Shaping Fire

While the US continues to struggle in its relationship to cannabis medicine, it sure would be helpful if we could obtain non-THC cannabinoids from more plants than just cannabis. On episode #121 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with cutting-edge plant biochemist Dr. Paula Berman about the Wooly Umbrella plant, its rare biochemical attributes, successful extraction methods, and the future of non-cannabis cannabinoids from this species.

Now is the time for cultivators to discover energy efficient solutions to growing cannabis. On episode 120 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes Evan Mills PhD to talk about the new 2025 update to his groundbreaking 2012 paper on cannabis energy consumption, ways in which cultivators can become more energy efficient, and how entrenched political and economic preference is given to indoor cultivation, making everything more difficult.

Greenhouses continue to increase in popularity as homegrowing expands across the country. On Shaping Fire episode 119, host Shango Los welcomes back OG greenhouse consultant Eric Brandstad to talk about small greenhouses for homegrowers and patients, managing airflow, heat and cold, and how to trick greenhouses out for optimal yield and convenience.

Understanding the role predatory microorganisms can play in cultivation means imagining a future free from chemical insecticides, where pest prevention is deeply rooted in the soil food web. It's shocking that IPMO hasn't already spread like wildfire. Let's light it up! In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los sits down with acclaimed natural farming pioneer Chris Trump to discuss his groundbreaking work with Indigenous Predatory Microorganisms, and the profound impact it will have on global agriculture, including cannabis. Discover how to introduce target pests to your IMO collection, and scale this potent pest solution for your indoor home grow, greenhouse, or farm.

Psychedelic therapy has become widespread in the US. While many recommend using a guide or “trip sitter,” the vast majority of people simply use psychedelics on their own or with friends. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with psychedelic integration specialist Daniel Shankin about preparing for your psychedelic experience, best practices for tripping by yourself or with friends, and how to integrate the lessons you received during your experience so you can use them in your everyday life.

In groundbreaking new science, for the first time we have a human study showing that 78% of participants found cannabigerol (CBG) more effective at treating their anxiety than their present pharmaceutical, herbal remedy or other therapeutic. During this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss the foundations of the study, the mechanics of causing and measuring anxiety in the participants, efficacious CBG dosages, and the remarkable findings that may change the direction of anxiety medication development going forward.

We know that cannabis saves lives. And cannabis makes our lives so much better. But for those working in indoor, scaled cannabis growing environments, cannabis bioaerosols can be deadly. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Tess Eidem PhD about the new science regarding fungal, bacterial, and viral bioaerosols that are produced in a cultivation environment, their impact on human health, how they are being ignored, and what we can do to make cannabis working environments safer for all of us.

No matter whether you are an experienced or new cannabis cultivator, establishing a new location to cultivate cannabis using regenerative growing techniques deserves some forethought. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Humboldt County-born regenerative farmer Daniel Stein of Briceland Forest Farm about building soil, placement of structures, using soil inputs found on your property, water sequestration, cover crops and companion planting, animal husbandry and animal fertilizers, and whether or not cannabis crops should be rotated with the vegetables.

Some of the most potent psilocybin mushrooms have proven very difficult to cultivate indoors. These mushrooms love growing on hardwoods. On episode 113 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with mycologist Christian Kaelin about the attributes and personalities of wood-loving hallucinogenic mushrooms, how to find and wildcraft them, and how to build your own inoculated hardwood chip beds to cultivate them outdoors at home.

Incredible cannabis plants start with soil diversity and thriving microbiology. During this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with microbiologist Michael DiLegge about natural biostimulants, the care and feeding of microbe life in your soil, choosing companion plants to encourage root zone diversity, and an indictment of the 24-hour light cycle theory.

Long Live Landraces! In this delightful introduction to cannabis landrace plant varieties, Shaping Fire host Shango Los talks with Santa Cruz landrace specialist Jade Nectar aka Jeff Nordahl about the differences between landrace, wild and feral varieties of cannabis, their unique attributes that attract connoisseurs, and the importance of conscious landrace breeding techniques and preservation.

Delta-8 THC is everywhere, but the scientific understanding of it is not. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back neuroscientist and renown cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss the medicinal benefits of Delta-8 THC, its history, the challenges of synthesizing clean Delta-8 THC, and the negative impacts that synthetic Delta-8 THC is having throughout the cannabis community.

