The Mushroom Hour Podcast
Hi there...welcome to Mushroom Hour. Listen in as we venture into kingdom fungi with unique and beautiful humans who all share a passion for mushrooms. We'll go forage for wild mushrooms, explore their potency as nature's medicines, become citizen mycologists, transform human consciousness and learn how mushrooms inspired art, spirituality and culture throughout our history. There are so many ways that mushrooms can benefit (wo)mankind - we just need to tap into the mycelium network and let them share their gifts. Excited to have you along for the journey! Mush Love
S1 E190 · Fri, April 18, 2025
Ep. 190: Myco-Molasses, Mushroom Extracts and the Powers of Fermentation (feat. Wade Fox)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/foxamongbears/ https://www.patreon.com/foxamongbears MENTIONS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergillus_oryzae https://www.bioc.co.jp/en/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbamele https://www.consciousacrefarm.com/morelfest MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Koji Saving Lives Aspergillus oryzae Process of Fermentation Finding Creativity in Limitations Capturing Enzymes in Fermentation Safety & Nutrient Density in Mushroom Extracts Better Farming with Fermentation Safety & Nutrient Density in Mushroom Extracts Developing Better Medicinal Mushroom Extractions with Fermentation Bioavailability and Bio-efficiency Myco-molasses Shaking up the Medicinal Mushroom Extract Industry
S1 E189 · Mon, February 17, 2025
Ep. 189: Mycota Labs - Documenting the Fungal Biodiversity of North America (feat. Dr. Stephen Russell)
GUEST: https://mycota.com/ MENTIONS: https://www.mycoportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=274169 https://www.inaturalist.org/ http://ww.calalive.org/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Passion for Mushroom Cultivation Wild Mushroom Identification DNA barcoding vs. Whole Genome Sequencing Sanger Sequencing & Nanopore Sequencing DNA Sequencing Process from Specimen to Final Data AI & Algorithms Interpreting Genetic Data Creating Foundational Data Sets Unidentified Fungi All Around Us Expanding from Indiana Across North America Genetic Data Making Better Field Mycologists What is a “Species”? The Species Problem in Medicinal Mushroom Research Becoming a Contributor to Mycota Labs Projects Bioinformatics & Scaling Biodiversity Studies
S1 E188 · Fri, February 07, 2025
Ep. 188: The Female Forager - Mushrooms Changing Medicine & Amanita Alleviating Addiction (feat. Alexandra Lea)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/the_female_forager/ https://www.facebook.com/thefemaleforager/ MENTIONS: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MushroomSpottersUK/?locale=en_GB https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_betulina https://hifasdaterra.com/en/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria https://www.amanitadreamer.net/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Drawn to Fungal Medicine Birch Polypore Proper Mushroom Preparation Conscious Communion with the Forest Lowering Cortisol Levels Alleviating Stress, Alleviating Suffering Blending Allopathic and Holistic Healthcare Science Communication and Medicinal Mushroom Research Analytical Chemistry of Mushroom Supplements Medicinal Compounds in Wild vs Cultivated Mushrooms Amanita muscaria Research on Addiction Treatment with Amanita muscaria Evolution of Modern Medicine
S1 E187 · Mon, January 20, 2025
Ep. 187: Richer than Gold - The Fungal Biodiversity of Ecuador (feat. Daniel Newman)
GUEST: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Newman10 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10326184/ MENTIONS: https://college.lclark.edu/departments/biology/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Lincoff https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/415949.Mushrooms_Demystified https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolf_Singer https://www.corenewal.org/ https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/amazonian-chernobyl-ecuadors-oil-environment-disaster/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascopolyporus https://www.mycobank.org/page/Name%20details%20page/96535 MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Mycology Mythology Russian Mushroom Tradition Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula Bolivia’s Outrageous, Undocumented Biodiversity Chernobyl of the Amazon Corporate Evil Biodiversity Research, Conservation and Geopolitical Activism Los Cedros Bioreserve, Choco Bioregion Mining Concessions in Protected Forests Ecuador Supreme Court Ruling with Fungal Conservation Research Corporate Propoganda, Thugs and Sabotage Richer than Gold Fungi that do Both: Entomopathogenic and Phytopathogenic
S1 E186 · Fri, November 29, 2024
Ep. 186: High-Impact Technology - Mobile Mushroom Farms, Electro-Chemical Fuel Cells (feat. Inventor Michael)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/inventor_michael/ https://www.cleantecsystems.com/ MENTIONS: https://www.instagram.com/mr_fungitarian/ https://www.instagram.com/windycitymushroom/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Electro-Chemical Fuel Cell Containerized Agriculture Colorado Marijuana Industry Specialized Mobile Machinery Pivoting From Marijuana to Gourmet Mushrooms Biological Printing Presses Mushroom Jerky Heavy Log Method Converting Semi Trailers to Mushroom Farms Real Lightsabers World in Need of Leadership in Systemic Change Fuel Efficiency Tech for Cars, Trucks, Semis, Cargo Ships Mushrooms are the Future of Food
S1 E184 · Sun, November 10, 2024
Ep. 184: Ergosterol, Ergothioneine and Mushrooms Supporting Pregnancy (feat. Dr. Anna Sitkoff)
GUEST: https://www.drannasitkoff.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drannasitkoff/ https://lucidummedicinals.com/ MENTIONS: https://bastyr.edu/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodofomes_cajanderi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptoporus_volvatus MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Path to Herbalism & Natural Medicine Medicinal Mushrooms and Cancer The Rosy Polypore Mushrooms as Medicine Mushrooms in the Diet Polysaccharides, Digestion and Immune Stimulation Terpenes and Cancer Response, Immune Modulation Ergosterol – Mushrooms’ Version of Cholesterol Ergothioneine, Antioxidants and Glutathione Medicinal Mushrooms Supporting Male & Female Fertility Mushrooms & Hormone Support Support Before, During & After Pregnancy
S1 E185 · Sun, November 10, 2024
Ep. 185: A New Soil Paradigm: "Kiss the Ground" and "Common Ground" (feat. Ryland Engelhart)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/lovebeingryland/ https://www.bigfoolishproject.com/ MENTIONS: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/ https://commongroundfilm.org/ https://100millionacres.org/ Graeme Sait: https://blog.nutri-tech.com.au/author/graeme-sait/ https://understandingag.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@carboncowboys MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Connection to Nature and Spirituality Mind-Expanding Potential of Mushrooms Café Gratitude & Sacred Commerce Soil as the Foundation of Ecosystems Cycling Carbon from Air into the Soil Soil Stewardship Redemption through Regeneration Possibility Pirate Plant Medicine & Touching Divinity Importance of Having a Team Regenerative Agriculture Movement The Farm Bill Soil Trilogy (Kiss the Ground, Common Ground, +1) Shifting the Paradigm Toward Soil
S1 E183 · Sun, August 18, 2024
Ep. 183: Cheerful Apocalypse, Biological Abstraction & Creating Art from Within (feat. Stephanie Kilgast)
GUEST: https://www.stephaniekilgast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/petitplat MENTIONS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicornia MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Human Impacts on Nature Developing a Love of Nature Through Art Coral and Mushrooms Biological Abstraction Scientific Reference Materials Social Media Dissociation Short Form Video is Bad for Humans The Artist’s Dilemna Finding Your Voice as an Artist Inspiration from Within Sanctity of the Sketchbook Biotechnology and Regenerative Futures
S1 E182 · Fri, July 26, 2024
Ep. 182: The Mushroom Hunter's Kitchen & Inspiration from Catalonia (feat. Chad Hyatt)
GUEST: https://www.themushroomhunterskitchen.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Mushroom-Hunters-Kitchen-Chad-Hyatt/dp/1732757100 MENTIONS: https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Demystified-David-Arora/dp/0898151694 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalonia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russula_brevipes MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Changing Careers, Culinary Arts & Fungi Secret Spots Eating the Weird Stuff David Arora Events The Mushroom Hunters Kitchen Mushroom Careers Bringing Mushroom Recipes out of the 1950s Catalonia’s Culinary Mushroom Traditions Black Trumpet Jam, Matsutake and Fig Jam Catalon Culture Regional Spanish Food Traditions Chefs Influenced by Foraging Connecting to Where Food Comes From Mushroom Genetics
S1 E181 · Mon, July 01, 2024
Ep. 181: Sage & Sovereignty - Regenerative Agriculture, Food Systems & Soil Wealth (feat. Mollie Engelhart)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/chefmollie/ https://www.instagram.com/thekindsage/ https://www.instagram.com/sovereigntyranch/ MENTIONS: https://regenified.com/ https://www.dreamingofavetterworld.com/ https://whiteoakpastures.com/pages/our-team MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Finding Hope in Soil Culinary Evolution Becoming a Regenerative Farmer Misaligned Incentives – Subsidies & Regulations Barriers to Becoming a Farmer Farmers as Protagonists What are “Regenerative Farming” Practices? Humans as a Keystone Species Industrial Microbiome Mycorrhizal Relationships with Corn? On-Farm and Off-Farm Soil Fertility Viability of Vegan Farm Systems Connection Between Our Gut Microbiology and Mental Health Explosive Blowback from Changing a Vegan Restaurant
S1 E180 · Tue, June 25, 2024
Ep. 180: A Quickly Changing Kaleidoscope & the Updated Psilocybin Mushroom Bible (feat. Virginia Haze & Dr K Mandrake)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/themushroombible/ https://thepsilocybinmushroombible.substack.com/ https://www.amazon.com/d/Books/Psilocybin-Mushroom-Bible-Definitive-Mushrooms/1937866289/ MENTIONS: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/d.nutt https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/r.carhart-harris https://themicrodose.substack.com/ https://www.entheogenesis.org/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Psilocybin Regulations in the UK Medical Models of Psilocybin Therapy Microdosing Mainstream Power of Placebo Evolving Cultivation Landscape Updating the Psilocybin Mushroom Bible Wood-Loving Psilocybe Mushrooms Sustainability in Mushroom Growing Synanthrope Expanding Concepts of Harm Reduction Principles of Critical Thinking Readability of Scientific Literature Open Source Science A Quickly Changing Kaleidoscope
S1 E179 · Sat, June 15, 2024
Ep. 179: Fungivore - Thai Mycophagy and Mushroom Adventures in Oaxaca (feat. Zach & Kim Hunter)
GUEST: https://thefungivore.com/index.html https://www.instagram.com/the_fungivore/ https://www.instagram.com/thisiskimqi/ MENTIONS: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/may/01/fewer-wildfires-great-biodiversity-what-is-the-secret-to-the-success-of-mexicos-forests Amanita princeps : https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/9078 "undescribed purplish bitter Tylopilus": https://foraging4ct.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/wild-bitter-mushrooms-by-david-arora-on-thai/ Chicatana Ants: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atta_mexicana MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Falling in Love with Each Other & with Oaxaca Cuajimoloyas Mushroom Festival Lockdown in Thailand Mushrooms in Thailand Edible Mushrooms Across Cultures Cultivated Mushrooms in Thailand Normalizing Mycophilia Diversity of Cultures Between Cities in Oaxaca The Forests Owned by the People Self-Organizing, Autonomous Communities Ecotourism Natural Dyes Mutual Exchange & Reciprocity Fungivore Tours
S1 E178 · Sat, June 01, 2024
Ep. 178: Myconaut - Remediating PFAS, Regenerative Agriculture, Mycelium Technologies (feat. Ryan Iacovacci)
GUEST: https://myconaut.space/ MENTIONS: https://advancingecoag.com/ https://www.theremediators.com/ https://zachbushmd.com/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Embracing Bioeconomy Awakening to Soil Futures Chemistry of PFAS PFAS in Agriculture & Food Systems Fungus Breaking the Carbon-Fluorine Bond AI Symbiosis Amish Technological Wisdom Bioleeching, Biosequestration, Bioremediation 3D Printable Fluorinated Biopolymers Spore-Powered Ionic Plasma Thursters Growing from a Child to an Adult Mentality Building Data for Open Source Models All About Partnership Abundance Mindset
S1 E177 · Tue, May 21, 2024
Ep. 177: The Plants of the Appalachian Trail with Kaydubs the Hiking Scientist (feat. Kristen Wickert)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/kaydubsthehikingscientist/ https://www.patreon.com/Kaydubsthehikingscientist https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dr-kristen-wickert/the-plants-of-the-appalachian-trail/9781643260402/ MENTIONS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountains_(New_England) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophyllum_commune MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Pursuing a PhD, Introduced to Instagram Moving Back to Appalachia Embracing Fungi Wild Biodiversity of Appalachian Mountains Appreciating our Local Ecology Plants of the Appalachian Trail Don’t Underestimate the Understory Social Media & Mental Health Science Communication & Making Science Real Connecting Beyond Social Media Process of Writing a Field Guide Tips for the Amateur Naturalist Find Your Local Mushroom Club Pursuing Academic Mycology
S1 E176 · Fri, May 10, 2024
Ep. 176: Biochar, Soil Remedation & the Community Agriculture Project (feat. Emily Davis)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/hyphaeprincess https://www.instagram.com/communityagproject/ MENTIONS: https://www.crcdpr.org/ https://centerformycoanalytics.org/ https://www.beacon.org/An-Indigenous-Peoples-History-of-the-United-States-P1164.aspx MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: From Math & Physics to Biology & Soil What is Biochar? Equestrian Waste Streams Biochar Production, “Sustainability” and Scale Lifecycle Analysis Origins of Biochar Practice & Terra Preta Field Experiments on a Coffee Farm in Puerto Rico Primer on Pyrolysis Soil Bioremediation & Different Contexts Recognizing Indigenous Land Stewardship Biochar as a Microbe Reef How to Apply Biochar to Your Soil Community Agriculture Project Center for MycoAnalytics
S1 E175 · Mon, April 29, 2024
Ep. 175: Farwest Fungi & The Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival (feat. Kyle Garrone)
GUEST: https://farwestfungi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/farwestfungi/ https://scmmfest.com/ MENTIONS: https://www.mssf.org/ https://ffsc.us/ https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1833 https://www.fieldforest.net/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Growing up on a Mushroom Farm Learning from Mycophilic Cultures Farwest Fungi Mushrooms & More Art & Science of Mushroom Substrates Heat & Energy Consumption in Mushroom Cultivation Virtues of Sawdust Spawn Analytical Testing for Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms Nature & Nurture = Species & Growth Substrate Scaling Domestic Mushroom Production “California Grown” Label Initiative Resiliency & Food Security Agriculture Industry Support Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival Steam Trains in the Redwood Forest
S1 E174 · Mon, April 15, 2024
Ep. 174: All Things Fungi Festival - Myco-Culture, Slime Molds, Biofluorescence (feat. Jana Nicole & Max Mudie)
GUEST: FESTIVAL: https://www.allthingsfungi.co.uk/ https://jananicole.com/about/ https://www.instagram.com/allthingsfungi/ MENTIONS: https://www.kew.org/ https://www.sussexfungusgroup.co.uk/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Fungal Diversity Surveys Creating Culture - Fungi, Ecology, Wellness, Art All Things Fungi Festival Nighttime UV Fungi Walks Biofluorescence Fungal Conservation Frameworks Educating Children About Fungi Identification Cues Mindfulness & Play Slime Mold Sunday Macrophotography Explorations in Painting Fungi The Takedown & Other Realities of Festival Organizing
S1 E173 · Tue, March 26, 2024
Ep. 173: Forage. Gather. Feast. - Truffles, Seasonal Harvests & Uncertain Futures (feat. Maria Finn)
GUEST: BOOK: https://www.mariafinn.com/books https://www.mariafinn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maria_finn1/ MENTIONS: https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/The-pirates-of-Sausalito-17160156.php MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Explosion of Mushrooms into the Mainstream Truffle Farms and Grape Vineyards Reconnecting with Natural Cycles Foraging Seasons in Northern California Reclaiming the Term “Witch” Nutritional Complexity of Wild Foods Building Living Soil Ecological Observation as the First Step in Foraging Institute for Ecosystem-Based Living Forage, Gather, Feast Economics of Ecosystems & Ecosystem Services Legality of Wild Mushrooms in California Truffle Renaissance Building a Wild Pantry
S1 E172 · Thu, March 14, 2024
Ep. 172: The Very Merry Mushrooms - Mycology for All Ages, Learning through Play (feat. Tess Lassman)
GUEST: https://www.fungifreights.net/ https://www.instagram.com/fungifreights/ https://www.lulu.com/shop/tess-l-lassman-and-marina-batrak-and-richard-burzynski/the-very-merry-mushrooms/hardcover/product-8445wvm.html?page=1&pageSize=4 MENTIONS: https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/ https://buildingdetroit.org/ https://www.novel-health.com/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/ergot-alkaloids-their-history-chemistry-and-therapeutic-uses-albert-hofmann/19649246?ean=9798987497708 MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Fungi Freights - Growing from the Grassroots Natural Restoration of Urban Detroit Detroit Land Bank Bringing the Fungal Freight Container to Life Mycological Education Events Introducing Kids to Fungi The Very Merry Mushrooms Novel Integrated Health Psilocybin Advocacy Exploring Local Fungal Diversity Around Detroit Embracing Motherhood Documenting with iNaturalist
S1 E171 · Fri, February 23, 2024
Ep. 171: A Magical Dutchman's Journey - Building Community at Fungi Academy (feat. Jasper Degenaars)
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/jasperiuss/ https://www.instagram.com/fungi.academy/ https://fungiacademy.com/sacred-mycology-summit/ MENTIONS: https://www.retrievalpractice.org/make-it-stick https://www.mushroomexpert.com/pseudofistulina_radicata.html https://www.fungaia.life/ https://lacunamedicinals.com/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Wpz_0fIAAAAJ&hl=en MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Discovering Magic in the Netherlands Mushroom Call to Adventure Finding a New Home at Fungi Academy Laboratory Work as a Practice What is Fungi Academy Today? Sacred Mycology Growing Your Own Food and Medicine Fungal Ecology Fungi Academy Online and In-Person Courses Growing into a Mycology Educator Working with Indigenous Mayan Community Pursuing Solutions in Agricultural Waste Sacred Mycology Summit Embodying Fungi in Our Human Ecologies
S1 E170 · Tue, February 13, 2024
Ep. 170: Oklahoma Fungi - Building Future Generations of Mycologists (feat. Jacob Devecchio)
GUEST: https://www.oklahomafungi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oklahomafungi/ https://www.instagram.com/okmushroomfestival MENTIONS: https://www.themycomentor.com/ https://matt-powers.mykajabi.com/r-future MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Starting a New Mycelium Web in Oklahoma Cataloguing Local Mushroom Strains The Majesty of Lions Mane Cloning Wild Mushrooms in the Field Wild Mushroom Foraging Tips Becoming a Mycology Educator Building Future Generations of Mycologists Injustices of Legal Prohibitions on Mushrooms Oklahoma’s Emerging Framework for Medicinal Use of Psychedelics The Oklahoma Mushroom Festival Creating an Oklahoma Mushroom Guide Exploring the Fungal Diversity of Oklahoma The Power of In-Person Workshops Analytical Testing of Medicinal Mushrooms
