Shaping Fire

By Shango Los

What's Shaping Fire about?

Shaping Fire host Shango Los interviews the most knowledgable and insightful people in cannabis and entheogens. With topics ranging from cannabis cultivation, medicine and hashmaking, to healing humans with psychedelics.

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Shaping Fire episodes:

02.24.2024
EP113 Wood Loving Psilocybin Mushrooms
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...
01.20.2024
EP112 Super-Charging Soil Microbiology with guest Michael DiLegge
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...
12.09.2023
EP111 Cannabis Landraces in Practice with guest Jade Nectar
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...
10.14.2023
EP110 Delta-8 THC: The Troublesome Cannabinoid with guest Dr. Ethan Russo
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...
10.01.2023
EP109 Encouraging Neurogenesis with Phytocannabinoids with guest Staton Laws
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,...
07.29.2023
EP108 Longevity and the Endocannabinoid System with guest Hunter Land PhD
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...
06.17.2023
EP107 Vaporizing Flowers and Oil: The Science, Tech and Myths with guest Mark Lewis
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...
05.20.2023
EP106 Cannabis Root Structure Mechanics and Best Practices with guest Sarah Lane
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...
05.06.2023
EP105 Mycelium and Mycorrhizal Mechanics with guest Stephanie Garcia
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...
04.15.2023
EP104 Pharmaceutical and Cannabis Interaction with guest Jahan Marcu PhD
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...
03.18.2023
EP103 The Cannabis Research of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam with guest Dr. Ethan Russo
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,...
02.11.2023
EP102 The Soil Food Web in Practice with special guest Dr. Elaine Ingham
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...
12.17.2022
Preserving Living Soil Biology During Winter with guest Andie Marsh
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...
11.26.2022
Cannabis Dosing Strategies: A Detailed Analysis with host Shango Los
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,...
10.29.2022
Speaking and Eating and War in the Soil with guest Sarah Lane
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....
10.02.2022
The Compost Supershow with guest Leighton Morrison
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...
09.16.2022
Crossbreeding Your First Cannabis Seeds with guest Brandon Potter
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...
08.12.2022
Teaming with Bacteria with guest Jeff Lowenfels
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...
07.30.2022
Psilocybin Mushroom Analytical Testing with guest George Sellhorn PhD
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,...
07.10.2022
Nematodes: Just Don't Call Them Worms with guest Ernie Bernard PhD
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...
06.19.2022
Biochar: Building Soil and Memory with guest Cuauhtemoc Villa
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...
06.05.2022
Understanding and Breeding S1 Seed Varieties with guests Caleb NSpecta and Ryan Lee
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...
05.21.2022
Ep91 - Getting Friendly with Worms with guest Chandler Michalsky
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...
04.17.2022
Biodynamic Cannabis: Cultivating Awareness with guests Blaire and Daniel AuClair
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...
02.13.2022
Episode 89 - Autoflower Shortcomings (and a few solutions!) with guest Dan Jimmie
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...
01.26.2022
Fusarium and Pythium Root Rots in Living Soil with guest Cora McGehee
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...
12.31.2021
Indoor Raised Bed with Horizon Soil Technique First Cycle Assessment with Leighton Morrison
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...
11.25.2021
Special Shaping Fire Episode: Shango Los as guest on the Curious About Cannabis Podcast
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...
11.05.2021
Psilocybin Mushrooms and Brain Chemistry with guest Miyabe Shields PhD
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 psilocin...
10.23.2021
Naming Our Monsters: Is this Post-Prohibition? with guest Dr. Dominic Corva PhD
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...
10.03.2021
The New Science on Using CBG
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...
08.05.2021
Deploying Aerobic and Anaerobic Soil Amendments with guest Leighton Morrison
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...
07.29.2021
Endocannabinoid Mechanics Part Two with guest Miyabe Shields PhD
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...
07.06.2021
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Genomic Investigation Results with Dr. Ethan Russo
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....
06.26.2021
Creating Soil Amendments and Natural Pesticides from Local Plants with guest Joey Burger
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...
06.13.2021
Endocannabinoid Mechanics Part One with guest Miyabe Shields PhD
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...
05.16.2021
Personalized Cannabinopathic Medicine with guest Dr. Chris Spooner
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...
04.25.2021
Comparing Psilocybin Microdosing Protocols with guest Adam Bramlage
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...
02.28.2021
Off-Season Preparations for Your Regenerative Cannabis Garden with guest Nicholas Mahmood
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...
02.02.2021
Tissue Culture and Micropropagation with guest Ryan Lee
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...
01.16.2021
A History of Autoflower Breeding with guest Dan Jimmie
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,...
01.03.2021
Detangling Cannabis and Schizophrenia with guest Greg Gerdeman PhD
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...
12.03.2020
Cannabis Pollen Collection and Preservation with guest Daniel Morford
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...
11.15.2020
Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes with panelists Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton and Berner
Today's episode is different. I was invited to moderate a private webcast entitled, "Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes for Optimum Health." I didn't choose the topic or speakers but the quality of answers by this experienced panel are so good that...
11.15.2020
Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes with panelists Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton and Berner
Today's episode is different. Shaping Fire host Shango Los was invited to moderate a private webcast entitled, "Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes for Optimum Health." Shango didn't choose the topic or speakers but the quality of answers by this experienced panel...
10.22.2020
Integrating Cannabis into End-of-Life Care with guest Dr. Sunil Aggarwal
None of the stylish cannabis advertising is directed at folks soon to die. And yet, humans at the end of their days often wish for the relief and perspective that comes from cannabis. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host...
09.27.2020
Using Korean Natural Farming Foliar and Drench Preps with guest Chris Trump
Age-old natural farming fermentations and preparations have made a huge resurgence in the cultivation scene. However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding regarding how to blend them, if at all. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los...
09.13.2020
Migraine Therapy Using Cannabis and Mushrooms with guest Dr. Ethan Russo
One of the greatest challenges in life is to suffer from an ailment that people have chosen to take for granted. Fifteen percent of all humans suffer with migraines and yet still little is known about them. On this episode...
08.29.2020
Cannabis Triploid Genetics: Sterile and Thriving with guest Seth Crawford
Female cannabis plants are often threatened by male pollen coming from a neighbor's garden. Now though, regular breeding has created the first cannabis triploid plants. This naturally occurring plant type not only is impervious to unexpected pollen, but the third...
08.11.2020
Ice Hash Best Practices for Home Hashmakers with Guest Ganja Gil, The Ice Wook
More and more people are growing cannabis and making ice water hash at home. It is an incredibly simple yet satisfying hobby that takes a short time to learn but years to master. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host...

