Plant Frequencies Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Graham “The Cosmobiologist” Lau — astrobiologist, science communicator, and Director of Communications at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. Graham has spent his career exploring some of humanity’s biggest questions:- How did life begin on Earth?- Could life exist on Mars, Europa, or distant exoplanets?- What would it mean to discover alien intelligence? -...

From experimental art to regenerative farming, Hearty Provisions CEO Roberto Meza’s journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. In this conversation, we explore how health challenges led him to microgreens, biodynamic farming, and ultimately to building food hubs that tackle systemic inequities. Roberto shares insights on the health benefits of whole foods, the lessons he learned from the Ami...

Can freeze drying help solve some of the biggest challenges in food and nutrition? In this episode, David Leaman, freeze-drying content creator and strategic partner, takes us inside the science, business, and real-world applications of freeze drying — a preservation method that retains up to 97% of nutrients while dramatically cutting down on food waste. We look at how freeze-dried powders can ma...

In this episode, we speak with Niko Skievaski — co-founder and CEO of Althea, a company building systems to make psychedelic therapy safe, accessible, and fully integrated into mental health care. Niko shares how mushrooms influenced both personal healing and major life choices — including the decision to step away from entrepreneurial success in pursuit of deeper meaning. Together, we explore the...

In this episode of Plant Frequencies, I sit down with Charles Johnson, a long-time friend and medicine facilitator, for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of technology, psychedelics, and addiction. Charles shares his journey from struggling with heroin in his 20s to finding profound healing through Ibogaine, an experience that led him to dedicate his life to supporting others in thei...

With over 35 years as a Health and Wellness Coach, Massage Therapist, Yoga Teacher, and founder of multiple wellness ventures, Grace Ventura has dedicated her life to guiding others through transition with compassion, creativity, and embodied practice. In this conversation, Grace shares her journey from raising six children to launching an organic food brand, and now leading Gracious Pathways, whe...

What does it mean to lead with heart in the age of AI? In this powerful conversation with Carlotta Mast, industry leader, board member, and champion of conscious business, we explore the intersection of people, purpose, and technology. Carlotta shares insights on:-How to use AI as a tool without losing human creativity and agency.-Building businesses rooted in service, connection, and abundance.-T...

In episode 17 of Plant Frequencies, I sit down with Zev Paiss. A hemp pioneer, sustainable futurist, and protopian thinker, to explore how we can build a more resilient and hopeful future. With decades of experience in community development, industrial hemp advocacy, and systems thinking, Zev shares insights on:- The rise, challenges, and promise of the hemp movement- What a protopian future looks...

What happens when a Wall Street advisor walks away from the world of finance to build something more meaningful? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Lussow, the CEO of Giving Place and Tiffingive ( https://tifin.com/product/give// ) to explore how and why philanthropy needs to evolve. We talk about the deeply personal nature of giving, the myths surrounding nonprofit "efficiency," and the tools...

Burnout isn’t just about doing too much, it’s about doing the wrong things for the wrong reasons. In this episode, executive coach and spiritual practitioner Robert MacNaughton shares 12 powerful practices for leading with integrity, clarity, and stamina. From checking your calendar for energetic alignment to switching from hustle mode to intuition-led action, this conversation dives deep into wha...

Mackenzie Sehlke, Executive Director of the Boulder County Farmers Markets and a Tufts‑trained expert in food policy and nutrition, joins Stephen for a deep dive into the future of farming and local food systems. They discuss the challenges small growers face with USDA guidance, the trade‑offs in keeping microgreens clean and nutrient‑dense, and how federal and local policies shape the path forwar...

In this deep and wide‑ranging conversation, ceremonial guide and licensed psychotherapist Andres Zambrano opens his medicine bag and his heart. Together we explore the sacred tools of ceremony—mambé, ambil, hape, feathers, smudging, and prayer—and how they awaken intuition, cleanse energy, and invite clarity. Andres speaks on the subtle art of working with plant medicines, how to move beyond spiri...

