Sawbones: Catfish, Man of the Woods
Summary
This episode profiles Clarence "Catfish" Gray, a West Virginia herbalist who gained fame in the 1970s by selling bespoke plant remedies and offering zodiac-based advice. The hosts discuss his origin story, including a claimed cure for heart attacks via pipsissewa, and his rise as a charismatic local figure who appeared on late-night talk shows. They also share community anecdotes from Facebook and provide his famous "pepper upper" recipe, which features fifteen native herbs like ginseng and black cohosh.
Topics discussed
Show intro and medical disclaimer
Discussion on 'All Medicine is Local'
Discovery of the 1977 Catfish documentary
Catfish's origins and location in West Virginia
Workplace accident and herbal medicine tradition
Nicknames and early sales at DuPont plant
Catfish's 14 heart attacks and doctors' failure
The pipsissewa plant and its history
Medical analysis of his recovery and routine
Daily schedule, religious beliefs, and shop setup
Mail-order business and sexual vigor remedies
Quince sponsorship segment
Squarespace sponsorship segment
E. Pluribus Motto promo and animal trivia
The 1970s herbal renaissance and ecclectics
Catfish's interest in astrology and zodiac signs
Rising popularity and national recognition
TV appearances and local fame
Oral history and anecdotes from locals
Ginseng, tomato beliefs, and folk wisdom
Personal connections and dandelion advice
The 15-herb recipe and show outro
Listen ad-free on Castria