing medicine and religious rituals. Listeners learn about the distinction between herbs and spices, and how these plants were pivotal in ancient civilizations. The impact of the spice trade stretches from the Roman Empire to the Age of Exploration, intertwining with themes of cultural exchange and economic power, all while revealing the hidden costs of colonialism and environmental change.

Dr. Rob Silver, a seasoned veterinarian and author of "There’s a Mushroom for That!", dives into the transformative role of mushrooms and cannabis in veterinary medicine. He shares compelling stories, including Grover’s recovery from hemangiosarcoma through holistic care. The discussion highlights innovative practices like microdosing for canine behavioral issues, the unique benefits of cordyceps, and the safe integration of cannabis into pet treatment plans. This enlightening conversation redefines how we view animal care and natural remedies.