Brain cells die, and our body has the ability to make new ones. But as we age, the ability to make new brain cells slows, and sometimes even slows so much that dementia arises. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los, talks with cannabinoid researcher Staton Laws about the mechanics of neurogenesis, how cannabis medicine can stimulate the creation of vital neurons, and specific nootropic dosing protocols for those interested in sustaining their brain health and longevity, as well as cannabis patients who are already facing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

While cannabis is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of ongoing illness, the plant's resin can also be used to keep the human body in balance over decades, creating long-term wellness. During episode #108 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with neuroscientist Hunter Land PhD about the biological mechanics of aging, how strengthening the endocannabinoid system can increase your healthspan, and how to develop your cannabinoid strategy to meet your health goals.

Cannabis enthusiasts enjoy using vaporizers for a range of reasons from great taste, to the health benefits for our lungs. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with engineer and vaporizer devotee Mark Lewis about the attraction so many cannabis users have for flower and oil vaporizers, the pro and cons of technology designs used in contemporary devices, and an array of myths clouding their understanding and use.

Cannabis cultivators expect the plant's roots to do an essential job, and yet most of us barely know how to treat them nicely. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back plant biologist Sarah Lane to discuss root structure in living soil, coco/peat and hydro systems, how roots function, what their various colors may say about their health, how and when to trim them, and best practices for creating a bountiful root system that will support massive growth and yields, including container choice, pH, watering, fertilizers and compost teas.

Mycelium and mycorrhizae are essential parts of the Soil Food Web, and using cultivation methods that support soil fungi can lead to the best cannabis you've ever grown. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with mycologist Stephanie Garcia about the functions of mycelium and mycorrhizae, some common misunderstandings, and best practices for amendments, pH, watering and transplanting to create and sustain a thriving rhizosphere.

The vast majority of cannabis enthusiasts and patients are also taking some prescription drug or another, and cannabis patients often ask about the potential for drug-drug interaction without ever getting a satisfying answer. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with pharmacologist Jahan Marcu PhD about the complex biology of cannabis interacting with other drugs, how to discern if you may be experiencing an interaction, and some red flag drugs that should be watched closely.

Starting in the 1960s, a single cannabis research group discovered THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBNa, CBDa, CBGa and others! On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Ethan Russo about the life's work of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who passed away last week. Dr. Russo shares engaging stories from Dr. Mechoulam's life, walks us through the historical timeline of his discoveries, and explains the momentous impact of the greatest cannabis researcher we've ever known.

The soil food web is at the center of successful cannabis cultivation. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes world-famous soil biologist Dr. Elaine Ingham to discuss using indigenous microorganisms to optimize plant resilience, choosing companion plants by their function, beneficial insects as both garden defense and food web antagonist, using soil food web biomimicry for indoor growing, increasing biological activity in coco coir pots and choosing the right compost tea for the correct use.

The essential nature of living soil is that it is vibrantly alive with a diverse number of species, active fungal systems and is plugged into the larger soil food web. Too often, at the end of the growing season, we simply walk away from our pots, leaving them to the winter elements, or let them dry out in a barn, losing all the biological activity we worked so hard on all summer. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with soil biologist Andie Marsh about the biological reality of off-season pots, living nutrition and infusions than can be used to keep your soil on simmer all winter instead of killing it, and best practices for firing up your soil in the spring.

We are celebrating Shaping Fire episode #100 with a special episode featuring host Shango Los sharing his depth of experience with dosing plans for cannabis patients. Pulling insight and important details from his over decade of experience with cannabis medicine, and interviews he has done with cannabis medicine doctors and researchers, Shango explains a strategic framework of not just cannabis dosing numbers, but rather an entire understanding of how to think through your own ailments and goals so you can figure out your own individualized cannabis medicine needs. Shango shares an incredibly accessible explanation of the Endocannabinoid System, the pros and cons of various consumption methods for patients, explains the mode of action for common cannabinoids as well as specific dosages for a variety of patients, and walks us through the process of planning a personal cannabis protocol where the patient is in control and empowered to make informed decisions based on both science and patient experience.

So many of our efforts as cannabis cultivators are intended to improve the interaction between the plant and soil. And yet, most of us know very little about how plants and microbes really communicate and exchange nutrition and other resources. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with plant biologist Sarah Lane about these extraordinary secretions of plants known as exudates, their essential roles in the rhizosphere, challenges with the 24 hour light cycle, exudates in soilless substrate, and the inadequacy of replacing exudates with molasses when feeding microbe life in the soil.

