Heirlooms & Herbs

In this episode, I sat down and had a conversation with Herbalist, Jim McDonald. Based out of Michigan, Jim runs a practice and teaches a variety of classes both online and in-person, as he continues to inspire others to build relationships with plants. 

"Things that you take more time to wonder about, you often learn in a more deep and full way" - Jim McDonald

We discuss:

• Approaching herbalism from a state of unended curiosity 
• Getting to know herbs through their interactions with us
• Fostering relationships with the living world
• Finding balance as a Herbalist and setting boundaries

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In this episode, I sat down with a dear friend and long-time teacher of mine, Penelope Beaudrow. A recognized elder, devoting over twenty-five years to helping others foster deep and resilient connections with the living intelligence of the natural world and the regenerative, healing forces of plants and the medicine they carry.  

"Giving back is good for the soul" - Penelope Beaudrow

We discuss: 

• Herbalism as a profession and a lifestyle
• Courses, programs & apprenticeship opportunities
• Ways to give back and pay it forward
• Endangered, native/non-native, and invasive species  

The first episode in our Storytelling Series, where we share tales read by those who wrote them. Inspiring you to go out and experience the world around you, thus creating your own stories to share. 

In this episode, we discuss what the honeybees teach us that small actions have big impacts, and here are a few ways that you can make a difference. Remembering, that supporting the livelihood of our honeybees, supports that of our own. 

1. Let your lawn go.
   I always like to start by suggesting this one, as it requires no work but goes a long way. Letting any amount of land return to the wild encourages biodiversity and increases the likelihood of wildflowers to blow in and bloom, thus giving your bees more food for their post-hibernation hungry bellies. Trust me, the bees will thank you (and in my opinion, it’s far more beautiful).
2. Plant native wildflowers.
   It’s hard to argue the beauty of a meadow abundant with blooming wildflowers, so find out which are local to you, and spread those seeds! This can also be a great opportunity to plant endangered native species and support those at risk.
3. Avoid spraying.
   Keeping things pesticide-free is a great way to avoid harmful chemicals, like glyphosate which wreaks havoc on the bees. Instead, opt for more organic and natural solutions!
4. Support your local beekeepers.
   Smaller-scale beekeepers often have fewer demands to meet, thus more room to prioritize the health of their honeybees. This is a great way to support your local food systems and can go a long way for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
5. Giving bees trees.
   Trees often get overlooked when we think about providing for the bees, but they’re a great source of nectar and provide them habitats, especially in the midst of continuous deforestation and development. Some trees, like Willows and Maples, make up some of the first food sources for them in the early days of Spring.
6. Choose wisely.
   I like to say, if it comes in a squeeze bottle, it’s not the honey you want. This kind of honey is often pasteurized (a sterilization process that heats up the honey, thereby losing medicinal value) and contains fillers like corn syrup. Instead, you can look for raw, unpasteurized honey - which is both better for you, and the environment.

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In this episode, I sit down with Mason Hutchison, founder of Herb Rally, a podcast and platform connecting people from all walks of life to events and education all across the US and beyond. Previous to launching Herb Rally, he was the Events & Marketing Strategist for Mountain Rose Herbs for 11 years and has completed two herbalism apprenticeships both at the Columbines School of Botanical Studies and the Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies. He now operates Herb Rally full time with his beloved wife, Amanda, where they’ve continued to expand their offerings and educational works, including their newly launched schoolhouse.

“You really just have to jump in and do it. No matter how much fear is going through your system. I mean all of the best things in my life, have been those things where my entire heart and soul is telling me that I have to do this.” - Mason Hutchison.

In this conversation we explore:

• The journey and behind the scenes of Herb Rally
• Becoming an entrepreneur
• Starting a herbal business
• Inspiration and actionable steps to bring your dreams to life

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In this episode, I sit down with Bella Donna; Beekeeper, Apitherapist, Aromatherapist, Herbalist, Life and Health Coach, Reiki Practitioner and Teacher. She's made it her lifelong mission to teach and inspire others to better health, with a profound faith in the natural health and healing abilities of honey and herbs. Studying with greats like her Great Grandfather, Rosemary Gladstar, Peter Bigfoot at Reevis Mountain (in the desert of north Phoenix, living off-grid and on the land for two years), and one of her favourite influencers of all, Dr. Bruce Lipton. 

"All my life, I've done all those things, but what I really want to do is inspire people to do it themselves. I don't just want to sell honey or do healing work with aromatherapy. I want to inspire people to learn for themselves, so they can heal and then go on to teach others." - Bella Donna.

In this conversation, we explore in-depth:

• Natural beekeeping
• Benefits of propolis 
• Different kinds of honey 
• Types of herbal infused honey
• Teaching beekeeping to a group of inmates 
• What you can do to help the bees

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This audio was taken from a talk, "Introduction to Herbal Medicine & Immunity" hosted by Anahata Yoga from the Heart, a studio and community-centered space making yoga accessible to everyone located in Barrie, Ontario. In this episode, we discuss some of the foundations of herbal medicine, rekindling our relationship with the natural world, and the impactful ways you can incorporate herbs into your daily life to boost your immunity and overall vitality.

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