Herbology Talk

In this episode, I am speaking with colleague and friend, Stacey Quade of Energy for Life Connection in Duluth, MN.  Like many other herbal practitioners I know, she integrates energy-based healing into her practice recognizing the importance of mind, body, and spirit health.  We discuss how other herbalists can choose what resonates with them concerning energy-based healing and implement this into their own practice.  We also discuss teaching the community practical skills in herbalism and nutrition, and Reading the Body (a differential assessment technique to learn what areas of the body are needing focus and attention, and comprehend the tissue states of the individual).  Join us to learn more about Stacey, her journey into herbalism, her future in herbalism, and her business. Find more about Stacey at Energy for Life Connection https://www.facebook.com/stacey.quade.7 https://www.instagram.com/staceytheherbalist/ For more information about Margi Flint and her book "The Practicing Herbalist" along with the William Lesassier Legacy Project visit https://earthsongherbals.com/ I promised I would post information about the book "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis" by Dicken Weatherby, N.D. and Scott Ferguson, N.D here  

Join us in this episode as I speak with horticulturist, Patti Travioli of Heartwood Forest Farm.  This organic farm is located in Cedar, Michigan.  We had a great conversation about using plants in art, growing plants organically, and healing with plants through physical rehabilitation which is called therapeutic horticulture.  Patti teaches in-person classes with each student having their own physical involvement with the plants through art, herbalism, and gardening. Below is her contact information and the links for more information about therapeutic horticulture as a profession. Patti Travioli at Heartwood Forest Farm or instagram.com/heartwood_forest_farm/ More information about Therapeutic Horticuture at The American Horticulture Therapy Association or if you are in Michigan at Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association Join my mailing list, purchase The Herbalist's Guide:  How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary or The Herbalist's Guide video series at https://herbalistmentor.com/

I had the pleasure of speaking with an herbalist I met in my own community,Aly Pierce, owner of Moon Blossom Botanicals and Piercing Arrows Homestead.  Aly has been on a mission of living a self-sufficient lifestyle which includes learning herbalism through self-study.  We spoke about her homestead, her training, and what the future holds for her.  Self-study is a viable way to learn herbalism and we talk about its many benefits.  If you wish to follow Aly on social media, you can find her on Facebook@MoonBlossomBotanicals The Herbalist's Guide NEW video series at an introductory price of $37.99 click here Research Guidelines request send here Discount code for the American Herbalist's Guild membership is MaryAHG15.  Join here

Join me in this episode as I interview a good friend and student, DJ Freeman, an herbalist, dedicated student, and inspirational person to help you on your own meandering path in herbalism.  Find out how she was "called" to herbalism through her own health, curiosity, and determination.  She talks about her teachers, where she heard the term "meandering path of herbalism", and what that term means to her.  She also offers great ideas and philosophies while she is describing her journey and what her niche in herbalism might be.   I mentioned that I would offer links to rescue and rebuilding efforts that you could contribute to in order to help the communities hit hard by the two most recent hurricanes in the southern United States of America.  Anything you can offer is much needed no matter the amount given. https://www.aboutasheville.com https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/ I personally know Jay and Gina and I wanted to leave this here as well.  His video was featured on CNN. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jaypaul-flood-recovery-effort?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp8_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook HWB Disaster Relief – Herbalists Without Borders (hwbglobal.org) I am sure there are many other good organizations that could benefit from donations.  Please do your research and ask what is needed at this time.  Thank you!

Have you ever wondered what other type of training can help benefit your practice as a clinical herbalist?  Join me as I have the pleasure of interviewing Trilby Sedlacek RH(AHG) of Green Angels Herbs & Healing Arts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Trilby received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and specialized her graduate studies to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.  She began studying herbalism at a young age of 18 and became a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild over twenty years ago.  She has integrated these two passions of hers into her clinical practice over the years.  Find out how this combination has helped in her practice and her personal life.

