Plants of the Gods: S8E2 Dennis McKenna on new discoveries and emerging psychedelic science (part 2)
From Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast by Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.
March 9, 2026 · 30 min · Season 8 · Episode 2
About this episode
Dr. Mark Plotkin continues his conversation with Dr. Dennis McKenna about the impact of ESPD conferences and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into modern medicine.
This is a special joint episode of Plants of the Gods and Brainforest Café . Host Dr. Mark Plotkin continues his conversation with ethnopharmacologist Dr. Dennis McKenna. They reflect on the origins and impact of the ESPD conferences, launched in 1967, and how these landmark gatherings helped shape the field of ethnopharmacology. The discussion also explores the enduring legacy of Richard Evans Schultes and his profound influence on ethnobotany. Dennis emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and the respectful integration of Indigenous knowledge into modern medicine—an approach that remains vital to the future of psychedelic science. Show notes: McKenna Academy https://mckenna.academy/mka-podcast/ ESPD Books: https://mckenna.academy/mka-programs/espd55/#espdbooks
People in this episode
Host: Mark Plotkin
Guest: Dennis McKenna
Topics covered
- psychedelic science
- ethnopharmacology
- Indigenous knowledge
- interdisciplinary research
- ethnobotany
- ESPD conferences
Keywords
- psychedelics
- ethnopharmacology
- Indigenous medicine
- Richard Evans Schultes
- ESPD conferences
- interdisciplinary research
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: McKenna Academy, ESPD
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