In this very special replay of The Herbalist Hour Episode 50, I sit down with John Gallagher — co-founder of LearningHerbs and a beloved member of the herbal community who recently passed away after a long struggle with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

This episode means the world to me. If you’ve followed HerbRally for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about how much John influenced my herbal journey. His podcast, HerbMentor Radio, was my introduction to the wider herbal world. I devoured every episode — over and over again. Through those interviews, I felt like I knew the herbalists he featured. And John was the thread running through it all — full of curiosity, warmth, humor, and a contagious laugh.

Eventually I became an HerbMentor member (still am to this day), and a few years later, John actually became a friend.

I’ll never forget him visiting the Mountain Rose Herbs marketing department when I worked there — he brought so much joyful energy with him. And at RootStalk, the legendary one-time herbal gathering, I feel like our friendship really took root.

It was also there that I learned John wasn’t quite as squeaky clean off-mic as he was on his show — turns out he loved to swear, just like me! That only made me love him more.

Over the years, I got to know him better through shared time at events, visits to his home in Port Townsend, chats on the phone, and eventually, this very conversation on The Herbalist Hour. Recording this episode felt like a full-circle moment. I finally got to sit down and interview someone who helped shape my path in herbalism — not just as a mentor from afar, but as a real friend.

Everyone I know who knew John adored him. He lit up every room. And he gave so much to this community.

My heart goes out to Kimberly, their children, his family, and everyone who loved him.

John — I love you, buddy. Thank you for being there during some rough times. Thank you for your support of HerbRally. And thank you for helping open up the herbal world to me, and to so many others.

You’ll be deeply missed.

~Mason

Prefer to watch the video version? You can find it on YouTube here | Watch on YouTube

P.S. If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, or thoughts of self-harm, please know that you’re not alone — and that there is help available.
📞 Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 anytime, or visit 988lifeline.org for more resources.

Hey friends, Mason here — recording this quick message straight from my phone while I’m packing for my big move back to Oregon.

I just launched the HerbRally Survey and would love to hear from you.

It’s short and sweet, and your feedback helps shape the future of everything I do — from podcast episodes and YouTube videos to classes, events, and beyond.

And as a thank you, when you complete the survey you’ll get a beautiful free 16-page ebook from one of my besties, Rosalee de la Forêt all about St. John’s Wort — packed with recipes, remedies, and deep plant wisdom.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Thanks so much for being part of this community. I appreciate you more than you know.

Much love and hopefully talk to ya soon ✌️❤️

~Mason

This episode is brought to you by our HerbRally Schoolhouse members

If you'd like to try your first month for free, use coupon code PODCAST at checkout!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER | http://www.herbrally.com/schoolhouse

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour I'm joined by Tara Ruth.

Tara is the Content Director at one of my all-time favorite resources for herbalism, LearningHerbs.

We chat about how she got into herbalism, how she got her job at LearningHerbs and what her role is there now, herbs for creativity, her self care routine and a whole lot more.

Big thanks to Tara for joining me on the show, and thanks to y'all for tuning in.

See you in the next episode!

~Mason

LINKS & RESOURCES

LearningHerbs | LearningHerbs.com

HerbMentor Radio | TUNE IN

🎵 Theme Song by Torin Frost

Torin Frost on Spotify | TUNE IN

🌼WANT MORE HERBAL GOODNESS?

Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and receive THIRTEEN herbal freebies!

👉 CLAIM YOUR FREEBIES!

🌿WANT EVEN MORE HERBAL GOODNESS?

Become an HerbRally Schoolhouse member!

You'll get access to a TON of herbalism classes, monographs, webinars and more.

We add new material each and every week.

There's also discounts to cool herbal companies, a private Facebook group and more!

You can get your first 30 days FREE with coupon code PODCAST

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse

Herbalism in your neck of the woods.

HerbRally
www.herbrally.com

DISCLAIMER
The information in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Always consult a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are nursing, pregnant, or have any medical condition.