Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

Understanding the Hemp Ban

Holly Hillyer of Utokia Herb Co. joins Diana to talk about the recent ban that was snuck into the spending bill. The impending legislation will impact over 90% of the CBD industry negatively and remove access to medicine for a lot of people. Holly unpacks all of the misconceptions and myths that flood conversations about the future of CBD.
And in our Christopher’s Corner, Christopher talks about impending kratom bans as well as ones already in existence, and how those bills impact consumers. He also outlines a few easy ways to get involved in the fight against bans and offers community outlets to discuss any collective efforts.
*A special thank you, as we end the year, to all of our listeners, and to Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, the brand making it all possible.
 
 
 
 
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From Pain Management to Tireless Activism

Diana is joined by Madalyn Sklar of Kratom Stories Podcast and The Kratom Gals to talk about how kratom transformed her life. The plant that gave her autonomy over her pain management also inspired relentless advocacy and community outreach. In addition to constantly fighting for people to have access, she regularly educates newcomers about safe use and product accessibility.
In the latest Christopher’s Corner, Christopher Deaney of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals points out how important platforms like podcasts are to the accessibility to plant medicine. He also highlights some of his current product favorites and shares special discount codes.
 
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Ashwagandha and Blue Lotus

Diana is joined once again by Tashiana Reaves to talk about two plants that pair really well with each other: ashwagandha and blue lotus. They also work well with kratom, accentuating the benefits. Tashiana talks about different applications, consumption methods, and spiritual integrations of the two plants.
Following the main segment is a new Christopher’s Corner, where Christopher Deaney talks about important legislation and ways to get involved that require very little effort (but have real impact). He also points out some product highlights and specials, offering listeners a special discount code.
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Kratom for PTSD

In our season 5 premiere, we (Diana and JR) talk about recent changes to GPPM. This podcast is now a branded one, meaning only one company is sponsoring us and has editorial approval. We couldn't be more excited to work with Christopher's Organic Botanicals, because not only is it our favorite kratom company, but it's a business that puts customers first and values transparency. 
To honor Veteran's Day, we discuss the benefits of adding kratom to the wellness toolbelt for those who deal with PTSD. This plant is so special, because it includes mood-enhancing, anxiety-relieving, and pain-reducing properties. 
For our first ever Christopher's Corner segment, we hear from Christopher Deaney about the origins of COB. 
 
Important links:
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use in a Veteran With Chronic Pain | American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal
Dr. Chris McCurdy | The Past, Present, and Future of Kratom Research – Troscriptions®
The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic - PMC
 
 
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7‑OH vs. Whole‑Leaf Kratom: Separating Fact from Fear

Hosts Diana and Christopher Deaney break down the differences between whole‑leaf kratom, extracts, and the synthesized 7‑OH compound, explaining why conflation of these products fuels fear and misguided bans.
The episode covers harm reduction advice, safe usage tips, the role of industry testing and labeling, and advocacy efforts like the KCPA to protect responsible kratom consumers.
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When Plant Medicine Gets a Bad Rap

Hosts Diana and JR get personal about plant medicines that face stigma, sharing lived experiences and unpacking why substances like cannabis, kava, kratom, and psilocybin are controversial despite long histories of use.
They explore misinformation, cultural and ethical concerns, sustainability and sourcing, dosing and safety, and how societal attitudes and policy shape access.
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Exploring the Healing Power of Plant Medicine for Mental Health

In this episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, host Diana sits down with Tashiana Reaves, AKA Tashiana the Sun Goddess. The pair discuss plant medicine and its potential benefits for mental health, particularly when managing anxiety and depression.
Tashiana shares her holistic approach to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges through the use of various herbs and plants. From chamomile to Tulsi, discover how these natural allies can offer soothing and supportive energies.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety or coping with depression, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for incorporating plant medicine into your wellness routine. Join us for this engaging conversation and learn how to start your journey toward mental well-being in a gentle and effective way.
Important links:
Tashiana's Substack and website
Cloud Culture
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Plant Medicine Hacks for Better Sleep

In this episode of "Getting Personal with Plant Medicine," hosts Diana and JR delve into the world of natural plant medicines that aid in sleep. They highlight the calming properties of Kava, which relaxes both mind and body, and introduce CBN, a cannabinoid known for its sedative and pain-relieving effects. The discussion expands to Kanna, a succulent from South Africa that promotes vivid dreams and alleviates anxiety.
The hosts share personal experiences and offer insights on effective usage, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how these plants can enhance sleep quality. Additionally, the episode touches on the benefits of Tulsi, the nuances of Kratom, and the role of cannabis terpenes in creating a personalized sleep aid toolkit.
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From Apparel to Apothecary: The Medicine Woman

Join host Diana in an engaging conversation with Charis Burrett from The Medicine Woman, as they explore the evolution of a nonprofit cannabis dispensary into a vibrant community hub. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry, including celebrity partnerships and the differences between cannabis markets in California and New Jersey. Charis shares her journey from the apparel industry to teaming up with Ice-T in creating a new flagship dispensary in Jersey City. Learn about the importance of education and community support in making plant medicine more accessible. This episode uncovers the complexities and personal stories behind The Medicine Woman's mission to provide safe, quality cannabis products.
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Seedling Episode: Cordyceps, the Zombie Fungus

Welcome to another exciting episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, hosted by Diana and JR. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of cordyceps, commonly known as the zombie fungus. Explore its rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, from promoting vitality and energy to enhancing lung health and aiding in altitude adaptation. Discover the incredible intelligence embedded in these fungi and learn about how their unique lifecycle could revolutionize perspectives on nature’s brilliance. With potential benefits in brain health, cholesterol regulation, and cell longevity, cordyceps are more than just a supplement; they are a powerful ally in enhancing human health.Tune in as JR shares some enlightening knowledge about these magical mushrooms, highlighting both personal experiences and scientific insights, urging listeners to reconsider the role of mushrooms in their wellbeing journey.
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