Compost is not one thing. We use compost to describe a whole range of soil amendments. And some of them don't live up to what we want compost to do. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back soil biologist Leighton Morrison to talk about the varieties of compost and the benefits and challenges of each, the structure and micro-biology of inoculant organic matter, how to make a microbe-rich cold compost without pathogen risk, and a whole lot of insight into the grading, use and storage of compost.

This episode is for folks who would like to make their first cannabis seeds, and for those simply interested in the process. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Brandon Potter about best practices for making your first seeds, how to choose your parents, effective use of pollen, and harvesting, curing and storing your seeds.

The “Lord of the Roots” returns to Shaping Fire with a fourth book in the essential “Teaming with Microbes” soil food web series. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with author and educator Jeff Lowenfels about bacteria's role in the soil, endophytic bacteria's rhizophagy cycle ducking into and out of plants themselves, the bacterial life inside cannabis seeds, and how to use these insights in your garden for thriving plants.

Interest in magic mushrooms has skyrocketed and now, for the first time, enthusiasts have access to analytical lab equipment. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with biochemist George Sellhorn PhD about performing analyses on psilocybin mushrooms, the key analytes including terpenes labs are presently looking at, the differences between cannabis and psilocybin testing procedures, and how to properly store mushrooms at home to preserve potency. 

Nematodes are one of the least studied participants in the soil food web. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with nematologist Ernie Bernard PhD about nematode physiology and habits, beneficial attributes like protecting against pests and creating rich soil, and how to keep parasitic nematodes from becoming established in your garden.

Biochar is an often overlooked soil amendment that can be a game changer for container gardening, hügelkultur and regenerating farmland. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with living soil educator Cuauhtemoc Villa about the vast and varied role biochar can play in cultivation, best practices for making it yourself and how to deploy it in your garden at any scale.

There are few things as rewarding as germinating an exploratory pack of S1 seeds to see all the different phenos within. S1 seeds are both a breeder's intermediary tool, and a grand adventure in themselves. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Caleb Nspecta and Ryan Lee about what S1 seed lines are, their characteristics and uses, and how to make them

Worms are an everyday companion in the garden, and most of us barely know them at all. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with living soil educator Chandler Michalsky about worm physiology and activities, how to use their nutritive castings as an extraordinary natural fertilizer and some insights on how to raise worms for all your cultivation needs.

There are as many methods of growing cannabis as there are cannabis cultivators. For generations, some farmers have used cannabis cultivation as a means to express their spiritual connection with both the earth and spirit. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Blaire and Daniel AuClair about biodynamic growing techniques, specialty foliar preparations infused with intention and the importance of cultivating awareness alongside their cannabis.

We love autoflowers here, but there is no doubt that some aspects of growing autoflowering cannabis plants can be incredibly frustrating. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with autoflower breeder Dan Jimmie about all the things they dislike about autoflowers, and solutions for a few of them. This is a really honest and comprehensive discussion about the failings of autoflowers from cultivators who love them.

Fusarium and Pythium root rots attack our plants and we never really know until they wilt, and it is too late. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with plant pathologist Cora McGehee about identification of these pathogens, best practices for prevention, and their mechanisms for action, so cultivators can take action to protect their gardens.

How does a horizon-style living soil bed function in real life? On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los and soil biologist Leighton Morrison assess the first run of Shango's indoor raised bed implementing regenerative cultivation techniques and the horizon soil strategy as explained in Shaping Fire episode 54. Included are soil layer measurements, fungus gnats, a failed green mulch and the best plants Shango has ever grown.

On this episode of Shaping Fire, we share with you an episode of the Curious About Cannabis podcast. Shaping Fire host Shango Los was recently special guest on the show. Shango and CAC host Jason Wilson discuss using outdoor regenerative cultivation techniques indoors, the rocky transition from medical to recreational markets for cannabis patients, how to form local growers collectives and how Shango formed the one on Vashon Island, the rise of autoflowers, and some behind the scenes thoughts about the Shaping Fire podcast.

More and more, folks are embracing the mental and physical benefits found in using psilocybin mushrooms in either small or large doses. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los invites Dr. Miyabe Shields back to explain how psilosin stimulates the serotonin and other systems, how differing doses reach specific threshold points and using this knowledge to heal humans.

Cannabis normalization is a patchwork of mismatched laws across the country. And this uncoordinated approach creates inefficiencies that cost money, liberties and lives. Only by naming these challenges and facing them straight-on will we have any chance of fixing the American cannabis experiment. On this special episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Dominic Corva PhD about the impact of state-licensing on long-time cannabis farmers in California, the awkwardness of prohibition and licensed sales existing at the same time, cannabis prohibition as a public health issue, the profitable injustice of non-violent cannabis prisoners, the latest on electrical usage by industrial agriculture cannabis farms and the rise of the citizen scientist.

