Explore every episode of the podcast The Dancing Willow
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremony as a Living Language with David Elliott | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:13:31 | |
What if your New Year didn’t start with resolutions but with fire, intention, and deep relationship to the Earth? In this expansive and intimate episode of The Dancing Willow, Elliott sits down with her Uncle David Elliott, healer, teacher, and ceremonial leader, for a powerful conversation on ritual, intention-setting, and the living intelligence of the natural world. Recorded just before the New Year, this episode invites listeners to reimagine how we mark transitions, release the old, and step consciously into what’s next. Together, they explore David’s decades-long practice of leading New Year’s fire walks, the potency of choosing a single guiding word rather than a resolution, and why fire, especially at the winter solstice, is such a profound ally for transformation. From chanting under the stars to walking barefoot across hot coals, David shares how ceremony works on both the visible and invisible levels. The conversation widens to include practical ways anyone can create meaningful ritual at home, working with plants, water, minerals, the directions, and the elements you already feel connected to. David also speaks candidly about cultivating reciprocal relationships with the Earth, plants like tobacco and mullein, animal allies, ancestors, and unseen support systems that guide us when we learn how to listen. Woven throughout are personal stories, from family lineage and ancestral farming roots to weddings, dreams, and moments of unmistakable guidance, that ground this episode in lived experience. This is an episode for anyone feeling called to slow down, reconnect, and enter the New Year with reverence, clarity, and trust in the support that surrounds us. In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| The Medicine & Magic of Pine | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:41:18 | |
If you’re craving a grounding, calming episode to carry you through the darkest days of the year, this is the one to press play on. In this winter-solstice-timed conversation, Elliott takes us deep into the green heart of one of her favorite seasonal allies: pine, a plant that offers medicine for the body, steadiness for the spirit, and a gentle reminder that resilience lives in us, even during the winter season. As evergreens fill our homes and line our snowy trails this time of year, Elliott explores why humans have always been drawn to them in winter and how their presence, fresh, fragrant, symbolic, can be powerful medicine in more ways than one. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Featured Remedies:
Perfect For You If… You’re navigating holiday overwhelm, seeking grounding practices, exploring herbal immune support, or simply longing to reconnect with the evergreens in your home this time of the year. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| An Herbalist’s Guide to Burnout: Adaptogens, Nervines & Spiritual Heart Herbs | 19 Aug 2025 | 01:02:59 | |
Burnout isn’t just about doing too much but about losing touch with what truly lights you up... In this solo episode, Elliott invites you into the apothecary for an intimate, heart-to-heart on navigating burnout in all its forms. From the classic “doing too much” variety to the deeper, more subtle misalignment burnout, she explores how to recognize the signs, reclaim your energy, and reconnect with what truly lights you up using the help of the plants. You’ll learn about:
Elliott also shares personal stories, herbal wisdom, and lifestyle shifts to help you find balance, create space for joy, and remember that rest is productive. 🌿 Mentioned in this episode:
If you’ve been feeling overextended, misaligned, or simply in need of a reset, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and come home to yourself, supported by the plants that love you. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| When the Body Speaks: A Story of Healing, Surrender & the Harmonic Egg with Calley Hoffman | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:27:29 | |
What if your body’s symptoms were actually sacred messengers—nudging you back toward your most authentic self? In this soulful and deeply moving episode, Elliott Brinkley is joined by one of her dearest friends, Calley Hoffman. From the early days when Calley was working behind the counter at Dancing Willow Herbs to the launch of Harmonic Earth Sanctuary in downtown Durango, this conversation is a testament to the power of living authentically, even, and especially, in the midst of life’s hardest initiations.
