Herbalism Hot Takes with Lila Swanberg

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I had the pleasure of hanging out with clinical herbalist Lila Swanberg. 

Our conversation covers everything from why she thinks natural healing has "gone soft" to herbal dosing, clinical experience, misinformation, and what it means to practice herbalism with curiosity and integrity. 

Lila has a knack for challenging conventional wisdom, and I always appreciate hearing her perspective—even when it pushes back against the status quo.

We also talk about ashwagandha, herbal education, creating the resources you wish existed, and some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the herbal community today. 

Whether you find yourself nodding along or questioning your own assumptions, I think you'll come away with something to think about.

Thanks for listening!

~Mason

PS - WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Learn more about Lila | TVNHC.com

Lila's Herbal Revolution | LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

LinkedIn | CONNECT WITH LILA

Lila on Instagram | @lila_swanberg

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code PODCAST for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Building a Profitable Boutique Herb Farm | Farmer Cee Stanley

Farmer Cee Stanley returns to The Herbalist Hour to discuss her new book, The Black Girl's Guide to Building a Boutique Farm and share what she's learned while building Green Heffa Farms into a nationally recognized herbal business.

I always enjoy talking with Cee because our conversations go far beyond herbs. 

We dive into branding, entrepreneurship, marketing, mindset, fundraising, and what it really takes to build a business that's aligned with your values instead of chasing trends or social media algorithms.

In this conversation, Cee introduces her "5 V's" framework for building a boutique brand, explains why market research should come before planting your first herb, discusses the difference between branding and marketing, and shares why she strives to be an impact generator rather than simply a content creator.

If you've ever dreamed of starting an herb farm, growing an herbal business, or building something meaningful from the ground up, I think you'll get a lot out of this episode.

~Mason

PS - WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Green Heffa Farms | GreenHeffaFarms.com

Black Girl's Guide to Building a Boutique Farm | BUY THE BOOK

Cee on Instagram | @farmercee

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code PODCAST for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Spagyrics, the Gaia Hypothesis & Reconnecting with Nature | Mo Judith

What if the Earth is a living organism, and herbalism is one way of participating in that living system?

Welcome back to the Herbalist Hour!

In this episode, I sit down with Mo Judith, founder of Aura La Voura, to explore the fascinating world of spagyric plant medicine, alchemy, and ecological relationship.

We discuss her path into herbalism, what spagyrics are and how they differ from tinctures, the philosophy behind her work, and why she sees medicine-making as a practice rooted in relationship rather than extraction.

We also dive into animism, the Gaia Hypothesis, reconnecting with the natural world, and why the idea of being "self-taught" deserves a closer look.

I came away from this conversation deeply inspired by Mo and her work, and I highly encourage you to explore more of what she's doing through Aura La Voura and, if you have the opportunity, take one of her classes.

~Mason

PS - WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Aura La Voura | AuraLaVoura.com

Aura La Voura on Instagram | @auralavoura

BLOG: Lineage after Rupture | READ ON HERBRALLY

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code PODCAST for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Exploring The Zodiac Garden with Plant Cunning's Isaac Hill

Support Oshala Farm ❤️

A devastating fire destroyed much of Oshala Farm. Thankfully everyone is safe, but they've lost nearly everything they've built over the last 13 years. If you're able, please consider supporting their rebuilding efforts.

DONATE TO OSHALA FARM

What if your garden could become a map for understanding both nature and yourself?

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist, astrologer and author Isaac Hill to discuss his fascinating new book, The Zodiac Garden. 

We explore what a zodiac garden actually is, how astrology and gardening intersect, and why Isaac sees the garden as a living temple. We also dive into the spiritual side of gardening, humanity's role as a keystone species, common misconceptions about astrology, and how creating a zodiac garden can have a balancing effect on the psyche.

Whether you're already interested in astrology or completely new to it, I think you'll find this conversation both thought-provoking and surprisingly practical. 

Isaac also shares several ways to design your own zodiac garden and offers some great advice for anyone looking to begin exploring astrology.

