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
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance
Dr. Joe Watkins, an archaeologist and anthropologist from the Choctaw Nation, shares invaluable insights on indigenous perspectives regarding the psychedelic renaissance. He discusses the implications of mainstream interest in plant medicines and the historical context surrounding it. Dr. Watkins highlights the importance of proper harvesting practices, the concern over neo-shamans, and the balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation. He advocates for engaging youth through cultural programs while emphasizing the need to protect indigenous knowledge and practices.
Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Plants of the Gods: S7E3. Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy
Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a leading medicinal chemist from the University of Florida, dives into the fascinating world of Salvia divinorum. He explains its surprising chemical properties and how salvinorin A interacts uniquely with kappa-opioid receptors. The conversation touches on traditional Mazatec healing practices and the herb's potent, often dysphoric effects. McCurdy also highlights the broader implications for therapeutic plant research and the importance of understanding whole-plant pharmacology in the quest for new psychiatric treatments.
Jun 18, 2025 • 34min
Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy
Christopher McCurdy, a leading expert on kratom and a professor at the University of Florida, discusses the dual nature of this fascinating plant. He reveals its potential to treat opioid withdrawal while acting as both a stimulant and a sedative, depending on dosage. The conversation dives into kratom's traditional uses in Southeast Asia, its cultural significance, and the importance of indigenous knowledge in understanding its benefits. McCurdy also emphasizes the need for further research to ensure safety and efficacy, advocating for collaboration with traditional users in the scientific exploration.
Jun 4, 2025 • 25min
Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong!
Dive into the allure of lost cities and ancient civilizations! Hear about groundbreaking LiDAR technology revealing hidden ruins in Honduras. Discover the mystical aspects of shamanism and how they connect to hallucinogens through fascinating experiences. Mark Plotkin shares a personal ayahuasca journey that leads to insights about shape-shifting and ancient art. Plus, explore the intriguing misinterpretations surrounding the legendary 'monkey god' and the cultural influences that may have shaped this myth.
Nov 13, 2024 • 47min
Plants of the Gods: S6E10. Perils and Pitfalls of Ayahuasca: An Interview with Robert Tindall
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.
Oct 30, 2024 • 33min
Plants of the Gods: S6E9. The Ethnobotany of Chocolate: From Revolution to Industrialization
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.
Oct 16, 2024 • 23min
Plants of the Gods: S6E8. The Ethnobotany of Isolated and Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples
Discover the fascinating lives of isolated indigenous rainforest tribes and their rich healing plant knowledge. Explore the fragile cultural practices of the Acorio tribe and the profound influence of fire on their beliefs. Uncover the tragic consequences of Western contact, risking cultural loss and population declines. Dive into the Matzés people's rituals involving the green monkey frog and its hallucinogenic properties. Learn how harnessing indigenous wisdom can lead to sustainable development and conservation efforts.
Oct 2, 2024 • 18min
Plants of the Gods: S6E7. The Medicinal Plants and Fungi of the Amazon
Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist with over 40 years of experience in the Amazon, shares fascinating insights into the rainforest's healing potential. He delves into the dual importance of indigenous practices and scientific research for unlocking medicinal secrets. Discover the promise of Amazonian fungi in drug innovation and the rich healing practices of local shamans. Plotkin also emphasizes the need for equitable profit-sharing in medicinal plant commercialization and the preservation of invaluable indigenous knowledge for future generations.
Sep 18, 2024 • 12min
Plants of the Gods: S6E6. Ayahuasca and Other Lianas I Have Known and Loved
Explore the fascinating world of rainforest plants, especially lianas, and their medicinal properties. Discover how ayahuasca and other species play vital roles in healing and cultural practices. Hear thrilling anecdotes from an ethnobotanist's Amazon journey that highlight indigenous wisdom. Dive into the ecological significance of these climbing wonders and their interactions with trees, while considering climate change's impact on their growth. It's a vibrant mix of botany, culture, and personal storytelling.
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!
