Planthropology

• 125. Spooky Mushrooms, Modern Folklore, and Mycelial Mind Control w/ Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifni

  Send us a textA perfect circle of mushrooms in the grass can feel like a message. We follow that feeling into the heart of fungi and folklore with Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini of Spirits, exploring why mushrooms unsettle us, how they anchor myth, and what they can teach us about living with limits and wonder. From fairy rings and house spirits to cordyceps and body horror, we trace the line between ecology and story: a mycelial network expands and fruits at the edge, myth calls it a threshold, and we decide whether to cross.We dig into the science that fuels the myths—external digestion, predatory oyster mushrooms hunting nematodes, and the eerie intelligence of networks that appear overnight. Then we connect those facts to the rules of folklore: hospitality laws, shared flood stories, and warnings against greed that echo modern forager ethics. We also examine the complicated modern history of psychedelics, sacred ritual, and the mid‑century rush that stripped context in favor of spectacle, reminding ourselves that power without reciprocity becomes a curse in every tradition.Finally, we turn to fungi as caretakers: recyclers of forests, soil makers, and even potential allies against plastic pollution. Along the way, Amanda and Julia share why house spirits matter, how rituals make homes feel alive, and why returning to stories of reciprocity might be the most practical climate strategy of all. Press play for a smart, spooky tour of mushrooms, myth, and the moral math of sharing a planet. If this conversation re‑enchanted your sense of the woods, subscribe, share with a curious friend, and leave a review telling us the mushroom story you’ll never forget.Support the showAs always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey. Substack: Office Hours Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology Facebook: Planthropology Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod e-mail: [email protected]

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• 124. Thunderstorms, Hidden Nature, and the Cryptonaturalist w/ Jarod K. Anderson

  Send us a textWe talk with writer and poet Jarod K. Anderson, aka the Cryptonaturalist, about mental health, ADHD, and rediscovering wonder through woods, poems, and honest work. From “brain weather” to dandelion myths, we explore how stories shape healing and how nature keeps us present.• origin of a lifelong nature connection and early poetry in a “land lab”• leaving academia, starting therapy, and naming depression as “brain weather”• enthusiasm over expertise as a path back to the woods• the Cryptonaturalist: blending natural history, humor, and gentle horror• balancing sincerity online with a creative career• separating dandelion facts from internet folklore• ADHD frameworks: “more than nothing” and consistency over intensity• sitting still versus covering ground as different forms of success in nature• poem “Woodland You” and the idea that self-worth is innate• book recommendations and where to find Jarod’s workPre-order the new novel, Strange Animals, anywhere you buy books. We’re fans of ordering from your favorite local bookstore. Find more at jarodkanderson.com and follow the Cryptonaturalist on social mediaIf you want to connect with the show, go to planthropologypodcast.com or follow along on social media, either Planthropology Pod or The Plant Prof. Send me an email at [email protected] the showAs always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey. Substack: Office Hours Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology Facebook: Planthropology Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod e-mail: [email protected]

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• 123. Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life w/ Gabrielle Cerberville

  Send us a textGabrielle Cerberville, known as the Chaotic Forager, returns to discuss her new book "Gathered on Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life" and shares insights on building relationships with wild spaces beyond mere resource collection.• Moved to Virginia at the base of Shenandoah National Park to pursue a PhD in Composition and Computer Technologies• Uses biodata from fungi and plants to create music as a form of science communication• Created a community-based approach to foraging through workshops and classes in her converted basement classroom• Wrote "Gathered" as a combination of memoir, cookbook, and field guide to share both technical knowledge and the deeper meaning of foraging• Collaborated with experts including culinary specialists, plant and mushroom identifiers, and indigenous food practitioners to ensure accuracy• Challenges individualistic "self-sufficiency" narratives in foraging communities, emphasizing that these skills developed in community contexts• Recommends beginning foragers start by finding local clubs and experienced guides rather than relying solely on books• Suggests approaching foraging with curiosity rather than conquest, focusing on building relationships with plants before harvesting• Emphasizes observation and spending time with individual species to develop deeper understanding and connectionPre-order "Gathered on Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life" now at your local indie bookstore or wherever books are sold. You can find Gabrielle as Chaotic Forager across all social media platforms and at chaoticforager.com for workshop information.Also, be sure to check out the Blue Life Podcast! You can support them by donating to their funding campaign at givebutter.com/BlueLife, following them on social media, and lisSupport the showAs always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey. Substack: Office Hours Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology Facebook: Planthropology Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod e-mail: [email protected]

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• 122. Green Communities, Urban Conservation, and Just Showing Up w/ Gary Cocke and Carole Fergusson

  Send us a textGary Cocke and Carole Fergusson share their journeys in sustainability and community conservation, revealing how partnerships between universities, cities, and local organizations create meaningful environmental impact in Waco and beyond.• Gary's background in biology and ecology led him to sustainability work, first in water conservation during drought conditions• Carole entered sustainability through nonprofit marketing and event planning, combining her personal passion for gardening with professional skills• The Baylor "Bearly Used" program diverted 13 large pods of student move-out items to community partners instead of landfills• Keep Waco Beautiful volunteers generate approximately $200,000 in economic impact annually through their service hours• The Green Communities Conference brings together academia, government, nonprofits, and citizens to address local sustainability challenges• Both leaders emphasize that sustainability is fundamentally about people and building community resilience• Climate impacts are increasingly visible in Texas through longer heat spells, winter storms, and worsening allergy seasons• Small personal actions like composting and planting native species create "pockets of joy" while contributing to larger solutionsJoin us at the Green Communities Conference on September 17-18 in Waco, Texas to connect with sustainability leaders and learn practical approaches to building greener communities.Support the showAs always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey. Substack: Office Hours Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology Facebook: Planthropology Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod e-mail: [email protected]

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• 121. Paleobotany, Museums, and Lessons from Deep Time w/ Dr. Aaron Pan

  Send us a textJourney through millions of years of plant evolution with paleobotanist Dr. Aaron Pan, who unearths fascinating stories locked within fossilized leaves, fruits, and seeds from Earth's distant past. As Executive Director of the Museum of Texas Tech University, Dr. Pan bridges the worlds of scientific research and public education, sharing how ancient plant remains challenge our understanding of modern ecosystems.Prepare to have your assumptions about plant origins completely upended. Did you know eucalyptus trees – quintessentially Australian icons – likely originated in South America? Or that Africa once had thriving palm forests despite hosting fewer palm species today than tiny Singapore? Dr. Pan's research in Ethiopia reveals evidence of lush, palm-filled landscapes that existed 21-27 million years ago, before continental collisions dramatically reshaped Earth's biodiversity.The conversation explores how paleobotany differs from other paleontological disciplines, with plants presenting unique challenges since their various parts – leaves, flowers, fruits – can be scattered and fossilized separately. We delve into the collision of Africa with Eurasia that introduced zebras, giraffes, and lions to the continent, fundamentally altering both plant and animal communities in ways that continue to influence modern ecosystems.Beyond the science, Dr. Pan offers insights into museum work and the importance of preserving both specimens and knowledge. With 9.5 million items in its collection, the Museum of Texas Tech stands as the 19th largest natural history collection in America. Whether you're fascinated by ancient plants, curious about how continents shape evolution, or simply love museums, this episode invites you to appreciate the incredible depth of time and the long, winding journey of plant life on our planet.Support the showAs always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey. Substack: Office Hours Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology Facebook: Planthropology Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod e-mail: [email protected]

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