Probiotics, Gut Health, and the Microbiome with Dr. Rheinallt Jones

The science behind how the gut microbiome affects our health rapidly evolving with new tools that enable scientists to not only sequence the complex mixtures of microbes in the gut, but also with new laboratory models that enable the study of single microbes in otherwise sterile systems. This week, I welcome an expert in the field of gut microbiome studies, Dr. Rheinallt Jones, to the show. He’s an Associate Professor at the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of the Department of Pediatrics and founder and director of the Emory Gnotobiotic Core. If you’ve had deep questions about the science of how probiotics and the gut microbiome influences human health, this is the episode for you! 

#probiotics #microbiome #GutHealth #PlantHunter #ThePlantHunter

Unfunc Your Gut with Dr. Peter Kozlowski

Did you know that your mental, emotional, and spiritual connection to the food you eat influences your health? This week, I speak with Dr. Peter Kozlowski, a physician who keeps functional medicine at the center of his medical practice. We discuss how food sensitivities impact our health and how the process of a food elimination diet can help identify foods that may be problematic for you. We also explore the benefits of intermittent fasting and how changes in diet influence the dynamics of gut health. Dr. Kowzlowski is the author of a new book entitled “Unfunc your gut: A functional medicine guide.” Find out more about his book and medical practice at his website: http://doc-koz.com/

#GutHealth #Microbiome #FunctionalMedicine #PlantHunter

The Olive Oil Grove with Lucas Soler

Out of all of my kitchen pantry items, olive oil holds the place of honor for being the most important ingredient in most of our meals, whether in dressing salads or sautéing dishes on the stove. But, not all extra virgin olive oils in the grocery store are alike. There have even been issues with companies adulterating EVOO with other inferior oils to make a bigger profit. In this episode, I chat with Lucas Soler, co-founder of The Olive Oil Grove, about how the quality of olive oil begins at the farm where the olives are grown and extends through the harvest and processing steps. We also taste a delicious bottle of early harvest olive oil on the show and describe the qualities that you can look out for as a consumer in search of the best EVOO for your plate!

#OliveOil #Spain #EVOO 

Ayahuasca & Therapeutic Emplotment with Dr. Hernando Echeverri Sanchez

Ayahuasca, also known as Yage, has long been integral to shamanic healing rituals in western Amazonia. Consumed in healing and diagnostic rituals, this mixture of plants includes ingredients like monoamine oxidase inhibitors and dimethyl tryptamine, which when consumed together, yields strong purgative and hallucinogenic effects. Other plants, known as Chondur (Cyperus spp.) are also important elements of the ritual, and are key in both cleansing spaces and guiding visions. This week,  I chat with anthropologist, Dr. Hernando Echeverri Sanchez, about Yage shamanism trade networks, knowledge exchange, and healing practices.

#Ayahuasca #shaman #MedicinalPlants

A Good Drink with Shanna Farrell

This week we talk about spirits, cocktails, and….. sustainability! My guest is Shanna Farrell, author of the new book “A Good Drink: In Pursuit of Sustainable Spirits.” Shanna specializes in drink cultural and environmental history and you can also find her at her website (https://shanna-farrell.com/) or follow her on Instagram or Twitter @shanna_farrell.

#spirits #sustainablefood #beverages

The Henbane Theory of Berserkers with Dr. Karsten Fatur

You may have heard of the legends of the Norse Beserkers—a fierce group of wild warriors from Scandanavia that were known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. But, did you know that a new theory has emerged that instead of consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, a plant may be responsible for achieving the state of berserkeage? A nightshade plant from the same family where we find tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants? Tune in this week as I chat with Dr. Karsten Fatur about his theory concerning the use of the anticholinergic plant henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) by the Vikings! Learn more about Dr. Fatur’s work on ResearchGate.

#henbane #Berserker #Vikings

The Secret History of Food with Matt Siegel

Humans have a complex history with food—some foods were even used as weapons! This week, I chat with Matt Siegel, author of a new book The Secret History of Food.  We discuss a range of topics including why most vanilla products aren’t made with vanilla at all and how our food choices influence our emotions. Follow him on Instagram at @matt.siegel.author.

Pickles, Sauerkraut & the Gut Microbiome with Dr. Andrew Flachs

This week we dig into a fascinating study of the microbial composition of fermented foods and how they influence the gut microbiome! Our guest is Dr. Andrew Flachs, an anthropologist who researches food and agriculture systems, exploring genetically modified crops, heirloom seeds, and our own microbiomes. We also discuss the rich cultural heritage behind some of our favorite ferments and a simple recipe to making your own ginger beer at home!

#fermentatio #microbiome #ethnobiology #pickles #Bubbies

Around the World in 80 Plants with Jonathan Drori

This week we take a tour around the globe exploring some fascinating plants with Jonathan Drori! You may know Jon from one of his four TED talks on botany, which have had millions of views! He’s also the author of the international bestseller, Around the World in 80 Trees, now in 18 languages, and its sequel, Around the World in 80 Plants, which has just been published. Jon has been on the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The Eden Project and is an Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund. Tune in to learn more about the plants that inspire us!

#botany #nutmeg #biogeography

Evolutionary Gastronomy with Prof. Jonathan Silvertown

This week I meet with Prof. Jonathan Silvertown, an ecologist and evolutionary biologist with a research interests in plant population biology. We chat about the evolution of our foods, exploring how the domestication of plants and animals has shaped our modern dinner plates. His book, Dinner with Darwin, explores how everything we eat has an evolutionary history. You can also follow him on Twitter: @JWSilvertown

#evolution #domestication #crops