Planthropology

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

  Send us a textWhat 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 LinksFacebookYouTubeSupport 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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