S1 E169 · Mon, January 29, 2024
Ep. 169: Mycological Analytics, Community Science, Entheogenic Genomes (Ian Bollinger)
GUEST: Critical Consulting: https://www.critical.consulting/blog Entheome: https://www.entheome.org/team-members/ian-bollinger Hyphae Labs: https://www.patreon.com/hyphaelabs Oakland Hyphae: https://www.oaklandhyphae510.com/ MENTIONS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_zapotecorum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panaeolus_cyanescens FunDiS: https://fundis.org/ Mycelial Mass: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mycelialmass/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Chemical Analysis & Community Science Human Beings as Scientists by Nature Gatekeeping vs Guardianship Tryptamines, Nucleocides, Ibotenic acid, Muscimol, Muscarine Chromatograph Clusters The Hyphae Spectrum Empowering Producers and Consumers with Analysis What Compounds are in Fungi? Hyphae Labs & the Center for Mycological Analytics Bioinformatics Field Studies in Mexico Muscimol-Containing Mushrooms are the Ancestors of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms?! Field Studies and International Research Stations Ian’s Surreal Journey
S1 E168 · Mon, January 22, 2024
Ep. 168: The Myco Zine - Psychedelic Chemistry, Mushroom Cultivation, Mycelial Connections (Tomás Garret)
GUEST: The Myco Zine: https://www.instagram.com/mycozine/ Hyphae Labs: https://www.patreon.com/hyphaelabs MENTIONS: https://www.oaklandhyphae510.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52397.Parable_of_the_Sower MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Oakland Psychedelic Conference Hyphae Labs Nationwide Tour The Book of Tomas Birth of the Myco Zine Testing Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms Identifying Tryptamines and Other Compounds Explaining Chromatography Analytical Chemistry in Cannabis & Other Industries Syncing Compounds to Qualitative Effects Academia & Institutional Science Mimicking Mycelium Foraging Into the Woods Embracing Seasonality Just Write the Date
S1 E167 · Tue, January 09, 2024
Ep. 167: Behind the Scenes & Across the Universe with William Padilla-Brown
Part 2 of our mind-expanding interview with William Padilla-Brown. This interview was taped after our radio interview (Episode 166) and is even more informal and loose. Hopefully there's some wisdom and new thoughts you can integrate into your reality - take what resonates and leave what doesn't! GUEST: William Padilla-Brown: https://www.instagram.com/mycosymbiote Mycosymbiotics: https://mycosymbiotics.com/ CRTFD: https://crtfd.com/ MENTIONS: https://kajabi.com/ https://www.thepermaculturestudent.com/ https://www.entheome.org/ https://www.cambriangenomics.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanopore_sequencing MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Mycosymbiotics Products Learning Who to Trust CRTFD Sustainable Garments Uptopia vs. Dystopia What is the Future of Cordyceps in the US? Growing Engagement with Soil Microbiology Nanopore Technology Practical Applications of Molecular Biology & Genetic Data Metagenomics & AI Time Compression Ethics of Manmade Biology Human Origins, Genetic Manipulation, Ancient Teachings 7 Generations and Space-Time Collaborations Remembering our Birthright
S1 E166 · Sun, December 10, 2023
Ep. 166: Mycosymbiote - Regenerating Ecologies, Expanding Consciousness, Being Human (William Padilla-Brown)
GUEST: William Padilla-Brown: https://www.instagram.com/mycosymbiote Mycosymbiotics: https://mycosymbiotics.com/ CRTFD: https://crtfd.com/ TOPICS COVERED: Providing Models of Regenerative Lifestyles New Political & Economic Systems The Singularity Getting Comfortable with Chaos Living a Life Guided by Faith & Purpose Ancient Wisdom & Future Upgrades Attention as the Currency of the Modern Age Being Human and Making a Living Navigating Reality from Within Achieving Greater Awareness as a Community Extending Consciousness to Other Organisms Creating New Ecologies Celebrating Nature’s Abundance "Matsutake and Mary" and "Cordyceps Camp" MENTIONS: https://minddynamics.net/ https://charleseisenstein.org/ https://www.ishmael.org/ MUSHROOM HOUR: https://welcometomushroomhour.com https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour
S1 E165 · Tue, November 14, 2023
Ep. 165: Hongos in Patagonia - Pedomorphosis & Rethinking Evolution (feat. Dr. Francisco Kuhar)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Francisco Kuhar. Dr. Kuhar is a Mycologist specialized in the fungal diversity of gasteroid and ectomycorrhizal fungi and biotechnological applications of fungal enzymes. He has a special interest in the evolutionary biology of sequestrate forms of fungi. Dr. Kuhar is an Associate researcher at CONICET in the Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal (IMBIV - UNC), curator of Fungi at the CORD Herbarium and one of the leaders of Inommy Labs helping to pioneer a new fungi-based product platform. TOPICS: Freud, Linguistics and Life Sciences Hongos in Patagonia See the Future in a Spore Hypogeous & Sequestrate Fungi Pedomorphosis Mutations Happening too Fast in the Evolutionary Record Are We Too Obsessed with Adaptation in Evolutionary Biology? The Story of Rhizopogon and Suillis Alan Turing Equations Predicting Biological Forms Approaching Scientific Questions with an Open Mind Burning Questions on Underground Fungi Matching Genetics to Traits in Fungi Inommy Labs Fungal Bioprospecting LINKS: Francisco Kuhar IG: https://www.instagram.com/franfungi Innomy Labs: http://innomylabs.com/index.html Hongos De Argentina: https://hongos.ar/ "Ontogeny and Phylogeny": https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674639416 Turing pattern: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_pattern Geastrum genus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geastrum
S1 E164 · Mon, October 30, 2023
Ep. 164: Which Fungi - The Edibles, The Deadlies, The Wild Ones (feat. Elise Rothman)
Hi there…welcome to Mushroom Hour. Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of author, researcher, and mycological maven Elise Rothman. Coming to us from her hideaway in the woods and wilds of France, Elise is here to share her newest creation – a set of mushroom identification card decks that have been lovingly crafted with beautiful artwork and thoughtful graphic design elements that will help mycologists and ordinary folk alike to identify common edibles, deadly toxic and psychoactive mushrooms in North America and Europe. And I’m excited to learn everything about this project including a brand-new form of mushroom identification methodology. TOPICS: Entering St. George’s Fairy Ring Mushroom Identification Cards Deck 1 – The Edibles Collaborating with Scientific Advisors Deck 2 – The Deadlies Artistic License and Composite Mushroom Artwork Features of a Mushroom The Twins – Separating Edible from Deadly What is a “Lookalike”? A New Methodology for Mushroom Identification Deck 3 – The Wild Ones Rethinking Identification with Psychoactives Mushrooms in France Breaking the Publishing Mold EPISODE RESOURCES: WhichFungi website: http://whichfungi.com/ WhichFungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CufBjBDMxwL/ Russula cyanoxantha : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russula_cyanoxantha
S1 E163 · Mon, October 23, 2023
Ep. 163: Fruits of the Forest - Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms (feat. Daniel Winkler)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of being joined once again by mycological legend Daniel Winkler. A mushroom educator, trained ecologist and award-winning photographer, he grew up collecting mushrooms in the Alps. Daniel has been foraging for more than 25 years in the Pacific Northwest, in addition to South America and High Asia, where he is involved in ethnomycological fieldwork. He served as vice president of the Puget Sound Mycological Society, who recognized his lifetime of service with their Golden Mushroom Award. Through his travel agency, Mushroaming, Daniel runs mushroom-focused eco-tours to Tibet, Bhutan, the Amazon, Colombia and the Austrian Alps as well as in the Pacific Northwest. Today we’re going to dive into his newest field guide “Fruits of the Forest” – A Field Guide to Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms. TOPICS: Mushroaming Tours & Book Deals Creating a Mushroom Guide Focused on Edibility Lobsters, Scaberstalks and Wooly Chanterelles How You Prepare Your Mushrooms Makes a Big Difference Under-Researched Compounds in US Common Mushrooms Old Mushrooms, Rotten Proteins and Stomach Upset Gyromitra Controversy Mitigating Toxicity When Eating Wild Mushrooms Getting Comfortable with Bugs in Your Wild Mushrooms? Shaggy Parasols Nutritional Value of Mushrooms Diversify Your Fungal Portfolio Grounded Approach to Medicinal Mushrooms Wild Mushroom Recipes EPISODE RESOURCES: BOOK LINK: https://www.mushroaming.com/node/253 Mushroaming Website: https://mushroaming.com/ Daniel Winkler IG: https://www.instagram.com/themushroamer/ "All the Rain Promises and More": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That_the_Rain_Promises_and_More... Chlorophyllum genus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyllum Russula brevipes : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russula_brevipes Leccinum scabrum : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leccinum_scabrum Turbinellus floccosus : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinellus_floccosus Laccaria amethystina : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laccaria_amethystina "Mushrooms Poisons and Panaceas": <a href='https://www.goodreads.com/b
S1 E162 · Sat, October 14, 2023
Ep. 162: The Flowering Wand - Rewilding the Sacred Masculine (feat. Sophie Strand)
Today on Mushroom Hour we join in communion with the overflowing font of mythos, play and animated everything Sophie Strand. Sophie is a poet and writer with a focus on the history of religion and the intersection of spirituality, storytelling and ecology. Her poems and essays have appeared in numerous projects and publications, including the Dark Mountain Project, poetry.org and the magazines Unearthed, Braided Way, Art PAPERS and Entropy. Their newest book “The Flowering Wand – Rewilding the Sacred Masculine” is a potent retelling of classical European myths and masculine characters like Dionysus, Merlin, Jesus that encourages men to put down the iron sword and pick up a myceliated, vegetal thyrsus. TOPICS COVERED: Staying Alive by Exploring Ecology Mediterranean Religions & Arthurian Myths Myths as Vessels of Environmental Information Replanting Myths - Reroot, Rewild, Retell Polyphonic Iconography Partnership Cultures and Dominator Cultures Medusa & Mothers Turned into Monsters Symbiosis & Synchronism The Rebellion of Dionysus Gender as a Morphic Field & a Mycelial Web The King Becomes the Kingdom Expanding Masculinity Jesus the Magical, Nature-Loving Rabbi Returning to the Compost Heap EPISODE RESOURCES: "The Flowering Wand": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Flowering-Wand/Sophie-Strand/9781644115961 "The Madonna Secret": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Madonna-Secret/Sophie-Strand/9781591434672 Sophie Strand Substack: https://sophiestrand.substack.com/ Sophie Strand IG: https://www.instagram.com/cosmogyny/ "Bitch": https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lucy-cooke/bitch/9781541674905/?lens=basic-books Microanimism: https://www.microanimism.com/ Chlorophyllum molybdites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyllum_molybdites "Enlivenment": https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262536660/ "An Immense World": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/616914/an-immense-world-by-ed-yong/
S1 E161 · Sat, September 30, 2023
Ep. 161: Minnesota's Mushroom Valley - Mushroom Caves & the Unexplored Underworld (feat. Dr. Greg Brick)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are going spelunking with the gracious Dr. Greg Brick. Dr. Brick has worked as a hydrogeologist with environmental consulting firms, at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and has taught geology at local colleges and universities. He has edited the Journal of Spelean History for the past 20 years. He has published more than 200 articles about caves and was the recipient of the 2005 Cave History Award from the National Speleological Society. His has written for books including his most recent, "Minnesota Underground", co-authored with Doris Green and released in 2019. He served as co-editor of "Caves and Karst of the Upper Midwest", a textbook covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. His work has been featured in National Geographic Adventure magazine as well as on the History Channel. He has led guided tours of caves for the Minnesota Historical Society and the University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education. Today he is taking us on a subterranean journey into the centuries-old caves of Mushroom Valley near St. Paul Minnesota! TOPICS COVERED: Caves, Karsts and Crevices Natural Caves, Artificial Caves, Anthropogenic Caves Exploring Caves & Claustrophobic Limitations US Geography of Caves & Karsts Human Cultures & Caves – Lore and Culture Around Caves Hollow Earth Theory The Underexplored Underground Minnesota’s Mushroom Valley Mole People of the NY Subway Mushroom Farming from the Paris Catacombs to Minnesota Economic Ecosystem that Supported Mushroom Farming in Caves Subterranean Nightclubs - Mystic Caverns & Castle Royal Conservation & Biodiversity in Cave Systems LIDAR & Future of Exploring the Underworld EPISODE RESOURCES: Website: https://drgregbrick.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GregBrick Carver's Cave: https://drgregbrick.com/carvers-cave-wakan-tipi/ David J. Weary & Daniel H. Doctor's Cave Map of the US: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1156/pdf/of2014-1156.pdf Mystic Caverns & Castle Royal: https://twincitiesmusichighlights.net/venues/castle-royal/
S1 E160 · Mon, September 18, 2023
Ep. 160: Osmose Studio - Biomaterials Reimagined, Mycelium Futures & Regenerative Design (feat. Ashley Granter & Aurelie Fontan)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed once more by the presence of Mycomaterial Specialist Ashley Granter. Along with Biofashion Designer Aurelie Fontan, Ashley is a founder of Osmose Studios - a multidisciplinary design studio dedicated to exploring how society should draw inspiration and processes from Mother nature. Working with mycelium as well as natural dyes and fabrics, they aim to bring forward beautiful design that doesn’t cost the planet and actually fosters the regeneration of lost ecosystems. TOPICS COVERED: Birth of Osmose Studios Working with Classic Biomaterials in New Ways Fashion, Materials, Regenerative Design Future of Biomaterials Rooted in Technologies of the Past? Product Design Grounded in Consumer Experience Dresses Made with Kombucha & Mycelium Leather Interior Design made with Mycelium Diverse Landscape of the Biomaterials Industry Scaling Sustainably and Decentralized – like a Fungus Integrating Waste Streams into New Materials Genetic Modification vs Directed Evolution Business’ Role in Preserving Ecosystems and Biodiversity Biomaterials as a Craft vs Mass Production Working with Your Life Partner as a Business Partner EPISODE RESOURCES: Osmose Studio IG: https://www.instagram.com/osmose_labs/ Armillaria (fungal genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armillaria Cantharellus (fungal genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharellus Francis Crick's books: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/francis-crick/219274/ "Synthetic Aesthetics" by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg: https://www.daisyginsberg.com/work/synthetic-aesthetics-book
S1 E159 · Sun, September 03, 2023
Ep. 159: Mycorrhizal Ecology, Soil Biodiversity & Political Instability in South America (feat. Dr. César Marin)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are honored by the presence of Dr. César Marin – Researcher and Academic at the Center for Research and Innovation for Climate Change, School of Sciences, Santo Tomas University in Chile. Among his many accomplished roles, César has been a Postdoc at the Department of Mycorrhizal Symbioses, at the Czech Academy of Sciences, a Researcher at the Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of the University of O’Higgins and at the Department of Ecosystems and Environment, of the School of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile AND Professor of “Soil, Ecosystems, and Global Change” at the Open University of Recoleta. Dr. Marin is the founder and lead of the South American Mycorrhizal Research Network, he is on the Board of Directors of the International Mycorrhiza Society, one of the initial members/Network laboratory of the Soil Biodiversity Observation Network (SoilBON), and a Research Associate of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN). He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the International Mycorrhiza Society Newsletter, on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment and of the Evolutionary and Genomic Microbiology section, Scientific Adviser of FungiFest, and collaborator on Skype a Scientist. TOPICS COVERED: Mycorrhizal Ecology Underground Nutrient Economy The Oldest Tree in the World How Mineral Availability Shapes Fungal Ecologies in Soil Starting a Research Career in Chile Emerging Mycology Research in South America Undiscovered Biodiversity Living with Political Violence in Colombia How Science can Diffuse Violence and Contribute to Positive Social Change South American Mycorrhizal Research Network Protecting Land Based on Below-Ground Biodiversity Fungal Allies & Adapting to a Changing Environment Multilevel Natural Selection Theory How to Think About the Practice of Science EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. César Marin Website: https://cesar-marin.com/ SPUN: https://www.spun.earth/ SoilBON: https://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/soilbon South American Mycorrhizal Research Network: https://southmycorrhizas.org/ "Gran Abuelo" tree in Chile: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-cypress-in-chile-could-soon-break-the-record-for-worlds-oldest-tree </li
S1 E158 · Mon, August 21, 2023
Ep. 158: The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi - Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes & Bodies (feat. Dr. Keith Seifert)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by magnanimous mycological scholar Dr. Keith Seifert, adjunct professor in the biology department at Carleton University. Dr. Seifert has spent more than forty years studying fungi on five continents. At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, he did research on microscopic fungi from farms, forests, food and the built environment to reduce toxins and diseases affecting plants and animals. He was president of the International Mycological Association, an executive editor of Mycologia, and associate editor of several other scientific journals. Dr. Seifert is here to dive into his debut book The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi – Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes and Bodies. In this marvelous book, he invites us to see our world as one full of microbial ecological succession, symbiotic interactions with fungi and maybe an understanding that this epoch could truly be considered the mycocene. TOPICS COVERED: Descending into the Hidden Kingdom Spectrum of Symbioses The Lives of Endophytes Holobionts Fungi and Human Agriculture Mycotoxins Ancient History of Fungal Domestication – Beer, Bread & Cheese Rot to Fermentation Continuum Invasive Species, Biopiracy, Biocolonialism Human Houses as Ecosystems Mold Colonies in Our Homes Dandruff, Candida & Fungi in the Human Microbiome Amphibian Apocalypse A World Powered by Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: "The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi" : https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-hidden-kingdom-of-fungi-exploring-the-microscopic-world-in-our-forests-homes-and-bodies-keith-seifert/17251543?ean=9781771646628 Keith Seifert iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/77976 Keith Seifert ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keith-Seifert-2 "I Contain Multitudes": https://edyong.me/i-contain-multitudes Phytophthora infestans (Irish Potato Famine Pathogen): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytophthora_infestans UG-99 Wheat Rust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ug99 Escovopsis aspergilloides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escovopsis_aspergilloides "When Darwin Comes to Town": <a href='https://www.g
