Best Mark Mike McCurdy Podcasts (2025)

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Plants of the Gods: S7E9. Spice - A New Book by Roger Crowley 18:22

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3h ago18:22

18:22

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…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E9. Spice - A New Book by Roger Crowley 18:22

2h ago18:22

18:22

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…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay 19:07

14d ago19:07

19:07

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.…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay 19:07

14d ago19:07

19:07

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.…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E7. The Ethnobotany of Brugmansia, the Tree of the Evil Eagle. 31:15

28d ago31:15

31:15

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 wi…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E7. The Ethnobotany of Brugmansia, the Tree of the Evil Eagle. 31:15

28d ago31:15

31:15

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 wi…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E6. The Ethnobotany of the Spice Trade: How it Built the Modern World 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

The spice trade was one of the most influential economic and cultural forces that shaped the modern world. It profoundly impacted cultural exchange, cartographic knowledge and technology, cuisine, spycraft, and medicine. The spice trade strengthened mercantile capitalism and spread both Islam and Christianity while destroying indigenous cultures an…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E6. The Ethnobotany of the Spice Trade: How it Built the Modern World 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

The spice trade was one of the most influential economic and cultural forces that shaped the modern world. It profoundly impacted cultural exchange, cartographic knowledge and technology, cuisine, spycraft, and medicine. The spice trade strengthened mercantile capitalism and spread both Islam and Christianity while destroying indigenous cultures an…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver 53:18

2M ago53:18

53:18

If herbal remedies can help humans, why not our pets? In this fascinating episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin sits down with veterinarian Dr. Rob Silver, who has spent decades using cannabis, mushrooms, and other botanical medicines to treat animals. From clinical breakthroughs to the surprising science behind plant-based …

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Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver 53:18

2M ago53:18

53:18

If herbal remedies can help humans, why not our pets? In this fascinating episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin sits down with veterinarian Dr. Rob Silver, who has spent decades using cannabis, mushrooms, and other botanical medicines to treat animals. From clinical breakthroughs to the surprising science behind plant-based …

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

2M ago41:15

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 offer…

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

2M ago41:15

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 offer…

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

3M ago15:53

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 b…

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

3M ago15:53

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 b…

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

3M ago34:02

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 insight…

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

3M ago34:02

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 insight…

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

4M ago24:43

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 ep…

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

4M ago24:43

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 ep…

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

11M ago47:07

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.…

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

11M ago47:07

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.…

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

11M ago32:46

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 …

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

11M ago32:46

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 …

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

11M ago23:19

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 …

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

11M ago23:19

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 …

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

12M ago17:37

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 t…

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

12M ago17:37

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 t…

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

1y ago12:29

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.

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

1y ago12:29

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.

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

1y ago58:47

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 inte…

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

1y ago58:47

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 inte…

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

1y ago23:11

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 th…

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

1y ago23:11

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 th…

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

1y ago53:33

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 …

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

1y ago53:33

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 …

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Episode 9 - Staying Connected With Friends & Family And Dealing With Anxiety 1:44:27

1y ago1:44:27

1:44:27

Send us a text In this episode we discuss Mike's recent experience with a concert at SoFi Stadium, suffering from anxiety and the need to stay connected with friends and family. We discuss ways to stay connected and check in with those friends and family members. We continue on with the pick your 80's movie feature - 1983. Two brothers who grew up …

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

1y ago26:44

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 g…

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

1y ago26:44

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 g…

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

1y ago33:33

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 …

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

1y ago33:33

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 …

1
Episode 8 - Staying In The Moment 1:36:05

1+ y ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Send us a text In this episode we talk about updates from previous episodes, feeling like an imposter, staying in the moment and some simple ways to help with these feelings. We continue on with the pick your 80's movie feature - 1982. Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about growing up in the 80's/90's, married life, fatherhood, their ch…

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Episode 7 - Mother's Day & L.A. Landmark Dodger Stadium 1:37:21

1+ y ago1:37:21

1:37:21

Send us a text In this episode we discuss Mother's Day and one of our favorite Los Angeles landmarks - Dodger Stadium. We continue on with the pick your 80's movie feature - 1981. Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about growing up in the 80's/90's, married life, fatherhood, their childhood and the need for men in their families and socie…

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Episode 6 - She's Here... 1:43:23

1+ y ago1:43:23

1:43:23

Send us a text In this episode we discuss the birth of Mike's daughter, catch up after a few weeks, Mark's recent family cruise vacation and a new feature at the end of the show regarding 80's movies... Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about growing up in the 80's/90's, married life, fatherhood, their childhood and the need for men in t…

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Episode 5 - Musician Networking, Home Prepping and Time Travel to a Video Store 1:29:10

1+ y ago1:29:10

1:29:10

Send us a text In this episode we talk about networking as a musician and other areas of life, jumping off and doing that one thing that you have been thinking about, home preparation and protection as well as a visit to a still existing video rental store... Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about growing up in the 80's/90's, married li…

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Episode 4 - Video Rental Stores, CD's & Parental Influence 1:36:37

1+ y ago1:36:37

1:36:37

Send us a text In this episode we take a walk down memory lane and talk about video rental stores, CD's and walking the Mall as a teenager. From there we talk about how much influence you have on your children and an update on the near due date... Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about growing up in the 80's/90's, married life, fatherho…

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

1+ y ago19:42

19:42

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 “Th…

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

1+ y ago19:42

19:42

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 “Th…

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Episode 3 - Raising Good People, Pagers and Mike's Musical Beginning 1:26:14

1+ y ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Send us a text In this episode we talk about raising your children to be good people, pagers and the comedy with secret messages. Mike tells the story of how he picked the drums as his instrument of choice in 7th grade... Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about married life, fatherhood, their childhood and the need for men in their famil…

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Plants of the Gods: S5E9. The Ethnobotany of Amazonian Lianas: A Conversation with ethnobotanist Bruce Hoffman 46:52

1+ y ago46:52

46:52

In this episode of Plants of the Gods, join host Dr. Mark Plotkin in conversation with colleague Dr. Bruce Hoffman, Senior Manager of Scientific Research at ACT, as we learn about the ethnobotany of Amazonian lianas. Dr. Hoffman is a conservation biologist focusing on flora of the Guianas, with 20 years of experience in conducting biodiversity inve…

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Plants of the Gods: S5E9. The Ethnobotany of Amazonian Lianas: A Conversation with ethnobotanist Bruce Hoffman 46:52

1+ y ago46:52

46:52

In this episode of Plants of the Gods, join host Dr. Mark Plotkin in conversation with colleague Dr. Bruce Hoffman, Senior Manager of Scientific Research at ACT, as we learn about the ethnobotany of Amazonian lianas. Dr. Hoffman is a conservation biologist focusing on flora of the Guianas, with 20 years of experience in conducting biodiversity inve…

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Episode 2 - Becoming a Father and the Rose Parade 1:19:06

1+ y ago1:19:06

1:19:06

Send us a text In this episode we talk about first days of being a father, the family business, growing up in Pasadena,CA and our experiences with the Rose Parade and the anti - Rose Parade event... Two brothers who grew up in Los Angeles talk about married life, fatherhood, their childhood and the need for men in their families and society... Plea…