In this episode, herbalist and formulator Jessica Baker explores the deep, often overlooked relationship between humans and the plant world. From the evolutionary wisdom of cannabis to the everyday stress relief of a walk among street trees, we unpack how plants shape our health, history, and consciousness. Jessica shares grounded ways for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature — even in concrete...

Ryan Lynch is a plant scientist and genomics researcher at the Salk Institute whose work focuses on root architecture, fatty acid biosynthesis, and building climate-resilient crops. Food systems are collapsing under the weight of climate change, degraded soils, and nutrient-poor crops. But what if the answers aren’t above ground—in the leaves, stems, or fruit—but underneath, in the roots? Ryan bel...

High-tech farming is failing. What now? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend, JC Chidiac, horticultural engineer and founder of Culty Bio, to talk about why so many modern farms are collapsing — and what it actually takes to grow healthy food in a changing climate. We cover:🌱 Why vertical farms and hydroponics keep flopping💡 The difference between controlling nature vs working with it...

In this episode community herbalist, forager, menstrual cycle educator, and doula Jay Schwarz shares insights on herbalism, women’s health, and reconnecting with nature. We explore the many uses of herbs—from teas to skincare—along with sustainable foraging, the healing power of plants like motherwort, and the link between physical and emotional well-being. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on...

What does it really mean to lead a city like Boulder? In this episode, Mayor Aaron Brockett joins us to talk wildfires, water, housing, public parks, and why local government matters more than ever. We dive into what makes Boulder unique—from its open space legacy and thriving food scene to its challenges around homelessness, addiction, and federal funding cuts. Mayor Brockett shares lessons from...

In this episode Max Knight, co-founder of Rooted Robotics, explores how automation, AI, and a fresh entrepreneurial mindset can transform the future of farming. With a background in environmental engineering and a passion for sustainability, Max shares the story behind Rooted Robotics' evolution—from a vertical farming startup to a company designing accessible automation tools for small and mi...

What if the failures you’re ashamed of are actually your biggest advantages? In this episode, we explore why mistakes are essential to growth, how to build yourself from the inside out, and what it really means to fail forward. From burnout and doubt to clarity and purpose, this conversation is for anyone who’s stuck, scared, or starting over. You’ll walk away with a clearer path to resilience, me...

Will Dugan is a Boulder-based founder, cyclist, and community builder working at the intersection of food, purpose, and movement. He launched Vafels in 2018 — a modern, plant-based twist on the traditional Belgian Liège wafel — inspired by his time racing bikes professionally in Belgium and a desire to fuel riders with real food. What began as a snack for monthly charity rides has grown into a mis...

Sofia Arana-Miranda is an animist, herbalist, artist, and curandera with a lifelong passion for nature and plant medicines. Early in life, she saw people's frustration and helplessness with allopathic medicine, and was powerfully drawn towards natural healing methods. In 2010, she embraced the gifts of nature and began her formal training in traditional folk medicines. Today, Sofia combines these...

I’m joined by my friend Danny Walsh — founder of Peak State Coffee. Danny’s an engineer turned entrepreneur who brings a systems mindset to startups, and a deep passion for the outdoors into everything he does. From building trails in the White Mountains to building a coffee company rooted in wellness and sustainability, he’s all about purposeful work. In this episode, we dive into nature, innovat...

Brigitte Mars, a true pioneer in the world of herbal medicine. With over 60 years of experience, she’s an herbalist, author of 17 books, and a professor at Naropa University, where she bridges traditional plant wisdom with modern academia. Brigitte’s deep-rooted passion for nature has shaped her life’s work, from sustainable living to holistic healing. She’s here to share her journey, insights, an...

Dr. Peter Jones—anthropologist, entrepreneur, and coffee and tea expert. As the owner of Boulder’s beloved Trident Café, Idle hands roasting company and the Bauu Institute, Peter has spent decades studying human cultures, sustainability, and, the perfect cup of coffee and teaFrom working with Indigenous communities to judging international coffee competitions, he brings a unique perspective on wha...