S1 E157 · Fri, August 04, 2023
Ep. 157: Psychedelic Adventures into Microscopic Mushroom Worlds (feat. Irene Antonez)
Irene Antonez is a Prague based Russian/Ukrainian artist and musician, who works in the genre of bio art and botanical/mycological illustration with a focus on fungi and microorganisms. She holds two Masters' degrees: in Future Design and in Fine Art. Irene draws inspiration from her microscopic research of fungi as well as mushroom hunting, ethnomycology, ethnobotany, old scientific illustration books as well as from her family history of " mushroom obsession". She uses a microscope to explore the invisible world of tiny organisms that we typically overlook. Irene believes that it’s highly important to emphasize the spirit or « soul » in each living being no matter its scale or size. In her artwork, Irene plays with combinations of various scales to show the beauty and importance of tiny, microscopic creatures to the World. She is constantly engaged in various mushroom-related projects all around the world. She has been a guest speaker at mycological events like the Hawaii Mushroom Conference and has her artwork displayed in exhibitions both in Prague and internationally. TOPICS COVERED: Growing up in a Mycophilic Culture Family Love of Art & Music Future Design Ethnomycology Psychedelics & Artistic Expression Traveling through Microscopic Worlds The Soul and Spirit of Microorganisms Scale & Perspective Flow & Curiosity Becoming a Fungal Ambassador Inspiring Mycological Awakenings Early Art Exhibitions Immersion into Audio & Visual Artwork Mushroom Foraging in Prague EPISODE RESOURCES: Irene Antonez Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IreneAntonezArt?ref=search_shop_redirect Irene Antonez IG: https://www.instagram.com/irene_antonez_art/ Mikhail Vishnevsky (inspiration): https://golden.com/wiki/Vishnevsky%2C_Mikhail_Vladimirovich-DZKYXW5 Rhodotus palmatus : https://www.mushroomexpert.com/rhodotus_palmatus.html Hydnellum peckii : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydnellum_peckii "The Invention of Nature" (book): https://www.andreawulf.com/about-the-invention-of-nature.html "Entangled Life" (book): https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life
S1 E156 · Thu, July 27, 2023
Ep. 156: Chaotic Forager - Mycology, Ecosystems & the Explosion of Mushroom Media (feat. Gabrielle Cerberville)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to be joined by Gabrielle Cerberville, aka @chaoticforager. Gabrielle is a wild food educator, mycophagist, permaculturist, and interdisciplinary artist. Her entertaining educational videos on Tiktok, where she shares her knowledge of edible plants and fungi, have been viewed by millions worldwide. She has lectured extensively on the importance of ecological awareness and land knowledge and believes that ethics and knowledge must go hand-in-hand to support a sustainable future. TOPICS COVERED: Growing Up in the Mountains of PA Developing Mushroom Identification Superpowers Underrated Edible Fungi Puffball Superstar Expanding the Wild Culinary Repertoire Adventures in Kalamazoo Becoming TikTok Famous Foraging as an Evolving Practice Social Media vs Entertainment Media Success & Mental Health Tips for Social Media Artistic, Acoustic, Ecological Explorations Elevating Mainstream Fungal Understandings Chaotic Future Plans Embracing the Human Role as Nature's Stewards EPISODE RESOURCES: Chaotic Forager Website: https://chaoticforager.com/ Gabrielle's Creative Alchemy: https://gabriellecerberville.com/ Chaotic Forager TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/chaoticforager/ Chaotic Forager IG: https://www.instagram.com/chaoticforager/ Armillaria tabescens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armillaria_tabescens Tylopilus alboater: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tylopilus_alboater Calvatia gigantea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvatia_gigantea Lab Girl (Book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733983-lab-girl Braiding Sweetgrass (Book): https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass
S1 E155 · Tue, July 18, 2023
Ep. 155: What a Mushroom Lives For - Matsutake & the Worlds They Make (feat. Dr. Michael J. Hathaway)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of Dr. Michael J. Hathaway - Professor of Anthropology at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Associate Member of the School for International Studies, and the Director of SFU's David Lam Centre for Asian Studies. He is a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow and author of What a Mushroom Lives For (2022) and Environmental Winds (2013). Hathaway is a cultural anthropologist with two central interests. First, he is deeply interested in China’s place in the modern world, looking at how little-known dynamics there have created world-spanning effects in surprising realms such as feminism, environmentalism, and Indigenous rights. His aim is to disrupt the typical assumptions that globalization emerges solely from the West. Second, Hathaway is doing what he can to foster a transformation in scientific understandings based on colonial assumptions of the natural world. For a quarter-century, Hathaway has lived in, worked, and traveled in China and increasingly in Japan, where he has explored the entangled and emerging worlds of transnational environmentalism and Indigenous rights. More recently, Hathaway has been exploring hidden histories of Indigenous-led activism across the Pacific Rim and how they have shaped the contemporary world. Today we’re going to dive into his newest book, “What a Mushroom Lives For”. TOPICS COVERED: Environmentalism and Indigenous Rights in China The Mushroom at the End of the World Matsutake World Research Group New Relationships with Biology Human Exceptionalism World Making Thinking Like a Mushroom Umwelt Matsutake’s Economic Ecosystem The Yi People & Their Fungal Economy Entanglements of Yaks, Mushrooms, Barley, Trees and Public Policy How Matsutake Continually Shapes Cultures and Economies into the Future Efforts to Cultivate Matsutake Can Shifting Ecological Worldviews Shape the Future? EPISODE RESOURCES: Michael J. Hathaway Website: https://www.michaeljhathaway.net/ "What a Mushroom Lives For" (book): https://www.amazon.com/What-Mushroom-Lives-Matsutake-Worlds/dp/0691225885 Matsutake Worlds Research Group: https://people.ucsc.edu/~atsing/migrated/matsutake/ "The Mushroom at the End of the World" (book): https://www.amazon.com/Mushroom-End-World-Possibility-Capitalist/dp/0691162751 Jakob von Uexküll: https://en.wikipedia.
S1 E154 · Tue, July 11, 2023
Ep. 154: Medicinal Mushrooms, Fungal Microbiomes & Alberta's Fungal Diversity (feat. Martin Osis)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the magnanimous Martin Osis. Martin is passionate about wild mushrooms! He loves to look at them, touch them, smell them, taste them, and talk about them. For decades he has been educating and entertaining people and groups about mushrooms by talks, forays, workshops, identification courses and just going on and on and on about mushrooms to pretty much anyone who will listen! His enthusiasm about mushrooms makes him a sought-after speaker at many functions. Although he is an amateur mycologist, he is generally regarded as one of Alberta’s experts in mushroom field identification, constantly studying emerging scientific papers on mycology, as well as scouring the diverse habitats to see what species might be growing in Alberta. His particular interest in medicinal mushrooms comes from a strong desire to help people get and stay healthy by natural means. Other interests include fungal biodiversity, DNA sequencing of fungi, mushroom photography, and of course, edible fungi. As one of the founding members of the Alberta Mycological Society, he has been a major contributor to AMS, and has created several projects including the ever-popular Great Alberta Mushroom Foray, held in a different location annually in Alberta. He also was the driver in the formation of the Medicinal Mushroom committee at NAMA. Martin is currently on the Advisory Board of “My Fungi”, an Alberta mushroom company developing expertise in psilocybin production for research, mushroom grow kits and mycoremediation. TOPICS COVERED: Nature & Theology Alberta Fungal Biodiversity Hotspot The Russula Edibility Riddle Leccinum Mysteries Cataloging Fungal Diversity What Does Fungal Biodiversity Tell Us? Mushrooms in Eastern Medicine Oyster Mushrooms, Statins and Your Heart Observational Experience Topical Applications of Medicinal Mushrooms Fungal Microbiomes & Complex Relationships with Bacteria The Rise of Tremella Medicinal Mushroom Compounds Future Projects with My Fungi, New Books and More EPISODE RESOURCES: Alberta Mycological Society: https://www.albertamushrooms.ca/ MyFungi: https://myfungi.ca/ Russula (genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russula Leccinum (genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leccinum Leccinum vulpinum : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leccinum_vulpinum Lyophyllum shimeji : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
S1 E153 · Sun, June 25, 2023
Ep. 153: Rural Courses - Self-Sufficient Living with Fungi, Plants and Animals (feat. Michael White)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to chat with internationally renowned wild foods expert, wilderness skills teacher and founder of “Rural Courses”, Michael White. Michael caught the foraging bug young and early experiences of loading sheep feed buckets full of field fungi and eating them piled high on buttered toast, sentenced Michal to a life dedicated to the hunt! Foraging for plants and fungi rubbed shoulders with hunting, fishing, and farming to the extent that eating from the land became his norm and to buy from the shops an uneasy extravagance. Four years in London studying classical singing was enough to confirm that city life, or that of an opera singer was not for him and on graduating he flung himself into almost total self-sufficiency. Skills learned in childhood became essential tools for putting food on the table and driven by necessity, his foraging abilities improved rapidly. In his early 20’s Michael began teaching foraging and self-sufficiency skills. This side of life has grown into a new passion, taking him into cities, other countries, schools, but mostly the forest, to inspire and educate thousands of people about the awesome word of fungi, foraging and life on the land. Currently life is very full for Michael raising three children, teaching, expanding his understanding about medicinal mushrooms and living off the land. His greatest pleasure is to share knowledge and a love of the natural world with his son and two daughters and the fantastic people he meets through courses and workshops. TOPICS COVERED: Kent’s Wild Food Landscape The Decision to Start Educating Others in the Wild Life in the Wilds Takes Work! Reclaiming Power through Rewilding Foraging as a State of Mind Diverging from Modernity How do Foraging and Wildcraft Practices Change Social Cohesion? Educating Children about Nature Culinary Inspiration from Foraged Fare Medicinal Properties of Plants & Fungi Wild Beer, Wine and Spirits Hunting and Working with Game Starting the Path to Self-Sufficiency Dangers of Our Experimental, Digital World EPISODE RESOURCES: Rural Courses Website: https://www.ruralcourses.co.uk/ Michael White IG: https://www.instagram.com/rural_courses/ Macrolepiota procera (AKA Parasol Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrolepiota_procera First-Nature (Plant and Fungi ID): https://www.first-nature.com/ Family Phallacaea (AKA Stinkhorns): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phal
S1 E152 · Mon, May 29, 2023
Ep. 152: Poland Fungi - For the Glory of Mushrooms (feat. Piotr Zieba)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are honored to be joined by Piotr Zieba, professor’s assistant at the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. Piotr works with gourmet and medical mushrooms and his journey started on Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture. During his bioengineering studies he found out that nobody was doing research on mushrooms. So, Piotr took matters into his own hands and organized a Student Science program to start to cultivating mushrooms. At this point in his career, Piotr has completed a master thesis about oyster mushrooms, coauthored 11 scientific papers and is now finishing PhD studies. His work focuses on different properties of mycelium from in vitro culture and fruiting bodies, but also focuses on supplementation of mushroom substrate with novel bio-materials. Working on a multidisciplinary science team, Piotr is currently pursuing all kinds of exciting work on mushrooms from attempting to cultivate wild mushrooms, using nontypical agriculture and food waste in mushroom cultivation and using waste mushroom substrate as fertilizer. His passion for mycology is palpable, and along with a great team of professors, doctors and students he is working to learn everything he can for the glory of mushrooms. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in Nature Picking Mushrooms University of Agriculture Krakow Visions of a Mushroom Cultivating Future in Poland Experiments with Substrate Nutritional Profiles of Mushrooms Grown on Different Substrates Contamination Learning Curve Mycelium vs Fruiting Body Nutritional Compounds Mapping Nutrition Profiles with Differing Growth Parameters Isolating and Cultivating Wild Fungi Impact of Piotr’s Research on his University Advice for Mushroom Cultivators Downstream Applications of Spent Mushroom Substrate Future Cultivation Tech – Ozone Sterilization EPISODE RESOURCES: Poland Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/polandfungi/ Piotr Zieba Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zieba-Piotr University of Agriculture in Krakow: https://en.urk.edu.pl/ Marasmius alliaceus (Fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycetinis_alliaceus Pleurotus ostreatus (Fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurotus_ostreatus
S1 E151 · Mon, April 17, 2023
Ep. 151: Neuroscience, Memory and Psychedelics (feat. Manoj Doss PhD)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are blessed to speak with Manoj Doss. Manoj is a cognitive neuropsychopharmacologist at the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University. His research is at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology with focuses on episodic memory and hallucinogenic drugs. Manoj utilizes complex cognitive paradigms, brain imaging, and computational modelling to explore what makes psychedelics unique compared to other classes of psychoactive drugs, both in terms of basic drug effects and mechanisms for treating clinical populations. Although Manoj is optimistic that psychedelics will soon have a place in psychiatry, he remains cautious of exaggerated claims and negligence to potential downsides, something he terms 'psychedelic myopia’. TOPICS COVERED: Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychopharmacology Psychedelic Neuroscience Types of Memory - Episodic, Semantic, Procedural Parts of the Brain - Hippocampus, Neocortex Recollection vs Familiarity Psychedelics Impacting Memory through Familiarity Is Memory Stored in Parts of the Body Other than the Brain? How Do We Make False Memories? Debunking the “Default Mode Network” Narrative Psychedelic Science and Incorporating Existing Scientific Disciplines Showing Psychedelics are Actually Useful in Treating Any Disorders Commentary on Structuring Psychedelic Research Future of Psychedelic Therapy as Adjunct to Existing Therapies? Tempering Conclusions and Expectations from Psychedelic Research EPISODE RESOURCES: Manoj Doss Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManojDoss Manoj Doss Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manoj-Doss Manoj Doss @ Johns Hopkins: https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/doss John O'Keefe Nobel Prize work on Hippocampal place cells: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04913-9 Doss et al paper on reward dynamics: http://dml.ucdavis.edu/uploads/6/1/9/7/61974117/gruber_ritchey_wang_doss_ranganath_2016.pdf Default Mode Network Hypothesis: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020/full PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story by Alexander Shulgin: https://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-Chemical-Story-Alexander-Shulg
S1 E150 · Mon, March 13, 2023
Ep. 150: The Global Forest Health Crisis & the Sentinel Tree Network (feat. Geoffery Williams PhD)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are honored to be joined by Geoff Williams PhD, International Sentinel Network Coordinator for the US Forest Service. Geoff studies the social dimensions and microbial ecology of host range expansions and geographic range expansions of forest trees, their fungal pathogens, and their insect herbivores. Geoff just moved to Oregon from West Lafayette, Indiana where he studied the role of the microbiome in Thousand Cankers Disease of Eastern black walnut in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. Prior to that he has worked and lived in Idaho, Arizona, Mexico, and Chicago, originally hailing Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his current position he is gathering information on forest insects and pathogens across the world. The ultimate goal is to build networks of cooperation and information exchange with international collaborators to help protect native forest tree species in the US and all over the world from the next highly destructive or devastating insect or fungal pathogen that could be introduced through trade and travel. The opinions expressed by Geoff in our show to do not represent policy stances of the US government. TOPICS COVERED: A Winding Path towards Forest Pathology Fungal Phytopathogens Community Assembly in Forest Ecosystems Novel Pathogenic Interactions in the Age of the Anthropocene Proactive Approach to Managing Forest Pathogens Complex Social Impacts of Forest Pathogens Interconnectedness of Forest Ecosystems Across Continents Global Forest Health Crisis Interplay of International Trade Agreements & Natural Resource Protections Sentinel Tree Network Urban Forest Management “Invasive Species” & Invasion Biology Framework Invasive Species vs Invasive Populations Citizen Scientist Role in Monitoring Forest Pathogens EPISODE RESOURCES: Geoffrey Williams Website: https://geoffreymwilliams.weebly.com/ Thousand Cankers Disease: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/thousand-cankers-disease/thousand-cankers-disease Geosmithia morbida (fungal pathogen): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosmithia_morbida Juglans nigra (Eastern Black Walnut): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juglans_nigra Laurel Wilt Disease:<a href='https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-
S1 E149 · Fri, February 10, 2023
