Plant Cunning Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 186: Celtic Hedge Witchery with Joey Morris Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Plant Cunning Podcast we welcome Celtic Hedge Witch Joey Morris (Starry Eyed Supplies | witch shop). In this episode, Joey, author of 'Celtic Hedge Witchery,' delves into the lore of Ogham, the role of a Celtic hedge witch, and the significance of dandelion, gorse, and incenses in her practice. The discussion also touches on the realms of land, sea, and sky, and the three cauldrons in Celtic tradition. Joey shares her personal journey into witchcraft, her work with the goddess The Morrigan, and her process of crafting magical herbal creations. Tune in for an insightful conversation on nature, spirituality, and witchcraft.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:31 Meet Joey Morris: The Celtic Hedge Witch

01:00 Supporting the Podcast and Personal Services

02:17 Joey Morris on Her Journey with Plants and Witchcraft

07:49 Exploring the Three Cauldrons and Celtic Traditions

15:44 The Role of the Morrigan in Joey's Path

24:29 Working with Plant and Tree Spirits

30:18 Introduction to Ogham and Its Historical Significance

32:12 Modern Uses and Interpretations of Ogham

32:42 Divination Practices with Ogham

36:25 Personal Connections and Experiences with Trees

41:16 Harvesting and Using Plants with Reverence

44:22 Crafting Magical Herbal Creations

49:22 The Significance of Dandelions in Witchcraft

53:07 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Ep. 185: Gananathamritananda Swamiji May 29, 2025

Show notes

Join hosts AC and Isaac Hill on the Plant Cunning Podcast as they dive deep into the world of Ayurveda with Gananathamritananda Swamiji, an Ayurvedic practitioner, astrologer, and pujari based in Virginia who you can find at SOMA MATHA SPIRITUAL CENTER - Home. Discover the complexities of sourcing Ayurvedic herbs, building a Hindu temple in rural Virginia, and the impact of the Flexner Report on modern medicine. Swamiji shares his personal journey to becoming a Swami, the daily life of an Ayurvedic healer, and practical insights into using local herbs sustainably. This episode also features an enlightening discussion on the spiritual path and a beautiful prayer from the Vedas. Don't miss this fascinating conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern challenges.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:35 Meet Swamiji: Ayurvedic Practitioner and Astrologer

04:47 Challenges in Herbalism and Ayurveda

08:49 Swamiji's Journey into Ayurveda

11:31 Ayurvedic Practices and Spiritual Healing

19:56 The Importance of Traditional Knowledge in Herbalism

27:37 Western vs. Ayurvedic Herbalism

32:51 The Ego's Role in Illness

34:47 Ayurvedic Herbs and Sustainability

42:07 Challenges in Building a Temple

47:57 The Spiritual Path and Self-Realization

52:19 The Shift from Herbal to Pharmaceutical Medicine

01:00:11 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Ep. 184: Josh Williams and the Green Arte May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this enlightening episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill sit down with herbalist, author, and educator Josh Williams, who you can find at The Plant Spirit Path | Courses in Spiritual Herbalism - Wortcunning - Herb Magic. Josh shares insights into his unique approach of combining medicinal and magical herbalism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of plants and humans. Through engaging dialogue, they discuss the significance of traditional plant knowledge, ritualistic practices, and the deep spiritual connection with nature. Josh also offers practical advice for connecting with plant spirits, the importance of breath in rituals, and the transformative potential of familiar herbs like Linden and Juniper. Tune in to explore the magical and medicinal realms of plant work, and discover how these age-old practices can bring harmony and healing into our lives.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:34 Meet Josh Williams: Herbalist, Author, Educator

