Among the Jungle Podcast
Welcome to Among the Jungle Podcast hosted by botanist, horticulturist and environmental activist, Shii Kaina. With over a decade of experience in the field and a deep passion for the natural world, Shii is your guide to unlocking the secrets of natural biophilic design, plant care, organic gardening, sustainable living and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a houseplant enthusiast or just starting out, Among the Jungle Podcast will help you deepen your connection with the earth and live in harmony with nature. From practical gardening tips to thought-provoking discussions on silly plant trends and hot-button sustainability practices, we cover a wide range of topics, all with a common goal: CONNECT PLANTS & PEOPLE. Shii's vibrant approach to plant and nature topics will leave you feeling energized and inspired to take action for yourself, your community and your planet. So come join plant enthusiasts and experts from around the world, HERE on Among the Jungle Podcast where we blur the lines between indoors and outdoors by bringing nature inside and our people outside! It's time to INSPIRE YOUR WILD!
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Worldwide Reforestation One Tree at a Time with Diana from OneTreePlanted
04/28/2021
Worldwide Reforestation One Tree at a Time with Diana from OneTreePlanted
In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we plant trees around the world with Diana Chaplin from one of my most beloved non-profit organizations: OneTreePlanted, as she teaches us about biodiversity, rebuilding forests and starting your eco journey right where you are. With our own two hands and one seed at a time, we can change the world! Today we will experience: 1) The growth of OneTreePlanted 2) How planting trees helps the planet 3) The 6 Pillars of Reforestation If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! ?Episode Sponsored by SonoFarm Grow Lights ? Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/025
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Foraging with the Seasons + Living Intentionally with Miss Wondersmith
04/15/2021
Foraging with the Seasons + Living Intentionally with Miss Wondersmith
In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to the high dessert of Idaho and beyond viewing the world through the lens of wonder with Miss Wondersmith, as we explore the benefits of foraging and how it can lead you down a magical path of deepening your relationship with the wild kingdom. Today we will experience: 1) Viewing the world through the lens of wonder 2) Foraging and Eating with the Seasons 3) How to live an intentional life through ritual and ceremony If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! ?Episode Sponsored by SonoFarm Grow Lights ? Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/024
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How to Host a Plant Swap In-Person + Online with Michelle Faught
03/24/2021
How to Host a Plant Swap In-Person + Online with Michelle Faught
In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to the Sunshine State to learn the art of “Hosting a Plant Swap” with Michelle Faught of Tampa Bae Plants in Florida. She walks us through the simple steps to follow when planning a plant swap, and how the concepts can be adapted to work online as well. Join us for a fun conversation! Today we will experience: 1) How to host thriving in person plant swaps 2) How to exchange plants online 3) Etiquette for attending a plant swap If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! ?Episode Sponsored by SonoFarm Grow Lights ? Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/023
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The Fascinating World of Fungi, Mycelium, Mushrooms & Yeast with Dr. Gordon Walker
03/11/2021
The Fascinating World of Fungi, Mycelium, Mushrooms & Yeast with Dr. Gordon Walker
In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we join in the journey of Dr. Gordon Walker as he takes us from California to New Zealand and back, on a magical journey of fungi, mycelium and yeast and its potent potential to revolutionize the world of wine and beer as well as reestablish a healthy ecosystem across the planet. If you love beer, wine, food or even living on this planet- you can thank the fungi kingdom. Today we will experience: 1) The expansive world of fungi + how you can get started foraging 2) How essential fungi & yeast are in the regeneration of our planet 3) The important role of the forager in helping to fight invasive species If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/022
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Connecting to Plants and Nature Through the Magic of Storytelling with Samantha Rose
01/05/2021
Connecting to Plants and Nature Through the Magic of Storytelling with Samantha Rose
“Tell a story for the sake of joy, and fun, and wonder, and awe... Bring on the joy! Bring back the joy at this time we are living... we need that spark, that magic, that awe to see through the childlike lens." -Samantha Rose In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey from Australia to England with ceremonial storyteller, Samantha Rose, as she takes us on an incredible journey of nature inspired story, and even shares a story she created especially for this episode. From the wisdom of aborigines aunties to her deep connection with nature, Samantha assists us in discovering how we can become the hero of our own story, and how nature has endless offerings of wisdom and medicine. Today we will experience: 1) How storytelling and nature are connected 2) How curiosity and wonder plant seeds of joy in our lives 3) An incredible story Samantha wrote just for us If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/021