Ep. 149: Umbo - Elite Athletes, Functional Mushrooms & Psychedelic Science (feat. Jake Plummer, Rashad Evans & Del Jolly)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the fungal trifecta behind Umbo Medicinal Mushrooms – Rashad Evans, Jake Plummer and Del Jolly. Rashad Evans is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion who intimately understands the connection between mind and body, and the importance of having both in sync. He credits mushrooms for that one-two punch of focus + energy in training and competition, and then easing the transition from fighter to daily life. Rashad is passionate about transforming sports nutrition and transforming access to education so that others can have the same opportunities that he did. Jake Plummer is a Pro-Bowl NFL Quarterback who spent 10 years in the league earning a reputation as a natural leader. He inspired his teammates to believe in themselves and in each other – personal excellence for the sake of the team. This ethos is what drew him to natural medicine, eager to learn what mushrooms can do for each of us individually and how we can pool that collective power to help make a better world for all. Focused on shifting the cultural narrative, Del Jolly worked as part of Decriminalize Denver and Charlotte’s Web CBD before co-founding Unlimited Sciences, a psychedelic research nonprofit partnered with the likes of Johns Hopkins University. He believes functional mushrooms have just as much, if not more, potential than psychedelics and is committed to exploring and unearthing everything he can. TOPICS COVERED: UFC, NFL and Medicinal Activism - All Roads Lead to Mushrooms Introduction to Queendom Fungi Athletes and Functional Mushrooms Preaching the Mushroom Gospel to NFL and UFC athletes Functional Mushrooms More Impactful than Psychedelics?! Role of Psychedelic Mushrooms in Team Sports Sparring & Microdosing Fungally-Expanded Perspectives on Achievement and Dominance We are all Actors Mushrooms & Masculinity Rites of Passage Formation of UMBO & Entering a Limitless Future The Power of Intention Making Medicine Accessible to All EPISODE RESOURCES: Umbo Website: https://getumbo.com/ Umbo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getumbo/ Unlimited Sciences Website: https://unlimitedsciences.org/ MycoLove Farm Website: https://www.mycolove.farm/
S1 E148 · Mon, January 23, 2023
Ep. 148: Smugtown Mushrooms - Fungi in Greece & Remediating Social Ecologies (feat. Olga Tzogas)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by mycological ally, cultivator and community creator Olga Tzogas of Smugtown Mushrooms. Her journey with Fungi and plants started over 15 years ago. She began working with these allies when foraging in both urban & more wild settings as she learned to identify species for food and medicine. Olga, alongside her community, established Smugtown Mushrooms to satiate their need for mushrooms & growing supplies, workshops, events & community-based science where they are based on traditional Haudenosaunee land, in the so-called city of Rochester NY. While learning more & embracing the never-ending, unlocked potential mushrooms & fungi have to help heal both people, planet & soul. Olga teaches workshops throughout the continent about wild mushroom identification, medicinal mushrooms, biology, and mushroom cultivation. She was a core organizer for the 2016 Radical Mycology Convergence and the MycoSymbiotics Festival from 2015-17. In 2018, Olga help co-create the New Moon Mycology Summit, a justice-focused, mycology centered event, linking many disciplines extending throughout the living world. Olga is a member of the Rochester Area Mycological Association, CPAMC, WPAMC & the West Virginia Mushroom club. Annually, Olga guides small groups immersing in land based and traditional knowledge of Northern Greece, highlighting the fungi and plants there. I’m excited to learn from a legend in mycology who seems to bring the teachings of fungi into every aspect of her life. TOPICS COVERED: Lifelong Love of Mushrooms Forests and Mushrooms in Greece Hosting Forage Trips in Greece Mycology Reaching Across Disciplines & Cultural Barriers Story of Smugtown Grappling with Oligarchy Are We Allowed to Just Exist? Are Currencies, Corporations and Governments the Answer? Starving for Natural Connection Mushrooms Remediating Social Ecologies Evolution of Mycological Community Solutions Inspired by Mushrooms Smugtown Shifting Focus to Community Building Building Networks of Solidarity and Support EPISODE RESOURCES: Smugtown Mushrooms Website: https://www.smugtownmushrooms.com/ Smugtown Mushrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/smugtownmushrooms/ Smugtown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smugtownmushrooms/ New Moon Mycology Summit: https://www.facebook.com/newmoonmycologysummit 2021 Indigenous Peoples Day Event in DC: https://conso
S1 E147 · Mon, January 09, 2023
Ep. 147: World Wild - Guiding a Lost Society Back to Nature (feat. Miles Irving)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to chat with internationally renowned wild foods expert, author, and public speaker Miles Irving. Miles has worked with some of the world's best chefs and has been a pioneer in the Wild Food Renaissance. In 2009, he authored The Forager Handbook, hailed by many as the 'foraging bible'. Through communicating with people around the world and delving deep into the environmental - and emotional - issues facing us, he has sought to bring together traditional ecological knowledge and those hungry for land-based connection, community, and culture. Reconnecting with the life-giving wild land which has long sustained us is key. There is not only a way forward but a wildly different way of looking at the world. TOPICS COVERED: Exploring Nature with Father & Grandfather Connection with Nature Starts with 1 Species Become a Recovering Weirdo Activating Powers of Observation & Pattern Recognition The Forager Handbook Pulling Down the Neoliberal Regime Greenwashing Guiding a Lost Society Back to Nature Going Deeper into Ecology through Wild Foods Traditional Ecological Knowledge Common Edible Plants Nettle and The Umami Equation Working with Acorn Flour Porcini’s GABA-induced Happiness? EPISODE RESOURCES: World Wild Website: https://www.worldwild.org.uk/ Goldcrest (bird species): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldcrest Mark Lewis (inspiration): https://prn.live/its-all-about-food-mark-lewis-chmachyakyakya-8000-year-crops-07-26-16/ Chamaenerion angustifolium (AKA Fireweed): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamaenerion_angustifolium Braiding Sweetgrass: https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass The Wild Wisdom of Weeds: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-wild-wisdom-of-weeds/ Tending the Wild : https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520280434/tending-the-wild Dark Emu: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21401526-dark-emu Boletus edulis (AKA Porcini): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis
S1 E146 · Mon, December 26, 2022
Ep. 146: The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss & Psychedelic Biochemistry (feat. Dennis McKenna)
Today we are honored by the presence of the legendary Dr. Dennis McKenna. Dr. McKenna has conducted research in ethnopharmacology for over 40 years. He is a founding board member of the Heffter Research Institute, and was a key investigator on the Hoasca Project, the first biomedical investigation of ayahuasca. He is the younger brother of Terence McKenna. From 2000 to 2017, he taught courses on Ethnopharmacology and Plants in Human affairs as an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. In 2018, Dr. McKenna conceived the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy to explore modern and traditional practices, ideas and technologies that foster the understanding of nature, consciousness, the cosmos and their interweavings with humanity. The Academy’s mission is to be a catalyst for the transformation of global consciousness, through educational experiences that interweave our collective intelligence, science, and ancestral wisdom. TOPICS COVERED: The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss The Experiment at La Chorrera Ethnopharmacology Tryptophan, Tryptamines & 5HT2A Receptors Psychedelic Biochemistry Messenger Molecules & Signal Transduction Psychedelic Communications Neural Gating & The Reality Hallucination Future of Psychedelics in Modern, Western Culture Psychedelics Sourced from South America – Short-Term Extraction, Long-Term Symbiosis? Nature Wave Zero Humans as an Endangered Species Undiscovered Psychedelic Compounds The McKenna Academy EPISODE RESOURCES McKenna Academy: https://mckenna.academy/ McKenna Academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/mckenna.academy/ "The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss": https://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Screaming-Abyss-Terence-McKenna/dp/0878396365 "Botanical Medicines: The Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements": https://typeset.io/papers/botanical-medicines-the-desk-reference-for-major-herbal-2df0ifn7xz 5-HT2A Receptors: https://en.wikipedia.org//wiki/5-HT2A_receptor ESPD55 Website: https://espd55.com/ Stephen Harrod Buhner: https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/books/ Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide:
S1 E145 · Mon, December 19, 2022
Ep. 145: Dynamite-Throwing Fungi, Itasca Research Station & How Decomposition Builds Character (feat. Prof Jonathan Schilling)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Professor Jonathan Schilling from the University of Minnesota. Jonathan has been on the faculty at the University of Minnesota since 2006, and is currently a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology in the College of Biological Sciences. In addition to teaching and researching all things fungal, he is the Director at the Itasca Biological Station & Laboratories in northwestern Minnesota. This field station for science is tucked into thirty-two thousand acres of old growth boreal forests within the second oldest State Park in the United States. The station also sits next to a lake, Lake Itasca, which is known as the headwaters of the Mississippi River. He assumed that position in 2018. Adding these duties to his job was, in his words, "a reflection of my deep connection and commitment to nature that was forged in the mountains of West Virginia as a kid, along the entirety of the Appalachian Trail as a young adult, and among family and friends in a Saint Paul neighborhood who have shown how important community is to conservation. TOPICS COVERED: Drawn into the Boreal Forest Role of Fungi in Forest Acid Deposition Basics of Wood-Rotting Saprobic Fungi White Rot, Brown Rot & Soft Rot Fungi Historical Contingency and Succession in Wood Rot Fungi in the Carbon Cycle Jonathan’s Lignin Uncertainty Patterns in Distributions of Wood Rot Fungi Pre-White Rot Fungi Coal Formation Hypothesis Wood Rot 2 Step - Fungi Throwing Dynamite & Avoiding the Blowback Itasca Research Station Community Science & Assembling the A Team Advice for Pursuing Studies in Mycology Decomposition Builds Character EPISODE RESOURCES: Jonathan Schilling Academic Page: https://cbs.umn.edu/contacts/jonathan-schilling Itasca Biological Research Station: https://cbs.umn.edu/itasca PLOS ONE Research Article: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120679 Frontiers of Microbiology Research Article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01646/full Fomitopsis pinicola (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_pinicola Fomitopsis betulina (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_betulina
S1 E144 · Mon, December 05, 2022
Ep. 144: SQIM, Mogu, Ephea – Merging with Mycelium to Grow Regenerative Futures (feat. Maurizio Montalti)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the opportunity to speak with Maurizio Montalti. Maurizio Montalti is a designer, researcher, educator and entrepreneur. Working at the junction of design and biotech, he is one of the early pioneers committed to the study and development of wide-ranging mycelium-based technologies and products. Maurizio is Chief Mycelium Officer, Chairman, and co-Founder of SQIM, the (bio)technology company developing innovative processes and products by unravelling the potential of mycelium as key biofabrication agent and technology, for application and use across different industries, as fundamentally rooted in the valorisation of residual materials’ streams by means of microbial fermentation. As (bio-)technological holding, today SQIM serves its two verticals/brands: MOGU (biomaterials/products dedicated to interior design and architecture) and EPHEA (biomaterials/products dedicated to fashion, automotive, etc.). Maurizio’s work has been honoured with multiple awards, widely featured in the global media, and exhibited worldwide in prestigious musea, galleries, and institutions, including Museum of Modern Art (New York), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Design Museum (London), Triennale (Milano), MAXXI (Rome), and MAK- Museum of Applied Arts (Vienna), among others. TOPICS COVERED: Into the Spiraling Vortex of Mycelium From Degradation of Waste to Regenerative Materials Mogu Acoustic Collection Selecting Fungal Species & Strains as Materials Standardizing Unpredictable Myco-Materials Can Organisms Retain Agency when Enlisted to Human Scientific and Economic Endeavour? Wild Genetic Variation within Fungal Species Fungal Strains SQIM Collaborates With Becoming Fluent in the Language of Fungi Living Buildings & Autonomous Biowelding “Ephea” Leather and Fabric Product Lines Scaling SQIM & Modular Mycelium Production Circular Production Processes, Seeing Waste as a Resource Fungi in Space EPISODE RESOURCES: SQIM Website: https://www.sqim.bio/ Mogu Website: https://mogu.bio/ Mogu IG: https://www.instagram.com/mogumycelium/ Fungal Architecture Project: https://www.fungar.eu/ Officina Corpuscoli: https://www.corpuscoli.com/ Schizophyllum commune (AKA Split Gill Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophyllum_commune "Braiding Sweetgrass": https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass "Designs for the Plur
S1 E143 · Sun, November 20, 2022
Ep. 143: Wild Mushroom Education, Intentional Communities & Breaking the Binary (feat. Jules Amanita)
Today we are joined by the magnanimous and adventurous Jules Amanita. Jules is a self-taught amateur mycologist with a passion for demystifying fungi and combatting mycophobia. They are a 26-year-old avid mushroom photographer, artist, and chef who identifies as queer/nonbinary. Living at Twin Oaks Community, an egalitarian commune in central Virginia they live an outdoorsy, DIY lifestyle that is highly aligned with values of social justice and sustainability. Jules creates pictorial, text-based, animated, video, musical, and interactive content aimed at educating the public about mushrooms. Common themes include identification, field guide literacy, conservation, cultural history, accessible science, cooking, and general appreciation of fungi. They also lead virtual and in-person workshops on mushroom identification, as well as teaching a weekly Forest School to a group of children between the ages of 2 and 10. I’m excited to learn more from someone who unabashedly celebrates fungi in their myriad forms! TOPICS COVERED: Shaggy Manes, Indigo Milkcaps Autodidactic Mycology Journey Foraging Resources Finding & Cultivating Foraging Community Online Foraging Culture Fungi as Non-Binary, Mycology as a Queer Discipline Redefining Human Narratives Twin Oaks Egalitarian Community Realities of Starting and Running a Commune Chores, Income & Relationship Dynamics in Communes How Communes Interact with Broader Social Ecologies 100+ Species of Mushrooms Eaten?! Life Narrative Entwined in Mycology EMDR & Foraging as Trauma Therapy EPISODE RESOURCES: Jules Amanita Website: https://www.mushroomqueer.com/ Jules' IG: https://www.instagram.com/jules.amanita/ Jules' Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jules.amanita?lang=en Mushroom Expert: https://mushroomexpert.com/ The Bolete Filter: https://boletes.wpamushroomclub.org/ Federation of Egalitarian Communities: https://www.thefec.org/ Twin Oaks Intentional Community: https://www.twinoaks.org/ Lactifluus Genus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactifluus Lactifluus volemus : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactifluus_volemus Lactifluus hygrophoroides: https://en.wikipe
S1 E142 · Sun, November 06, 2022
Ep. 142: Mycorrhizal Markets & The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (feat. Prof. Toby Kiers)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of being joined by Prof. Toby Kiers - Professor of Evolutionary Biology and University Research Chair at Vrije Fryy Universiteit Universitight Amsterdam. Her lab uses nanoprobes and high-resolution imaging to map the nutrient flows and architecture of plant-fungal networks. She is globally recognized for her scientific work in the evolution of symbiotic trade, and her public outreach activities, including a 2019 TED talk. Kiers won an Ammodo Award in 2019 for “unfettered science”, was awarded the E.O. Wilson Award for Natural History in 2021 and won an IMPACT award from the Dutch science foundation in 2021 for founding the non-profit SPUN - the Society for the Protection of Underground networks. TOPICS COVERED: Morel Memories & Research in Panama Refining Definitions of Symbiosis and Mutualism How Ecosystems are Shaped by Competitive and Symbiotic Dynamics Symbiosis and Mutualism without Altruism Competition within Mutualisms Biological Market Theory "Decisions" vs. Genetic Strategies Quantum Dot Technology & Visualizing Fungal Networks Mysteries of Bi-Directional Nutrient Transport & Molecular Motors Fungal & Plant Market Manipulations Can Understanding Fungal Market Economies Help Us Predict the Stock Market? How Do We Quantify Flows in Real World Forests? SPUN – The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks Shifting Conservation Priorities to the Unseen EPISODE RESOURCES: Toby Kiers Website: https://tobykiers.com/ SPUN Website: https://www.spun.earth/ Ronald Noë (Biological Market Theory): https://sites.google.com/site/ronaldnoe/RN-home?authuser=0 Rhizophagus aggregatus (fungus): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=241619
S1 E141 · Mon, October 31, 2022
Ep. 141: Wild Creativity - Chocolate Ears, Mushroom Paper, Stinkhorn Juice & Amanita Ice Cream (feat. Fergus Drennan)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of woodland spirit Fergus Drennan aka Fergus The Forager. Fergus has been gathering and learning about wild plants, seaweeds, and fungi for over 40 years. His journey begun on Wimbledon Common, aged 3 years, collecting dandelions for the family’s pet tortoise. Since those early days, and through much creative and experimental exploration he has continued his foraging practice, not only as a means to understand and to discover the practical relevance that foraging has in the modern developed world, but also in terms of what it means to be an environmentally conscious human in relation to the natural world. “Can foraging ever be considered a truly sustainable practice, and if so how?”, is a question that always orchestrates his foraging activity. So too does a pursuit of foraging’s playful and creative possibilities. Truth be told, Fergus just loves being outside, admiring nature as part of nature, living in touch with her reassuring seasonal cycles, awake to her sensuality, her surprises, opportunities, and endless gifts, in pursuit of the good life. TOPICS COVERED: Trips with Mom to Wimbledon Common Tortoise Teacher, I Spy Insects Play, Creativity and Foraging Brambles, Pine Pollen & Jelly Ears Foraging “Nose to Tail” Foraging as a Subversive Act Life Stacking Avoiding Neurosis & Being Saved by Others Reciprocal Dialogue with the Natural World Developing a Relationship with Local Open Space Complicity in Industrial Systems Amanita muscaria Workshops Amanita muscaria as Food & Medicine Foraged Books & Making Paper from Mushrooms EPISODE RESOURCES: Fergus the Forager Website: https://fergustheforager.co.uk/ Fergus IG: https://www.instagram.com/fergustheforager/ Pine pollen: https://nutrawiki.org/pine-pollen/ Auricularia auricula-judae (AKA Jelly Ear): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auricularia_auricula-judae Plantago major : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago_major Pascal Baudar: https://www.urbanoutdoorskills.com/ Fergus Henderson (author): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Whole_Beast Jason Hickel (author): https://www.jasonhickel.org/ Katy Bowman: https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/ <
S1 E140 · Mon, October 17, 2022
Ep. 140: Dropping Spores in Singapore & Bewildering Mycelium Creations (feat. Ng Sze Kiat)
