Shows
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 268: Christmas Special 2025Merry Christmas everyone! We have a tradition on this show to do a very special episode for Christmas. This is my gift to you and I hope you will enjoy it with friends, family and loved ones, but especially with your kids and grandkids. This show is about the things that matter.... hint, it isn't the stuff. It is the people and the memories, things no amount of money can buy.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:Richland Woman...
2025-12-2127 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 267: Akebia quinata, Ampelopsis and AristolochiaToday, I tell you about the medicinal use of three powerfully medicinal vines.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:You've Got the Pocketbook, I've Got the KeyI show you how to play couple of versions of Rev. Gary Davis' "You've Got the Pocketbook, I've Got the Key". This song was preserved and passed down by his students and fans but was never recorded by him. I start with a two finger picking arrangement similar to the one Stefan G...
2025-12-1448 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 266: Yellow Root and YuccaToday, I tell you about the medicinal use of Yellow root, or Xanthorhiza, and the medicinal, culinary and fiber properties of Yucca. These are both very useful plants!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:Miss The Mississippi And You on guitarI show you how to play my version of Jimmie Rodgers' "Miss the Mississippi and You" with a fingerstyle break. This is a challenging country blues that likely originated in vaudeville tune and has some unique chord changes. I...
2025-12-0739 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 265: VitexToday, I tell you about the medicinal and culinary properties of Vitex, agnus castus, Monk's Pepper or Chaste Bush. This common ornamental shrub has interesting medicinal properties that affect hormonal balance and can be used for injuries.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:See See Rider on guitarI show you how to play Mississippi John Hurt's "See, See Rider". This is an old blues song that has been recorded by countless people in many different styles. John Hurt's version ha...
2025-11-3036 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 264: ViburnumToday, I tell you about the medicinal properties of Viburnum, also called haw or high bush cranberry. These are essential for any spasmodic or cramping issue, especially menstrual pain, but also for anything from diarrhea, a muscle cramp or asthma.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:Baby It Won't Be Long on guitarMy version of Frank Stokes' "Baby It Won't Be Long". It is a song with a great rhythm, that was very influential on blues and early co...
2025-11-2346 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 263: BlueberryToday, I tell you about the medicinal properties of Blueberry and Mother of Thyme. Both of these are very useful medicinal shrubs that are also great for the kitchen!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:Waiting For a Train on guitarI show you how to play a fingerstyle version of Jimmie Rodgers' "Waiting For a Train". Jimmie Rodgers was a huge influence on everyone from the founders of western swing and honkytonk to blue musicians like Mississippi John Hu...
2025-11-1627 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 262: Symphoricarpos and YewToday, I tell you about the medicinal properties of Snowberry/Wolfberry/Coralberry and Taxus, or Yew. We discuss the poisonous properties of certain medicinal herbs, and why you must do your own research - in some cases the toxicity is overstated, but in others guru type fraudsters encourage the use of plants that are so dangerous they can kill you!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:Let the Mermaids Flirt With Me on guitarI show you how to pl...
2025-11-0948 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 261: Spikemoss and MeadowsweetToday, I tell you about the medicinal properties of Spikemoss and Meadowsweet. These are great plants to have on hand for first aid, bleeding, colds and flus, aches and pains.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week:On The Other Hand Baby on guitarI show you how to play Etta Baker's "On The Other Hand Baby". This is a great blues instrumental in a more modern or Chicago style than much of her music. There are a lot of gr...
2025-11-0232 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 260: ElderToday, I tell you about the medicinal and edible properties of Elder. Also, Elder berries are one of my absolute favorites for wine and jam and a great remedy for colds and coughs!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeAin't Nobody's Dirty Business on GuitarI show you how to play Mississippi John Hurt's "Ain't Nobody's Dirty Business". We discuss a little of the history of the song and talk about different ways you could play it to make it your own.https://youtu.be...
2025-10-2632 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 259: Glasswort and WillowToday, I tell you about two very useful plants, Glasswort and Willows. While Glasswort is native to my area, I rarely find enough to harvest. But, Willows are everywhere and are among the most useful and historic of plants.BTW, Prepper Broadcasting is doing a big give away - be sure to check out their link: https://kingsumo.com/g/36qqe91/preparedness-is-american-strengthAlso, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeLouis Collins on GuitarToday, I show you how to play my version of Mississippi Joh...
2025-10-1943 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 258: Another terrorist attack in Moore County NC and Saw PalmettoToday, I tell you about a series of terrorist attacks in North Carolina that you probably haven't seen int he news. I discuss preparedness for disasters, crime and just general common sense. Then, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of palmetto.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeSaint Louis Blues on guitarToday, I show you how to play my version of W.C. Handy's "Siant Louis Blues" on guitar. It is one of the first blues ever published and the first jazz song eve...