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Houseplants as a Stepping Stone to Sustainability with Nick Cutsumpas
12/09/2020
Houseplants as a Stepping Stone to Sustainability with Nick Cutsumpas
“Having plants was the stepping stone I needed to say: ‘How can I reevaluate every little aspect of my life?'" -Nick Cutsumpas In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey from NYC to LA with Nick Cutsumpas, also known as "Farmer Nick" to discover how the plant path has lead him down a path of sustainability and how plants inspire us to live a plant-based life in all aspects. From "The Big Flower Fight" on Netflix, to the co-creation of Essential Farmers, Nick inspires us to appreciate plants as an extension of nature, instead of viewing them as home decor or furniture. Today we will learn: 1) Why plants and sustainability go hand in hand 2) Tips for bringing more sustainable practices into your home and garden 3) How to cultivate curiosity, patience and joy If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/020
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Plant Music Sound Bath for People, Plants and Pets
11/18/2020
Plant Music Sound Bath for People, Plants and Pets
Episode 019: Peace Lily Sound Bath for You & Your Houseplants "Remember there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. " -Shii Kaina (Originally by Scott Adams) In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast, we journey to the magical and joyous world of plants as we immerse ourselves and our plant friends in a sound bath of music created by my domino peace lily- Dotty- through the PlantWave music device. This episode is by plants and for plants. However, humans and pets will also enjoy. Relax, enjoy and play the full length music track as many times as you like *now* on spotify, iTunes and anywhere else you listen to music. Today we will learn: 1) How plant music influences and effects you and your plants 2) How the music is made and the story behind this song 3) How it feels to be immersed in over 30 minutes of good vibin’ plant music If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/019
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How to Select the BEST Houseplants when Plant Shopping
08/19/2020
How to Select the BEST Houseplants when Plant Shopping
Episode 018: Shopping Tips for Healthier Home & Garden Plants "Anything we bring inside influences and effects everything else in our home ecosystem. This is our sacred space. If we surround ourselves with vibrant healthy beings, we can thrive as well." -Shii Kaina In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to the wonderful and magical world of plant shops to examine some of the best tips and tricks for bringing home the healthiest plants for your home, your garden and all who enjoy and inhabit them. Today we will learn: 1) How to avoid sick and stressed plants 2) Compatibility tips for your home ecosystem 3) What to do when you bring your new plant babe home If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/018
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Vegan Cactus Leather and Sustainability in Fashion and Business with Desserto
07/17/2020
Vegan Cactus Leather and Sustainability in Fashion and Business with Desserto
Episode 017: Sustainability in Fashion + Eco-Conscious Business "Think sustainability in the following terms: Environmental preservation, Animal Preservation, Health of everybody in the value chain of your product and make sure the practices are aligned with human rights (including everyone you work with)" -Marte In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to Mexico to speak sustainability and innovation in fashion with Adrian & Marte co-owners of Desserto, the company earning awards all over the world for their innovation of Vegan Cactus Leather. Today we will learn: 1) How these two gentleman turned Prickly Pear Cactus into PETA Approved Non-Toxic 100% Organic Vegan Leather 2) How to think more sustainably 3) Ways you as a consumer can help to progress the sustainable fashion movement If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/017
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Pets & Houseplants: Plant Toxicity in Cats and Dogs
07/08/2020
Pets & Houseplants: Plant Toxicity in Cats and Dogs
Episode 016: Plant Toxicity in Cats & Dogs "I encourage you to become more mindful of your home and garden ecosystem and all the ways in which we can make it safer and healthier for all." -Shii Kaina In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to the wonderful world of pets where we uncover what plants are safe to bring into our home and garden and which house plants, cut flowers and garden herbs are toxic to them. Today we will learn: 1) What to consider when mixing plants + pets 2) Common toxic & non-toxic plants 3) Other pet-safe gardening practices If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/016
