Beyond the Hype: A Grounded Approach to Perimenopause with Aviva Romm, MD

Medicinal mushrooms are often talked about in terms of individual benefits, but their story is much bigger than any single species or symptom. In this episode of The Wild Rose Podcast, Yarrow Willard joins us to explore the living world of fungi, from the medicinal qualities of Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey Tail to the vast mycelial networks beneath our feet. Together, we explore mushroom chemistry, fruiting bodies versus mycelium, preparation and extraction, what to look for in a quality mushroom product, sustainability, and why working with mushrooms holistically means looking beyond simple symptom-to-remedy matching. Throughout the conversation, Yarrow brings us back to relationship: the ways fungi communicate, recycle nutrients, support ecosystems, and model resilience and interconnection. From the Woodwide Web to the medicine cabinet, this episode invites us to see mushrooms not only as powerful medicines, but as part of a much larger living network. Subscribe to The Wild Rose Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations on herbal medicine, ecology, traditional knowledge, and our relationship with the living world. Visit us at www.wildrosecollege.com to learn more about our herbal programs and courses.

What does it really mean to care for the plants we use? In this episode of The Wild Rose Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Susan Leopold, Executive Director of United Plant Savers, for a thoughtful and nuanced conversation about medicinal plant conservation, biodiversity, wildcrafting, and our responsibility to the ecosystems that sustain herbal medicine. Susan shares how United Plant Savers approaches conservation through relationship and reciprocity, while exploring the many pressures facing medicinal plants and their habitats. We talk about habitat loss, overharvesting, invasive species, restoration, forest farming, and why protecting intact ecosystems can be more complicated than simply planting more trees. We also look at the role herbalists can play in conservation: learning where our medicines come from, asking better questions about sourcing, paying attention to what is abundant within our own bioregions, supporting botanical sanctuaries, and finding meaningful ways to give back to the plants and places we depend on. This conversation moves beyond simple rules about what we should or shouldn’t harvest and instead asks what it means to remain in relationship with plants while becoming better stewards of the living world. Conservation through relationship and reciprocity

What does it mean to approach plants not only as remedies, but as living teachers? In this episode of The Wild Rose Podcast, host Megan Kendrick is joined by renowned herbalist, teacher, and author Matthew Wood for an expansive conversation inspired by his book, A Shamanic Herbal: Plant Teachers and Animal Medicines. Matthew shares stories from his lifelong journey with herbal medicine and explores the spiritual and symbolic dimensions of working with plants. Together, they discuss animism, shamanism, the doctrine of signatures, animal archetypes, plant consciousness, herbal energetics, and the many ways people can learn to recognize the living language of the natural world. The conversation also moves into the practical side of Matthew’s work, including specific herbal indications, the relationship between physical and emotional patterns, and his approach to using very small doses to gently “nudge” the intelligence of the body. Tune in to explore: How Matthew first came to understand plants as reference points for consciousness What animism and shamanism mean within the context of herbal medicine How the doctrine of signatures helps herbalists recognize patterns and relationships in nature The role of animal archetypes and animal medicines in A Shamanic Herbal Why Matthew often works with very small, specific doses of herbs How physical, emotional, mental, and symbolic indications can deepen our understanding of a remedy Why truly getting to know a plant may be the work of a lifetime

In this thoughtful and timely episode, we’re joined by Tad Hargrave, founder of Marketing for Hippies, to explore how herbalists, healers, and values-led practitioners can share their work without resorting to pressure, persuasion, or manipulation. With warmth, clarity, and decades of experience supporting heart-centred entrepreneurs, Tad invites us to rethink what marketing is really for. Rather than trying to convince people to buy, he offers a more grounded approach: helping both practitioner and client get to the truth of whether something is truly a fit. From the discomfort of self-promotion to the burnout of social media, Tad speaks directly to the challenges many holistic practitioners face when trying to build a sustainable business in a noisy marketplace. We explore ethical marketing, money, visibility, authenticity, niche, and the inner work that often arises when we step into business with our gifts. You’ll learn about: Why self-promotion feels uncomfortable for so many people How to market your work without manipulation or hidden agendas Alternatives to social media that may feel more sustainable and aligned The difference between collapsing, posturing, and staying composed How your wounds, values, and lived experience can help shape your niche Why ethical marketing still needs to be effective What it means to restore beauty to the marketplace Whether you’re an herbal student, a practitioner, a healer, an artist, or a community-based entrepreneur, this conversation offers grounded guidance and inspiration for building a business rooted in integrity, sustainability, and right relationship. Learn more about Tad Hargrave and Marketing for Hippies: https://marketingforhippies.com/ Learn more about Wild Rose College: https://wildrosecollege.com/ Subscribe to The Wild Rose Podcast for more conversations on herbal medicine, holistic health, plant wisdom, and the people shaping the future of herbalism.

What does your gut have to do with your mood, stress levels, immune function, and overall health? More than you might think. Digestive complaints are more common than ever, with increasing rates of IBS, SIBO, reflux, food sensitivities, and chronic digestive discomfort. But what if supporting gut health is about more than simply managing symptoms? In this episode of The Wild Rose Podcast, host Megan Kendrick sits down with clinical herbalist and author Maria Noel Groves to explore the fascinating relationship between digestion, the nervous system, the microbiome, and overall health. Drawing from her latest book, Herbal Gut Health, Maria explains how the digestive system influences everything from nutrient absorption and immune function to mood, stress resilience, and long-term wellness. Together, they unpack the gut-brain connection, discuss why digestive issues are on the rise, and explore practical herbal strategies for supporting digestive healing and restoring balance. You'll also learn about digestive bitters and carminatives, the role of stomach acid and the microbiome, common digestive concerns such as IBS and SIBO, and Maria's 5 Rs framework for gut repair. Whether you're an herbalist, a student of natural health, or simply looking for ways to better support your digestion, this conversation offers practical insights and empowering tools for building resilience from the inside out.