106. Conservation Dogs, Spotted Lanternflies, and Horrifying Elevators w/ Melissa McCue-McGrath

Ever find yourself marveling at the uncanny connection you share with your furry best friend? Our latest podcast episode takes us on an expedition into the heart of human-canine relationships, with Melissa McCue-McGrath, a true trailblazer in dog training and conservation, leading the way. Celebrating Melissa's birthday, we tap into her wealth of knowledge, from the psychological bonds we forge with our dogs to their astonishing roles in ecological conservation.

Navigate the bustling world of urban canines with us as we examine the sensory challenges these city dwellers face and the importance of fulfilling their intrinsic needs. Discover how the power of scent enriches a dog's life and strengthens our bond with them. Then, we shift to the open fields, where working dogs like border collies find joy and purpose in tasks that tap into their natural instincts. These stories are not just about companionship; they're about acknowledging and harnessing the innate drives that make our dogs feel most alive.

Turning the focus beyond companionship, this episode also shines a light on the critical environmental work dogs are carrying out. From tracking down invasive species like the spotted lanternfly to assisting in marine biology research, our four-legged friends are on the front lines, aiding in the protection of our ecosystems. As we wrap up, we touch on the cozy debate about dogs sharing our beds and the warmth of the bonds we share. Join me, Vikram Baliga, for an enlightening journey through the remarkable world where humans and dogs meet, work, and thrive together.

Find all things Melissa, book her for dog training, and pick up her book on her website, and follow her on 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

105. Native Plants, Academic Optimism, and Liquid Smoke w/ Dr. Robert Cox

What's up, Plant People?? I hope you're well! My guest today is a long-time mentor and friend, Dr. Robert Cox.  Dr. Cox is a restoration ecologist whose wisdom in prairie ecosystems and passion for academia are as deep-rooted as the native species he studies. This episode is full of stories from Dr. Cox's academic adventures, which began in herpetology and evolved into the long-time study of plant ecology. We discussed a little bit of everything, from some of the roles fire and smoke play in plant germination to how Dr. Cox's career has ranged from researcher, to professor, to an Associate Dean at Texas Tech University. 

We also had an encouraging conversation about the future of our students and education as a whole. Dr. Cox paints an optimistic and inspiring picture of the young minds that walk the halls of higher education today, shaped by the rapid changes of our times. Together, we reflect on the paradigm shift in teaching, moving from information dispensers to mentors in critical thinking. 

Finally, we spent some time chatting about native plants and the roles they play in our world. Ecological restoration has been one of Dr. Cox's major areas of focus throughout his career, and he has some really interesting and meaningful thoughts on what it means to restore a landscape and an ecosystem in light of climate change and our needs for agricultural production. I learned a lot from this conversation and left it feeling encouraged, and I hope that you'll feel the same!

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

104. Hope Springs Eternal

What's up, Plant People?? Living through all the *unprecedented times* we have been over the past few years has really gotten old. I think a lot fewer things should be getting precedented, but that's just me. We could all use a little more hope in our lives because, as Dr. Katharine Hayhoe discussed in Episode 102, it's the thing that drives us to change and positive action. Here at the beginning of Spring this year, I wanted to talk about a couple of stories I found recently which brought me a little bit of hope. Be good, be safe, and be kind, my friends, and never give up hope!

Reclaimed Coal Mine Story
Plants Are Better Than We Thought at Sequestering Carbon

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

103. Plants Out of Place, Chalkboards, and Controlling Weeds w/ Dr. Peter Dotray

What's up Plant People?! I have a great one for you today with one of my former professors and current colleagues, Dr. Peter Dotray. We had a great conversation about life as a professor and academic, what's changed over the years, how do we define a "weed," what role do they play in agriculture, and how we can go about controlling them. Dr. Dotray is a kind, empathetic educator who has a wealth of experience and knowledge about agriculture and how we can approach some of our future challenges with growing good plants so we can feed and clothe the world!

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

102. Climate Change, Saving Us, and Relentless Hope w/ Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

What's up, Plant People? Have you ever felt the weight of the world's climate crisis on your shoulders, yet struggled with the notion that one person's actions might be too insignificant to make a difference? Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist, joins us to shatter that misconception with her infectious optimism and practical strategies for individual impact. Through tales from her life's journey and her book "Saving Us," Katharine tells a story about life and hope that empowers each of us to take up our own torch in this fight against climate change.

This is an episode that was a long time in the making and one that I'm so incredibly proud of. I first approached Katharine about being on the show a couple of years ago, and everything finally lined up for it to happen. I'm a huge fan of her work, and I was so honored to not only get to interview her, but to be a guest editor for her newsletter, Talking Climate! Join us for an uplifting conversation that I hope will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to make a tangible difference in the world.

You can find Katharine all over the internet, but the best place to start for all of her amazing work is on her website, www.katharinehayhoe.com!

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

101. Garden Life, Cozy Gaming, and the Chelsea Flower Show w/ Kay Luthor

What's up, Plant People? Today's episode blooms with the extraordinary tale of Kay Luther, a Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist turned game developer whose story is as rich and vibrant as the gardens she designs. In an industry where creativity and adaptation are as crucial as soil to seed, Kay shares her journey from the flower-bedecked lanes of Chelsea to the pixel-perfect landscapes of her serene game, "Garden Life." As she weaves tales of her floristry days, the artistry behind each bouquet, and the social media-driven resurgence of houseplants, we're reminded of the unique beauty in every career transition.