I am introducing listeners of Herbology Talk to my friend, Lea Pfeifer from Michigan.  A long-time student of herbalism, an educator herself, and a neurodivergent homeschooling mom. This episode will pull your heart strings as you relate to many of the steps in Lea's journey learning herbalism and her past experiences in life. We speak of the Great Lakes Herb Faire, her teachers, her continued studies, and how she became involved with the Detroit Region Herbal Collaborative. You can follow Lea's continued journey and her offerings to the community at https://www.facebook.com/VerdantSuburbia  

I had the honor of being joined by Lindsey Feldspaugh RH(AHG), Program Coordinator of Herbal Academy and entrepreneur of Plant Matters.  We had a great time discussing the passions we find within herbalism and her personal journey moving towards clinical herbalism and education.  Find out more about Herbal Academy and what they can offer the student. You can visit https://theherbalacademy.com/ for more information about their courses, workshops, and Herbarium!

I sit down with the one and only Margi Flint RH(AHG) of Earthsong Herbals and author of The Practicing Herbalist to discuss the importance of recognizing our teachers and mentors.  Her current project is devoted to sharing the legacy of William LeSassier who was one of her visual diagnostics teachers.  We also talk about what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind herself, her book, good practicing skills, and her own journey into practice. For those that would like to contact Margi or see what she has to offer, visit her website at https://earthsongherbals.com/ Social media accounts: YouTube @margiflint Facebook @earthsongherbals Instagram @flintmargi X @margiflint

Join me as I have a conversation with Lucretia Jones of the House of Lukaya and Off Gridish Homestead, Board member of Herbalists Without Borders, and reality TV guest on Homestead Rescue.  We dive deep into the practice of reconnecting with nature, homesteading and herbalism and how they work together, and projects with Herbalists Without Borders.  Lucretia also explains how she became interested in herbalism, teaching, and homesteading. You can learn more about Lucretia and her teachings at https://www.houseoflukaya.com/ Her social media accounts https://www.instagram.com/houseoflukaya/ https://www.facebook.com/houseoflukayaherbs/ https://www.youtube.com/@OffGridishHomestead

I am joined by social justice activist Lottie Spady of Earthseed Detroit.  We speak about her mission and approaches to teaching herbalism and how she empowers her community to survive and thrive.  She believes that a person's life experiences can contribute to the knowledge and practice in herbalism.  Join us in this final episode of season one of Herbology Talk to find out how you can help to empower your own community and also inspire others to actively participate in creating their food and medicine at home. You can find out more about Lottie and Earthseed Detroit at https://www.earthseeddetroit.com/ You can also follow Lottie @earthseeddetroit on TikTok, YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, and Facebook

Join me and Jesse Wolf Hardin from Plant Healer Magazine and the Good Medicine Confluence.  Find out how Jesse describes what it means to practice herbalism and how the Good Medicine Confluence began.  We discuss together our own training in herbalism and how that has changed over the years.  Jesse gives us his hopes for the future and his humble gratitude to those that he has been able to connect to through the Good Medicine Confluence.   For more information about registering and classes, visit https://www.goodmedicineconfluence.com/ To subscribe to Plant Healer Magazine visit https://planthealerbookstore.com/plant-healer-subscription Discounted tickets are available from me.  Go to this link and send me a request.https://herbalistmentor.com/contact

On this episode, I am joined by TikTok creator, Amelia South of Black Sun Farms.  Amelia has been studing foraging for the last 18 years and we discuss why she began learning about foraging, where she received her training, and how she came up with the name Black Sun Farms.  Join the conversation to get tips on how to utilize what you harvest, learn why we both love bioregionalism, and what Amelia can offer students. You can find out more about Black Sun Farms at https://blacksunfarmct.com/ Find Amelia on TikTok @theoriginalmealchan