Thanks for tunin' in! 

~Mason

PS - WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

BOOK: The Zodiac Garden | BUY THE BOOK

Plant Cunning Conference | PlantCunningConference.com

Plant Cunning on Instagram | @plantcunning

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code PODCAST for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Where Mental Health & Herbalism Meet with Therapist Yasmeen Faraj

Today on The Herbalist Hour, I'm joined by Yasmeen Faraj, LCSW, CIMHP, therapist, herbalist, and founder of Kinda Crunchy Therapy and sMOOches Organics.

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and herbalism, including nature connection, community, burnout, intuition, sleep, nutrition, and the healing power of plants.

Yasmeen shares how she incorporates herbs into her therapy practice through plant walks, herbal tea, and sensory experiences, and we discuss what therapists and herbalists can learn from one another.

We also talk about Motherwort, Mugwort, ecstatic dance, inner child work, and what it means to follow a "full body yes."

I absolutely loved this conversation and know you will as well!

A big thanks to Yasmeen for joinin' me and thanks to you for tuning in.

~Mason

Learn More About Yasmeen

Kinda Crunchy Therapy | KindaCrunchyTherapy.com

🌿 Smoochies Organics | sMOOchesOrganics.com

KCT on IG | @kindacrunchytherapy

sMOOches on IG | @smoochesorganics

Resources Mentioned

📖 The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett | BUY THE BOOK

📖 The Ultramind Solution by Mark Hyman | BUY THE BOOK

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

From English Teacher to Clinical Herbalist | Amy Boldt

🌿 FREE Herbal Dental Care Mini Course (available for a limited time)

Join herbalist Kyle Denton for a free mini course exploring oral health through an herbalist’s lens, including tissue states, digestion, stress, inflammation, and more.

REGISTER FOR FREE

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist Amy Boldt of Barefoot Medicine Farm to talk about her path from high school English teacher to clinical herbalist.

We chat about plant allies, nervous system support, community, homesteading, impostor syndrome, social media burnout, and the importance of slowing down enough to really listen to the plants.

Amy also shares some great stories about nettle, herbal conferences, teaching, and building an herbal practice rooted in authenticity and connection.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Barefoot Medicine Farm | BarefootMedicineFarm.com

Amy's Practice | TheWildWomanMedicine.com

Amy on Instagram | @the_wild_woman_medicine

Read the blog post mentioned in this episode | CLICK HERE TO READ

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

Want to join us live for future interviews?

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code PODCAST for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Cooling Inflammation, Tattoos & Tarot | Rosalee de la Forêt & Caitlin Cordell

Join Rosalee's FREE Cooling Inflammation Mini-Course

LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR FREE

Available for a limited time!

This episode of The Herbalist Hour is a little different. Recorded inside a working tattoo shop in Twisp, Washington, Mason sits down with herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt and tattoo artist (and tarot reader) Caitlin Cordell… while Rosalee is actively getting tattooed. 

What unfolds is a lively, unscripted conversation weaving together herbalism, embodiment, and everyday practice in a setting that’s anything but typical.

Along the way, we dive into the nuances of inflammation—why it’s not the enemy, the crucial difference between acute and chronic states, and how herbalism can support long-term vitality without fear-based restriction.

Rosalee shares insights from her clinical experience, busts common myths (including the turmeric + black pepper debate), and highlights herbs like hawthorn and lemon balm as powerful, often underappreciated allies. 

Midway through, the energy shifts as Mason and Rosalee receive a spontaneous tarot reading, adding another layer of reflection and meaning to an already rich conversation. It’s equal parts education, storytelling, and real-life moment—needle buzzing in the background and all.

Join Rosalee's FREE Cooling Inflammation Mini-Course

LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR FREE

Available for a limited time!

Learn more about Caitlin and her work | UnrulyBeings.com

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Menopause, Lyme & Functional Herbalism | Pam Gould

🌿 The Nettle Immersion is now open (limited-time enrollment):

Join us for a 30-day nettle challenge, a 100-minute video class, a recipe ebook, and more—all designed to help you build a real, lasting relationship with this deeply nourishing plant.