Venturing into the heart of the floral design world, we uncover the parallels between arranging flowers and fashion, reflecting on how both fields dance to the rhythm of societal trends. Kay's anecdotes about the meticulous crafting of award-winning floral pieces for the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show draw a vivid picture of success and the humility that walks alongside it. We also turn the soil on "Garden Life," exploring how Kay's floristry skills have blossomed into game development, nurturing a project that marries the unpredictability of nature with the tranquility of gaming.

As we wrap up our time with Kay, the conversation turns towards the emotional investment in launching a new venture and the importance of embracing diverse career paths. With a nod to the cozy gaming community and the floral industry's future, we're invited to consider how our own experiences can cross-pollinate and flourish in unexpected ways. We also get a glimpse into the excitement building up to the release of "Garden Life," where players can cultivate their digital green thumb, and find out where to connect with this budding gaming experience online. Join us in this episode for a tapestry of life lessons, career insights, and the celebration of new growth, both in our gardens and ourselves.

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

100. Plants to the Rescue!

What's up, Plant People! After a much longer-than-expected hiatus, I'm finally back with Episode 100! It's been a wonderful 4(ish) years, and I thought the perfect way to celebrate the past and look forward to the future was to talk about a project that's so close to my heart and that I haven't really had a chance to discuss much on the show. My first book, Plants to the Rescue, came out in July of 2023 and is something that means so much to me. Join me as I walk through the process of writing a book like this, from the basic ideas to publishing, and read a few excerpts of text with me! I also talk a bit about what's coming down the line for Planthropology in 2024, from interviews with a climatologist to a video game producer, and so much more! It's going to be an exciting year, as the show gets going again, and I can't tell y'all how much it means to me that you hung in with me through such a long break. I love all of you Plant People out there, and can't wait to spend more time with you this year! 

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

99. Go Outside Kids, Staring at Plants, and Hugging Mountain Lions w/ Sarah Southerland

What's up Plant People! Today's guest is someone who I've unabashedly called, on multiple occasions, "The Funniest Person on the Internet." She was reluctant to wear the title, but I'm sticking with it! Sarah Southerland is the communication and social media specialist with the Oklahoma Dpeartment of Wildlife Conservation. Her social media presence is *wildly* popular across several platforms and consistently makes me laugh out loud. Whether talking about why we shouldn't snuggle mountain lions or discussing the finer points of live jackets, Sarah's communication style is brilliant, effective, and hilarious. We talked about life, nature, good communication, moon fish, prairies, and so much more! This episode was so much fun and I know you won't be able to stop smiling the whole time! 


Sarah's Links
Twitter
Instagram

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Links
Twitter
Instagram
Tiktok
Website 

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

Website: www.planthropologypod.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

• ...

98. Your Brain on Plants, the Stress Buddy System, and Selective Green Thumbs w/ Morgan Johnston

What if you could explore the complexities of the human brain while also discovering the fascinating world of plants? Join me as I sit down with behavioral neuroscientist Morgan Johnston, aka Ask a Neuroscientist, for an engaging conversation about these two seemingly unrelated worlds. You'll learn how Morgan's journey from a small farming community to the world of neuroscience research has helped her uncover unique connections between plants and humans.

We dive into the effects of various chemicals and drugs on the brain, and how both plants and humans cope with stress. Morgan shares her insights on the evolutionary development of similar molecules in plant and animal systems, as well as how studying these interactions informs our understanding of mental and physical health. You'll also hear about our experiences in using animal models to study human behavior, and the critical role stress and anxiety play in our lives.

As we wrap up our discussion, we emphasize the importance of science communication and the need for reaching diverse audiences in today's world of misinformation. We share anecdotes from our own research, and explore the challenges of navigating academia and pursuing a career in science. Don't miss this enlightening episode with Morgan Johnson, where neuroscience and plant science collide to create a world of wonder and discovery.


Morgan's Links
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube
Twitter
Website

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

Website: www.planthropologypod.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com

97. Grandma's Plant Magic, Succulent Struggles, and a Creative Life w/ Amanda McLoughlin

What's up Plant People?? I don't want to spoil too much of this fantastic conversation, but today's episode with Amanda McLoughlin was super special to me. When I first starting to get into podcasts, Amanda's show, Spirits,  was a huge inspiration. I was so thrilled when she reached out wanting to chat about her passion for houseplants! What started off as a discussion on growing plants indoors turned into a lovel  conversation about family, life, careers, passion projects, life as a creative, and so much more! Make sure you go subscribe to Spirits and get ready for a great episode here with Amanda! 

Amanda's Links
Twitter
Instagram
Multitude Shows
Spirits Twitter
Spirits Instagram 

Support the show

As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It really helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! Also, check out Planthropology on our website and various social media pages, all listed below. As an added 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!

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

Website: www.planthropologypod.com

• Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology

• Facebook: Planthropology

• Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People

• Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod

• Twitter: @Planthropology_

• e-mail: planthropologypod@gmail.com