What's Shaping Fire about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Shaping Fire episodes:

EP113 Wood Loving Psilocybin Mushrooms

EP112 Super-Charging Soil Microbiology with guest Michael DiLegge

EP111 Cannabis Landraces in Practice with guest Jade Nectar

EP110 Delta-8 THC: The Troublesome Cannabinoid with guest Dr. Ethan Russo

EP109 Encouraging Neurogenesis with Phytocannabinoids with guest Staton Laws

EP108 Longevity and the Endocannabinoid System with guest Hunter Land PhD

EP107 Vaporizing Flowers and Oil: The Science, Tech and Myths with guest Mark Lewis

EP106 Cannabis Root Structure Mechanics and Best Practices with guest Sarah Lane

EP105 Mycelium and Mycorrhizal Mechanics with guest Stephanie Garcia

EP104 Pharmaceutical and Cannabis Interaction with guest Jahan Marcu PhD

EP103 The Cannabis Research of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam with guest Dr. Ethan Russo

EP102 The Soil Food Web in Practice with special guest Dr. Elaine Ingham

Preserving Living Soil Biology During Winter with guest Andie Marsh

Cannabis Dosing Strategies: A Detailed Analysis with host Shango Los

Speaking and Eating and War in the Soil with guest Sarah Lane

The Compost Supershow with guest Leighton Morrison

Crossbreeding Your First Cannabis Seeds with guest Brandon Potter

Teaming with Bacteria with guest Jeff Lowenfels

Psilocybin Mushroom Analytical Testing with guest George Sellhorn PhD

Nematodes: Just Don't Call Them Worms with guest Ernie Bernard PhD

Biochar: Building Soil and Memory with guest Cuauhtemoc Villa

Understanding and Breeding S1 Seed Varieties with guests Caleb NSpecta and Ryan Lee

Ep91 - Getting Friendly with Worms with guest Chandler Michalsky

Biodynamic Cannabis: Cultivating Awareness with guests Blaire and Daniel AuClair

Episode 89 - Autoflower Shortcomings (and a few solutions!) with guest Dan Jimmie

Fusarium and Pythium Root Rots in Living Soil with guest Cora McGehee

Indoor Raised Bed with Horizon Soil Technique First Cycle Assessment with Leighton Morrison

Special Shaping Fire Episode: Shango Los as guest on the Curious About Cannabis Podcast

Psilocybin Mushrooms and Brain Chemistry with guest Miyabe Shields PhD

Naming Our Monsters: Is this Post-Prohibition? with guest Dr. Dominic Corva PhD

The New Science on Using CBG

Deploying Aerobic and Anaerobic Soil Amendments with guest Leighton Morrison

Endocannabinoid Mechanics Part Two with guest Miyabe Shields PhD

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Genomic Investigation Results with Dr. Ethan Russo

Creating Soil Amendments and Natural Pesticides from Local Plants with guest Joey Burger

Endocannabinoid Mechanics Part One with guest Miyabe Shields PhD

Personalized Cannabinopathic Medicine with guest Dr. Chris Spooner

Comparing Psilocybin Microdosing Protocols with guest Adam Bramlage

Off-Season Preparations for Your Regenerative Cannabis Garden with guest Nicholas Mahmood

Tissue Culture and Micropropagation with guest Ryan Lee

A History of Autoflower Breeding with guest Dan Jimmie

Detangling Cannabis and Schizophrenia with guest Greg Gerdeman PhD

Cannabis Pollen Collection and Preservation with guest Daniel Morford

Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes with panelists Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton and Berner

Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes with panelists Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton and Berner

Integrating Cannabis into End-of-Life Care with guest Dr. Sunil Aggarwal

Using Korean Natural Farming Foliar and Drench Preps with guest Chris Trump

Migraine Therapy Using Cannabis and Mushrooms with guest Dr. Ethan Russo

Cannabis Triploid Genetics: Sterile and Thriving with guest Seth Crawford

Ice Hash Best Practices for Home Hashmakers with Guest Ganja Gil, The Ice Wook