Sebastian welcomes renowned ethnographer, writer, and filmmaker Wade Davis to discuss the profound relationship between plants and cultures around the globe. With a wealth of experience as an Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society and a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Wade shares his unique insights into how traditional knowledge and modern herbal science can harmoniously coexist.
Wade takes us on a journey through his early experiences in anthropology, revealing how his fascination with plants evolved into a deep appreciation for the wisdom embedded within various cultures. He reflects on his adventures in the Amazon, where he learned that plants are not merely resources but vital gateways to understanding human existence and cultural identity.
Throughout the conversation, Wade emphasises the importance of viewing every culture as a unique answer to the question of what it means to be human.
In this episode:
- The significance of cultural relativism and the wisdom to be found in diverse traditions.
- Wade's transformative experiences in the Amazon and how they shaped his understanding of botany and culture.
- The vital role of herbalists in bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary health practices.
- The impact of colonial attitudes on the perception of herbal medicine and the demonisation of plants like coca.
- How embracing a deeper relationship with plants can foster respect for the natural world and promote sustainability.
About Wade Davis:
Wade Davis is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker whose work has taken him from the Amazon to Tibet, Africa to Australia, Polynesia to the Arctic. Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society from 2000 to 2013, he was Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia until retiring in 2024. Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. His 23 books, published in 26 languages, include The Serpent and the Rainbow, One River, The Wayfinders and Into the Silence, winner of the 2012 Samuel Johnson prize, the top award for nonfiction in the English language. His many film credits include Light at the Edge of the World, an eight-hour documentary series written and produced for the NGS. One of 20 Honorary Members of the Explorers Club, Davis is the recipient of 12 honorary degrees, as well as the 2009 Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the 2011 Explorers Medal, the 2012 David Fairchild Medal for botanical exploration, the 2015 Centennial Medal of Harvard University, the 2017 Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award, the 2017 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, and the 2018 Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. In 2016, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. In 2018 he became an Honorary Citizen of Colombia. His recent books include Magdalena: River of Dreams (2020) and Beneath the Surface of Things (2024).
Follow & Connect
Follow / connect with Wade: https://daviswade.com/ / @wadedavisoffical
Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.
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We are fundraising to continue our work!
These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.
Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/