👉 LEARN MORE & REGISTER

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I talk with Pam Gould about working with chronic illness through a terrain-based lens, especially in cases like Lyme and mold illness.

We also explore menopause, midlife health, and why so many women are overlooked in modern healthcare. Pam shares her approach to functional herbalism, blending traditional systems with modern tools, along with practical insights on empowerment, body literacy, and long-term healing.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Pam Gould | PamGould.net

The Nettle Immersion | NettleImmersion.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Herbalism, Imposter Syndrome & Plant Connection | Sam Roberts & Renée Camila

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalists Sam Roberts and Renée Camila from Now and Then Herb School.

We explore what it really means to trust yourself as an herbalist, especially in a world where imposter syndrome runs deep. 

Sam and Renée share how building intimate relationships with plants can shift your confidence, your practice, and your understanding of what it means to “know” something.

We also talk about their origin story as collaborators and educators, the philosophy behind Now and Then Herb School, and how they approach teaching herbalism through connection, experience, and community. 

From low-dose “spirit medicine” to working with mystery herbs, this conversation covers a wide range of topics while staying grounded in one core idea: relationship.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself on your plant path, this one’s for you.

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Now & Then Herb School | NowAndThenHerbSchool.com

Instagram | @nowandthenherbschool

KPFA | KPFA.org

Herbal Highway Archives | GO TO THE ARCHIVES

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

From Nurse to Herbalist | Laura Madeline

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I’m joined by herbalist Laura Madeline, with guest co-host Rosalee de la Forêt.

Laura shares her journey from nursing to herbalism, following an intuitive calling that completely changed her path. We talk about bioregional Ayurveda, working with the seasons, growing herbs, and what it’s like running an herbal nursery and CSA.

We also explore her work supporting mothers, her Backyard Harvest project, and how plants can guide us back into relationship with the land.

Laura also asked me to share her resources page, a thoughtfully curated collection of trusted tools, teachers, and support for herbalism, holistic healing, ancestral food as medicine, and the childbearing continuum.

It’s meant to help cut through misinformation and connect you with reliable, community-rooted support.

🔗 CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Laura's website | BackyardHarvestHerbal.com

Laura on Instagram | @backyardharvestherbal

Rosalee's website | HerbsWithRosalee.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Inside Kokora | Regenerative Herbalism with Ric Scalzo [Founder]

🌿 Get 15% off your first order with Kokora
Use code HERBRALLY15 at KokoraLife.com

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist and founder of Kokora, Ric Scalzo. Many of you may know Ric as the co-founder of Gaia Herbs, but today we focus on his newest venture and the deeper philosophy behind it.

Ric shares how Kokora’s products go from farm to bottle, rooted in regenerative organic agriculture and a commitment to true herbal integrity. 

We explore the difference between regenerative and organic practices, the role of bioferments and bamboo biochar in soil health, and how these approaches influence the quality of herbal medicine.

We also dive into some of Kokora’s formulations, including their turmeric capsules, 5 mushroom blend, and regenerative stress support formula, along with what Ric personally reaches for most often.

Along the way, Ric reflects on his early days in herbalism, what inspired him to start again after decades of success with Gaia, and how the herbal industry has evolved over time. 

He also shares insights for aspiring herbal entrepreneurs, lessons learned from launching Kokora, and the influence of Blue Zones and nature-based living on his work and daily life.

If you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, herbal quality, or the long view of building a life in herbalism, this is a great one.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

Kokora | KokoraLife.com

Kokora on Instagram | @kokoralife

Ric on Instagram | @ricscalzo

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

The Life & Times of Mason Hutchison with Special Host Rosalee de la Forêt

In this special episode of The Herbalist Hour, Rosalee de la Forêt turns the tables on HerbRally founder and longtime host Mason Hutchison for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation about rebuilding, community, and the person behind the podcast.