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Learning to Communicate with Plants with Fay Johnstone
06/18/2020
Learning to Communicate with Plants with Fay Johnstone
Episode #015: Communicating with the Plant Kingdom "Human beings are so creative and imaginative and intelligent that I believe that we can create amazing things to connect us to the natural world." -Fay Johnstone In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we join Fay Johnstone, Author of 'Plants that Speak, Souls that Sing" as we journey to the gardens of Scotland to learn to more deeply connect with and communicate with plants. Today we will learn: 1) Different communication techniques 2) How to connect with plants through their full lifecycle 3) What it is to be alive and sentient through the lens of plants If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/015
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Making Natural Watercolor Ink with Plants, Foraged Materials & Kitchen Scraps with Tanya Val
05/20/2020
Making Natural Watercolor Ink with Plants, Foraged Materials & Kitchen Scraps with Tanya Val
Episode #014: Making Natural Watercolor Ink with Plants, Foraged Materials & Kitchen Scraps "The beauty of natural ink making for me is that it is alive, because it is nature." -Tanya Val In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we re-visit Alaska to chat with Tanya Val, Natural Ink Artist and Owner, of our beloved local plant shop: "That Feeling Co" to reveal the process of watercolor ink making with plant materials both foraged and forgotten as we learn to make our own homemade inks with leaves, berries, flower petals, kitchen waste and so much more! Today we will learn: 1) Homemade ink make recipes from items in your pantry 2) Guidance on finding and foraging plant material 3) Tips to spark your ultimate curiosity If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/014
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Music of the Plants: Giving Plants a Voice with Aninga Striano
05/15/2020
Music of the Plants: Giving Plants a Voice with Aninga Striano
Episode #013: Tuning in to the Music of the Plant World "Plants are in this moment, what we could be in the future." -Aninga Striano In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we join Aninga of "Music of the Plants" as we journey to Damanhur, Italy to discover a vibrant community conducting on-going research on how we communicate with plants, specifically through music. Join us as we uncover a technology most of us never knew existed, and a way to audibly experience our energetic impact on the plant kingdom. Today we will learn: 1) Where this technology originated and how it works 2) How to communicate and connect with plants through the medium of music 3) How to be more like plants by practicing presence and listening If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/013
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Lunar Gardening: Learning to Plant with the Moon
05/02/2020
Lunar Gardening: Learning to Plant with the Moon
Episode 012: Using the Lunar Cycle to Increase Planting Success "There is a phase of the moon for all of your gardening activities, so this is a philosophy of working with instead of against, nature." -Shii Kaina In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey outside our atmosphere and into the cosmos to discover how the moon and planets affect our plants here on earth and how planting with their cycles can increase your BOUNTY. Today we will learn: 1) How the Lunar Cycle effects plants 2) Understanding the importance of each phase 3) Practical tips on how to easily implement this system in your home or garden If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/012
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Connect, Move & Meditate with Plants with Brittany Gowan
04/08/2020
Connect, Move & Meditate with Plants with Brittany Gowan
Episode #011: Connect, Move & Meditate with Plants "I definitely think it's a powerful resource for all of us right now to tap into seeing how nature is growing back in the spring and how we can grow back from this." -Brittany Gowan In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we join Brittany Gowan owner of Pause with Plants as we journey to the BIG APPLE to learn how to connect, move and meditate with plants to assist in boosting the immune system and in creating a deeper sense of ease and connectedness to alleviate feelings of stress, uncertainty and seclusion. We will grow through this together. Today we will learn: 1) The mission and creation of Pause with Plants 2) The psychological benefits of pausing to experience nature 3) The power of breath, mindful awareness and visualizations 4) Actual exercises and tools to connect, move and meditate with plants If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/011
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Plant Care & Self Care: Practices to Help You THRIVE alongside your jungle
03/31/2020
Plant Care & Self Care: Practices to Help You THRIVE alongside your jungle
