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

We 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 work

Pre-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 media

If 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 planthropologypod@gmail.com

Support the show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

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

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Gabrielle 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 connection

Pre-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 lis

Support the show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

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

Gary 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 solutions

Join 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 show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

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

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Journey 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 show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

120. Godfather Figs, Coastal Ecology, and Really Old Rocks w/ Phil D'Angelis

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What happens when scientific curiosity meets ancestral connection? Phil DeAngelis, founder of Phil's Figs and coastal geologist, takes us on a journey that weaves together seemingly unrelated passions into a life of purpose and discovery.

Phil's story begins in Pennsylvania, where gardening was simply part of life in his Italian-American and German-American household. Following the expected corporate path after college, he worked in marketing for Zipcar while an undercurrent of scientific curiosity continued to pull at him. A transformative trip to Italy not only connected him with his heritage but introduced him to fresh figs for the first time—awakening memories of his great-grandfather's cherished fig tree that had been ceremoniously wrapped each winter to survive Philadelphia's cold.

The podcast explores how Phil's mounting fascination with figs coincided with his decision to leave corporate life and pursue graduate studies in geoscience. With remarkable candor, he describes the humbling experience of returning to school, the challenges of scientific writing, and the painstaking research of collecting foraminifera from deep ocean sediments to study climate change events.

We delve into the fascinating geology of East Coast barrier islands—remnants of ancient Appalachian Mountains—and how Phil's work with coastal plant species helps determine environmental boundaries within inches of elevation. The conversation shifts to the extraordinary world of figs, their ancient relationship with humanity dating back to Mesopotamia, and their unique reproductive cycle involving specialized wasps.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, plant lover, or simply someone wondering about different career paths, Phil's story reminds us that curiosity is the greatest guide. As he says, "Play the long game and just keep going on something that truly interests you. If you don't know, go out and start trying stuff."

Ready to experience the incomparable taste of a fresh fig or learn why coastal plants matter? This episode will inspire you to let your passions—however diverse—lead the way.

Phil's Links

Facebook

YouTube

Support the show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

119. Plant Hoarding, the Garden Party, and Being an Influencer w/ Destin Noak

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Ever wondered how working with plants could transform your life? Destin Noak, known online as the Texas Garden Guy, discovered gardening's therapeutic power during a period of uncertainty after leaving the Air Force in 2011. What began with his father's simple suggestion to till the backyard evolved into a passionate pursuit that would eventually open doors to a fulfilling career.

"It kind of gave me that relaxation, that therapy that I didn't know I needed," Destin explains, describing how working in the garden creates a meditative "white noise" that allows everything else to fade away. This accidental discovery became the foundation for a journey that would lead him from container gardening on an apartment balcony to managing a greenhouse filled with rare plants in his suburban yard.

Destin's pragmatic approach to gardening challenges makes him relatable to gardeners of all experience levels. Living with poor clay soil that "cracks when it hasn't rained for about two weeks," he turned to raised beds and container gardening as solutions rather than fighting an uphill battle. His collection now includes 50 fig trees, numerous desert roses, and rare succulents – all thriving in a modest subdivision lot. For gardeners struggling with less-than-ideal conditions, Destin's success offers both inspiration and practical strategies.

The conversation explores the evolution of Texas Garden Guy from pandemic hobby to multimedia platform, including his co-hosting role on The Garden Party podcast and recent position with Nelson Plant Food. Throughout the episode, Destin emphasizes starting small, growing what you genuinely enjoy, and creating garden spaces that reflect your personal preferences rather than conventional standards. "Your garden can be whatever you want it to be," he insists – advice that liberates new gardeners from unnecessary pressure.

Want to meet Destin and Vikram in person? Join them at Plantapalooza 2025 at Smith's Garden Town in Wichita Falls, Texas on May 31st for a day of plant talk, community building, and garden inspiration. Check out Destin's content across social platforms as @TexasGardenGuy and catch The Garden Party podcast live every Wednesday at 7pm CT.

