Growers Podcast

Yggdrasil: The Ancient Norse Cosmic Tree That Connects the Entire Universe - Growers Show 17

What if a single tree connected every world in existence?In this episode, we dive into Yggdrasil, the legendary world tree from Norse mythology—a massive cosmic tree said to link together all realms, including gods, humans, and the underworld.But this isn’t just some ancient story…We break down:The 9 realms connected by YggdrasilThe strange creatures living inside it (yes… including a dragon and a chaotic squirrel)The symbolism behind the tree and what it may representPossible real-world inspirations for the mythAnd of course… our completely serious attempt to understand it (which goes off the rails pretty fast)As plant lovers, we also ask:👉 Could a tree like this exist in reality?👉 Are there real plants that resemble a “world tree”?👉 And why do so many cultures have similar myths?Expect a mix of mythology, plant science, and chaos as we explore one of the most fascinating trees ever imagined.

Strange Plants That Shouldn’t Exist… But Just Might - Growers Show Episode 16

In this episode of The Growers Show, we dive into some of the strangest and most mysterious plants ever described—plants that sound completely made up… but might have some truth behind them.From a so-called magnetic cactus that pulls people into its spines, to giant carnivorous plants rumored to eat animals, we explore the line between botanical reality and pure myth.We also look at bizarre historical accounts of plants that supposedly existed, including:A magnetic cactus said to kill anything that gets too closeA massive, man-eating flower that lures people in with its scentSeaweed rumored to grant eternal lifeGiant pitcher plants in New Jersey large enough to consume animalsAre these just exaggerated stories, or could there be real plants behind the legends?Along the way, we break down the science, the history, and the possibility behind these myths—all while keeping things as chaotic and entertaining as usual.If you’re into weird plants, botany, folklore, or unexplained mysteries, this episode is for you.

We Really Messed Up... (Extinct Plants Gone Forever) - GROWERS Ep 14

In this episode, we explore some of the most fascinating extinct plants in history, including one of the most legendary of them all: silphium.Silphium was a plant so valuable in the ancient world that it was said to be worth its weight in gold. Used in Roman cuisine, medicine, and trade, it became one of the most sought-after plants in history, until it disappeared completely.We discuss:What silphium was and why it was so valuableHow it was used in ancient RomeTheories on why it went extinctOther well-known plants that have been lost to historyWhat plant extinction can teach us todayFrom overharvesting to environmental change, the story of silphium is a powerful example of how even the most important plants aren’t immune to disappearing forever.The Growers Show Podcast explores plant history, ecology, and the relationship between humans and the natural world, including the stories of what we’ve lost along the way.

This Tree Means Spring Is Finally Here! - GROWERS Ep 13

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most beautiful and underrated trees of early spring: the redbud.If you’ve ever noticed bright pink flowers popping up on trees before anything else has even started to leaf out, chances are you were looking at a redbud. These trees are often one of the very first signs that winter is ending and spring is finally arriving.We break down:Why redbud trees bloom so earlyThe unique way their flowers grow directly from the branches and trunkTheir role in native ecosystems across North AmericaThe history and cultural significance of redbudsWhy they might be one of the best ornamental trees you can plantWhether you’re into plant identification, native species, or just appreciate the moment spring starts to show itself, redbuds are hard to miss once you know what to look for.If you’ve been seeing these trees everywhere lately, now you know why.

Datura Delirium: Unbelievable Real Stories from Erowid - Growers Show Podcast Episode 12

In Part 3 of our trumpet flower series, we focus entirely on Datura and some of the most bizarre, chaotic, and unintentionally hilarious trip reports ever posted online.Drawing from public archives like Erowid, we read real user-submitted experiences and try to understand why this plant consistently produces ABSOLUTELY INSANE stories Datura has a long and complicated history in folklore, traditional medicine, and ritual use — but it is also one of the most dangerous and toxic psychoactive plants in the world.In this episode we:Break down why Datura causes such intense deliriumDiscuss its historical and cultural backgroundAnalyze why so many reports follow similar themesTry to find humor in situations that were… probably not funny at the timeImportant: Datura is highly toxic and can cause severe medical emergencies. This episode is for educational and documentary purposes only. We do not encourage experimentation or misuse.Our goal is to explore plant history, ethnobotany, and the strange ways humans interact with powerful plants — while keeping the conversation honest, responsible, and occasionally laughing at the absurdity of it all.If you enjoy plant history, chaotic internet archives, and deep dives into misunderstood species, Part 3 might be the wildest one yet.