I am joined by renowned herbalist and author, Maria Noel Groves of Wintergreen Botanicals in a discussion about researching and having trusted resources for the student and practitioner.  We first discuss the beginnings of Wintergreen Botanicals along with the current courses and the available series she is offering including the Seasonal Energetics Series and Home Herbalist Series.  We also talk about writing monographs and how that can help the student in their studies.  Maria and I also discuss both of our new upcoming books for the student, practitioner, or the general public.  One introduces the basics of herbalism and consists of hands-on exercises to build your own apothecary with simple remedies to include in your home medicine chest, and the other includes home remedies for sleep that introduces the different categories of herbs and the many ways to use them along with lifestyle changes to help enhance your sleep.  Both are available for preorder right now and will make a great addition to your herbal library. Visit Wintergreen Botanicals for more information about Maria, Wintergreen Botanicals, courses, and of course, her new Book Home Remedies for Sleep  Preorder my book The Herbalist's Guide:  How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary here

In this episode of Herbology Talk, I am speaking with one of my favorite herbalism advocates, Mason Hutchison from HerbRally.  We have a lighthearted discussion about Mason's journey into herbalism with his personal inspiration and challenges during that time.  We also discuss how HerbRally has evolved over the years along with social media and website challenges.  Join the discussion to hear more about HerbRally, my upcoming book, "The Herbalist's Guide:  How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary", and my new website herbalistmentor.com dedicated to training and mentoring opportunities. Visit HerbRally at https://www.herbrally.com/ And check out my new website at https://herbalistmentor.com/

I am excited to join Gina Rivers, founder of River "Seng MycoHerbalism and science educator and formulator for Host Defense Mushrooms as we discuss adding some training in medicinal mushrooms alongside herbalism.  It is a joy to talk with Gina about her start in herbalism and mycology along with her passions concerning mushrooms.  Be inspired and join our uplifting discussion on how you can begin learning about mushrooms in your herbal studies and gain some wholesome advice along the way.

Today, I am joined by Sovereignty Herb's own Lead Creatrix, Erika Galentin.  Find out more about Erika as a clinical herbalist and mentor while enjoying some interesting conversation about her start into herbalism and aromatics.  Erika has a lot of upcoming training opportunities to offer the clinical herbalist and it is my hope you have a chance to work with her someday soon.  This discussion also offers some valuable tidbits about clinical practice.  If you wish to contact Erika and see more of what she can offer you, contact her here:  Sovereignty Herbs

In this episode, I am joined by Cassidy Gonsoski, owner of Rooted Homestead and a current student in herbalism.  The discussion takes you on Cassidy's journey learning herbalism with the joys and obstacles she has encountered.  We talk about her goals and what steps she is taking to get there.  It is my hope that other students can relate to her journey and feel motivated to continue theirs. Cassidy is a member of Herbology Talk monthly meetings and she talks about why she joined and what she has gotten out of it so far.   I am also introducing my new book in this episode, "The Herbalist's Guide:  How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary" available for preorder right now with a release date of May 7, 2024.  This is a step-by-step guide into herbalism with hands-on training working with 35 common herbs.  The exercises in this book will help you to build your own apothecary at home with the knowledge to use it safely and effectively.  Reserve your copy now at this link:  The Herbalist's Guide

In this episode of Herbology Talk, I have a conversation with another one of my beloved herbal mentors, Leslie Alexander, of Restoration Herbs.  We discuss her educational background and training journey into herbalism to begin with, and then we have a discussion of what Leslie describes as a formless approach with clients.  She calls it a client centered approach which is so important in clinical herbalism.  Listen to how we both leave space open for the clients, and hear where I trip over a word that brings us both to laughter.  This is a delightful conversation that you don't want to miss. Contact Leslie Alexander, PhD, RH(AHG) at Restoration Herbs

Self-Sufficiency is a skill that everyone including herbalists could benefit from whether it is involves foraging, wildcrafting, or growing their own food.  I am joined by Karen Langan, co-owner of Mulberry Creek Herbs Farm located in Huron, Ohio.  Karen has learned self-sufficiency early on in her childhood, and helps to bring this skill and joy to her customers and community.  We discuss her early childhood, the beginnings of Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, and all of the wonderful events the farm provides to the community.  My hope is that the listeners gain inspiration along with another possible resource for purchasing plants and vegetables for their homes and family. Visit their website to learn more about their events and resources they provide at: https://mulberrycreek.com/ You can contact Karen at:  [email protected] 

