The Dancing Willow

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 share...

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, t...

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—show...

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 refrig...

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 teachi...

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...

What if learning about plants was also a path to becoming more fully yourself? In this bonus solo episode, Elliott opens a heartfelt window into the Blooming Rooted Retreat—an immersive, soul-nourishing experience rooted in community, plant connection, and embodied herbalism. You’ll hear the story of how this sacred gathering came to be, from its dream-seed origins on winter solstice to the deeply...

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 epis...

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 owne...

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 remind...

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 chal...

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....

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...

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,...

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 transformatio...