You’ll also hear about the magic of the Blooming Rooted Retreat, where Calley experienced profound release and transformation among a circle of women, nature, and breathwork. Whether you're navigating change, craving a deeper connection with your intuition, or curious about plant spirit medicine and vibrational healing, this episode offers a gentle but powerful invitation: return to your body, your heart, and your truth. Mentioned in this episode:
As always, if this episode speaks to you, please share, rate, or leave a review. It helps the show grow and keeps this circle connected. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Years of Growth: Behind the Scenes at Dancing Willow Herbs | 22 Jul 2025 | 01:04:27 | |
In this heartfelt solo episode, Elliott Brinkley—owner of Dancing Willow Herbs—invites you behind the curtain for an intimate look at what’s unfolded in the four years since she took the reins of the beloved Durango apothecary. From major business overhauls like updating the POS system and shifting to sustainable packaging, to deeply intentional product reformulations and expansions, Elliott shares the lessons, challenges, and proudest moments of her journey. You’ll hear about:
If you’re curious about the magic that happens behind the scenes of a thriving apothecary—or simply seeking inspiration for your own path—this episode is full of grounded wisdom, vulnerability, and plant-centered purpose. Mentioned in this episode:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Becoming Dancing Willow: Deb Swanson on Herbalism, Womanhood, and Change | 08 Jul 2025 | 01:02:44 | |
Ever wondered how a single vision can spark decades of community healing? Step into the story of our apothecary rooted in wild plants, womanhood, and the quiet magic that grows when we trust the seasons of our lives. In this heartfelt episode, Elliott Brinkley, current owner of Dancing Willow Herbs, sits down with Deb Swanson, founder of Dancing Willow Herbs, to explore the apothecary’s origins, the wisdom of plant medicine, and the unseen threads connecting womanhood, astrology, and healing. They share stories of Deb’s childhood love of wild plants, her studies with Michael Moore, and the mystical vision behind the name Dancing Willow Herbs. From growing a community hub to learning to let go, this is a reflection on legacy, transformation, and honoring every season of life. Highlights:
Whether you have been a part of our Dancing Willow Herbs community from the beginning or you are new to our offerings, this podcast will connect you to the spirit of what we do & how it all began. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| The Magic of Herbal Constituents: Plant Chemistry with Lisa Ganora | 24 Jun 2025 | 01:35:14 | |
Phytochemistry isn’t just science—it’s the language plants use to connect, communicate, and heal. In this conversation, Elliott sits down with beloved teacher and plant chemistry wizard Lisa Ganora to explore the fascinating world of herbal constituents, not as dry academic material, but as the living language of the plants. Lisa helps us reframe chemistry as a tool for deepening relationship—showing how phytochemicals carry signals, stories, and life force, and how we as herbalists can learn to listen. Together, they dive into:
Whether you geek out on plant chemistry or tend to glaze over at the word “constituents,” this episode will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and practical insight for your own herbal journey. Resources Mentioned:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Herbal Allies for Summer Wellness: Cooling Tonics, Hydrating Herbs & Sun Care Tips | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:44:27 | |
As the days grow longer and the sun shines stronger, our bodies crave balance, hydration and calm. In this episode, clinical herbalist, Elliott Brinkley explores the vibrant world of summertime herbs—highlighting cooling, moistening, and antioxidant-rich plants that can help you thrive in the heat. You’ll learn how to make herbal sun teas, herb infused green juices, and cooling tonics using refrigerant herbs like hibiscus, elderflower, lemon balm, peppermint, chickweed and rose, as well as demulcents like marshmallow root, rose hips, licorice and chia. Elliott also shares practical tips for holistic sun care, including foods and herbs that can support your skin’s resilience from the inside out. 🌞 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
🌿 Products from the Apothecary:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Plant Led Formulation: The Spirit Behind Leaf People Skincare | 27 May 2025 | 01:11:34 | |
What if your skincare routine was more than just topical? What if it was a sacred exchange—between you, the plants, and the Earth? In this soul-stirring episode, Elliott sits down with Julie Williams, founder and formulator behind Leaf People Skincare. Julie shares the remarkable story of how she studied plant medicine around the globe—from the Amazon to the Australian outback—and how those teachings laid the foundation for one of the most energetically aligned skincare lines in existence. We explore:
Special Listener Offer: Shop all Leaf People goodies: leafpeople.com Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Skincare Truths, Acne Myths & Radical Skin Acceptance with Satara of Clear Esthetics | 13 May 2025 | 01:17:51 | |
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare advice or frustrated that your “clean” routine still isn’t working for acne—this episode is for you. Elliott talks with Satara Arthaud, esthetician and founder of Clear Esthetics, about how to truly support acne-prone skin with both compassion and strategy. Together, they go deep into the misconceptions around acne and the often overlooked lifestyle and product factors that can make or break your skin’s health. You’ll learn:
Plus, Satara shares her personal journey with acne and the turning points that transformed her skin—and her work. This is a compassionate, myth-busting episode for anyone who wants to care for their skin with more intention, clarity, and self-acceptance. Links: Satara’s business & online shop: https://www.clearestheticssb.com/ Satara’s Instagram: @clear_esthetics Acne Safe App (for checking ingredients): https://acnesafe.co LightStim (her favorite red light device): https://www.lightstim.com Blooming Rooted Retreat: September 2025, Mancos CO, Herbalism Retreat, join us! Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Blooming Rooted: A Retreat for Herbal Healing & Embodied Transformation | 06 May 2025 | 00:33:41 | |
What if learning about plants was also a path to becoming more fully yourself? You’ll hear the story of how this sacred gathering came to be, from its dream-seed origins on winter solstice to the deeply transformative summer solstice retreat that unfolded on sacred land in Mancos, Colorado. Elliott shares the magic of last year’s gathering: the healing power of group breathwork, daily plant meditations, tea ceremonies, medicine making, and the way each herb—especially those with an affinity for the lungs—showed up as allies for grief and transformation. This episode is both an invitation and a remembrance: a call to those ready to reconnect with the Earth, with others, and with themselves. 🌿 Early bird pricing for Autumn Equinox Blooming Rooted Retreat ends Friday, May 9. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you’re curious about joining or simply seeking inspiration for your own path, this episode will meet you with warmth, reflection, and the gentle nudge of the plant world. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Beyond the Green Pill: Practicing Vitalist Herbalism with Mike Masek | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:03:59 | |
In today's episode, I’m joined by Mike Masek, director of The Forager’s Path School of Botanical Studies in Flagstaff, Arizona. With over 30 years of experience and training in Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mike has devoted his life to helping students move beyond textbook knowledge — into real, embodied herbal wisdom rooted in nature and daily life. In this episode we dive into: 🌿 How vitalist herbalism differs from “green pill” thinking We also explore why true herbalism is about practicing — not just studying — and how slowing down, observing, and building relationship with plants transforms not only your herbal skills, but your entire life. Whether you're just starting out or deepening your herbal path, Mike's grounded wisdom will leave you inspired to reconnect with the plants, the land, and yourself. Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Tending the Inner Flame: Winter Solstice Wisdom with Marysia Miernowska | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:10:42 | |
If you’ve been craving a deeper way to move through winter, one that honors the mystery, the magic, and your personal inner fire, this conversation will feel like stepping into a portal. The winter solstice brings us into the darkest days of the year — a time when many of us feel pulled between the desire to slow down and the very real demands of December. In this deeply nourishing conversation, I’m joined by herbalist, teacher, and author Marysia Miernowska to explore how we can tend our inner flame, reconnect with the Earth, and find meaning in the fertile darkness of winter. Marysia is the founder of the School of the Sacred Wild, author of The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary, and a beloved voice in the world of earth-based spirituality and traditional plant wisdom. Together, we dive into seasonal rhythms, herbal allies, and the deeper emotional and spiritual threads that winter invites us to explore. In this episode, we explore:
This episode is heartfelt, grounding, and enlivening- a balm for anyone moving through burnout, seeking clarity, or wanting to feel more connected to themselves and the cycles of nature during the winter season.
