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

02/07/2025

A mind-bending mint? You heard that right.
Tap into the mystery on , "Part Two —The Ethnobotany of with Dr. Chris McCurdy" — now streaming on all platforms and on YT! 🎧
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ2if-DDhRc

01/07/2025

For centuries, Indigenous healers have used divinorum in ceremonies. Now, western science is learning more about this psychoactive herb native to Southern Mexico.

In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Chris McCurdy, of University of Florida College of Pharmacy, we delve deeper into the unusual case of , a potent hallucinogen that also happens to be a member of the mint family.

Catch "Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy" on the next Plants of the Gods — dropping tomorrow on all major podcast platforms!

29/06/2025

7 seasons. 1 symbolic logo.

Here's the behind-the-scenes look at the creation (designed by David Bey) of the Plants of the Gods podcast logo, from the ayahuasca vine to the addition of the Aztec "Flower Prince" (Xochipilli).

28/06/2025

The conversation continues!

Next week on , Dr. Mark Plotkin continues his discussion with Dr. Chris McCurdy of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy as they dive into divinorum, a plant that you can't put in one box.

Tune in to find out why on , "The Ethnobotany of with Dr. Chris McCurdy" — dropping Wednesday!

Part 1, "The Ethnobotany of with Dr. Chris McCurdy," is available wherever you get your podcasts and on youtube!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mhxmVTkyUJI

27/06/2025

"The greatest and most endangered species in the Amazon is not the jaguar or the harpy eagle… It's the uncontacted tribes."

In his TEDx talk, "What the People of the Amazon Know That You Don't," Dr. Mark Plotkin sounded the alarm: if we lose Indigenous cultures, we lose irreplaceable wisdom, and we jeopardize the health of the forest. Over a decade after that talk, the Amazon Conservation Team continues to answer the call.

In 2025 alone, ACT has:
- Opened the Center for the Protection of the Guardians of Ancient Wisdom in Brazil
- Helped establish a new reserve in Colombia to safeguard isolated Indigenous groups
- Led important webinars on the “Paths of Healing,” emphasizing the vital role of Indigenous medicine in today’s world

The work continues! Revisit the talk that lit the fire.

"The greatest and most endangered species in the Amazon rainforest is not the jaguar or the harpy eagle," says Mark Plotkin, "It's the isolated and uncontacted tribes." In an energetic and sobering talk, the ethnobotanist brings us into the world of the forest's indigenous tribes and the incredible....

23/06/2025

It's amazing that one plant can energize, soothe, and relieve pain all at once!

Dr. Chris McCurdy joins host Dr. Mark Plotkin on Plants of the Gods to explain the chemical and cultural complexity of , a botanical enigma that has been used for centuries and continues to be used in new and surprising ways.

22/06/2025

The Amazon holds mysteries that we've barely begun to understand, but one truth is clear: fighting for Indigenous rights is essential to rainforest conservation.

On , we spotlight Amazon Conservation Team and other Indigenous-led alliances, lighting the path forward to justice and reciprocity.

21/06/2025

On , we honor the shamans, healers, and knowledge keepers who have shaped our understanding of sacred plants and safeguarded the Amazon rainforest itself.

Tune into Plants of the Gods S6E8, "The Ethnobotany of Isolated and Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples," and help celebrate Indigenous cultures by respecting their autonomy, diversity, and right to be understood on their own terms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRlyn5CFmqQ

20/06/2025

Happy from podcast!

🌍 Today is World Psychedelics Day — WPD 6·20 is here!

Today, we unite for healing, ethics, and global connection.

✅ Sign the petition
✅ Share your voice
✅ Celebrate

Let’s make this a milestone for psychedelic healing and unity.
👉 https://www.worldpsychedelicsday.org/2025

20/06/2025

Celebrate by tuning in and tuning out to our Plants of the Gods medley YouTube playlist!

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

20/06/2025

You say kray-tum, I say kra-tm…

But how should YOU pronounce it?

In this week's Plants of the Gods episode, Dr. Chris McCurdy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy – one of the world's leading kratom researchers – breaks down from traditional roots to modern reinvention. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
https://linktr.ee/docmarkplotkin