Planthropology

By: Vikram Baliga PhD
  • Summary

  • If you're on this planet, plants have a HUGE impact on your life. Whether you're a vegan, a carnivore, or somewhere in between, plants are the basis of the food you eat, the clothes your wear, and the air you breathe. We don't intend just to teach you plant facts (though we'll do plenty of that), but to give you some insight into the cool people who work with them. From the soil to the plate to the climate, dive into the anthropology of plants (get it?) and learn a little more about why you should care about the world around you from the people who care about it the most.
    © 2024 Vikram Baliga
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Episodes
  • 111. Dragon Fruits, Lichen, and the Most Important Plant Thing- Summer 2024 Q&A
    Aug 5 2024

    Send us a Text Message.

    What's up Plant People?? It's been a minute since our last Q&A episode, and I have some good ones for you today! Thanks to @marahw1999, @honukaimi, and Shannon Perry (oz9podcast) for the outstanding questions!

    Be sure to check out the Lubbock Arts Alliance on Instagram and their other socials to learn more about Delightful Fantasy Flowers and enter for a chance to win some cool swag!

    Oh, and if you'd like to watch a cool time lapse of a dragon fruit blooming, you can find that on my Instagram!





    Support the Show.

    As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!

    Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout.

    Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

    • Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com
    • Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology
    • Facebook: Planthropology
    • Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People
    • Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod
    • ...
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    43 mins
  • 110. Habitats, Invasive Species, and Possibly Antagonistic Bear Interactions w/ Ashley Bray
    Jul 12 2024

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    Get ready to unravel the fascinating world of wildlife biology and plant science as we sit down with Ashley Bray, the insightful host of the Get Out Alive podcast. Have you ever wondered how the dynamics between plants and animals shape our ecosystems? Ashley shares her inspiring journey from childhood animal enthusiast to wildlife biologist, overcoming early academic hurdles and reshaping career expectations. We delve into the essential relationship between plant and animal ecosystems, illustrating how habitat destruction, invasive species, and animal behaviors impact plant populations and vice versa.

    Explore the evolutionary chess game between giraffes and acacia trees, revealing how these magnificent creatures and resilient plants have developed unique adaptations over millennia. From the buff-tailed sickleback hummingbird's specialized relationship with Heliconia flowers to the seasonal dietary shifts of white-tailed deer, we spotlight the complex and often delicate balance that underpins our natural world. The importance of respecting and preserving these natural processes is underscored, highlighting the need for minimal human interference to ensure the survival and health of wildlife.

    As we navigate conservation challenges, Ashley provides insights into the role of fire in ecosystem health, the plight of monarch butterflies, and the increasing presence of black bears in urban areas. Learn about the critical role science communication and podcasting play in debunking myths and spreading awareness about wildlife. From personal stories of animal encounters to the importance of maintaining natural habitats, this episode promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration for anyone passionate about the environment. Join us for this enlightening discussion, packed with real-world experiences and expert insights that will deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of our natural world.

    Support the Show.

    As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!

    Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout.

    Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

    • Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com
    • Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology
    • Facebook: Planthropology
    • Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People
    • Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod
    • ...
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 109. Food as Knowledge, Eating Equitably, and Digital Literacy w/ Dr. Sarah Duignan
    Jun 6 2024

    Send us a Text Message.

    What's up, Plant People? Join us as we welcome Dr. Sarah Duignan, the host of the AnthroDish podcast and a medical anthropologist, on a remarkable journey navigating food anthropology and community health. From her roots in Ontario, where a deep connection with nature began shaping her career, Sarah takes us through her academic route via Trent University, the University of Manitoba, and McMaster University. Discover how her passion transitioned from the study of ancient skeletal populations to a focus on modern community-based health, revealing the profound connections between food, culture, and everyday wellness.

    Our conversation uncovers the personal trials and triumphs of balancing a career in anthropology with roles in water studies and food systems. Sarah candidly shares her experiences as a single parent and a PhD student, illuminating the universal challenges of food access and security in Canada and the United States. We tackle pressing issues like skyrocketing food prices and increasing reliance on food banks, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to understanding environment and climate in the post-2020 world.

    As we delve deeper, Sarah offers insightful perspectives on food ethics, community initiatives, and the cultural significance of food. Hear about the power of grassroots movements, the evolving landscape of food guidelines, and the influence of digital platforms like TikTok in shaping food knowledge. This episode is a rich tapestry of academic insights and personal stories, promising listeners a thought-provoking exploration of how food intersects with identity, culture, and societal structures.

    Sarah's Links
    AnthroDish
    Substack
    Instagram
    TikTok
    Twitter
    Threads
    YouTube
    Facebook

    Support the Show.

    As always, thanks so much for listening! Subscribe, rate, and review Planthropology on your favorite podcast app. It helps the show keep growing and reaching more people! As a bonus, if you review Planthropology on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and send me a screenshot of it, I'll send you an awesome sticker pack!

    Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout.

    Listen in on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or wherever else you like to get your podcasts.

    • Website: www.planthropologypodcast.com
    • Podchaser: www.podchaser.com/Planthropology
    • Facebook: Planthropology
    • Facebook group: Planthropology's Cool Plant People
    • Instagram: @PlanthropologyPod
    • ...
    Show more Show less
    59 mins

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