Today on Mushroom Hour we the privilege to get to know mushroom cultivation artist Kiat. Kiat is the founder of Bewilder, a Mycological Design Studio based in Singapore. As the one-man R&D team behind this project, Kiat knows his science! For him, growing mushrooms is an intense and carefully tuned process that also blends in a fair bit of artistry and intuition. Before founding Bewilder, Kiat worked on a local farm cultivating mushrooms out of waste substrates. These years of experience and experimentation formed him into the self-taught mushroom cultivator he is today. As he explores ever more mysteries of growing fungi, he continues to bow his head humbly to the ways of nature. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Love of Nature Becomes a Mushroom Addiction Mycophobia and “Success Culture” in Singapore Showing What's Possible, Asking Questions Mushrooms as a Tool for Doing Good Founding Bewilder Design Studio Communities vs Competition in Myco-Entrepreneurship Myco-Composite Materials Government Control and Separation from Nature Seeking Out Native Strains for Food & Mycomaterials Mycelium Lampshades Being Humble, Recognizing Our Place in Nature Relinquishing Control, Reconnecting to Greater Consciousness Importance of Making Mistakes Bewilder Commercial Projects and Research Areas EPISODE RESOURCES: Bewilder SG Website: https://www.bewildersg.com/ Bewilder IG: https://www.instagram.com/bewildersg/ Terrestrial Fungi (Inspiration): https://www.instagram.com/bewildersg/ Ganoderma weberianum (fungus): https://www.mycobank.org/page/Name%20details%20page/name/Ganoderma%20weberianum Filoboletus manipularis (fungus): https://singapore.biodiversity.online/species/F-Basidomycota-000035 Mycena chlorophos (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_chlorophos
S1 E139 · Sun, October 09, 2022
Ep. 139: Funganista - From Music Stardom to Mycological Obsession (feat. Andy Overall)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of mycologist and musician Andy Overall. Andy has had a fascinating journey from the Blue Zoo and pop stardom back through the hedges and woodlands when he became interested in mushrooms back in the early 1990’s. He realized he needed something else, another interest other than his involvement with music. Growing up as a boy during the 60’s in the English, market town countryside, of Braintree, Essex he nurtured an interest in nature…And then along came David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and everything changed course for a while! Later in life his rekindled interest in fungi evolved into obsession as he began to see an infinite variety of fungal species appearing before him and he wanted to get to know them all. Since his obsession began, Andy has published magazines, countless articles and in 2017 his first book all about fungi - “FUNGI-Mushrooms & Toadstools of Parks, Gardens, Heaths and Woodlands”. He is the fungi recorder for the London Natural History Society and a Group Leader in the London Fungus Group. I’m excited to learn about the mycological journey of a culture creator, artist and naturalist and his explorations into what he so poetically dubs, “the jewels in nature’s crown” TOPICS COVERED: From Wilderness to Ziggy Stardust Birth of Blue Zoo Shifting from Pop Stardom to Mycology Evolution of the Amateur Mycology Community Professional Surveying for Fungi Insights from Biodiversity Databases Making Better Decisions About Forest Management Role of DNA in Fungal Surveys Heathrow Airport Cortinarius Contributions of Amateur Naturalists Tips to Making Better Observations Process of Mushroom Spotting & Identification Ethnomycology Travels in Oaxaca, Czech Republic, Australia Published and Unpublished Works of Gaston Guzman EPISODE RESOURCES: Andy Overall Website: http://www.fungitobewith.org/ London Fungi Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/LondonFungusNetwork/ British Mycological Society: https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ Blue Zoo Website: http://www.bluezoo.org.uk/ Roger Phillips (Legend): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Phillips_(photographer) Marcel Bon (Mycologist): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Bon Mark Spencer (Botanist): https://markspencerbotanist.com/ GIGL: <a href='https://www.gigl.org.uk/londons-open-
S1 E138 · Tue, October 04, 2022
Ep. 138: Paleontology & Prototaxites - Mysteries of the Gigantic, Paleozoic Fungus (feat. Dr. Kevin Boyce)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of being joined by Dr. Kevin Boyce, Professor of Geological Sciences at Stanford University. Dr. Boyce's research is focused on the biological and environmental impacts of the evolution of plant structure, development, and physiology from the Paleozoic colonization of land through the subsequent radiations of land plant forms up to and including the Cretaceous radiation of flowering plants. This work involves both living and fossil plants and a wide variety of approaches: developmental and physiological investigation, climate modeling, comparative study of morphological diversity, and cell and tissue-specific analysis of elemental, isotopic, and organic chemistry. These tools have been applied to three connected areas of research that each inform wider questions concerning the evolution of terrestrial environments: 1. the evolution of leaf morphology, development, and physiology with feedbacks to climate and primary productivity, 2. the evolution of cell wall biochemistry and its influence on organic matter burial as a sink in the carbon cycle, and 3. the establishment of early terrestrial life and ecosystems encompassing the complete biota including animals, fungi, and microbial communities in addition to the plants. I’m excited to learn about the coevolution of plants and fungi, prototaxites and how we learn about organismal evolution and community assembly from the ancient past. TOPICS COVERED: The Path into Paleontology Geobiology & Defining Geological Eras Fungal & Plant Fossil Records Absolute Time & Relative Time Evolution of Plant Physiology Coevolution of Plants, Bacteria, Fungi and Animals Stochastic "Rules" of Community Assembly Geochemistry Genetic Tools and Phylogeny Changing Paleontology Prototaxites Biochemical Signatures of Heretrophs and Autotrophs Piecing Together a Paleozoic Landscape Lifestyle, Physiology and Growth Rate of Prototaxites Future Work into the Cenozoic EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Kevin Boyce Academic Website: https://biology.stanford.edu/people/kevin-boyce Dr. Boyce Paper on Prototaxites: https://awarticles.s3.amazonaws.com/Boyce2007.pdf Prototaxites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototaxites Geologic Time Scale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologic_time_scale "Wonderful Life" by Stephen Gould: https://wwnorton.com/books/Wonderful-Life/ Lycopodium (clubmoss genus): <a href='https://
S1 E137 · Sun, September 25, 2022
Ep. 137: Artistry, Biophilia Beauty & Finding Equilibrium (feat. Jon Ching)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of one of my favorite biophiliacs and artists -Jon Ching. Jon grew up steeped in natural beauty on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i, which formed the foundation of his deep fascination with the natural and wild world. A self-taught painter, Jon’s devoted art practice and detailed realism is inspired by the interconnectedness of nature. While dedicated to the minute idiosyncrasies of flora and fauna, Jon’s work is a surreal imagining of what limitless wonders and combinations nature can produce. New creatures and symbioses emerge in his meticulously rendered oil paintings, exemplifying the endless potential of life on Earth. His work is often driven by his personal desire to find balance between the human and natural worlds, exploring themes of symbiosis and searching for connections, physical and metaphorical, across nature’s kingdoms. Highlighting man-made threats to the natural world are a regular theme in his work to raise awareness of and evoke compassion for the kingdoms of life. Jon’s ultimate hope is to inspire love and admiration for the universally unique beauty and intrigue of our world. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in Hawaii as Inspiration Unlocking Biological Imagination Powers of Observation Impact of Becoming a Father Slowing Down Communicating Ecological Messages Through Artwork Fungi Finding Their Way onto the Canvas Navigating the Professional Art World Gallery Shows Materials, Process and Timeline of Creating Paintings From Paintings to Murals Future Projects WTF NFTs Finding Equilibrium with Natural Systems EPISODE RESOURCES: Jon Ching Website: https://jonchingart.com/ Jon Ching IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonchingart/ Jon Ching FB: https://www.facebook.com/JonChingArt Jon Ching @ Beinart Gallery: https://beinart.org/collections/jon-ching Hericium erinaceus (AKA Lions Mane): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium_erinaceus
S1 E136 · Sat, September 17, 2022
Ep. 136: Biotechnology, Mycelium Materials & The "Art, Science, Society Triad" (feat. Prof. Vera Meyer)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Professor Vera Meyer from the Technical University of Berlin. Professor Meyer’s career has seen her as a visiting scientist to the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London (2003) and to the department of Fungal Genetics and Metabolomics at Leiden University in the Netherlands (2005 - 2006). In 2008, Professor Meyer was appointed assistant professor for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology at Leiden University, a position she held for three years. Since 2011, she has been professor at the Institute of Biotechnology and head of its department for Applied and Molecular Microbiology at the Technical University of Berlin. Her scientific work in the field of fungal biotechnology has been published in more than 100 publications. Vera also works as a visual artist, using the pseudonym V. meer . She puts a strong emphasis on sculpting and creating objects from chance finds like forest mushrooms, decaying wood and scrap metal. Inspired by her scientific work with fungi in microbiology, she combines these materials in the sense of a found object. Through her artwork, she wants to enhance the awareness for fungi and their potential in biotechnology and for a sustainable bioeconomy in general. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Fascination with the Invisible Fungal Biotechnology Seeing Fungi as Friends and as Foes Importance of Multi-Disciplinary Approach Open Science Movement Aspergillus niger, Citric Acid and the Origins of Modern Biotechnology Primary and Secondary Metabolism Modulating Metabolic Processes of Aspergillus in Making Products Synthetic Biology BioReactor Cultivation & Ecology of a BioReactor Mycelium Materials Building a Mycelium Materials Database Transdisciplinary Collaboration Reconciling Biotechnology with Conservation and the Precautionary Principle EPISODE RESOURCES: Vera Meyer Academic Page @ TU Berlin: https://www.tu.berlin/en/vcard/vera.meyer Vera Meyer Art (V.Meer) : https://www.v-meer.de/ Vera Meyer IG: https://instagram.com/v.meer_/ Art Lab Berlin: https://artlaboratory-berlin.org/de/forschung/mind-the-fungi/ TU Berlin - Natural Building Lab: https://www.nbl.berlin/ "Beauty of the Morbid" Article: https://fungalbiolbiotech.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40694-016-0028-4 Aspergillus niger: <a href='http
S1 E135 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Ep. 135: Wine Forest Wild Foods - Origins and Evolution of America's Wild Mushroom Business (feat. Connie Green)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to chat with Connie Green founder of Wine Forest Foods and author of “The Wild Table”. Since 1979, Connie has been providing chefs like Thomas Keller, Cory Lee, Michael Mina, Traci de Jardins and many more with mushrooms of unparalleled quality. As one of the very first pioneers in the American wild mushroom business, Connie has filled a key role in educating chefs and the public about the wild foods now so widely loved in American cuisine. Over the decades, she has cultivated a network of great mushroom pickers has been woven across the West, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and even Europe. Hand and hand with this wild life with wild mushrooms is a love and respect for the forest ecosystem from which the mushrooms flow. Connie has always preached principles of sustainability in harvesting and hopes that, in her own words, “commercial mushroom hunting can give a living back to loggers and make our forests economically more valuable in the long term left standing than converted to board feet of lumber”. What a privilege to speak with a culture creator and pioneer in wild mushroom harvesting. TOPICS COVERED: Fields of Chanterelles & Beginning of Commercial Foraging Putting in the Miles in the Forest Scouting Habitat and Making Good Observations Northern California Chanterelle Habitat Ukiah, Oregon - The Town Morels Built Fire & Ecological Transformation in Northern California Tan Oak Destruction Economic Value of Forest Fungal Productivity vs Board Feet of Lumber Regional Fiefdoms of National Forest service Symbiosis of Amateur and Professional Foragers Foraging Sustainably, Cultivating Forage Grounds Commercial Foraging Networks Wild Food Regulation Advice to Enter the Business of Wild Foods EPISODE RESOURCES: Wine Forest website: https://wineforest.com/ "The Wild Table": https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Table-Seasonal-Foraged-Recipes/dp/0670022268 Ukiah, Oregon: http://www.cityofukiahoregon.com/history.html Cantherellus californicus (AKA California Golden Chanterelle) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharellus_californicus Notholithocarpus densiflorus (AKA Tan Oak): https://calscape.org/Notholithocarpus-densiflorus-() Morchella tomentosa (AKA Gray Morel) : http://www.mushroomexpert.com/morchella_tomentosa.html
S1 E134 · Mon, August 29, 2022
Ep. 134: Life in Amber - 50-Million-Year-Old Cordyceps & Other Fossilized Fungi (feat. George Poinar Jr. PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the distinguished and prolific George Poinar, Jr. PhD. George received his Ph.D. in biology from Cornell University and spent most of his career in the Department of Entomology at the University of California at Berkeley before moving to Oregon State University, where he is a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology. His interest in the tropics, along with a passion for paleontology, culminated in the book The Amber Forest, co-authored with his wife, Roberta, and published by Princeton University Press. He is also the author of other books, including Life in Amber. In addition, he is a founder of The Amber Institute. He is a pioneer when it comes to studying associations between invertebrates and other organisms in amber. One of his projects was recently all over the news as he discovered a new genus and species of fungal entomoparasite growing out of a fossilized ant – the older mushroom growing from an ant that has ever been found! TOPICS COVERED: Young Naturalist Inspired by Walden and Thoreau Entering Entomology Research Tours through Southeast Asia Insect Vectors of Disease-Carrying Parasites in Africa Insect Diseases in Russia Pivoting to Vertebrate Parasites in France, Germany & Holland Ancient History of Insect Pathogens and Their Parasites The Basics of Amber Preservation Preparing and Cutting Amber for Examination Determining the Age of Specimens in Amber Phylogeny and Ancestry in Family Cordycipitaceae Extracting Genetic Information from Amber Specimens Meeting Michael Creighton and Jurassic Park Inspirations Evolutionary Insights from Ancient to Modern Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: George Poinar Jr PhD: https://science.oregonstate.edu/directory/george-o-poinar-jr Family Cordycipitaceae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordycipitaceae Richard Korf (Inspiration): https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/28593 Rhinoceros Beetles: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynastinae "Laboratory Guide to Insect Pathogens and Parasites": https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4288060-laboratory-guide-to-insect-pathogens-and-parasites Hermitage Museum (Russia): https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/ Hymenaea (Tree Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/
S1 E133 · Wed, August 24, 2022
Ep. 133: Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge - Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples (feat. Prof. Nancy Turner)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of being joined by the University of Victoria Emeritus Professor , Nancy Turner. Professor Turner is an ethnobotanist whose research integrates the fields of botany and ecology with anthropology, geography and linguistics, among others. She is interested in the traditional knowledge systems and traditional land and resource management systems of Indigenous Peoples, particularly in western Canada. Nancy has worked with First Nations elders and cultural specialists in northwestern North America for over 50 years, collaborating with Indigenous communities to help document, retain and promote their traditional knowledge of plants and habitats, including Indigenous foods, materials and medicines, as well as language and vocabulary relating to plants and environments. Her interests also include the roles of plants and animals in narratives, ceremonies, language and belief systems. Dr. Turner has authored, edited, co-authored or co-edited over 30 books. Her 2014 two-volume book, Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America , represents an integration of her long-term research. She has received a number of awards for her work, including membership in Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, honorary degrees from Vancouver Island University, University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia and Simon Fraser University; and the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences’ Canada Prize in the Social Sciences for Ancient Pathways . TOPICS COVERED: From Berkeley to Missoula to Vancouver Kincentricity Epistemologies & Living Language Traditional Ecological Knowledge Respecting our Non-Human Relatives Residential Schools & the Suppression of Indigenous Ways Traditional Territories & Living Traditions First Nation Agroforestry Practices Cottonwood Mushrooms & Hazlenuts Indigenous Peoples’ Land Rights & Title Models of First Nation Land Access Blending Western Scientific Knowledge & First Nation Knowledge Systems 7 Generation Thinking Society Suffused by Ecological Thinking EPISODE RESOURCES: Prof. Nancy Turner website: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/environmental/people/faculty/emeritus/turnernancy.php "Plants, People and Places" (book): https://www.mqup.ca/plants--people--and-places-products-9780228001836.php "Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge" (book): <a href='https://www.mqup.ca/ancient-pathways--ancestral-knowledge
S1 E132 · Sun, August 14, 2022
Ep. 132: Community Assembly, Plant-Fungal Associations and Mycorrhizal Ecologies (feat. Dr. Kabir Peay)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are host to the distinguished Dr. Kabir Peay – head of Stanford University’s Peay Lab. Dr. Peay completed a master’s degree at the Yale School of Forestry and Environment Science (F&ES) in 2003 and obtained a PhD in 2008 from UC Berkeley’s Dept. of Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM) in Matteo Garbelotto's lab. He completed postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley in the Dept. of Plant & Microbial Biology with Tom Bruns, and at Stanford in the Dept. of Biology with Tadashi Fukami. He was an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota from 2011-2012 before coming to Stanford in 2012 to join the Dept. of Biology in his current position. The Peay lab studies the ecological processes that structure natural communities and the links between community structure and the cycling of nutrients and energy through ecosystems - focusing on fungi! Much of the research focuses on plant-fungal root associations, better known as mycorrhizas, which constitute one of the most pervasive mutualisms in terrestrial ecosystems. By integrating their lines of research, they hope to weave together a 'roots-to-biomes' understanding of plant-microbe symbiosis. TOPICS COVERED: A Love of Nature, Inspiration in the East From Environmental Consulting into Ecological Understanding Discovering Fungal Symbioses Defining Ecology & Community Assembly Understanding Scale in Community Ecology Embracing Fungi in All of Their Ecological Roles Facultative Capacities of Fungi Mycorrhizal Lessons in Community Ecology Broadening Ecological Perspectives Beyond Purely Competitive Frameworks MISSPs & Mediating Mycorrhizal Interactions Fungal Biogeography Ecological Succession & Stages of Community Assembly Future of Mycorrhizal Research Mapping Fungal Genes to Ecological Functions EPISODE RESOURCES: Peay Lab Academic Website: https://mykophile.stanford.edu/ Dr. Peay Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=E6GRsP4AAAAJ&hl=en Dipterocarpaceae - tree family: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipterocarpaceae Chytrids: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chytridiomycota Pinus ponderosa (tree species): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_ponderosa Suilllus pungens (fungus species) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suillus_pungens </