What starts as a “comeback episode” becomes something deeper: a reflection on major life transitions, self-care, friendship, fatherhood, herbal practice, and the many passions that make Mason who he is.

Along the way, Rosalee guides the conversation while surprise video questions and messages from fellow herbalists appear throughout the episode. 

Mason shares stories about nourishing herbal infusions, movement, movies, basketball, ping pong, and meaningful plant relationships — along with reflections on the herbal community that has shaped his life and work.

This episode is funny, vulnerable, and full of heart — a reminder that herbalism is not just about plants, but about people, connection, and the communities that carry us through.

A big thank you to the many herbalists and friends who took the time to record surprise video questions and messages for this episode. Your kind words and support truly meant a lot. I didn't cry at all.

HerbRally has always been about connecting plant people, and this moment was a beautiful reminder of just how generous and supportive this community can be. 

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Rosalee de la Forêt for hosting this special episode and guiding the conversation with such care and thoughtfulness.

TOPICS COVERED

• The story behind HerbRally and Mason’s role as a community connector
• Life transitions, rebuilding after divorce, and moving back to Oregon
• Cultivating relationships during times of change (Asia Dorsey’s question)
• Strength training and “movement snacks” with Samantha Butts
• Avoiding overwhelm and building habits one small step at a time
• Nourishing herbal infusions and two decades of infusion practice
• Plant relationships, including Pedicularis groenlandica (elephant’s head)
• Finding joy through basketball, movies, and ping pong
• “Compliments as medicine” and learning to receive praise
• Surprise video tributes from herbalists and friends
• What’s next for HerbRally, Folk Methodology, and upcoming projects

LINKS & RESOURCES

HerbRally | https://herbrally.com

Rosalee de la Forêt | http://www.herbswithrosalee.com

Folk Methodology | https://folkmethodology.com

Herb Mentor Radio (LearningHerbs) | https://learningherbs.com

Columbines School of Botanical Studies | https://botanicalstudies.net

Asia Dorsey | http://www.bonesbugsandbotany.com/

Petty Herbalist Podcast | https://www.pettyherbalist.com

Samantha Butts | https://www.instagram.com/samanthabutts_/

Torin Frost | https://www.youtube.com/@torinfrostofficial 

HerbRally Schoolhouse | https://herbrally.com/schoolhouse 

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Herbal Pharmacy & the Magic of Plant Medicine | Betzy Bancroft

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist, teacher, and long-time community mentor Betzy Bancroft to explore the heart, craft, and deep science behind her new book Herbal Pharmacy: The Science and Magic of Preparing and Administering Plant Medicine.

Betzy has been teaching herbal medicine making for more than three decades. She co-founded the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, mentors clinical interns, presents at the Vermont NOFA Winter Conference, and serves on the advisory board of United Plant Savers. She also teaches and leads plant walks at the legendary Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary, where she lives just down the road.

This conversation dives into the practical, the philosophical, and the magical sides of making plant medicine — from water and oils, to home apothecaries, to the evolving spiral of students becoming teachers.

What We Talk About
🌿 Tips for leading an inspiring, grounded plant walk
🌿 Advice for herbalists writing their own informational books
🌿 A rich discussion of the water chapter and her reverence for water
🌿 Why oils and fats are both essential and misunderstood in herbalism
🌿 How she chooses fresh vs. dried plant material for tinctures
🌿 How to make homemade vinegar
🌿 Practical tips for building or expanding your home apothecary
🌿 And whole lot more!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

LINKS & RESOURCES

BOOK: Herbal Pharmacy | BUY THE BOOK

Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism | VTHerbCenter.org

Sage Mountain | SageMountain.com

United Plant Savers | UnitedPlantSavers.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians | Patricia Kyritsi Howell

This episode is brought to you by FOOD GENIUS

A year-long mentorship from Asia Dorsey + Justin Robinson for folks craving a deeper relationship with food, ancestry, and embodied wellbeing.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Herbalist and author Patricia Kyritsi Howell joins Mason and co-host Rosalee de la Forêt to talk about the brand-new second edition of Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians. 