The cannabinoid Cannabigerol (CBG) is so new to being studied that most people are still unclear what varieties of relief it offers. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss his new study published this week compiling patient uses for cannabigerol, the specific ailments CBG works for, and the quality of patient results.

All life breathes in its own way. We can become better cultivators by understanding the interplay between aerobic and anaerobic microbes and bacteria. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back soil biologist Leighton Morrison to discuss the differences between aerobic and anaerobic environments, the interplay between oxygen-loving microbes and bacteria in building soil structure, and how to breathe life into dirt to regenerate your soil.

Everyone's endocannabinoid system works in ways that are unique to themselves. Our best chance at success with cannabis is to understand both the science generalizing cannabis use, while also learning how our own body functions specifically. On this episode of Shaping Fire, Miyabe Shields PhD returns for Part Two of Endocannabinoid Mechanics and talks with host Shango Los about how minor cannabinoids function, why we find cannabis relaxing, choosing between the various modes of cannabis use for the variety of relief we are looking for, and dosing thresholds for extraordinary ailments like immune disorders, cancer and others.

Today, Dr. Ethan Russo has published his groundbreaking research into the causes of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. The research team's survey and genomic investigation of patients has, for the first time, identified the genetic mutations affecting neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los reviews the entirety of the paper with Dr. Russo, including all five of the genetic mutations, the results of the patient survey and why we can exclude causes such as neem.

Everything we require to grow thriving cannabis plants already exists for free in nature. Sure, some things are easier to buy, but for most of us, wildcrafting our local plants can provide what we need. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with permaculture and natural farming educator Joey Burger about how to unleash the power within our local plants for nutrition and pest deterrence.

The endocannabinoid system can seem like a magical engine sometimes and, as cannabis enthusiasts, it's good to dig in and learn how it actually functions. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cannabinoid scientist Miyabe Shields PhD about the chemical mechanics at the basis of our endocannabinoid system, including how cannabinoid receptors function, how cannabinoids take action, why we develop THC tolerance and how to manage it, and the effectiveness of whole plant versus single molecule cannabis medicine.

Every human body has a different capacity to intake and effectively deploy cannabinoids. Humans are often treated as if they all have the same cannabis capacity, and it is simply untrue. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Chris Spooner about gauging a patient's preparedness for cannabis medicine, what analytics to deploy to properly assess a potential cannabis patient, and what foods to eat that strengthen your endocannabinoid system

Microdosing mushrooms has suddenly been embraced by much of the medical establishment, and regular folks are finding huge benefits. Psilocybin mushroom are increasingly available and good people are using them to relieve trauma, sometimes without understanding how best to use them. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with microdosing coach Adam Bramlage to compare microdosing protocols, understand more clearly the differences between doses and how best to explore self-healing safely.

Your relationship with the land you cultivate is perhaps the most important variable for growing thriving cannabis plants. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with Nicholas Mahmood of Green Source Gardens about best practices for putting your gardens to sleep in the fall, some ideas for off-season improvements, and some strategies to start your spring with abundant momentum.

The phrase "tissue culture" can get cannabis folks excited and yet not many have a good idea of what it is or how the cannabis plant can benefit from its opportunities. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back cannabis geneticist Ryan Lee to discuss what tissue culture is, the opportunities found in micropropagation, how to remove viruses and other impediments from important cannabis cultivars, and the wide range of other scientific possibilities that tissue culture holds.

Autoflowering cannabis cultivars have come a long way in the last decade. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with autoflower breeder and co-founder of Autoflower.net Dan Jimmie aka Mandalorian Genetics about the early days of autoflowers, the genetic breakthroughs since 2008, the establishment of a forum dedicated to the autoflower community and the basics of why breeding autoflowers is trickier than photosensitive varieties.

Prohibitionists often argue that cannabis causes psychotic breaks and schizophrenia. And while the science does not support that position, schizophrenia is not entirely unrelated to cannabis use either. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with neuroscientist Greg Gerdeman PhD about the nature of schizophrenia and the relationship between psychosis and cannabis.

Cannabis pollen is both feared and sacred. It can ruin a crop of sinsemilla, while at the same time create a new cultivar than can bring health and joy to many, and fame to the breeder. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Daniel Morford of Heartrock Mountain Farm in Mendocino County about his best practices for the collection and preservation of pollen.