Getting Personal With Plant Medicine: A Podcast That Nurtures Plants For Health

Some podcasts are so good that they're worth multiple reviews. Think of it in terms of film analysis. The greatest movies of all time are reviewed thousands of times, even if they're 83 years old like Casablanca, or a movie celebrating its 50th anniversary about a shark called Jaws.

Getting Personal With Plant Medicine is one of those superb indie podcasts that just keeps getting better and better. It's like a flower that is in full bloom. That's an appropriate analogy because Getting Personal With Plant Medicine is about plants as medicine. 

Let's clear up any possible confusion right upfront. Getting Personal With Plant Medicine (GPPM) is not a crunchy, granola, anti-science, fringe-y health podcast. In fact, the opposite is true. The science of using plants medicinally in our daily health regimen is rigorously researched by the co-hosts and accurately communicated on the show. 

 In the (GPPM) podcast, creator/host Diana-Ashley Krach talks with her life and podcasting partner -- JR Krach -- about the inherent flaws in Western modern medicine. While there are copious flaws with our health care system, the Krach's rightfully focus on the indiscriminate prescribing of medications to solve every physical problem. Soon, the couple rightfully asserts, people's health suffers because of dangerous interactions between medications and medication side effects.

The show's elevator pitch is simple yet effective: "Whether you're just starting to explore the potential of plants or are a seasoned alternative healing expert, our show invites you to unwind, learn, and discover the remarkable healing power of earth and plant medicine."

  While today's pharmaceutical industry appears lab-based and high-tech, thousands of prescription medications are plant-based. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 11 percent of prescription drugs are derived from flowering plants. The use of traditional Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years. 

For example, childhood Leukemia is treated with drugs derived from Madagascar periwinkle. Atropine, derived from belladonna, is an anticholinergic that can treat conditions from dizziness to psychosis.

Since November 2022, Krach has produced and hosted the podcast, advocating for plant medicine.

 Krach explains: "I began GPPM because my other podcast only covered the cannabis industry (and the plant), and I wanted something that covered all types of plant and earth medicine. The plant medicine journey can be lonely, so I wanted to create something that would foster a community as well as provide some informative content."

Diana and JR also have a companion podcast called Your Highness, which examines the state of the cannabis industry, from every angle.

 Krach continues: "Additionally, GPPM is about demystifying and destigmatizing the conversations we have about plant and earth medicine. That’s why we have the Talking to Kids series inside the show- because the only way to really change the way we talk is to start with children."

  Diana-Ashley Krach is a freelance writer, journalist, and content creator whose work can be found on High Times, Civilized, Miss Grass, DAME, SheKnows, and more. She is also the creator and host of Your Highness Podcast. Krach has also contributed to Medium, Business Insider, MSN (US), Yahoo News, Yahoo, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, Paste, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Sacramento Bee.

As a host, Diana-Ashley Krach excels because of her encyclopedic knowledge of the topic, her no-nonsense interview skill, and the uniqueness of her laugh -- unabashed and thunderous. In her episodes, Krach doesn't delay and dives into the topic at hand. Krach has only improved her hosting and interviewing skills since we last reviewed the show. Her ebullient and cascading laugh still pervades the show, and her conscientious yet carefree style creates a smooth, seamless flow to every episode. 

Diana also knows how to draw information from guests as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. Episodes at about 30 minutes in length always leaving you wanting more, as it should be.

What topics does GPPM cover?

In the October 25, 2023, episode, Krach talks with Charlotte Cruze from Alice Mushrooms, who takes listeners deep into the world of plant medicine, unraveling the mysteries of Cordyceps and Lion's Mane mushrooms and their supercharged potential for healing. Then, guest Amy Donohue, a seasoned cultivator of mushrooms, enlightened listeners on the transformative journey she embarked on, leading to the discovery of the medical benefits of Reishi mushrooms. From regulating blood pressure to aiding in liver health and even assisting in the recovery from COVID-19, the Reishi mushroom has proven to be a treasure trove of wellness. Delving into the world of ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine, Donohue discussed how different colors of Rishi mushrooms correspond to various parts of the body.

In one of my favorite episode from June 2023, Krach spoke with Dr. Peter Grinspoon about the importance of discussing plant medicine use with your doctor. Dr. Grinspoon, a primary care physician, and medical cannabis expert, shared his experiences treating patients who use plant medicine and provides valuable insights into how to talk to your doctor about it.

Throughout the episode, Diana and Dr. Grinspoon share personal stories and anecdotes, making the conversation both informative and engaging. By the end of the episode, listeners should have a better understanding of how to approach talking to their doctor about plant medicine use, and why it is important to have an open and honest dialogue.

One of the most recent and illuminating episodes was the October 17, 2024, show titled

"Chocolate and Roses as Plant Medicine." On that episode, certified herbalist Dale Bellisfield from Canncestra delves into the fascinating world of chocolate and roses as plant medicines. 

In case you've forgotten, chocolate comes from the cacao tree, which is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The cacao tree is a small evergreen tree that produces fruit pods containing cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate.

Bellisfield is like a dark chocolate bar, with every soundbite she dishes new information on how dark chocolate (80% concentration) can improve digestive health, concentration, reduce cramping, improve cardiovascular health and is a prebiotic. 

 

In that episode, Diana relates a story about how she and her husband JR accidentally ate rose pedals instead of the Communication wafer at her wedding mass. I won't spoil it. You can listen here.

I will readily admit that I was in the dark about the medicinal properties of roses. Bellisfield explains in fascinating detail how roses are known for their comforting and heart-healing qualities, and how they can be used in teas, honeys, and even as a natural remedy for grief.

  Check out Getting Personal With Plant Medicine. Diana-Ashley Krach is an excellent host, as is her co-host JR Krach. The couple is obviously sensible and passionate about plant-based medicine and concerned about their listeners' health.

You only have to hear her laugh on the show to realize that Diana Krach is having a helluva of a great time hosting the show, and, I believe, she wants her listeners to be entertained and informed. To have a great time and learn something is a unique combination in any medium. 

I would write more, but I need to eat a one-ounce piece of dark chocolate and then brew up some rose tea.