Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

In this episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, host Diana is joined by guest Te'Auna Sanders for her first full guest appearance on the podcast. Te'Auna reflects on her early memories and childhood experiences with plants, including foraging for sour clover and honeysuckle as a form of self-soothing and emotional regulation. She shares the story of how she discovered Root City Kava Bar in Mount Vernon, Baltimore, and discusses how her relationship with kava has grown over time. The conversation covers the distinct social culture of kava bars compared to traditional alcohol bars, how kava helps foster meaningful social connections without the negative side effects of alcohol, and her positive experiences using red kratom tea for relief from menstrual cramps. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Diana is joined once again by Christopher Deaney of Christopher's Organic Botanicals to discuss the importance of reading more than the fear-mongering headlines. They also discuss the current misinformation dominating the media landscape, and how advocates can combat the spread of it. The discussion also delves into the complexities of chemical extracts and how synthetic drugs damage the reputation of a plant.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, host Diana sits down with friend and herbalist Tahj Laguerre to discuss personal journeys with plant medicine, the importance of community support, and the nuances between different plant remedies like kava, kratom, and psilocybin. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

This is a LIVE recording from our recent event at Root City Kava, featuring Douglas LaRose from the Kava Coalition and Christopher Deaney of Christopher's Organic Botanicals. We are making this a recurring event, so please stay tuned for further details about our November live recording.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Artist and educator Amanda Suttari joins Diana Krach to discuss her 15-year journey with Ayahuasca. The conversation explores the reality of plant medicine beyond the "quick fix" myth, emphasizing the necessity of preparation, strict cleansing protocols, and dedicated integration. Amanda also shares vital insights on how to ethically select retreat centers by evaluating their environmental impact and relationship with indigenous communities. Links: -https://www.amandasuutari.com/ - Christopher's Organic Botanicals Disclaimer Please be aware that Ayahuasca and many other plant medicines remain illegal in various jurisdictions, including Canada. This episode is for educational purposes only. Listeners should exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and be aware of the legal and health risks associated with these practices. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, Diana Krach and Christopher Deaney break down the significant DEA updates from July 1st regarding the scheduling of various substances, including 7-OH, tianeptine, pseudoindoxil, and MGM-15. They discuss the crucial distinction between natural, whole-leaf kratom and synthetic, highly-processed extracts, emphasizing why education remains the most powerful tool for consumers and advocates.   Important links: Christopher's Organic Botanicals Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, host Diana Krach welcomes back Douglas La Rose, President of the Kava Coalition, for a deep dive into the communal and personal aspects of kava and kratom. Key Discussion Points: The Kava Experience: Douglas shares how kava serves as a powerful tool for building community, contrasting it with alcohol by emphasizing its ability to foster positive, pro-social connections rather than seclusion or conflict.   Debunking Myths: Reverse Tolerance: Douglas clarifies that the concept of "reverse tolerance" is largely a narrative used to encourage new users, rather than a scientific reality. He suggests it’s more about learning "how to hear" or experience the subtle effects of kava. 1 Liver Toxicity: Douglas addresses the persistent, debunked myth regarding kava’s liver toxicity, noting that the Kava Coalition is actively working to correct this damaging misinformation.   Kratom Perspectives: Douglas discusses his changing relationship with kratom, noting that it helped him stop drinking alcohol. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in products that blend botanicals, warning against deceptive marketing.   Plant Synergy: Both guests agree that while botanicals like kava, kratom, CBD, and others can complement one another, users should be mindful of personal physiology and avoid irresponsible mixing. 1 Upcoming Event: Diana announces a live recording event featuring Douglas and the "man behind the brand," Christopher, taking place on the first Sunday of September 2026 at Root City Kava Bar in Baltimore.   Douglas also promotes his Kavaseur podcast on Patreon and highlights the resources available at kavacoalition.org for those interested in deeper research and community events.     Subscribe to our Substack for updates

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: Christopher's Organic Botanicals     Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Christopher Deaney of Christopher's Organic Botanicals joins 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 gets honest about the challenges while also reinforcing his commitment to making kratom accessible to everyone.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

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 sweet sides of cannabis consumption, focusing on balancing flavors and cannabinoids. Education, paired with advocacy and accessibility, also drives their messaging. Thomas talks about how representation matters for disabled and Black women, and how MJNM tries to be that media illustration.  She also gives Diana advice on how to make the best infused butter, which is an important tool in the wellness belt for those who can't smoke.  Check out the MJNM new merch line: www.mjnmstash.store Subscribe to our Substack for updates