2025-10-1344 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 257: Raspberry and BlackberryToday, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Blackberry and Raspberry. The entire family is good medicine and delicious! Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Brown's Boogie on GuitarToday, I play my version of Etta Baker's Brown's Boogie. It is a very fun boogie tune in the key of E, that showcases several of her signature riffs. It has a big Arthur Smith influence, as is appropriate for any guitarist from NC!https://youtu.be/RRNGhQGc6jA
2025-10-051h 11
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 256: RoseToday, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Roses, These are not just beautiful and sweet smelling flower, roses are essential herbal medicine!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Blessed Be The NameToday, I show you how to play Mississippi Joh Hurt's "Blessed Be The Name". It is a very simple old blues gospel song in the key of C. It is just 3 chords and a truly elegant tune.https://youtu.be/1A2JKjJYCYAN...
2025-09-2845 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 255: LocustToday, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Robinia. We also discuss the Honey Locust. These are fairly common and very useful trees and shrubs.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Mint Julep on GuitarToday, I show you how to play Etta Baker's "Mint Julep" on guitar. It is a really cool song with a great rhythm. It has some interesting little flourishes and jazzy chords.https://youtu.be/sYr3ZA3z3D8New to...
2025-09-2155 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 254: Currants and GooseberriesToday, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of the ribes family, which is one of my absolute favorites... but illegal in North Carolina!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Big Leg Blues on GuitarI show you how to play my version of "Big Leg Blues" by Mississippi John Hurt. This is a very fun song with a lot of rhythm and some great, bluesy slides. It was one of his favorite songs and a real classic of h...
2025-09-1429 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 253: Rhododendron and SumacToday, we discuss the medicinal use of two common shrubs and how dangerous a lot of the books written on herb in the 1960s-80s can be.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Dew DropToday I show you how to play Mrs. Etta Baker's "Dew Drop". This is a very different style than we have done before, probably coming from the parlor music tradition of the Victorian era. It is a bit challenging, but such a pretty tune t...
2025-09-0749 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 252: OakToday, we discuss the medicinal use of one of our most common trees and shrubs. It is VERY useful!. Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Oh, Mary Don't You Weep on GuitarI show you how to play my version of Mississippi John Hurt's "Oh Mary Don't You Weep". It is a really nice old gospel blues song in the key of E. I think you will enjoy playing it!https://youtu.be/AGSPQDlt1doNew tod...
2025-08-3132 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 251: Sandcherry, Arrow Bamboo and WintergreenToday, we discuss the medicinal use of Prunus pumila, Appalachian Sandcherry, Pseudosasa japonica, Arrow Bamboo and Pyrola, another herb called Wintergreen,,,, and I go on a rant about Gooseberries, Currants, Christmas Trees and political corruption.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Bully Of The TownThis is my version of Etta baker's "Bully Of The Town". Her version this old tune is really interesting, combining old-time and Piedmont blues elements... which is appropriate for a song that began as a b...
2025-08-2444 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 250: Heavenly Bamboo, Prickly Pear Cactus and NinebarkToday, we discuss the medicinal use of three plants, Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo, Oputntia or Prickly Pear Cactus and Physocarpus opulifolius, Eastern Ninebark. All of these plants are very potent medicinally and often considered to be weeds. I particularly like Prickly Pear Cactus because it could not only save your life but is one of my favorite wild foods!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Coffee Blues or Lovin' Spoonful on GuitarThis is my version of Mississippi John Hur...
2025-08-1730 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 249; Lyonia, Manfreda virginica and MyricaToday, we discuss the medicinal use of three interesting shrubs, Lyonia or Staggerbush, Manfreda or Rattlesnake Master, and Myrica, wax myrtle or bayberry. These plants have a fascinating history of use in everything from snake bites to fevers, colds and flus, to hallucinogenic beers and colonial candles! Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Carolina BreakdownMy version of Etta Baker's "Carolina Breakdown". It is a fairly simple tune in the key of E, but it has a few little tr...
2025-08-1037 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 248: Club MossToday, we discuss the medicinal use of Club Moss or Lycopodium. It is a very interesting, powerful and mysterious herb,Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Shake That ThingMy version of Papa Charlie Jackson's "Shake That Thing".... more John Hurt influenced, really. Papa Charlie was a huge star in the 20s. He played a 6 string banjo/guitar and did a lot of "hokum" songs from an earlier era. He was equally adept at blues, jazz, minstrel songs and va...
2025-08-031h 02
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 247: Privett and HoneysuckleToday, we discuss the medicinal use of Privett and Honeysuckle. We also discuss corn and Filipino food.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Railroad Bill on GuitarThis is my version of Mrs. Etta Baker's classic "Railroad Bill". This is a buckdance tune. It is very rhythmic and meant for dancing. It is a fun tune to play and it has a few little tricks you will find useful in many tunes.https://youtu.be/22FjdLxPO90New tod...
2025-07-2734 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 246: Doghobble and SpicebushToday, we discuss the medicinal use Leucothoe and Lindera. This is a short episode because I am recovering from dental surgery, infection and an intestinal virus..... it has been a fun week!(Photo by Jason Hollinger - SpicebushUploaded by Amada44, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24213181)Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Hey Baby Right AwayThis is my version of Mississippi John Hurt's "Hey Baby Right Away". It is a laid back, easy go...
