Growers Podcast

The Terrifying Legend of Australia’s Man-Eating Trees | Growers Show Podcast

Did trees in Australia once eat people… or is this just one of the wildest plant myths ever?In this episode, we dive into a bizarre Reddit thread that compiles historical newspaper clippings and first-hand accounts of so-called man-eating trees. These stories describe massive, tentacle-like plants that could trap and consume animals—and possibly humans.Naturally, we had to investigate.We read through the original accounts, break down where these stories came from, and try to figure out:Were these just exaggerated newspaper myths?Could something like this actually exist?And why do so many cultures have stories about dangerous, predatory plants?We also compare these legends to real-life plants like Puya chilensis—a very real (and very spiky) plant known for trapping and killing animals. So… is it really that far-fetched?Expect a mix of history, plant science, internet chaos, and questionable conclusions as we try to separate fact from fiction.As always, things get a little out of hand

Why Joe Rogan Told Trump About This Incredibly Amazing Plant! Growers Show 18

Ibogaine is one of the most talked-about plant compounds in the world right now—but what is it, and why is it suddenly back in the spotlight?Unfortunately we also had some other pressing issues to attend to while we recorded the episode... but we still got it done! We just love podcasting so much :)In this episode, we dive into ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies and now being studied for its potential role in treating addiction, PTSD, and depression.We break down:Why ibogaine has re-entered public conversation after recent high-profile discussions (between JOE ROGAN + TRUMP!!!!)How it’s being researched for addiction and mental health treatmentThe history of its traditional useWhat the science currently says (and what it doesn’t)And of course… some of the most intense and fascinating experience reports we could findSome people describe ibogaine as life-changing. Others describe it as overwhelming, difficult, and not something to take lightly.As always, we approach this topic with curiosity, humor, and a healthy amount of skepticism.

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.