Plant Consciousness and Earth-Based Storytelling

Delve into the realms of plant consciousness and storytelling in this special Nature of Now podcast panel recorded live at SXSW. Moderated by photographer and storyteller Joshua Cogan, the conversation brings together Susan Leopold (United Plant Savers), Steven Benally (Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative), and Joe Patitucci (PlantWave/Data Garden). They explore how humans can reconnect with nature through ancient wisdom, narrative, and even music. Key themes include indigenous ecological relationships, reciprocity with the plant world, the power of language in shaping our reality, and the surprising ways plants communicate – from mycelial networks beneath our feet to melodies shared between species. 

 

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🌱 Key Points Discussed:

• Plant Consciousness & Ancestry: Understanding plants as ancient, conscious beings and our ecological ancestors deserving reverence and care.

• Power of Story & Language: How storytelling and language shape our relationships with nature, emphasizing respectful communication rather than objectification.

• Indigenous Relationships & Reciprocity: Indigenous teachings about living in harmony with nature, practicing reciprocal relationships, and showing gratitude when harvesting plants.

• Mycelial Networks & Communication: Exploring how forests and plants communicate via underground fungal networks, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

• Ethics of Extraction: Shifting from exploitative approaches to nature towards respectful, consensual harvesting that supports ecological balance and sustainability.

• Interspecies Music: Using music and sound as a means to communicate and connect with plants, reflecting the belief that every species has a unique song or voice.

 

🎙️ Panelists:

Joshua Cogan (Moderator) – Joshua is an award-winning photographer, ethnobotanist, and storyteller known for his immersive storytelling and deep engagement with indigenous communities. His work focuses on the intersection of culture, nature, and spirituality, emphasizing respectful and reciprocal relationships with the natural world. (Social: @joshcogan | Website: joshuacogan.com)

Susan Leopold – An ethnobotanist and conservation biologist, Susan is the Executive Director of United Plant Savers, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting native medicinal plants and their habitats. She advocates for ethical wildcrafting and the preservation of traditional plant knowledge. (Social: @unitedplantsavers | Website: unitedplantsavers.org

Steven Benally – Steven is a Diné (Navajo) elder from Sweetwater, Arizona, and a founding member of the Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI). He supports his community’s health, cultural practices, and conservation of sacred peyote for future generations. (Social: @indigenouspeyoteconservation | Website: ipci.life)

Joe Patitucci – Joe is a multimedia artist and founder of PlantWave, a device translating plant biorhythms into music. His work bridges consciousness, creativity, and nature, inviting people to experience deeper connections with plants through sound. (Website: natureofnow.com, plantwave.com | Social: @natureofnow | Music: Joe Patitucci on Spotify)

 

📚 Resources and Mentions:

• United Plant Savers (UpS) – Non-profit organization focused on conserving at-risk native medicinal plants (unitedplantsavers.org).

• Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI) – An indigenous-led initiative protecting and regenerating the sacred peyote cactus and its cultural traditions (ipci.life).

• PlantWave – Device and project that allows anyone to listen to plant music by converting plant electrical signals into sound (plantwave.com).

• Suzanne Simard’s Work – Pioneering research on forest communication and Mother Trees, as described in her book “Finding the Mother Tree”, illustrating how trees and mycorrhizal fungi share information and resources. (suzannesimard.com)

• “The Secret Life of Plants” – Influential 1973 book by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, which introduced the idea of plant consciousness and plant responses to music and human intention (this book inspired Susan’s realization that “plants are conscious beings”.

 

🎵 Music Credits:
Intro music from Joe Patitucci's album "420hz", available on all platforms.

 

📄 Transcript Available:

Full transcript of Plant Consciousness and Earth-Based Storytelling

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