10% off all Dancing Willow Herbs products through December 18th with the code podcastfam at checkout Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Herbalism for the People: Golden Poppy Apothecary | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:54:48 | |
What does it look like to build a thriving herbal business rooted in community, care, and ancestral wisdom? This week Elliott sits down with Sarah Josey, clinical herbalist and founder of Golden Poppy Apothecary in Fort Collins, Colorado, to explore how herbalism can be made accessible, practical, and deeply human. From her start in biochemistry to becoming a community herbalist and business owner, Sarah shares the winding journey of following her calling—and how she’s built a 14-woman team that operates like a modern-day village. They talk about motherhood in the workplace, crafting herbal remedies for everyday people, honoring diverse herbal traditions, and the sacredness woven into fertility and postpartum care. It’s a beautiful reminder that herbalism doesn’t have to be complicated and when it is cultivated within community, it helps everyone grow. In This Episode We Cover:
Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Planting Seeds in Grief: Herbs for a Rooted Heart | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:56:22 | |
This week we have a very personal, solo episode. I’m dropping in with you one-on-one—no guests, just a real-time reflection from my heart to yours. It’s been just over a month since launching the podcast, and while it's been a whirlwind of incredible conversations, I wanted to pause, connect, and share what’s been moving through me. This episode is about grief, growth, and the gentle reminder to slow down. I open up about the recent loss of our beloved dog Bleau and how that grief is shaping my perspective and shifting the pace of this podcast—and life in general. I talk about the arc of his life and how the seasons mirror our own inner transitions. We explore:
I also dive into the powerful herbal allies that are helping me stay grounded and open-hearted right now, including hawthorn, rose, and reishi, the key herbs in my Rooted Heart Elixir. We talk about Shen tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine and how they support both grief and voice—two themes that feel intertwined in this moment. ✨ Herbal Allies Discussed:
🌱 Whether you're navigating your own grief, creative burnout, or just craving a deeper sense of presence and alignment this spring, this episode is for you. It's a vulnerable one—but also a hopeful one. We're moving through the sacred dark together. Links + Resources:
I'd love to hear from you. How are you moving through this season? What’s been resonating? Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| My Body is a Miracle: Fertility & Self Love with Jenna Reiss | 25 Mar 2025 | 01:29:48 | |
In this deeply heartfelt and healing episode, Elliott is joined by the radiant Jenna Reiss—breathwork facilitator, healer, teacher, and new mother—for a soul-stirring conversation on the path of self-love, spiritual integration, and honoring the full spectrum of the human experience. From the transformative power of retreats and group healing to the tender, often hidden realities of fertility challenges and early motherhood, Jenna shares her wisdom with grace, vulnerability, and warmth. Jenna opens up about her personal journey through IVF, miscarriage, and ultimately motherhood, weaving in how her spiritual tools like breathwork, meditation, and self-compassion supported her through each stage. She and Elliott explore the power of embracing the “shadow self,” letting go of perfectionism in wellness spaces, and reimagining what it means to be a “spiritual mother.” Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey, holding space for others, or simply seeking a loving reminder of your own wholeness, this episode will meet you where you are. Topics Covered:
Resources & Offerings Mentioned:
Connect with Jenna Reiss:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Weaving Collaborative Herbalism: Building a Seasonal Herbal Magazine with Harmonie O'Loughlin | 18 Mar 2025 | 01:13:23 | |
Herbalism is something that is meant to exist in the village. In this episode, I sit down with Harmonie O'Loughlin, founder of Botanical Anthology and Plant Wonder Collective, to explore how collaboration within her community, shapes her experience as an herbalist and creator. We dive into her journey from home herbalist to magazine editor, the plants that shaped her path—like Violets, St. John’s Wort, and Rose—and how foraging and gardening deepened her relationship with the land. Harmonie shares insights into seasonal herbalism, explaining why plants emerge at specific times and how they offer exactly what we need. Plus, we get a sneak peek into the Spring Edition of Botanical Anthology, featuring herbal recipes, folklore, crafts, divination, and a special focus on violets and other ephemeral spring plants. Whether you’re an herbalist, gardener, or simply drawn to plant wisdom, this episode will inspire you to slow down, connect, embrace the magic of the seasons & find your herbal community! 🌿 In This Episode, We Discuss:
🔗 Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Breathing with the Earth: Botanical Breathwork with Eliza Rose Kane | 11 Mar 2025 | 01:14:13 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Eliza Rose Kane, breathwork facilitator, writer and healer, as we dive into the magic of Botanical Breathwork. We explore how breath and plants work together to deepen our connection to the earth, our bodies, and our creative power. Eliza shares her insights on the synergy between breath and plant consciousness, the wisdom of the womb space, and how we can reclaim our life force in a world that often depletes it. We also reflect on our journey—from hosting virtual breathwork sessions to facilitating in-person retreats across the world. Join us for an inspiring conversation on healing, creativity, and the unseen forces that guide us. 🌿 In This Episode, We Discuss:
🔗 Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Lavender & Legacy: Crafting Hydrosols, Cultivating Land & Finding Purpose with Mesa Verde Lavender | 04 Mar 2025 | 01:21:20 | |
What does it mean to truly cultivate something—from the soil beneath us to the friendships that sustain us? In this episode, host Elliott Brinkley sits down with Katie of Mesa Verde Lavender Farm to explore the deep connections between plants, healing, and personal transformation. They share the story of their friendship, the unexpected path that led Katie from music education to lavender farming, and the wisdom she’s gained from working so closely with this resilient plant. Tune in to learn about the magic of lavender, the challenges of farming in the Southwest, and the parallels between soil health, personal growth, and our own microbiomes. Plus, Katie shares her passion for tea ceremony and the profound ways it has deepened her connection to plants, spirituality, and presence. 🌿 In This Episode, We Discuss:
🔗 Links & Resources:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Rooted in Herbal Wisdom: The Journey to Dancing Willow | 24 Feb 2025 | 01:00:03 | |
In this first episode of The Dancing Willow Podcast, host Elliott Brinkley shares her journey into herbalism, holistic healing, and the path that led her to own the beloved Dancing Willow Herbs apothecary. From a childhood immersed in alternative healing to her deep connection with nature and clinical herbalism, Elliott weaves a heartfelt and inspiring story of trust, alignment, and transformation. She also reflects on the challenges and joys of launching this podcast, the importance of slowing down, and the collective energy of 2024. Get to know Elliott on a deeper level and learn what’s in store for future episodes—featuring herbal wisdom, medicine-making, breathwork, and conversations with inspiring healers. 🌿 In This Episode, We Discuss: ✨ Join us as we cultivate wisdom, connection, and healing through the power of plants! ✨ 🔗 Links & Resources: Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Building Connection and Resilience in the Family Unit with Eliza Rose Kane | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:01:49 | |
The holidays are nearly here, and so is the opportunity to transform how we show up with the people we love- with more regulation, presence, and real connection. In today’s conversation, Elliott is joined by Eliza Rose Kane to explore her new offering, Family Breathwork, a program designed to bring families together through nervous system regulation, emotional attunement, and being truly witnessed by the people closest to us. Whether you’re parenting young kids or teens, navigating dynamics with your partner, or wanting to build more connection with your parents, this episode offers meaningful tools to support real transformation within the home. We dive into:
Eliza’s passion for supporting families shines so brightly in this conversation, and I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired and empowered to build new rhythms and rituals in your home.
Listeners receive 20% off Eliza’s Family Breathwork course with code THEDANCINGWILLOW20. https://elizarosekane.com/family-breathwork-course
Eliza’s Substack can be found here: https://substack.com/@elizarose Instagram: @elizarosekane Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| The Pillars of Healing: Food Intolerance & Vitalist Herbalism with Paul Bergner | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:22:57 | |
What if the key to lasting health isn’t the next super herb or supplement but removing what’s quietly draining your vitality? In this illuminating conversation, herbalist and teacher Paul Bergner joins Elliott Brinkley to explore the foundations of true healing through vitalist therapeutics addressing lifestyle, nutrition, and the spiritual dimensions of wellness. With over five decades of clinical experience and a lineage of teaching that has shaped generations of herbalists, Paul shares both timeless wisdom and modern clinical insight into what it really means to heal. Together, Elliott and Paul trace his journey from early work in lifestyle medicine to decades of supervising herbal teaching clinics. They discuss what sets vitalist herbalism apart from symptomatic herbal medicine, why sleep and digestion form the bedrock of health, and how simple herbs can support the body’s innate intelligence when lifestyle patterns are restored. The conversation dives deeply into:
By the end, you’ll walk away seeing health through a new lens one rooted in simplicity, observation, and reverence for the body’s wisdom. Links & Resources:
Listen now to reconnect with the foundations of healing and remember what medicine has always known: nature, rest, and nourishment are the truest forms of cure. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Guardians of the Veil: Herbs for Protection and the Magic of Samhain | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:52:10 | |