00:55 Springtime in the High Desert

01:24 Garden Updates and Plant Growth

02:08 The Magic of Valerian and Goji

02:51 Hawthornes and Urban Forestry

05:00 The Traditional First Question: Josh's Plant Path

10:06 Animism and Plant Spirits

15:54 Magic and Medicine: A Unified Approach

26:42 Breathing with Plants: A Ritual of Reciprocity

35:52 The Protective and Healing Power of Linden

44:56 The Power of Thorns

45:15 The Deeper Meaning of Roses

45:58 Lessons from Berries and Canes

47:14 The Ubiquity and Importance of Common Herbs

49:09 The Mint Family's Role in Herbalism

53:58 Personal Stories and Plant Connections

59:47 Online Programs and Classes

01:09:43 Elemental Herbalism Explained

01:15:54 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Ep.183: Robert Dale Rogers on Medicinal Lichens May 07, 2025

Show notes

In episode 183 of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill chat with renowned herbalist Robert Dale Rogers ( who you can find at Self Heal Distributing - Essential Oils ) about his latest book, 'Medicinal Lichens: Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Pharmacology'. Robert shares his wealth of knowledge on lichens' antibiotic properties, their synergy with chemotherapy, and their vital role in combating antibiotic-resistant diseases. He delves into his personal journey and experiences that led him to this field, highlighting the importance of indigenous wisdom in herbal medicine. In addition to medicinal lichens, the discussion also touches on ferns, their medicinal uses, and the evolving interest in herbalism. Perfect for herbal enthusiasts, this episode offers invaluable insights and wisdom from a leading expert.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:34 Meet Robert Dale Rogers: Herbalist and Author

03:14 Robert's Journey into Herbal Medicine

09:45 The Evolution of Herbalism

15:14 Diving into Medicinal Lichens

29:34 The Impact of Antibiotics on Microbiome

30:32 Efficacy of Lichens Against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

33:15 Exploring Medicinal Ferns

36:06 Research Process and Indigenous Wisdom

39:36 Preparation and Uses of Lichens

44:27 Lichens in Traditional and Modern Medicine

50:01 Upcoming Books and Projects

51:46 Where to Learn More

Ep. 182: Lian Bruno and Herbal Smoking Blends Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Plant Cunning Podcast with hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill. In this episode, they engage in a fascinating conversation with Lian Bruno, founder of Puff Herbals, (Herbal Cigarettes & Herbal Smoking Blends | Puff Herbals) a company specializing in herbal smoking blends. Lian shares her journey into herbalism, the inspiration behind Puff Herbals, and the benefits of using various herbs in smoking blends. They discuss the intricacies of different herbs, including skullcap, lavender, catnip, and mugwort, and how they can be used to enhance smoking experiences without relying on nicotine or cannabis. The episode also touches on the cultural aspects of smoking rituals and the potential of herbal blends in helping people quit tobacco. Tune in for an informative and inspiring discussion on the world of herbal smoking.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

01:04 Supporting the Podcast and Personal Services

02:06 Leon Bruno's Journey into Herbalism

03:19 The Birth of Puff Herbals

09:06 Exploring Herbal Smoking Blends

13:22 The Ritual and Social Aspects of Smoking

23:47 Herbs for Focus and Clarity

30:29 The Significance of Skullcap in Blends

35:08 Creating Your Own Smoking Blend

36:46 The Benefits of Lavender3

7:44 Exploring Catnip and Chamomile

40:28 The Smoothness of Mugwort

41:32 Understanding Astringent Herbs

43:24 The Euphoria of Damiana

44:43 The Instant Effects of Smoking Herbs

51:08 The Ritual of Smoking Herbs

56:30 Herbs to Avoid in Smoking Blends

01:04:59 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Ep. 181: Spring Duocast 2025 Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

We've got a lot going on this spring! And we're excited to announce Isaac's new website where he offers astrology readings (https://www.askisaac.me/), and AC's new school with Gabriel Mojay - The Actaea Institute of Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (https://www.actaea.org/). Our patreon can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/plantcunning Thank you for your support!!