2025-07-2118 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 245: Kalmia, LaurelToday, we discuss the medicinal use of a very poisonous, but very beautiful plant. We also discuss Kerria japonica, or Japanese-rose.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: One Dime BluesThis is my version of Etta Baker's "One Dime Blues". It is a good introduction to her picking style. It isn't very difficult, but is sounds great!https://youtu.be/ex0NUF5CBBgNew today in my Woodcraft shop:Toasted Holly Cooking Spoonht...
2025-07-1336 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 244: Unicorn Bitters InterviewIn this episode I interview Tyler Riggin of Unicorn Bitters. This is a fantastic product! Check out unicornbitters.storeAlso, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Sliding DeltaThis is my version of Mississippi John Hurt's "Sliding Delta". I first learned this one from Doc Watson, but his version was a little different. But, John Hurt never seems to have played it the same way twice... so get the chords under your fingers and make it your own! BTW, I said B fl...
2025-07-0741 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 243: JuniperIn this episode I tell you about the medicinal uses of Juniper. This very common tree/shrub is among our most useful medicinal herbs and is also great as a food. Juniper is one of the essentials!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Corrina CorrinaThis is my version of the Mississippi Sheiks' "Corrina Corrina". It is a classic blues tune, recorded by every one from Bob Wills to Dean Martin and a thousand others. It is an easy tune, but...
2025-06-301h 01
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 242: HollyIn this episode I tell you about the medicinal uses of Holly. This beautiful shrub or tree is widespread and has tons of lore and legends surrounding it, and is also one of my favorite woods to carve. The medicinal uses will surprise you!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Sittin' On Top of the WorldThis is my version of the Mississippi Sheiks' "Sittin' On Top of the World". It is a classic blues tune, recorded many times by Bob...
2025-06-2242 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 241: Saint John's WortIn this episode I tell you about the medicinal uses of Saint John's Wort. This is one of the most useful, essential, storied and fascinating herbs in history.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Got The Blues and I Can't Be SatisfiedMy version of Mississippi John Hurt's "I Got The Blues and I Can't Be Satisfied". It is a fairly simple tune in the key of G, but it has a few tricks. It is a very rhythmic tune tha...
2025-06-1553 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 240: HydrangeaIn this episode I tell you about the medicinal uses of hydrangea, an interesting business idea and why I'm going to have to have dental surgery.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Deep River BluesMy version of "Deep River Blues" - this is a classic Delmore Brothers song that I learned from Doc Watson. BTW, when I was discussing the chords I meant to say D diminished, not Db diminished. It is a fun tune to play and is no...
2025-06-0840 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 239: Wintergreen, Wisteria, Yucca and HuckleberryIn this episode I tell you about the edible uses of wintergreen, wisteria and yucca, and the medicinal uses of huckleberry.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Spike Driver BluesMy version of "Spike Driver Blues" by Mississippi John Hurt. Lesson at the end.https://youtu.be/euVLnBFgFhMNew today in my Woodcraft shop:Toasted Holly Cooking Spoonhttps://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoonEmail: judson@judsoncarroll.comBecome a su...
2025-06-0151 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 238: Wild Strawberry, Winter Cress, Galax and WintergreenIn this episode I tell you about the edible uses of wild strawberry and creasy greens, and the medicinal use of galax (surprisingly) and wintergreen.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Goin' Down the Road Feelin' BadThis is my version of Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad in a closed D position. This really shows the potential of this way of playing tunes in D. It is a classic country blues tune, recorded by countless old time, blues, bluegrass, et...
2025-05-2550 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 237: Wild Onions and Garlic, and Wahoo or Burning BushIn this episode I tell you about the edible and medicinal uses of some of my favorite edible plants, and the medicinal uses of one of the most beautiful of American plants.Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Fishing BluesThis is my version of "Fishing Blues" by Ragtime Texas Henry Tomas, Taj Mahall, Doc Watson, etc. Everyone does it their own way - different tunings and different lyrics. I came up with this version over the years partly because I...
2025-05-1858 min
Southern Appalachian HerbsShow 236: Wild Grapes, Wild Lettuce and Trailing ArbutusIn this episode I tell you about the edible and medicinal uses of three very interesting plants. Some of these are going to really surprise you!Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: My Creole BelleI play my version of Mississippi John Hurt's "My Creole Belle", show you how to play the tune and give a little history about the song and Creole culture... which is part of my heritage, believe it or not!https://youtu.be/KDyNp9fuzqY
2025-05-1144 min
Southern Appalachian Herbs235: Water Lily, Wild Geranium, Leatherwood and Autumn OliveIn this episode I tell you about four interesting plants. The first two are edible and medicinal. The second two are medicinal... but one is very poisonous! Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTubeTune of the week: Stranger BluesThis is my version of "Stranger Blues", also known as "New Stranger Blues" or "Poor Stranger Blues". I believe the song was originally done by Tampa Red. I do it in somewhat of a Brownie McGhee style, with an alternating boogie baseline.https://youtu.be/Mw6...
2025-05-0448 min