As the wheel turns and the nights grow longer, we step into the liminal season of Samhain or Halloween- the Celtic New Year and the sacred threshold between worlds. In this solo episode, Elliott explores the herbal allies of protection and boundary-keeping that support us as we descend into the dark half of the year. From Yarrow and her tightening, astringent magic to Hawthorn’s thorny guardianship of the heart, these plants teach us how to hold our energy close, honor our sensitivity, and navigate the unseen with steadiness and grace. Elliott also shares personal stories- from early experiences with overwhelm and energetic boundaries to finding grounding through relationship with these plants and the cyclical wisdom of the seasons. The episode explores:
This is a nourishing listen for anyone feeling the pull to slow down, create sanctuary, and honor the deep medicine of the season. Mentioned in this episode:
Extra Medicinal Mulling Spices for autumn rituals and cozy kitchen magic Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Finding Power at the Seat of the Soul with Katie Ramos | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:23:08 | |
Two besties, a pot of strong herbal decoction, and a year that tested their roots, this is a conversation about finding magic in the mess. In this deeply personal and heart-centered conversation, Elliott welcomes back one of her best friends and fellow “witchy sister of the West,” Katie Ramos, for an honest exploration of herbal magic, spirit dosing, resilience through hardship, and the power of rooting into authenticity. From childhood broomstick flights to modern-day herbal rituals, the two reflect on how their relationship with plants, ritual, and each other has supported them through burnout, health challenges, and big life transitions. Katie shares her journey navigating endometriosis, connecting with Mugwort, and Holy Basil on a spiritual level, and reclaiming her body’s wisdom after years of not being heard in medical spaces. Elliott opens up about her own year of reckoning with cystic acne, surrender, and self-acceptance. Together, they weave personal stories with practical herbal insights—like working with Wood Betony to unlock expression, or using spirit doses to build intimate, intuitive relationships with plants. This isn’t a how-to episode. It’s an invitation to slow down, root in, and remember that healing is multifaceted, magical, and entirely your own. In this episode, they discuss:
Tune in if you’re craving real talk about healing, magic, and finding groundedness in hard seasons. Whether you’re deep into herbal work or just starting to explore, this conversation will make you feel like you’re sitting at the table with two dear friends and a pot of strong decoction. Links from the episode:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Understanding Endometriosis with Herbalist Kat Mackinnon | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:27:29 | |
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people with a uterus, yet in the U.S. it still takes an average of 7 years to receive a diagnosis. In this episode, herbalist and teacher Kat Mackinnon joins host Elliott Brinkley to explore the often misunderstood condition of endometriosis, a journey that weaves together personal story, clinical insight, and the wisdom of plants. Together, they unpack:
Whether you live with endometriosis, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand the interplay between hormones, inflammation, and herbal medicine, this conversation offers both grounding knowledge and hope. Connect with Kat: Herbal Support for Endometriosis- Online Class Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Food as Ceremony: Gentleness & Nourishment with the Mindful Chefette | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:03:25 | |
What if the way we eat is just as important as what we eat? In this episode, Elliott welcomes Kate, known as the Mindful Chefette, who brings a soulful and intentional approach to food, cooking, and nourishment. From her retreat kitchen in Cornwall to her travels around the world, Kate has cultivated a philosophy of food that blends creativity, spirituality, and gentleness. Together, Elliott and Kate explore:
Kate’s insights remind us that food is more than fuel, it’s connection, creativity, and a way back to ourselves. Resources & Links
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Reciprocity in Herbalism: Learning from Yerba Mansa with Dara Saville | 02 Sep 2025 | 01:04:55 | |
Something profound happens when we stop asking only what plants can do for us, and start asking what we can do for them. In this episode of The Dancing Willow, Elliott sits down with Dara Saville- herbalist, author of The Ecology of Herbal Medicine, founder of Albuquerque Herbalism, and director of the Yerba Mansa Project, to explore the profound relationships we can form with plants and the land. Dara shares the story of her first plant ally, globe mallow, and how that encounter opened the path to her life’s work in ecological herbalism. Together, she and Elliott dive into:
This conversation is an invitation to remember your place in the web of life and to discover how plants can offer guidance, resilience, and renewal—especially in changing times. ✨ Connect with Dara Saville:
If this episode inspires you, please share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps keep these conversations thriving. Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Herbalism 101: Steps for the Beginner Herbalist | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:48:08 | |
