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

Resources:

Herb Craft | Jim's Website

Podia | Learning Opportunities with Jim

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

Resources:
The Ginkgo Tree | Website
Lady Slipper | A Gathering of Women and Plants

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.

Resources:

The Lion's Tooth