Ep.180: Pam Montgomery on Co-Creating with Nature Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Join hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill as they welcome back special guest Pam Montgomery, a renowned herbalist, teacher, and author. Broadcasting from Belize, Pam shares her journey of connecting with new plants, especially coconut palms. The episode dives deep into the importance of co-creative partnerships with nature, the concept of plant initiations, and how we can heal our separation from nature. Pam also discusses her new book, 'Co-Creating with Nature: Healing the Wound of Separation' and the profound transformations she's witnessed in her students through plant initiations. Don't miss inspiring stories that challenge the colonial mindset and pave the way for a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Find Pam at Home - Wake up to Nature

Also, if you'd like to book a Vedic astrology reading with Isaac, email him at info at plantcunning dot com

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:31 Welcoming Pam Montgomery

01:16 Pam's Experience in Belize

02:24 Discovering the Wonders of Palm Trees

05:11 The Generosity of Coconut Palms

09:55 Pam's New Book: Co-Creating with Nature

10:44 The Separation from Nature

25:37 Decolonizing the Mind and Heart

32:58 Taking Action: Co-Creative Partnership with Nature

36:22 Beach Cleanup and Seaweed Uses

37:57 Introduction to Plant Initiations

38:19 The Process of Plant Initiations

39:53 The Role of Elders and Modern Challenges

41:24 Plants as Modern Elders

42:06 Personal and Collective Healing

43:14 Choosing the Right Plant for Initiation

48:57 Stories of Transformation

01:00:36 Course Offerings and Final Thoughts

Ep.179: Aries Ingress/Spring Forecast with ZamboniFunk Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, ZamboniFunk is back to do the spring quarter/Aries Ingress with us. We look at the surprising implications of the Aries Ingress chart, the eclipses happening this quarter, Mercury and Venus's retrogrades, Neptune and Saturn entering Aries, and much more.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:31 Welcoming Zamboni Funk and Discussing the Aries Ingress

01:22 Reflections on Winter and Signs of Spring

05:02 Astrological Insights: Aries Ingress and Eclipse Season

08:16 Analyzing the Aries Ingress Chart

16:48 Mars in the Sixth House and Its Implications

30:14 Lunar Eclipse and Its Impact on Religion and Trade

39:32 Eclipse Impact on Washington D.C.

41:31 Debating the Eclipse's Significance

42:36 Astrological Predictions for Trump

49:33 Saturn and Neptune in Aries

01:01:53 Navigating Retrogrades: Venus and Mercury

01:08:36 Looking Ahead: Jupiter in Cancer

01:19:18 Final Thoughts and Predictions

Ep. 178: Arun on Mahavidyas and Nakshatra Trees Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Arun from Arun's Yoga about Mahavidyas, Tantra, and the Trees associated with the Nakshatras, the 27 mansions of the moon from Vedic Astrology. You can find Arun here: www.arunsyoga.in

Ep. 177: Exploring Earth Mysteries with John Michael Greer Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Plant Cunning Podcast! Join hosts, AC Stauble and Isaac Hill, as they delve into the intriguing world of Earth Mysteries with returning guest, John Michael Greer. In this episode, they discuss Greer's newest book, the Earth Mysteries Workbook, which encourages readers to explore local legends, ancient sites, and unusual phenomena in their own areas. From ley lines and the Newport Tower to the fundamental techniques of magic, this conversation covers the fascinating intersection of spirituality, occultism, and earth mysteries. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to these concepts, you'll find valuable insights and practical advice on connecting with the subtle dimensions of the land around you. Tune in for an enlightening episode that bridges the gap between the unexplained, the mystical, and the practical! 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast 00:31 Welcoming John Michael Greer 01:01 Exploring the Earth Mysteries Workbook 05:00 The Context and Background of Earth Mysteries 11:04 The Newport Tower and Other American Mysteries 28:27 The Myth of Disenchantment 38:22 Core Practices of a Magician 39:20 Protective Rituals and Symbolic Balance 40:36 Discursive Meditation: A Different Approach 44:12 Understanding Divination 45:24 The Importance of Ritual, Meditation, and Divination 46:07 Challenges in Modern Occult Practices 51:18 The Three Paths: Magician, Occultist, Mystic 01:07:55 Practical Advice for Connecting with Earth Mysteries 01:11:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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