I am joined by the one and only "Herbchick", Lori Osterloh-Hagaman owner of The Herbchick LLC and host of Wholistic Bad Ass Podcast.  We have a fun discussion revolving around Lori's own eclectic herbal training which is my term to describe the many different types of training a person can get (or the collection of different subjects to both learn/teach that contributes to someones herbal background).  Listen to hear more about Lori, her business, her contributions to her community, and her advice on this episode of Herbology Talk. To learn more about Lori, visit her website at https://herbchickonline.com/

The Herbal industry has grown so much and the need for quality herbs for both the herbalist and the community is much needed now and for the future.  If you have any interest or plans to grow your own herbs for resale, join myself and Henriette den Ouden of Habanera Farm as we discuss why future herb farms are needed while offering advice for getting started.  Henriette is a tea farmer and teacher residing on the eastern shore of Maryland and has been in business since 2007.   Visit Habanera Farm at https://shop.habanerafarm.com

I have the privilege of speaking with one of my own beloved mentors, Leslie Williams, M.Ed, RH(AHG).  As we dive into her personal experiences and connections with the plants, you can get a better feel for her passion as both a mentor and an herbalist.  Leslie offers support and encouragement for the Clinical herbalist that is looking for mentorship opportunities moving forward in their practice.  We discuss her specialties in the different areas of herbalism and upcoming future projects she will be offering to herbalists of all levels.   You can reach Leslie Williams at https://www.ordinaryherbalist.com/

I am joined by Mel Mutterspaugh of The Herbalist's Path to talk about self-care practices and social media.  Our conversation gets into the benefits of self-care for the herbalist and the pros and cons of herbal education on social media.  Mel's focus of educating the family base targets specifically the Momma with offerings of courses for the Apothecary Momma along with the brand new Kid Safe Herb Club.  Find out our most disagreeable term on social media and how sustainable practices in herbalism can benefit both the planet and our own health. You can contact Mel by visiting https://www.theherbalistspath.com/ She is also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theherbalistspath

I am joined by Abby Artemisia of The WANDER School located in North Carolina.  Our discussion revolves around the training she can offer regarding Botany and foraging.  Training in both of these areas is needed for the herbalist wanting to identify and harvest their medicine.   The conversation expands into herbal apprenticeships and how important it is to experience the plants while you study. Abby can be reached at https://www.thewanderschool.com/

We are speaking with Mimi Prunella Hernandez RH (AHG) Executive Director of the American Herbalist Guild, recipient of American Botanical Council's Mark Blumenthal Community Builder award, steward of the Ponderland Botanical Sanctuary, and the author of the upcoming National Geographic Herbal being released in November of this year.  We discuss her previous training that has led to her position at the AHG along with the training she has had that has led her be the herbalist, author, and teacher she is today.  Listen for a large discount code to be used to join the AHG as a member, and find out how you too can create a Botanical Sanctuary with the United Plant Savers.  For more information about Ponderland Botanical Sanctuary and how you can preorder the National Geographic Herbal visit https://theponderland.com/

I am joined by Amanda Ferguson, Ohio Herb Center Coordinator, to discuss what inspiration we each use to continue studying in herbalism.  The conversation turns to the different careers in herbalism, advice about setting goals in order to choose your path, and the importance of researching your training options along with practical resources to navigate the study of herbalism.  You can learn more about Amanda and the Ohio Herb Center at Ohio Herb Center *CORRECTION:  I was wrong about the Navigating the Study of Herbalism webinar I did for the American Herbalist Guild on March 21, 2023 as being available to the public.  I was thinking of another webinar I did for them.  It is available for Members only.  If you wish to join, you can save $15 with my code MaryAHG15 at American Herbalists Guild

We are speaking with Denise Cusack of Wholly Rooted Farms about her training and expertise in herbalism, aromatherapy, and permaculture along with the training she offers students.  The conversation leads to how these foundations can help students of herbalism especially in regenerative/sustainable herbalism practices.  Denise explains her current and future projects that will be available in the near future.  You can visit her website for more information at Wholly Rooted LLC; Regenerative Education & Permaculture Farm