What Nature Can Teach Us About Healing - with Dr. Beronda Montgomery

In this heartfelt episode of Getting Better, host Jonathan Van Ness welcomes Dr. Beronda Montgomery, a plant biochemist and author of 'When Trees Testify,' for a deeply personal and enlightening conversation about the intersection of nature, history, and justice. The discussion unfolds against the backdrop of Earth Month and explores how plants—particularly ancient trees—serve as living witnesses to America's complex past, including the trauma of slavery and the resilience of Black botanical expertise. Dr. Montgomery shares how her own family history, rooted in Arkansas and Mississippi, connects to the legacy of enslaved people who were not only exploited but also brought profound knowledge in agriculture, horticulture, and healing. From the story of Anton, an enslaved man who pioneered the commercial pecan industry through grafting, to the symbolic power of willow trees that commemorate racial violence, the episode reveals how nature holds memory and resistance. Jonathan reflects on his own journey with gardening, anxiety, and urban life, while both guests emphasize the importance of slowing down, building relationships with plants, and recognizing the interdependence of all life. The conversation culminates in a powerful call to action: to live with intention, to honor ancestral legacies, and to move forward with the same relentless commitment as a tree root breaking through concrete.