Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

Diana is joined by JR to talk about some plant medicines that can help alleviate the symptoms of the current severe allergy season, which they note is lasting longer and overlapping with multiple allergy types due to climate changes. They emphasize that this information is not medical advice, but share several plants and natural aids that have been helpful for them and others. Important links: Chr...

Christopher Deaney of Christopher's Organic Botanicals j oins Diana to unpack the complexities of activism. He paints a picture of what it feels like to meet legislators and have them actually listen, and how rewarding it can be to break through the barriers of skepticism. But meeting those legislators can be draining, especially when you have a chronic pain and other disabilities, and Christopher...

Sabrina Thomas, AKA Mary Jane of Mary Jane N Munchies, joins Diana to talk about how her journey with plant medicine began as a child. Her family has a history of using plants for wellness, but it wasn't until her teen years that a doctor's suggestion resulted in cannabis experimentation.  Her cohost shares a culinary passion, which is one of the reasons their podcast focuses on the savory and swe...

Hosts Diana Krach and Christopher Deaney (of Christopher's Organic Botanicals) discuss the complexities of kratom leaf colors, clarifying the effects beyond the simple adage "red for bed, white for flight, green for in between". The conversation explains that red strains are generally more relaxing due to lower mitragynine, while green and white offer more energy, but the final effect is highly de...

This episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine features Q (Qudsiyah, a.k.a. Queemie) of the Mary Jane N Munchies podcast. Q discusses her journey with plant medicine, which began after developing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and photosensitive epilepsy in her late teens, leading to seizures, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. She found that cannabis helped reduce her symptoms by 70-80% a...

Mayakia (Maya) Anderson of Rooted Vines joins Diana to talk about tea blends that benefit mental well-being. She also talks about the creation of The Tea House community on the Skool platform. Important links: Christopher's Organic Botanicals Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Diana is joined by Tashiana Reaves , clinical herbalist, to discuss the many applications of valerian root. They also talk about the personal side of the plant, as Tashiana goes into her story and how it helped her. The discussion is followed by a Christopher's Corner, where he also highlights the valerian products offered by Christopher's Organic Botanicals.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Melody Woolf joins Diana to talk about her remarkable journey with kratom. Because of the transformation that gave her a real quality of life, Melody became a tireless activist, regularly contributing to legislative reform. In this episode, Melody unpacks the complexities of activism and highlights the need for more advocates.  Important links: Christopher's Organic Botanicals Subscribe to our Sub...

Diana is joined by Douglas La Rose, executive director of Kava Coalition , to talk about how kava and the culture of kava bars are changing the ways people socialize. Having visited 50 kava bars all around the world, he has a deep understanding of the social culture. He also talks about how the Kava Coalition works to educate and advocate in every way possible, and why that is so important for pla...

Diana is joined by Mallory O'Connor to discuss how micro-dosing intentionally can lead to a lot of positive lifestyle changes. Mallory explains the importance of set and setting when using psychedelics, and how to safely approach sourcing psilocybin online. She also unpacks what it means to be a psychedelic facilitator and talks about what lead her to the position.  Important links: Christopher's...

In this episode, Diana is joined by co-host Christopher Deeney of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals and special guest Matthew Stewart of Spirit Apotheosis in Ohio for an in-depth and timely conversation about kratom, plant medicine, and government regulation. The discussion centers on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s rapid move from an emergency ban on synthetic kratom derivatives (such as 7-OH) toward...

In this episode, Diana talks to Jordan Richard of New Hope Botanicals —a leading kratom advocate, educator, and content creator known for speaking truth in a highly censored space. Jordan shares his deeply personal journey from severe opioid addiction to long-term recovery, and how discovering kratom over 13 years ago became a turning point that helped him reclaim his life. Together, they explore...

While not widely discussed, kratom has the potential to benefit dogs and other mammals. With the guidance of a veterinarian, plant medicine can be a powerful tool in the wellness toolbelt. Christopher Deaney joins Diana to talk about his own personal experiences giving his dogs and rabbits kratom and unpacks how beneficial it was.  Important links: Christopher's Organic Botanicals Christopher's Kr...

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 i...

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 Christo...

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 a...

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...

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. Subscribe to...

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. Subscribe to our Sub...

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 pl...

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...

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 t...

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 the...

Welcome to an enlightening episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, where host Diana sits down with Tashiana the Sun Goddess to delve into the multifaceted world of hibiscus. Explore the symbolic and healing properties of this vibrant flower, from its ancient connections to Egyptian culture to its modern applications in teas and spiritual practices. Tashiana shares her personal journey wit...

Welcome to the fascinating world of plant medicine with your hosts, Diana and JR. In this seedling episode of 'Getting Personal with Plant Medicine', we dive into the wonders of the Turkey Tail mushroom. You'll discover how these intriguing fungi, often found on trees during your nature walks, can enhance your gut health, boost your immune system, and improve respiratory wellness. Join us as we sh...