Support the show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

116. National Parks, Leaving No Trace, and Touching Grass w/ Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock

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Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock share the captivating journey of their podcast National Park After Dark, celebrating four years of exploring the mysteries, histories, and conservation stories of America's public lands.

• Former veterinary technicians who bonded over their shared love of outdoor spaces and morbid curiosity
• Transformed casual conversations about national park mysteries into a wildly successful podcast
• Use compelling storytelling to convey conservation messages and outdoor ethics more effectively than direct instruction
• Emphasize the importance of responsible recreation with current national park staffing shortages
• Highlight the humbling power of nature to provide perspective and grounding in our increasingly digital lives
• Recommend supporting national parks through donations and volunteering for trail maintenance
• Share personal favorite parks including Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, with deeply personal connections to these spaces
• Advise listeners to trust their intuition and prioritize time for activities that bring true meaning and joy

Support the show

As 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: planthropologypod@gmail.com

115. Native Landscapes, Lo-fi Dad Jazz, and the Rungs of the Ladder w/ Rooey

Roey, a music industry marketing professional and lo-fi producer, uses his "dad jazz" instrumental music to fund native plant installations across Nashville and beyond.

• Growing up in a family of avid gardeners and nature enthusiasts instilled a deep appreciation for native plants and natural spaces
• Names his songs after native plants and uses all proceeds to purchase seeds from Roundstone, a native plant seed farm in Kentucky
• Transformed his yard into a 4,000 square foot wildflower haven that serves as both beautiful habitat and practical barrier from busy streets
• Works with schools, city planners, and neighborhoods to create native plant installations that help reduce flooding and filter pollutants
• Explains how native plants require less maintenance than conventional landscaping while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems
• Demonstrates how urban wildflower installations can help reconnect people with nature and create community around conservation
• Emphasizes that "done is better than perfect" when it comes to conservation efforts and environmental projects

Check out Rooey's lo-fi music on Spotify, Apple Music, or at rooey.co and see how music and native plants can transform urban environments into thriving ecosystems.

Support the show

As 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.

Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

• Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• ...

114. Food Communities, Growing Together, and No-bots w/ Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom

Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom returns to the podcast to discuss the evolution of her community food systems work and the importance of building meaningful connections through growing and sharing food.

• Growing Together Texas supports gardeners, growers, and cooks as three interconnected parts of a healthy food ecosystem
• Creating an online farmers market (LBK Grown) that helps local producers collaborate rather than compete
• Offering subscription produce boxes with seasonal vegetables and recipe guides that consistently sell out
• Starting small is key to garden success whether at home or in community settings
• Approaching plant growing by difficulty level - begin with herbs (easiest), then leafy greens, roots, and finally tomatoes/peppers
• Community gatherings like "Garden Guardians" provide vital support and knowledge sharing among garden leaders
• Finding meaning in the process of gardening and community building, not just in the harvest
• Building resilient local food systems by diversifying beyond the conventional market

Join Jessica's Garden Guardians events and learn more about subscribing to local produce boxes at growingtogetherTX.com or follow @GrowingTogetherTX on Facebook and Instagram.

Support the show

As 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.

Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

• Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• ...

113. Houseplants, Diabolical Weeds, and Fickle Figs- Winter 2025 Q&A

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This episode is a delightful exploration of listener-submitted plant questions, offering insights into plant care, specific plant challenges, and the relationship between environmental conditions and plant health. 

- Overview of the seasonal Q&A format 
- Discussion on controlling bindweed and morning glory 
- Humidity’s nuanced effect on plant health 
- Benefits of indoor plants on air quality 
- Recommended houseplants for low-light conditions 
- Host reflections on wisdom and community in plant care 

If you enjoyed this episode and want to dive deeper into plant knowledge, be sure to share with your friends or leave us a review!

Support the show

As 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.

Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

• Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• ...