S1 E131 · Sat, July 30, 2022
Ep. 131: Temptress Truffles, Fruiting Bodies Collective & Compassionate Upliftment (feat. Elan Hagens)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of being joined by Elan Hagens. Elan Hagens is a native Oregonian who has been playing in the woods, wildcrafting and going to outdoor education classes her entire life. Her passion for everything animals and the outdoors led her to working with dogs in in her early 20s. Following that path landed her an opportunity to participate in a dog based reality show on CBS! Later work at an Iditarod sled dog kennel and training her dogs how to forage for native Oregon truffles further deepened her love for everything outdoors and led to her creating Temptress Truffles a decade ago. Temptress Truffles is all about wild foraging, wildcrafting and connecting people to the outdoors. Elan loves watching people learn how to engage with nature in different ways besides technical outdoor sports and activities. She teaches classes in mushroom foraging, food Justice and nature crafting. In January 2021 she cofounded a new business called Fruiting Bodies Collective. Through an excellent podcast show, a growing facilitator training program and other projects, the Fruiting Bodies Collective hopes to destigmatize psychedelics and serve marginalized groups. All of Elan’s projects seem to stem from a deep-rooted passion for sharing her lifelong love of everything outdoors and helping everyone, no matter their background, to appreciate the natural environment as she does. TOPICS COVERED: Nature-Loving Tagalong with a Mother Who Loves Fresh Food Becoming a Reality TV Star Intentional Choices of Sponsors and Partnerships Truffle Fundamentals The Secret to Truffle Hunting - Habitat “Raked Truffles” vs Dog-Found Truffles Running a Foraged-Goods Business Indigenous Land Acknowledgement BIPOC Representation in the Outdoors Mycological Elitism Harvesting Wild Clay, Building Community Fruiting Bodies Collective Engaging and Educating as Psilocybin Emerges into the Mainstream Black and Indigenous Representation in Psychedelic Spaces EPISODE RESOURCES: Temptress Truffles IG: https://www.instagram.com/temptresstruffles/ Fruiting Bodies Collective IG: https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodiesco/ Danner - Elan Hagens: https://vimeo.com/551545643 Sparassis crispa (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparassis_crispa
S1 E130 · Mon, July 18, 2022
Ep. 130: Fungal Systematics, Mushroom Ancestry & Recognizing Patterns (feat. Dr. Andrew Wilson)
Today on the Mushroom Hour we are honored to be joined by Dr. Andrew Wilson - Assistant Curator of Mycology in the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi at Denver Botanic Gardens. For Dr. Wilson the discovery of mycology began back in the late 90’s at San Francisco State University in taking classes from world renown mushroom taxonomist, Dr. Dennis Desjardin. Working with Dennis, Andrew earned a Masters degree studying the mushroom genus Gymnopus from Java and Bali. He later went on to earn a PhD in the lab of Dr. David Hibbett at Clark University. His project took him back to Southeast Asia, this time to study the ecology and evolution enigmatic puffball genus Calostoma and their relatives. In 2009, Andrew graduated and began a postdoc with Dr. Gregory Mueller at the Chicago Botanic Garden where he explored the systematic evolution of the Cantharellales and the model ectomycorrhizal mushroom genus Laccaria . He also did a one-year postdoc at Purdue University, in the lab of Dr. Cathie Aime, teasing apart the complex evolution of plant pathogenic rust fungi. At Denver Botanic Gardens, Dr. Wilson is working on a regional contribution to the Fungal Diversity Survey (FunDiS) that encompasses the state of Colorado, with a focus on the Southern Rockies. In this effort he is training students on how to study biodiversity using natural history collection and DNA sequence analysis. He is also working on new tools in DNA sequencing to better sample and study fungal diversity. TOPICS COVERED: Formed in a Family of Biologists Intellectual Explorations at San Francisco State University Genus Gymnopus Expeditions to Southeast Asia What are Systematics? Genus Calostoma Role of Isotopes in Understanding Fungal Ecologies Biogeographic Histories of Fungi Interpreting Ancestry and Evolution in Phylogenetic Data Gondwana Supercontinent Finding a Living, Ancient Ancestor on the Lacarria Family Tree Denver Botanic Gardens & Sam Mitchell Fungi Herbarium New Methods of High-Throughput DNA Sequencing Biodiversity & Evolutionary History of Southern Rocky Mountain Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Andrew Wilson - Denver Botanic Gardens: https://www.botanicgardens.org/team/profile/andrew-w-wilson-phd Dr. Dennis Desjardin (Mentor): https://biology.sfsu.edu/faculty/desjardin Dr. David Hibbet (Mentor): https://www2.clarku.edu/faculty/facultybio.cfm?id=355 Gymnopus (Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnopus Calostoma </
S1 E129 · Sun, July 10, 2022
Ep. 129: Regenerative Soil Microscopy: the Book, Course & Database (feat. Matt Powers)
** Support the Kickstarter and be part of the sea change in understanding soil health!** https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattpowers/regenerative-soil-microscopy-the-book-courses-and-database (Campaign ends 7/17/22) Today on Mushroom Hour we're grace by the presence of Matt Powers (M.Ed) - author, educator, citizen scientist, entrepreneur, and family guy who teaches people all over the world how to live more regeneratively. Personally driven by a deep desire to have the best food possible for his wife and cancer-survivor, Adriana, and their two boys. Matt, a former public high school teacher with a Masters degree in Education, is creator of over a dozen online courses and author of over 20 books on permaculture and regenerative soil science - The Permaculture Student series and the Regenerative Soil Trilogy are just a couple examples. Matt is also the host of A Regenerative Future, the podcast and Youtube show, where he interviews leaders in the regenerative space and shares his own work and insights. I'm excited to learn all about the soil ecosystem, regenerative soil microscopy and more! TOPICS COVERED: Searching for Health in the Soil Horizontal Gene Transfer in Soil Microbes Hallmarks of Soil Health Importance of Bacterial & Fungal Endophytes Critical Role of E. Coli in Soil Ecosystems Rhizophagy Microbes Shaped by and Shaping Their Surrounding Ecology Developing an Open-Source Soil Health Database Organic Matter in Soil and Nutrient Density in Plants Advantages of Farms and Producers Sharing Markers of Soil Health Process of Performing Soil Microscopy Dark Field and Epifluorescence Regenerative Soil Microscopy Kickstarter Community-Based Tools, Knowledge and Solutions Power Found in Understanding Soil EPISODE RESOURCES: Regenerative Soil Microscopy Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattpowers/regenerative-soil-microscopy-the-book-courses-and-database Matt Powers Website: https://www.thepermaculturestudent.com/ Bill Mollison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mollison Dr. James F. White: https://plantbiology.rutgers.edu/faculty/white/James-White.html Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast fungus): https://en.w
S1 E128 · Sat, July 02, 2022
Ep. 128: NYC Mycology, Greenwood Cemetery & DIY DNA Sequencing (feat. Sigrid Jakub)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are humble hosts to the talented Sigrid Jakob, President of the New York Mycological Society. Sigrid only discovered fungi within the last several years, but her intense passion quickly catapulted her into the forefront of citizen mycology. She has played a leading role in rebooting the North American Mycoflora project and transforming the national organization into the Fungal Diversity Survey known as FunDiS. She is an accomplished citizen science facilitator, providing resources for at-home genetic sequencing to allow those with no background in biochemistry to successfully extract and amplify DNA. In her non-mushroom life, Sigrid is a 55 year old independent brand strategist who lives in Brooklyn, is mother to a 17 year old and holds degrees in philosophy, psychology and photography. A modern Renaissance woman who shares the tools with which to examine fungal diversity for the laymen, I am excited to learn about how we all can contribute to putting together the seemingly endless tree of fungal diversity. TOPICS COVERED: Growing up with Hunters, Gardeners and Woodsy Folk Fungal Diversity in NYC Role of Community Mycology in Mapping Biodiversity Fungal Diversity Survey Observational Data Fueling Conservation Conservation Framework Around Fungi in the US vs Europe Getting Deeper into Fungal DNA Developing Fungal DNA Sequencing Protocols Sourcing Tools and Reagants for At-Home Sequencing Impact of Amateur Sequencing Data Greenwood Cemetery Fungal Diversity Project Findings and Future of the Greenwood Cemetery Project Presiding over the New York Mycological Society Future Plans for NY Mycological Society EPISODE RESOURCES: Sigrid Jakob IG: https://www.instagram.com/greenwoodzombie/ Sigrid's Dung Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/dung_fungi/ Fungal Diversity Survey: https://fundis.org/ New York Mycological Society: https://newyorkmyc.org/ Green-Wood Cemetery: https://www.green-wood.com/ Youtube Series "Fungal PCR at Home": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyaNM6lJmGo NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/style/greenwood-cemetery-mushrooms.html Sporormiella (Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporormiella
S1 E127 · Sat, June 25, 2022
Ep. 127: Culinary Mushroom Magic & Commercial Foraging Anarchy (feat. Graham Steinruck)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with chef, forager, and biology geek Graham Steinruck. Graham has worked in the restaurant industry in with many of Colorado’s most talented chefs and was the former owner of a wild mushroom distribution company called Hunt & Gather that supplied wild harvested ingredients to chefs in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. He was also the host of a podcast called ‘A Fermented Affair’ where he discussed fermented food and drink as well as mushrooms. He served as the 2012 editor of SporesAfield, the newsletter for the Colorado Mycological Society, as well as the vice president of the club in 2011. He is a presenter and chef for the Wild Mushroom Dinner at the Telluride Mushroom Festival. Recently his recipes were featured in the cookbook ‘Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide’ and will be featured in the new ‘Fantastic Fungi Cookbook’ scheduled to be published later this year. Graham is a Colorado Department of Health and Environment Wild Mushroom Identification Expert and continues to teach courses on mushroom identification and foraging, cooking, and cultivating various culinary and medicinal fungi. TOPICS COVERED: Discovering Mycology in Denver, a Formative Moment with Porcini Balance Between Permissive & Prohibitive Philosophies Around Commercial Foraging Forest Management Practices Foraging Permits – the Good and the Bad Wild Mushroom Licenses Liability in Commercial Foraging Legal Frameworks Around Foraging Advice to Find Legal, Abundant Forage Grounds Making Mushrooms the Star of the Culinary Show Porcini Mushroom Bisque, Chanterelle Succotash Underappreciated Hawk’s Wings and Snow Fungus Mollusks and Mushrooms The Genius of Simple Culinary Preparations Mycouprrhizal Mushroom Farm EPISODE RESOURCES: Graham Steinruck IG: https://www.instagram.com/instantgrahamster/ Myco-Uprrhizal Mushroom Farm: https://www.instagram.com/myco_uprrhizal/ Wild Mushrooms Cookbook and Foraging Guide: https://islanderbookshop.com/products/wild-mushrooms-a-cookbook-and-foraging-guide-by-kristen-and-trent-blizzard Fantastic Fungi Community Cookbook: https://bookshop.org/books/fantastic-fungi-the-community-cookbook/9781647222956 Psilocybe azurescens (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_azurescens
S1 E126 · Wed, June 15, 2022
Ep. 126: The Art in Mushroom Cultivation & Embracing the Unknowable (feat. Sam Shoemaker)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to interview mushroom cultivation artist Sam Shoemaker. Sam is an interdisciplinary artist and mycologist based in Los Angeles, California. Sam's recent artistic work stems from an ongoing collaboration with rare, native, and medicinal fungi. After receiving his MFA from Yale University in 2020, Sam founded the urban mushroom farm Myco Myco from his underground laboratory in Los Angeles. His obsession with mushrooms led Sam to some unconventional cultivation projects. These projects produced interesting results which led him to ask questions about how mushrooms can be used and when nobody seemed to be able to answer his questions he just kept going - doing more experiments, taking the science as far as he could, and trying things for himself. Approaching mycology through the lens of an artist, Sam explores the tremendous amount of creative opportunity surrounding mycology right now. His aim is simple and beautiful: making mycology accessible to all and encouraging people to embrace the unknowable! TOPICS COVERED: Grandma's Artistic Influence An Obsession with Mushrooms is Born Mushrooms and Modern Art Replacing Single-Use Plastics in Cultivation Mushroom Chia Pets Blending Boundaries of Art and Science Public Reception to Sam’s Artwork Practicality of Substrates from Waste Streams Myco Myco Mushroom Farm Advice for Making Mushroom Cultivation into a Living Changes in Mycophile Culture as Mushrooms Go Mainstream Future of Mushroom Cultivation Leading with Reciprocity Future Educational Projects EPISODE RESOURCES: Sam Shoemaker Website: https://www.samkshoemaker.com/ Sam Shoemaker IG: https://www.instagram.com/samkshoemaker/ Myco Myco Farm Website: https://mycomyco.farm/ Myco Myco Farm IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycomycofarm/ Candace Lin: http://ghebaly.com/work/candicelin/ Ganoderma (genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma Fomitopsis (genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis Marasmius plicatulus (species): https://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Marasmius_plicatulus.html
S1 E125 · Thu, June 09, 2022
Ep. 125: Community Assembly & Fungi that Live in Flower Nectar (feat. Prof. Tadashi Fukami)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the distinct pleasure of being joined by Professor Tadashi Fukami – head of Stanford University’s Fukami Lab. Professor Fukami is an expert on community ecology and along with supporting his students and lab members, his primary interest is to understand historical contingency in community assembly. He is broadly interested in how species interact with one another in ecosystems and enjoys working with other lab members on the variety of projects that they bring to the lab. He earned his PhD at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with Jim Drake and Dan Simberloff. He was then a postdoctoral fellow at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research in New Zealand and Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa before joining the Stanford faculty in 2008. He sheds light on how communities assemble, even at microbe-sized ecologies, and has revealed amazing insights about fungal ecologies and interactions with other organisms that many of us have never even heard of. TOPICS COVERED: Embracing Nature Outside Tokyo Coming to America Fundamentals of Community Assembly Historical Contingency in Community Assembly Isolating Ecological Islands Microbial Community Ecology Rules of Community Assembly? Understanding Community Assembly in Restoring Ecosystems Flowers, Fallen Logs and the Human Body as Ecological Communities Yeast Fungi Living in Flower Nectar Monkeyflower Nectar Biome Plant Pollinator Mutualistic Interactions Applied Agricultural Uses of Understanding Nectar Microbiome Metacommunities EPISODE RESOURCES: Prof Tadashi Fukami Staff Page: https://profiles.stanford.edu/tadashi-fukami Fukami Lab Website: https://web.stanford.edu/~fukamit/ Prof. Tad Fukami Research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tadashi-Fukami Prof. James Drake Research: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/James-A-Drake-2044716847
S1 E124 · Mon, May 30, 2022
Ep. 124: Ali the Fungi Guy - Mushrooms, Joy & Wellbeing (feat. Ali McKernan)
Today we are blessed by the presence of Ali McKernan, a self-professed Mycophile who is also known as 'The Fungi Guy' on Instagram and Youtube. Ali is a mushroom educator who uses humor and enthusiasm to get the message of the mushrooms to the masses. He was a member of the Education and Outreach Committee for the British Mycological Society and has helped to organize and promote UK Fungus Day among other outreach programs. Alongside his work with organizations like BMS, Ali makes “daft” Youtube and Instagram videos showcasing his fungal finds and organizes Fungi ID walks in his local area. I’m excited to learn how Ali became the Fungi guy and what it means to him to share his love of mushrooms. TOPICS COVERED: Foraging Tutelage from Jesper Launder Role as an Educator Supporting Emotional Needs of Children UK Fungus Day British Mycological Society Navigating Social Media Choosing Joy Fungi & Wellbeing Fungi a Lifelong Passion Five Threads of Wellbeing Accessibility of Fungi Mushrooms in Urban Edgelands & Green Spaces Advice to Share a Love of Fungi with Kids Annual Stinkhorn Race UK Myco Heroes EPISODE RESOURCES: The Fungi Guy IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.fungi.guy/ The Fungi Guy YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/theFUNgiguy British Mycological Society: https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ North West Fungus Group: https://northwestfungusgroup.com/ UK Fungus Day: https://www.ukfungusday.co.uk/ Jesper Launder: http://www.jesperlaunder.com/ Geoffrey Kibby: https://www.mykoweb.eu/catalog/geoffrey-kibby Roger Phillips: https://rogersmushrooms.com/ Liz Holden: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Liz-Holden-2021164358 Prof. Lynne Boddy: https://fungalecologycardiff.com/the-team/professor-lynne-boddy/ Andy Overall: http://www.fungitobewith.org/ Brian Douglas: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian-Douglas
S1 E123 · Fri, May 20, 2022