Episode 010: Care Practices to THRIVE alongside your jungle "We are basically houseplants with more complicated emotions." -Shii Kaina In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey deeper into our very own lives to uncover the connection between plant care and personal care. We will discover new tools to improve our daily lives, and the lives of the amazing plants we cohabitate with. Today we will learn: 1) How Plant Care + Self Care are connected 2) How to THRIVE instead of survive 3) Practical tips to enhance your self + plant care journey If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/010
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Sacred Geometry of Plants with Terisa Brenna
03/10/2020
Sacred Geometry of Plants with Terisa Brenna
Episode 009: A Scientific & Spiritual Look at the Natural World “Today I'm here to tell you that it is 100% scientific and abundant in the world we live in, now and forever. It's right under our noses and in our homes. In our very houseplants and gardens.” -Terisa Brenna In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we follow Terisa Brenna, Conscious Healing Coach and Intuitive Spiritual Guide, down the rabbit hole as we dive into the fascinating world of sacred geometry, and discover what roles sacred geometry plays in life as we know it- from the birth of stars and your very first cells to the ways plants use it to optimize light for photosynthesis. Today we will learn: 1) The fundamentals of Sacred Geometry 2) How sacred geometry relates to the plant kingdom 3) and How you can use it to begin cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show notes for this episode: www.amongthejungle.com/009
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Houseplants of the Outback: Australia's Exotic Flora and Endemic Houseplants
03/03/2020
Houseplants of the Outback: Australia's Exotic Flora and Endemic Houseplants
Episode 008: Australia's Exotic Flora and Endemic Houseplants "Being isolated for millions of years allowed the evolution of strange new life to take place" -Shii Kaina In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we journey to the Outback where we discover how Australia's flora and fauna have adapted to one of the most extreme climates in the world. This exotic land is full of surprises, and I look forward to sharing their diverse plant kingdom with you, from the most critically endangered species in the world to common house hold plants found in your very living room. Today we will learn: 1) How Australia's fauna and flora evolved into such exotic species 2) Common houseplants native to Australia 3) How we can support them through bush fires and beyond If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! I HIGHLY recommend viewing the Show Notes for this episode at: www.amongthejungle.com/008
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Bonsai for Beginners: Exploring the Art & Discipline of Bonsai with Mike Lane
02/29/2020
Bonsai for Beginners: Exploring the Art & Discipline of Bonsai with Mike Lane
Episode 003: Exploring the Art & Discipline of Bonsai "Bonsai is unique in that it is a partnership with both the plant and the person, the art cannot thrive without the other." -Mike Lane In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we follow bonsai artist & instructor Mike Lane down the old winding road of bonsai to fully explore it both as an art and a discipline. We break down bonsai to its most basic aspects, clarify myths, talk Japanese jargon and dive into the deeper messages of zen that bonsai, and the majestic nature it's inspired by, has to offer us. If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/003
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Living Walls, Preserved Moss and the Benefits of Greening our Spaces with Amanda Goldberg
12/17/2019
Living Walls, Preserved Moss and the Benefits of Greening our Spaces with Amanda Goldberg
Episode 007: Living Walls, Preserved Moss Paintings & the Benefits of Greening our Work & Home Spaces "Truly, if you just follow what you are passionate about regardless of what you think it is going to lead you to, you'll get there, the roads will converge at some point." -Amanda Goldberg In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we follow the journey of regenerative engineer Amanda Goldberg. Amanda, and her team at Planted Design have an absolute gift for creating green spaces that have earned them 13 AmericanHort Awards for their custom designs (5 this year!). Their creations are beyond inspirational, and it is my belief this episode will have you "Dreaming Green" in unexpected ways! Today we will learn: 1) All about living walls and preserved moss paintings 2) LEED Certification and the benefits of including green space at work and at home 3) How to keep the workspace fun and exciting and so much more If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! I HIGHLY recommend viewing the Show Notes for this episode at: www.amongthejungle.com/007
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PlantStraws: Self-Watering Plants and Managing Houseplants while Traveling with Elin Fyhr
12/05/2019
PlantStraws: Self-Watering Plants and Managing Houseplants while Traveling with Elin Fyhr
