Welcome to the Plant Cunning Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to chat with Richard Mandelbaum, an herbalist, teacher, writer and one of the founders of ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism (https://www.arborvitaeny.com/). You can find him at https://www.richardmandelbaum.com/. In this episode, Richard shares his journey into the world of plants and herbalism, his experiences studying botany, and his insights into clinical herbalism. We delve into the importance of slowing down and truly observing the plants around us, the nuances of plant energetics, and the value of crossing scientific and traditional herbalist knowledge. Richard also talks about the dynamics of teaching field botany, working with clients, and the recent exploration of mosses.00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast00:31 Guest Introduction: Richard Mandelbaum00:53 The Herbal Community and Mutual Aid03:27 Richard's Journey to the Plant Path12:14 Learning and Teaching Field Botany27:21 Challenges in Plant Identification30:03 Working with Hawthorne in Herbal Practice36:22 Understanding Herbal Energetics38:13 Discovering Herbalism and Integrating Science38:43 The Value of Multiple Perspectives in Medicine40:41 Astrology and Energetic Systems41:59 Clinical Practice and Herbal Formulation45:53 Challenges in Mainstream Medicine51:44 The Importance of Clinical Experience01:00:28 Reflections on Field Botany01:09:17 Current Practice and Teaching01:13:04 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events