Ep. 123: Mushlabs - Fermentation, Fungi & Foods of the Future (feat. Dr. Mazen Rizk)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to be joined by Dr. Mazen Rizk, one of the founders of Mushlabs. Dr. Rizk is originally from Lebanon but completed his PhD in Hamburg, Germany. He began developing the concept for his food technology company, Mushlabs, at the Technical University lab but has since expanded and now is gearing up to launch the company’s first product. Mushlabs is a team of 40 people from 18 different countries with the shared goal of building a better food system with the help of fungi and fermentation. Their first product concept is created through an incredible fermentation transformation of mycelium. This creates a food product that is truly novel because unlike other companies using a mold strain of fungus, their chosen mycelium is from a strain of mushroom that produces edible fruiting bodies. The potential for this technology to bring reliable, sustainable food to countries effected by war and climate change is quite motivating on a personal level for Dr. Rizk and I think is a potent example of how mushrooms can help us save the world! TOPICS COVERED: Growing Up in Lebanon To Hamburg in Pursuit of Solutions Through Biotechnology Fundamental Change in Food Systems Fungi & Fermentation Effect of Prebiotic Fibers on Human Health Selecting a Strain of Edible Mushroom Mycelium for Making Products Systematic Approach to Selecting Growth Parameters Using Agricultural “Sidestreams” as Inputs for Mycelium Cultivation Creating Circular Food Systems Scaling Mushlabs’ Mycelium Production Partnering with Major Food Producers What is Mushlabs’ Fermentation Process? Critical Importance of Finding a Diverse Team Beyond Burgers – Worldwide Mycelium-based Cultural Foods EPISODE RESOURCES: Mushlabs Website: https://www.mushlabs.com/ Mushlabs IG: https://www.instagram.com/mushlabs/
S1 E122 · Fri, May 13, 2022
Ep. 122: Church of the People for Creator Mother Earth - Authentic, Indigenous, Psychedelic Ceremony (feat. Shane Norte)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to be joined by Shane Norte. Shane is enrolled in the Morongo Band of Indians - a Billion Dollar Tribe in Southern California. He is the founder and spiritual leader of the Church Of The People For Creator and Mother Earth and a Board Member of Decrimalize Nature National. Shane has also worked extensively helping tribes fight against corporations destroying Native Lands. Currently, Shane's church has one grounds on his lands on the la Jolla Indian Reservation. The church's mission is to help those seeking to better their spiritual knowledge and overall knowledge about being a better Indigenous person and human being here on Earth. I am excited to learn more about his psychedelic ceremonies from an authentic indigenous perspective, and how he performs these ceremonies in natural settings. TOPICS COVERED: Navigating Modernity as an Indigenous Person Indigenous vs. Christian Funeral Rites Finding Creator Mother Earth, Entering The Wamkish Founding "Church of People for Creator Mother Earth" Examples of How Church and State Repressed the Indigenous Reclaiming Pride in Indigenous Culture and Spirituality European Influence Destroying Natural Systems Peoples’ Ancestral Connection to Land – Whose DNA is Encoded with how to Live Here ? Refocusing Native Movements Away from the Western European Economic Apparatus Psilocybin Macrodose Therapy Psychedelic Therapy in Synthetic vs Natural Environments Authentic Voices for Sacredness in Psychedelic Ceremony What are Shane’s Ceremonies Like? Breaking Free from Militarism & Political Propaganda EPISODE RESOURCES: COTPFCME Website: https://churchofthepeopleforcreatorandmotherearth.com/ Decriminalize Nature: https://www.decriminalizenature.org/
S1 E121 · Thu, April 28, 2022
Ep. 121: Flora & Fungi Adventures - Campfire Magic, Truffle Tango & the Pursuit of Pleasure (feat. Maria Finn)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are joined by Maria Finn, founder of Flora and Fungi wild foods. Maria Finn is an author, journalist, chef and multi-sensory storyteller. She spent many years pursuing obsessions, like tango dancing and surfing by working on fishing boats in Alaska. Prior to COVID lockdown, she was chef-in-residence for Stochastic Labs, a residency for artists, scientists and tech innovators in Berkeley. During the pandemic she launched Flora and Fungi Wild Food Adventures where she teaches people how to hunt for porcinis, chanterelles, seaweed and other wild foods. She has published widely, including essays, articles, and books, some of which have been optioned for television, inducing visions of grandeur that have not yet come to fruition. She was an ocean faring cat lady living on a houseboat in Sausalito with her two tabby cats and native oyster garden. During COVID lockdown, she adopted a truffle puppy and has since spent many hours is in the woods training her to find these buried gems along with other edible fungi; she has spent subsequent hours searching her dog and self for ticks. She is working on a book about truffles around their world – their role in forest ecosystems and our co-evolution with them! TOPICS COVERED: Writing, Food and the Ocean Collide Listening to Nature & Understanding Cycles Learning from the Yupik Peoples Magic of Cooking Wild Food Around a Campfire Becoming a Wild Food Educator Discovering the Magic of Truffles Falling in Love with Lagotto Ramagnolo Learning to Tango with Your Truffle Dog Mentors in Mushroom & Truffle Hunting Coevolution of Truffles & Humans Human Bodies as Fractals of our Planet Truffle Renaissance Democratization of Pleasure Developing New Value Systems EPISODE RESOURCES: Maria Finn Website: http://www.mariafinn.com/ Flora & Fungi Adventures: https://www.floraandfungiadventures.com/ Maria Finn IG: https://www.instagram.com/maria_finn1/ Yupik peoples: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yupik_peoples Mycological Society of Marin: https://www.mycomarin.org/ Lagotto Romagnolo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagotto_Romagnolo The Truffle Dog Company: https://truffledogcompany.com/ "Scent and the Scenting Dog" (Book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86
S1 E120 · Wed, April 20, 2022
Ep. 120: Lichenology - Biodiversity and Evolution of Fungal, Algal Symbiosis (feat. Matthew Nelsen PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by illustrious lichen expert Matthew Nelsen PhD. Matthew is a Research Scientist at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Matt's research began in botany, ecology and environmental science and has more recently gravitated towards: (i) the evolution of symbiotic associations; and (ii) the evolution of eukaryotic microbes (fungi and algae), and the roles they have played in shaping terrestrial ecosystems and nutrient-cycling over geologic timescales. Both avenues of his research attempt to link diverse fields and organismal groups. He also has conducted work addressing the timing and evolutionary consequences of ant-plant interactions. Matt thank you so much for joining us on the Mushroom Hour! TOPICS COVERED: Fungus & Algae Species Forming Lichen Partnerships Host Specificity in Lichen Partnerships Evolutionary History of Lichen Vascular Plants on Land Before Lichen?! Challenges of Working on “Big Time” Process of Lichen Formation, Fungal Phenotypes Lichen Blurring Species Boundaries Cleptobiosis Role in Carbon & Nitrogen Cycles Lichen as an Ecosystem Lichen & Air Quality in an Environment Lichenometry Analysis of Fungal Coal Formation Hypothesis Ant Plant Interactions EPISODE RESOURCES: Matthew Nelsen Website: https://mpnelsen.com/ Lichen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen Xanthoria parietina (Lichen): https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Xanthoria_parietina Trebouxia (Lichen Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebouxia Toby Spribille (Lichen Expert): https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vPlIL5IAAAAJ&hl=en Betsy Arnold (Endophyte Expert): http://www.arnoldlab.net/ Article on Fungal Coal Formation Hypothesis: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1517943113 Arthrobotrys (Fungal Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthrobotrys Mycoparasites: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mycoparasites
S1 E119 · Mon, April 11, 2022
Ep. 119: Garden State Mushrooms - Pioneering Cultivation of Beefsteak Mushrooms (feat. Jacob Alvarez)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of being joined by Jacob Alvarez. Jacob is an amateur mycologist focusing on dialing in cultivation methods for Fistulina hepatica, the beefsteak fungus. He started the “Beefsteak culture collection project” last year and has been collecting samples of the mushroom since early 2019. In May 2020 he made a significant breakthrough and successfully cultivated the first ever photo documented Beefsteak mushroom grow on a hardwood bag in the USA. He is based out Southern New Jersey where he owns & operates his farm Garden State Mushrooms. At the farm, he grows a wide variety of different gourmet mushrooms and continues his research figuring out better beefsteak cultivation methods. Beefsteak mushrooms are an intriguing mushroom that can be eaten raw, resemble meat in appearance and even bleed. The cultivation of the beefsteak mushroom can add some tremendous value to the mushroom market for small mushroom farms and he passionately believes the time to grow this mushroom is now! I’m excited to hear insights as to how to cultivate this mushroom and maybe be inspired to never give up on ideas even when things go very, very wrong. TOPICS COVERED: Discovering Wild Mushrooms and Introduction to Fistulina hepatica Fistulina Fundamentals Finding the Best Beefsteak Strain for Commercial Cultivation 2020 Beefsteak Culture Challenge Genetics and Process Over Substrate in Beefsteak Cultivation Process of Collecting Wild Tissue Cultures Extreme Photosensitivity of Beefsteak Mushrooms Growth of Project and R&D Scaling Economic Importance of Beefsteak Mushrooms for Small Farmers Betting the Future of Garden State Mycology on Beefsteak Juggling Research, Business, Fatherhood Advice for Entering the World of Mushroom Farming Creating Jerky, Sushi and More with Beefsteak Mushrooms Open-Source Innovation EPISODE RESOURCES: Garden State Mycology Website: https://gardenstatemushrooms.com/ Garden State Mycology IG: https://www.instagram.com/gardenstatemushrooms/ Jacob Alvarez IG: https://www.instagram.com/hacob_/ Fistulina hepatica (AKA Beefsteak Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/fistulina_hepatica.html Myco-Operative Twin Cities: https://www.facebook.com/MycoOpTwinCities/ Mycopolitan: https://www.mycopolitan.com/ Pleurotus eryngii (AKA King Oyster Mushroom): <a href='https://en.wikipedia
S1 E118 · Wed, April 06, 2022
Ep. 118: Galloway Wild Foods - Wild Mushrooms, Coastal Foraging & Botanical Cocktails (feat. Mark Williams)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Mark Williams, founder of Galloway Wild Foods. Through his work in the wilds of Scotland, Mark hopes to share his passion for foraging and the delicious and nutritious food that we all can gather for free in the wild. In so doing, Mark’s goal is to restore vital connection between humans and nature, increasing our intimacy with the natural world in ways that are beneficial our own physical and mental wellbeing, and the health of the ecosystems of which we are part. He teaches about the full range and depth of wild food and foraging including plants, fungi, seaweed, and shellfish. These practices take Mark across a diverse range of habitats – from high mountains, through forests, hedgerows, urban settings and down to the coast. He covers all areas of foraging including traditional and modern food uses, health and nutrition, traditional and modern medicinal uses, survival and bushcraft, wild booze and lots more. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Spent in Nature Discovering Provenance, Wild Food & Foraging Working as a Chef Scotland as a Mushroom Habitat Foraging Traditions in Scotland Diversity & Abundance in Coastal Foraging Nutritional & Medicinal Value of Seaweeds Cyber-foraging & Impressions on Social Media Edible Conifers Botanical Cocktails Medicinal Mushrooms & Plants Evolution of Foraging Mentorship The Association of Foragers Wild Food Accreditation Systems Adding Mushrooms to School Curriculums EPISODE RESOURCES: Galloway Wild Foods Website: https://gallowaywildfoods.com/ Mark Williams Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markwildfood/ Association of Foragers: https://foragers-association.org/ "A Passion for Mushrooms" (Book): https://antoniocarlucciofoundation.org/book/a-passion-for-mushrooms/ Sea Orache: https://gallowaywildfoods.com/orache-identification-edibility-distribution/ Palmaria palmata (Dulse Seaweed): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmaria_palmata Nori Seaweed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nori Grifola frondosa (Hen of the Woods): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grifola_frondosa Hymenochaete corrugata (Hazel Glue): <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wi
S1 E117 · Sun, March 27, 2022
Ep. 117: Bolt Threads & Mylo™ Unleather - Inspired by Nature, Designing for the Future (feat. David Breslauer)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are joined by David Breslauer, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of Bolt Threads. Bolt Threads is a company on a mission to create way better materials for a way better world, developing sustainable solutions for the apparel and beauty industries. With nature as inspiration, Bolt Threads invents and scales credible materials that put us on a path towards a more sustainable future. Bolt Threads is based in Emeryville, Calif. and was a Fast Company Most Innovative company in 2019 and 2018. David leads technology innovation at Bolt, creating and incubating biomaterials for improved consumer products. His obsession with biomaterials began with graduate research on silk during his Bioengineering PhD at UC Berkeley and UCSF. David has an orange belt in Krav Maga and is a great admirer of stencil graffiti. I’m excited to hear from him about all the future of sustainable materials and how Mylo ™ – their mycelium material line, will play a leading role. TOPICS COVERED: Microfluidics & Bio-inspiration Biomaterials Past, Present and Future Decision to Create Sustainable Consumer Goods Synchronistic Connections Researching Spider Silk Founding Bolt Threads In Search of Leather, Turning to Mycelium Learning to Work with Mycelium as a Material How to Transform Mycelium into Leather-like Material Properties of Mycelium as a Leather Material Scaling Production of Mycelium Leather Reaction from Product Developers and Fashion Houses Future Uses of Mycelium and other Biomaterials Advice for Working in the Field of Biomaterials EPISODE RESOURCES: Bolt Threads Website: https://boltthreads.com/ Mylo Unleather Website: https://www.mylo-unleather.com/ Bolt Threads IG: https://www.instagram.com/boltthreads/ Mylo Unleather IG: https://www.instagram.com/mylo_unleather/
S1 E116 · Mon, March 21, 2022
Ep. 116: Just Mushrooms Cookbook - Celebrating the Future of Food (feat. Michelle Russell & Camille DeGabrielle)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the dynamic duo Michelle Russell and Camille Myhre Degabrielle author of the new cookbook “Just Mushrooms”. Ten years ago, Michelle changed everything about her life, she lost 80lbs by adopting a plant-based diet, ridded herself of the need for 12 prescription medications, cured her depression, and accepted a new job in Tokyo. From Tokyo, she moved to Bavaria and spent years traveling the European capitals and backroads. During this period of exploration, Michelle went to culinary school to learn more about the many ways that plants can heal us and became convinced that part of her next evolution would be to help make it easier to be healthy. Camille majored in Industrial Design at Savannah College of Art and Design. During this time, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Hong Kong. Having first-hand experience with manufacturing practices and seeing the impact of what product design could do to our environment, she refocused her efforts to more sustainable design. Through studying Sustainability & Biomimicry, she allowed those principles to reshape her thinking and eventually adopted a plant-based diet for ecological and ethical reasons. Their cookbook will make you a firm believer, like I am, that fungi are the future of food and they can help us heal our bodies, our minds, and the planet itself. TOPICS COVERED: Michelle and Camille Connecting Through Mushrooms In Search of a Mushroom Cookbook Influenced by Mycophilic Cultures Growing Mushrooms at Home Mushroom Cultivation as the Future of Sustainable Agriculture Techniques in Mushroom Cooking & Preparation Health Benefits of Consuming Mushrooms Possible to Eat Too Many Mushrooms? Themes Throughout “Just Mushrooms” Cookbook How the Cookbook is Structured Some Favorite Mushroom Recipes from the Cookbook Evolution Through Writing the Cookbook Integration with the Mycophile Community Future Plans Beyond the Cookbook EPISODE RESOURCES: Just Mushrooms Website: https://www.just-mushrooms.com/ Just Mushrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/just_mushrooms_/?hl=en Just Mushrooms Cookbook: https://www.just-mushrooms.com/purchase
S1 E115 · Wed, March 16, 2022
Ep. 115: Feral Fungi - Alchemycology, Astromycology & Spagyric Tinctures (feat. Jason Scott)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of Jason Scott, founder of Feral Fungi. Jason Scott is a Mycologist, Ethnobotanist and Spagyricist who has studied traditional Hermetic Alchemy, from history and philosophy to practice, for the past 9 years. He has a background in Ethnobotany and Plant Medicine that started on the Big Island of Hawaii and has carried back with him into his home: the Pacific North West. Born and raised in Oregon, Jason has an intrinsic interest in the Fungal Queendom and all of its aspects: from cultivation and mycoremediation, to historical and cultural relationships. Jason has studied various different healing modalities including Ayurveda in Nepal and Western Herbalism all over Oregon and Washington. As Owner of Feral Fungi, he produces Mushroom Spagyric Tinctures, and he curates AlcheMycology.com where he shares some of his teachings and writings alongside other fascinating discoveries in the world of Fungi. Jason is also a co-organizer of the Radical Mycology Convergence and the Fungi Film Fest. He is on an ever-deepening journey of education to understand the practical applications of his interests, and the golden threads that connect them. TOPICS COVERED: Growing up Adrift in a Disconnected Culture Radical Mycology Convergence Heremetic Sciences – Alchemy, Astrology, Quabbalah Philosophies & Origins of Alchemy Embracing Practical Alchemy in Laboratory Work Doctrines of Signatures, Correspondences & Emanations Alche-mycology & Transmutation Astrology & Planetary Correspondences Astro-mycology - Mushrooms & Their Planets Understanding Through Powers of Observation Embracing the Qualitative Dangers of Reductionism with Herbal Medicines Spagyric Processing – Metaphor of Sulphur, Salt, Mercury Frontiers of Mushroom Spagyrics EPISODE RESOURCES: Feral Fungi Website: https://feralfungi.com/ Feral Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/feralfungi/ Alchemycology Website: http://www.alchemycology.com/ Radical Mycology: https://www.radicalmycology.com/ Robert Bartlett: https://www.spagyricus.com/about-robert-bartlett/ Paracelsus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracelsus Plant Path Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plant-path/id1243181579 Manfred M Junius: https://w
S1 E114 · Sun, March 06, 2022
Ep. 114: Jamaica's Mushroom Queen & Wake Network (feat. Terri Smith)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are honored to be joined by Terri Smith, the CEO of Wake Jamaica. Terri’s passions lie in making wellness possible for underserved people and communities. As a young mother recently arrived in Canada, she completed her studies in Literature and Social-Cultural Anthropology and developed her expertise in Labour Market re-entry for injured workers and economically-disadvantaged adults. Terri returned to Jamaica to care for an elderly relative, and during that time she and her husband took up a mushroom farm using a unique proprietary lemongrass-bamboo substrate. Terri believes in a triple bottom line approach to growing any of her projects: every community entered must be better when we leave - financially, socially and environmentally. I’m so excited to here about her work in helping rural & underserved communities to find empowerment through mushroom cultivation and all the ways that her company Wake is contributing to the democratization of wellness. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in Rural Jamaica Inspired to Train Women how to Change Their World with Mushrooms Seeing a Need to Heal People and Environments in Rural Jamaica Economic Policies Impacting Health of Jamaica’s People and Environment Becoming Jamaica’s Mushroom Queen Adapting Cultivation Techniques to Meet the Needs of Communities Improving Understandings of Agriculture through Mushroom Cultivation The Power Multiplier of Empowering Women in Poor & Rural Communities Connecting with Wake Network Landscape of Psilocybin Mushroom Industry in Jamaica History of Psilocybin Mushrooms in Jamaica How Wake’s Programs Integrate and Support Local Communities in Jamaica Plant and Mushroom Medicines Nothing New for Indigenous Cultures Future of Scaling Wake Network Programs in Jamaica EPISODE RESOURCES: Wake Network: https://wake.net/ Chido Govera (Inspiration): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chido_Govera Pleurotus ostreatus (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurotus_ostreatus Psilocybe cubensis (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_cubensis
