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What's up, Plant People? Today I had the privilege of chatting with Derek Haynes, known on the interwebs as The Chocolate Botanist, to talk about what it takes to teach real botany and horticulture online while the algorithm rewards hacks and weaponized nonsense. We talked a lot about the weird reality of being a science communicator, from building a voice that actually connects to handling comments that demand impossible answers in 20 seconds.

We talked too about our (least?) favorite plants hacks, like banana peel “fertilizer” water, coffee grounds as a magic nitrogen fix, gross DIY tricks, and the electroculture. Derek breaks down why these viral plant hacks sound believable, what they do to beginners’ confidence, and how to use simple reasoning to spot red flags before you waste time, money, or a perfectly good pothos.

Derek also spoke openly and honestly about being Black man in plant science and online education, including bias in workplaces, pay gaps in brand deals, and how much it can suck to go viral. Spoilers: it can really suck a lot. Even with that, he keeps building community and doing the thing because he's committed to good science and helping people grow better plants. This was a great episode, and you should definitely hit Derek up at all the links below!

All the links

Wesbite

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

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Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout. Midroll tunes are by Rooey.

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