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.