Episode 006: Low-Maintenance Plant Watering & How to Manage Houseplants When Traveling "DREAM BIG, and start a flower garden." -Elin Fyhr In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we travel overseas to Stockholm Sweden with architectural engineer and plant lover, Elin Fyhr, on her journey to create "Plant Straws". Whether you are prone to wanderlust and worry about your plants while you are away, or just happen to have some prissy plant babes around the house that like an extra drink- Plant Straws are a wonderful and chic way to reduce your plant maintenance and allow your plants to literally drink at their own pace. We share an inspired dream as well that we would love for you to become a part of- but you have to listen to find out! Today we will learn: 1) All about plants straws and how they make life easier 2) Experiencing plants through our sense of smell 3) A note on minimalism 3) Inspired ideas on how to share your love of plants with your community If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/006
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Botanical Illustration & Natural Science with Kelsey Nollette
11/22/2019
Botanical Illustration & Natural Science with Kelsey Nollette
Episode 005: Natural Science & Botanical Illustration "Find what excites you, something that keeps you awake at night, something that gives you that feedback of things you could accomplish- and do it!" -Kelsey Nollette In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we follow the journey of botanical artist and illustrator Kelsey Nollette, based in Seattle Washington to uncover both the art and science of the natural world. Her artworks are so beautiful- you might just want to eat them! We discuss mycelia, meeting "your people" where they are and finding your passion and then load you with lots of botanically inspired projects to keep you inspired by mother nature all year round. Today we will learn: 1) What it was like to study both art and science 2) All about Mycelia 3) How drawing can increase mindfulness & awareness, as well as several other creative prompts If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/005
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Third Generation Nursery Growers & Pink Princess Philodendron with Shane Maloy
11/07/2019
Third Generation Nursery Growers & Pink Princess Philodendron with Shane Maloy
Episode 004: Third Generation Nursery Growers & Pink Princess Philodendron "Don't let the negativity of whats happening (i.e. negative plant experience) pull you away from the beauty of whats unfolding before you and don't let it discourage you from buying the plant again." -Shane Maloy In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we follow the three generations worth of nursery growers and their journey to becoming the largest grower of Pink Princess Philodendron in the US. We chat in depth with Shane Maloy, third generation nursery owner and creator of what we know now as Gabriella Plants "Online". Today we will learn: 1) The history of Gabriella Plants and how it has exploded over the past year 2) How to get the most out of variegated plants like PPP & Variegated Monstera species 3) Insider information that helps you become a more educated consumer and honestly, SO MUCH MORE!! If you're ready, its time to inspire your wild! Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/004
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Building Plant Community in Alaska with Brook Beveridge
10/08/2019
Building Plant Community in Alaska with Brook Beveridge
Episode 002: Inspiring Conservation & Community "Plants can't always be flowering, they have cycles [like the ALL of us]" -Brook Beveridge In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we have our first guest joining us- alaskan local and botanical enthusiast Brook Beveridge! We are exploring the inspiring ways to participate in local and global community. We are also switching up the conversation on plant conservation work and the implications of our expectations on botanical gardens. Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/002
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How I Became a Botanist with Shii Kaina
10/01/2019
How I Became a Botanist with Shii Kaina
Episode 001: Birth to Botanist "Your potential is exponential when your soul is set on fire!" -Shii Kaina Ever wondered what it's like to be a Botanist? How do you even get a job working with plants? Where do you work? What kind of jobs can you find? In this Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast we get to know your host, Shii Kaina. We'll explore my personal botanical journey from birth to botanist, and from zone 3a-10b. We also unpack the simple three-step process I used to uncover my purpose, and I'm confident it will guide you to uncovering your own unique purpose in this world, as well. Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/001
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Inspire Your Wild with Among the Jungle Podcast
09/25/2019
Inspire Your Wild with Among the Jungle Podcast
Episode 000: Plant Care leads to Planet Care "In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." -Baba Dioum WE HAVE LIFT OFF!! This is the Launch Episode of Among the Jungle Podcast with botanist and host, Shii Kaina, and we are diving into what you can expect from this podcast and its open-hearted, plant-focused, earth-inspired mission of exploring the connection between humans + plants in hopes of harnessing a greater appreciation for our natural world. Show Notes: www.amongthejungle.com/000
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