If you feel called to herbalism but don’t know where to begin, this episode is your starting point. In this solo episode with clinical herbalist, Elliott Brinkley, we return to the foundations- creating a soft landing place for beginner and budding herbalists alike. Elliott shares her early entry into working with plants, from the overwhelm of sitting with herbal books that felt like another language, to the shift that happened when she began tasting herbs, making medicine, and building direct relationship with the plants themselves. This conversation reframes herbalism as something lived and embodied, not just studied. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of where to start, how to work with herbs safely and relationally, and practices that help move you from curiosity into confidence. We explore the role of vitalist herbalism, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why beginning simply, often with just one plant, can be the most impactful way to root into this path. In this episode, we explore: • Why herbalism can feel overwhelming at first Links & Resources Introduction to Herbalism online class: https://dancingwillowherbs.com/collections/classes/products/introduction-to-herbalism-class-january-19th-in-person-virtual?variant=44172610371873 Some good herb books for absolute beginners:
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||
| Being Shaped by the Earth: Psychedelics, Ancestry & Culture with Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:19:31 | |
Are you being unconsciously shaped by culture and being dreamed into a reality you didn’t intentionally choose? This episode is one for the feelers, the sensitives, and those who like to go deep. Elliott sits down with herbalist, writer, and teacher Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue to explore what it means to live, teach, and heal from the heart. Woven with poetry, ancestry, plant wisdom, and lived experience, this conversation is an invitation to soften out of the intellect and return to relationship, with the Earth, with our bodies, and with the unseen threads that shape us. Together, they explore how, in this time of cultural hypnosis and psychedelic revolution, it is more important than ever to question who, or what, we are consenting to be “dreamed by.” This episode is for anyone feeling the tension between modern life and ancestral memory, for those drawn to plants, poetry, and presence, and for anyone longing to return to a more meaningful, earth-rooted way of knowing.
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| Herbal Aphrodisiacs: Awakening Pleasure, Presence and a Love of Life | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:53:58 | |
Aphrodisiacs aren’t just about sex. They can be utilized to help us deepen our love of life, and awaken pleasure with the world around us. In this solo episode of The Dancing Willow Podcast, clinical herbalist, Elliott Brinkley explores herbal aphrodisiacs as allies for embodiment, pleasure, mood, creativity, and heart-centered connection, especially during the quiet, inward season of late winter. Rooted in traditional herbalism, seasonal wisdom, and nervous system awareness, this conversation reframes aphrodisiacs as plants that help us feel: our bodies, our emotions, our relationships, and the world around us. Drawing inspiration from the Celtic cross-quarter day of Imbolc, this episode weaves together herbs, physiology, folklore, and lived experience to explore how pleasure can be a practice of presence, and how certain plants gently guide us back into sensation when life feels dull, In this episode, you’ll learn:
Herbs explored in depth include:
Links & resources:
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| Abdominal Massage & Womb Work with Cara Sheahan | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:09:31 | |
What if gentle, intentional touch could realign your organs, regulate your cycle, ease digestion, and reconnect you to your body’s innate wisdom? In this episode of The Dancing Willow, Elliott sits down with longtime friend, licensed massage therapist, abdominal therapy practitioner, and artist, Cara Sheahan of Gold Pine Wellness for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation on abdominal massage, bodywork as medicine, and the often-overlooked power of pre conception, pregnancy and postpartum care. Cara shares her journey from an early calling toward birth work into massage therapy, where she found a path that allows her to support fertility, pregnancy, postpartum healing, and overall vitality. Together, Elliott and Cara explore what abdominal massage really is (and what it isn’t), its roots and evolution, and why this modality can support everything from painful periods and digestion to fertility, pelvic alignment, and nervous system regulation. They also explore bodywork as a whole, why deep tissue is often misunderstood and how gentle work that is in alignment with the nervous system may be much deeper. They also discuss:
The conversation closes with reflections on fertility as life force, Cara’s plant relationships, and her hand-drawn Living Tarot deck, alongside practical guidance on who abdominal massage is for, contraindications to be aware of, and how to find a qualified practitioner near you. Whether you’re curious about womb health, pregnancy and postpartum support, digestive wellness, or simply deepening your relationship with your body, this episode offers grounded wisdom, tenderness, and a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be forceful to be profound. ✨ A nourishing listen for anyone interested in embodied healing and gentle, effective care. ✨
Stay Connected Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs! Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.com | |||