Patricia shares how decades of walking the mountains have deepened her relationships with plants like bloodroot, sarsaparilla, and sassafras, weaving folk history with practical clinical insight.

We also touch on her decision to self-publish, the creative freedom it allowed, and why preserving authentic herbal voices matters now more than ever.

If you love Appalachian plants, plant stories, and thoughtful herbal conversations, this episode is for you.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Website | PatriciaKyritsiHowell.com

BOOK | Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians

Wild Crete Trip | LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Rosalee's Website | HerbsWithRosalee.com

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

The Complete Folk Herbal with Rebecca Beyer | Cohost Rosalee de la Forêt

Today on the Herbalist Hour I’m joined by author, illustrator, and Appalachian folk magic practitioner Rebecca Beyer, along with my special co-host Rosalee de la Forêt. We dive deep into Rebecca’s newest book, The Complete Folk Herbal, exploring everything from ethical wildcrafting to plant history, folk medicine-making, and the lived stories that shape her work.

Rebecca shares her thoughts on learning from many teachers, cultivating authentic plant relationships, avoiding “guru-ism,” and keeping humility at the center of herbal practice. We talk about sustainable foraging, the realities of plant lust, and how she hand-illustrated every page of this beautiful book.

This episode is full of history, heart, humor, and grounded wisdom — a rich conversation for anyone who loves herbalism.

RESOURCES & LINKS

BOOK: The Complete Folk Herbal | BUY THE BOOK

Rebecca's Website | BloodAndSpicebush.com

Rebecca's Substack | BloodAndSpicebush.Substack.com

Rebecca on Instagram | @bloodandspicebush

Rosalee's Website | HerbsWithRosalee.com

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person.

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

Want to join us live for future interviews? 

Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member:

HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

A Wholistic Approach to Herbal Education with Lindsey Feldpausch

FREE Virtual Herbalism Conference
Presented Herbal Academy
February 15 - 20, 2026

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist and educator Lindsey Feldpausch for a rich conversation about what a wholistic approach to herbal education truly means. Early in the episode, Rosalee de la Forêt pops in unexpectedly and joins the discussion, adding even more insight and warmth to the conversation.

Lindsey shares her early plant story from Detroit and explores why wholeness in herbalism includes everything from botany and phytochemistry to formulation, energetics, clinical thinking, and direct plant experience. We talk niche vs. generalist paths, information overload, imposter feelings, and why curiosity is one of the herbalist’s most valuable tools.

We also get behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming Virtual Herbalism Conference from the Herbal Academy — featuring Rosemary Gladstar, Guido Masé, Sajah Popham, Kat Maier, and more.

A warm, energizing episode for herbalists at any point on their plant path 🌿

LINKS & RESOURCES

2026 Virtual Herbalism Conference | LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR FREE

Herbal Academy | LEARN MORE

Lindsey's Website | PlantMatters.org

Lindsey on Instagram | @plant.matters

Herbs with Rosalee | HerbalRemediesAdvice.org

BOOK: Herbs for Fertility | BUY THE BOOK

🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources
Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies.

👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
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Terrain Theory, Live Blood & Modern Herbal Practice | Aron McNicholas

After an 11-month break, I’m back in the saddle with clinical herbalist Aron McNicholas for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with terrain theory vs. germ theory—and expands into live blood analysis, modern lab testing, spagyrics, Weston A. Price-inspired nutrition, and why being in relationship with plants still matters.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Aron McNicholas is a clinical herbalist and practitioner based in Indiana, working with clients in-person and virtually (with a strong focus on cancer support). 

He’s studied with a wide range of teachers, blends traditional herbalism with modern assessment tools, and runs Hartwood Herbs—making personalized preparations for clients and sharing herbal education through classes, plant walks, and conferences.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Hartwood Herbals | HartwoodHerbals.Weebly.com

Hartwood Herbals on Instagram | @hartwoodherbals

Indy Holistic Living | IndyHolisticLiving.com

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
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Lion’s Mane, Ergothioneine & Mushroom Myths | Lee Carroll of Real Mushrooms

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🍄 What’s the deal with Lion’s Mane? What even is ergothioneine? And are mushroom tinctures or powders more effective?

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I’m joined by Lee Carroll of Real Mushrooms to unpack some of the most common myths — and truths — about medicinal mushrooms.

We dive into:
– The difference between alcohol extractions vs. mushroom powders
– How to spot quality mushroom supplements
– Why some people are mycophobic (fearful of fungi)
– What ergothioneine is — and why Lee calls it a vitamin
– How Lion’s Mane might actually work in the body
– Product updates and behind-the-scenes from Real Mushrooms

Whether you’re deep in your mushroom era or just myco-curious, this one’s for you.

🌿 Learn more at Real Mushrooms
💸 Get 20% off your first order with coupon code LEE at checkout
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🎧 More episodes of The Herbalist Hour → HerbRally.com/herbalisthour
🎵 Theme Song by → @torinfrostofficial

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Ep. 50 Replay | Celebrating the Life of John Gallagher

In this very special replay of The Herbalist Hour Episode 50, I sit down with John Gallagher — co-founder of LearningHerbs and a beloved member of the herbal community who recently passed away after a long struggle with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

This episode means the world to me. If you’ve followed HerbRally for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about how much John influenced my herbal journey. His podcast, HerbMentor Radio, was my introduction to the wider herbal world. I devoured every episode — over and over again. Through those interviews, I felt like I knew the herbalists he featured. And John was the thread running through it all — full of curiosity, warmth, humor, and a contagious laugh.

Eventually I became an HerbMentor member (still am to this day), and a few years later, John actually became a friend.

I’ll never forget him visiting the Mountain Rose Herbs marketing department when I worked there — he brought so much joyful energy with him. And at RootStalk, the legendary one-time herbal gathering, I feel like our friendship really took root.

It was also there that I learned John wasn’t quite as squeaky clean off-mic as he was on his show — turns out he loved to swear, just like me! That only made me love him more.

Over the years, I got to know him better through shared time at events, visits to his home in Port Townsend, chats on the phone, and eventually, this very conversation on The Herbalist Hour. Recording this episode felt like a full-circle moment. I finally got to sit down and interview someone who helped shape my path in herbalism — not just as a mentor from afar, but as a real friend.

Everyone I know who knew John adored him. He lit up every room. And he gave so much to this community.

My heart goes out to Kimberly, their children, his family, and everyone who loved him.

John — I love you, buddy. Thank you for being there during some rough times. Thank you for your support of HerbRally. And thank you for helping open up the herbal world to me, and to so many others.

You’ll be deeply missed.

~Mason

Prefer to watch the video version? You can find it on YouTube here | Watch on YouTube

P.S. If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, or thoughts of self-harm, please know that you’re not alone — and that there is help available.
📞 Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 anytime, or visit 988lifeline.org for more resources.

Herbs for Creativity with LearningHerbs' Tara Ruth

This episode is brought to you by our HerbRally Schoolhouse members

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In this episode of The Herbalist Hour I'm joined by Tara Ruth.

Tara is the Content Director at one of my all-time favorite resources for herbalism, LearningHerbs. 

We chat about how she got into herbalism, how she got her job at LearningHerbs and what her role is there now, herbs for creativity, her self care routine and a whole lot more. 

Big thanks to Tara for joining me on the show, and thanks to y'all for tuning in.

See you in the next episode!

~Mason 

LINKS & RESOURCES

LearningHerbs | LearningHerbs.com

HerbMentor Radio | TUNE IN

🎵 Theme Song by Torin Frost

Torin Frost on Spotify | TUNE IN

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Herbalism in your neck of the woods. 

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DISCLAIMER
The information in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Always consult a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are nursing, pregnant, or have any medical condition.