S1 E113 · Sun, February 27, 2022
Ep. 113: Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains and Arctic Alpine Biome (feat. Dr. Cathy Cripps)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of being joined by Dr. Cathy Cripps. Dr Cripps is a mycologist and professor at Montana State University where she teaches and does research on fungi. She earned her BS from the University of Michigan and PhD from Virginia Tech with Dr. Orson Miller. Her research on mushrooms that survive in Arctic and alpine habitats has taken her to Iceland, Svalbard, Norway, Greenland, the Austrian Alps, and Finland. She is co-author of “ The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat ”, and “ Fungi in Forest Ecosystems ”, and has authored numerous scientific papers. She is also involved with using mycorrhizal fungi in the restoration of whitebark pine. With over 40 years of experience collecting mushrooms, first as an amateur when she lived in a cabin in Colorado and later as a professional leading forays and teaching field classes in Montana, her love and enthusiasm for the Rocky Mountains and its fungal creatures runs deep. TOPICS COVERED: Interest in Organisms from the Benthic Deep to the Mountaintops Falling in Love with the Colorado Mountains Coming out of the Mountains to Pursue a Graduate Degree Foundations of the Telluride Mushroom Festival Distinguishing Montagne, Alpine and Subalpine Ecosystems Alpine Mushrooms and 1 Inch Dwarf Willows Subalpine Aspen Forests Montagne Conifer Forests Role of Soil pH and Tree Age in Fungal Community Composition Mycorrhizal Fungi as Key to Resiliency of White Bark Pine Forests Biogeography of Arctic Alpine Fungi Native and Endemic Fungi of Mountain Biomes Writing “The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat” Future of Research on Mycorrhizal Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: Cathy Cripps Faculty Profile: https://plantsciences.montana.edu/directory/faculty/1524013/cathy-cripps Orson K. Miller: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3852/10-042 Dwarf Willows: https://www.bbcearth.com/news/the-worlds-tiniest-tree Amanita alpinicola (fungus): https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mtax/mt/2017/00000132/00000003/art00025;jsessionid=26t1ks7l10pq2.x-ic-live-02 Arrhenia auriscalpium (fungus): https://plantsciences.montana.edu/facultyorstaff/faculty/cripps/Arrhenia%20paper.pdf Dentinum repandum (fungus): <a href='https://e
S1 E112 · Mon, February 21, 2022
Ep. 112: Making Music with Mushrooms - Transcription of Bioelectric Action Potentials (Michael Allen Z Prime)
For more than two decades, Michael Allen Z Prime has pioneered the art of making music in collaboration with plants and fungi. His albums: L-Fields, One Hour As Peyote, Borneo, and The Ascent Of Sap were the first to be made in collaboration with the bioelectrical fields of plants and fungi. In his work, the fluctuations in pitch and rhythm that you hear directly follow the fluctuations of the bioelectrical fields of the organisms he is working with. Michael has presented his plant and fungal sound installations at venues around the world, including The Mendel Museum (Brno), the NTT InterCommunication Center (Tokyo), the Halles de Schaarbeek (Brussels), the Arnolfini Gallery (Bristol), the Centre for Experimental and Improvised Music (Madrid), and the old Franciscan Abbey on Sherkin Island (Ireland). His recordings of fungi have also been featured on the BBC. Michael is also a qualified ecologist, and his work in that field led him to establish the Comillane Gardens botanical gardens and nature reserve on Cape Clear Island, 10 miles south of the Irish mainland. TOPICS COVERED: Early Explorations of Electroacoustic Music & Mycology Translating the Bio-Electrical Activity of Organisms into Sound Different Approaches to Translate Biodata from Organisms Audio Translation of Electrical Resistance vs Bioelectrical Action Potentials What Does Sound Coming from Mushrooms Tell Us? Acoustic Differences Between Day and Nights Cycles of Fungi Does Translating Bioelectrical Activity Also Us to Communicate with Other Organisms? Bioactivity Translation Equipment Michael's Mushroom Sound Exhibitions Different Sounds of Mushrooms Indoors vs Outdoors Differences in Sounds Between Mushroom Species Understanding Bioactivity as Future of Understanding Fungal Networks Demonstration Transcribing Bioelectrical Action Potentials of Mushrooms into Sound Upcoming Projects and Collaborations EPISODE RESOURCES: Michael Prime Bandcamp: https://michaelallenzprime.bandcamp.com/music Michael Prime Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSX2bfcI0BR-phhw1DGH7JA Tony Bassett (only reference we could find): http://www.fsr.org.uk/spi/spibass1.htm Merlin Sheldrake: https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/ Peziza repanda (fungus): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/peziza_repanda.html Laricifomes officinalis (AKA Agarikon mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.or
S1 E111 · Mon, February 14, 2022
Ep. 111: Mushroom Safaris in Wales & Perspectives on Anglo-Saxon Foraging (feat. Daniel Butler)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have are honored to be joined by Welsh wild food expert Daniel Butler. Daniel is an environmental writer and wild food enthusiast, starting as a boy with ferreted rabbits and moving on to herbs and mushrooms in his 20s. He leads guided hedgerow and fungal forays from his Welsh smallholding through the summer and autumn. Writing extensively on issues of foraging as a source of free food Daniel aims to demystify edible plants and fungi to make them accessible to all. I’m excited to learn more about foraging in the Welsh countryside, how wild foods can add new dimensions to our lives and even the legal and conservation aspects foragers consider as we enjoy the wild harvest. TOPICS COVERED: Moving to the Country, Discovering Mushrooms Anglo-Saxon Mycophobia Fungal Edibility & Toxicity in Perspective Environmental Conservation in the UK Property Rights in the UK “The Charter of the Forest” More Influential than Magna Carta? How Foraging Benefits Conservation Efforts Cultural Influences on Foraging in the UK, Continental Europe and America Mushroom Foraging Seasons in the UK Exploring the Biodiversity of Elan Valley in Wales Clashes with Authority in UK Forests Bringing Together Conservation Authorities and Foraging Culture Building Back Connection with the Land Gift of Educating Others About Wild Mushrooms EPISODE RESOURCES: Daniel Butler Website: https://www.fungiforays.co.uk/ Elan Valley, Wales: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elan_Valley "Charter of the Forest": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_of_the_Forest Northern Goshawk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_goshawk Calocybe gamose (AKA St. George's Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calocybe_gambosa Boletus edulis (AKA Porcini Mushroom) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis Craterellus cornucopioides (AKA Black Trumpet Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craterellus_cornucopioides
S1 E110 · Mon, January 31, 2022
Ep. 110: Melanated Fungi - Protecting from Radioactivity & Surviving Extreme Conditions (feat. Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova. Dr. Dadachova is a Professor of Pharmacy at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation Chair in Radiopharmacy. Before joining University of Saskatchewan, she was a Professor of Radiology, Microbiology and Immunology in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, USA, where she was also Sylvia and Robert S. Olnick Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research. She received her PhD in Physical Chemistry from Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia, in 1992, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in radiopharmaceutical chemistry at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization in Sydney, Australia. Dadachova’s laboratory has pioneered the treatment of infectious diseases including fungal and bacterial infections and HIV with radiolabeled antibodies (so called radioimmunotherapy). Her other research interests are radioimmunotherapy of melanoma, blood cancers and osteosarcoma as well as the development of melanin-based radioprotectors for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, soldiers on the battlefield and astronauts in space. TOPICS COVERED: Research Pathways of Melanin, Melanoma and Fungi Coming Together Black Fungi in Soil Surrounding Chernobyl Melanin in Fungi Basics of Radiation and Types of Radioactive Particles Fungi in Outer Space How Fungi Use Melanin to Protect Themselves Against Ionizing Radiation Fungi Surviving in Antarctica Melanated Fungi Harvesting Radiation Radiotropism Applied Technologies for Radiation Protection from Melanized Fungi The Power of Eating Melanized Mushrooms Radioimmunotherapy Radiopharmaceuticals Future Research & Applications EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova Academic Website: https://pharmacy-nutrition.usask.ca/profiles/kate-dadachova.php#Bio Dr. Ekaterina Dadachova Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=A6Ud3q0AAAAJ&hl=en Cryptococcus neoformans (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptococcus_neoformans Cryptococcus antarcticus (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptococcus_antarcticus Auricularia judae (fungis): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auricularia_auricula-judae
S1 E109 · Sun, January 23, 2022
Ep. 109: Integrated Land Enhancement & Applied Mycology (feat. Leif Olson)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the incredible opportunity to speak with Integrated Land Enhancement found Leif Olson. A native of the western North Carolina mountains, Leif grew up with a deep sense of connection and appreciation for nature. Early on this relationship was primarily through a creative and imaginative lens, but after over a decade of researching and working in ecology, chemistry, mycology, landscaping and sustainable agriculture he now works to study and improve the natural world with an interdisciplinary approach. After receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Ecology from University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Environmental Management in Ecotoxicology at Duke University, Leif spent the following years becoming versed in the rapidly emerging fields of applied mycology and soil biology. Though it may be unbeknownst to many, we are currently living in a renaissance of knowledge for understanding the processes and interconnectivity of nature. What a great opportunity to learn from a hands-on expert about how we can leverage our emerging understanding of plants, fungi, microorganisms, nutrients, water and more to enhance the resiliency, fertility and productivity of our landscapes. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in Nature, Studying Ecology, Mycelium Running Environmental Conditions Bioremediation Can Address Unbounded Ability of Natural Organisms Benefits of Fungi to the Environment Chemistry of Fungal Decomposition & Ligninolytic Enzymes Interactions Between Fungi, Bacteria Virsuses and More in Soil Technology in Applied Mycology Contaminant Removal – Organic, Inorganic, Pathogens Engineering & Implementing Bioremediation Projects Real-World Examples of Bioremediation Projects Geomycology & Biogeochemistry Evolution of Environmental Institutions & Regulatory Frameworks All groups of Fungi Can Break Down Contaminants? Advice in Pursuing Bioremediation Projects EPISODE RESOURCES: Integrated Land Enhancement: https://integratedlandenhancement.com/ Applied Mycology Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/appliedmycology/ Fungi for the People: https://fungiforthepeople.org/ Mushroom Mountain: https://mushroommountain.com/ Lentinus tigrinus (AKA Tiger Sawgill Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/lentinus_tigrinus.html Hericium erinaceus (AKA Lions Mane): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/hericium_erinaceus.html
S1 E108 · Mon, January 10, 2022
Ep. 108: Mushrooms of Cascadia, Mentoring Stamets & the Promise of Psilocybe (feat. Prof. Michael Beug)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of the illustrious Dr. Michael Beug. Dr. Beug taught chemistry, mycology and organic farming at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington for 32 years. He lectures to mushroom enthusiasts throughout the Western US and loves to teach beginners workshops. He is a member of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) where he serves as Editor of the Journal McIlvainea, Chair of the Toxicology Committee, and member of the Education Committee. Michael has served four terms as President of The Pacific Northwest Key Council, a group dedicated to writing macroscopic keys for the identification of fungi. His specialties are the genus Ramaria and all toxic and hallucinogenic mushrooms. He is also doing research on oak-associated fungi of the Columbia River Gorge, especially Cortinarius species. His newest book is Mushrooms of Cascadia and he regularly writes about mushrooms in McIlvainea, The Mycophile, Fungi, and Mushroom: The Journal of Wild Mushrooming and he somehow finds the time to be on the editorial board of Fungi magazine. I’m excited to learn from this master mycology educator about the past, present and future of mushrooms. TOPICS COVERED: Early Career at Evergreen & Becoming a Mycologist DDT Controversy, Research into PCBs and Heavy Metals Multidisciplinary Teaching Career and Collaboration at Evergreen College Paul Stamets Jeremy Bigwood & Jonathan Ott Introduce Psilocybe Being Paul Stamets’ Professor & Friend Modern Psilocybin History from Wasson, Leary & Alpert to Recent Decriminalization Evolution of Academic Mycology Importance of Amateur Naturalists in Mycology Global Political Theory & Creating Positive Change Averting Disaster, Listening to Nature Rise of Mushroom Culture Psilocybin, Empathy & Hope Mushrooms of Cascadia & Next Book on Regenerative Design Trippy Tales featuring Mushroom Legends at Brightenbush EPISODE RESOURCES: Mushrooms of Cascadia Website: https://www.mushroomsofcascadia.com/ Mushrooms of Cascadia Book: https://fungi.com/products/mushrooms-of-cascadia Columbia River Gorge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_River_Gorge North American Mycological Association: https://namyco.org/ Fungi Magazine: https://www.fungimag.com/ Pacific Northwest Key Council: https://www.svims.ca/council/ MycoMatch: https://www.mycomatch.com/index.htm </l
S1 E107 · Sun, January 02, 2022
Ep. 107: Lingzhi Girl - Uniting East & West, Nature & Modernity, Death & Immortality (feat. Xiaojing Yan)
Xiaojing Yan is a Canadian artist whose work embraces the combination of her Chinese roots and education at Nanjing Arts Institute (B.F.A., 2000) with higher education at George Brown College in Toronto (2004) and an M.F.A. in sculpture at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2007). Her unique point of view brings together the past and the present, encompasses culture and nature, art and science. Yan is a recipient of numerous awards and grants, including the 2014 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Project Grants from the Canadian Council for the Arts, the Chalmers Arts Fellowship, Mid-career Grants from Ontario Arts Council, and many more. Most recently, she has had solo shows at Maison Hermès, Shanghai, China, Art Gallery of Northumberland, Cobourg, ON, Canada, Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond, BC, Canada and Suzhou Museum, Suzhou, China, Varley Art Gallery, Markham, ON, Canada. Yan has also completed public art projects and commissions in Canada and China including her 2018 installation Cloudscape at the Royal Ontario Museum and 2019 Window display "Into the Dream" for Maison Hermès. It’s my pleasure to learn more about the unique ethos behind her art and her intimate relationship with reishi mushroom, also known as lingzhi. TOPICS COVERED: Following the Artists' Path from China to Canada Engaging Space in Creating Art Inspiration from Chinese Mythologies, Stories and Iconographies Connection to Nature in Eastern and Western Cultures Forces of Modernization Reshaping Relationships with Nature Rise of the “Moderners” Weighing Human Progress and Environmental Homeostasis Imbuing Art with Meaning Before and After Creation Pearls and Cicadas used to make Sculptures Roles of Artists in Communicating Balance in Nature Making Art with Lingzhi AKA Reishi Chinese Culture and the Mushroom of Immortality Cocreating Art with Nature Rise of Mycelium in Art and Design EPISODE RESOURCES: Xiaojing Yan Website: https://yanxiaojing.com/ Xiaojing Yan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiaojing.yan.studio/?hl=en Lingzhi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi_(mushroom) "Scholar's Stone": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongshi "Classic of Mountains and Seas": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_of_Mountains_and_Seas
S1 E106 · Fri, December 24, 2021
Ep. 106: Truffle Hunting, Raising a Truffle Dog & Managing Truffle Forests (feat. Melissa Waddingham)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are graced by the presence of Melissa Waddingham founder of Truffle and Mushroom Hunter. As a professional truffle hunter, Melissa respectfully and sustainably searches for truffles with her trained canine companions. She has studied forestry and woodland management and exudes a passion for woodlands and their association with mushrooms and truffles. Her work has given her a reverence for the delicate truffle woodland ecology and its sustainability. It is a rare environment crucial for not only her beloved truffles, but also the well-being of trees in areas of poor nutrients. In pursuing this work, Melissa has created a mushroom and truffle foraging business where she does it all - training truffle hounds, leading truffle hunting courses, performing woodland surveys in search of truffle presence or potential and collaborating with landowners to nurture environments for truffle cultivation. TOPICS COVERED: Introduction to Fungi Through the Stomach Discovering Truffles Truffle Habitat - England vs Portugal Truffle Clues & Aromas Engaging the Senses Ecology & Life of Truffles Special Relationship with a Truffle Dog What Types of Dogs can Hunt Truffles? Traits of Good Truffle Dogs Training a Truffle Dog Learning the Language of Your Truffle Dog Advice for Beginning the Truffle Hunting Journey Surveying Forests for Truffles Truffle Cultivation Industry EPISODE RESOURCES: Truffle & Mushroom Hunter Website: https://truffleandmushroomhunter.com/ Truffle & Mushroom Hunter FB: https://www.facebook.com/truffleandmushroomhunter/ Truffle & Mushroom Hunter IG: https://www.instagram.com/truffleandmushroomhunter/ Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Truffle Hunting Dog): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagotto_Romagnolo Ian Hall: http://www.trufflesandmushrooms.co.nz/ Amanita caesarea (Fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_caesarea
S1 E105 · Sun, December 12, 2021
Ep. 105: Alchemi, Amycel & Monterey Mushrooms - Mushroom Medicine, Fungal Genetics & Agaricus Farming (feat. Amir Karian)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by generational mushroom cultivator and medicinal mushroom alchemist Amir Karian. Amir grew up in a family of mushroom farmers who own and operate one of America’s largest mushroom farms in Monterey Mushrooms and one of the largest mushroom spawn production companies called Amycel. But Amir’s passion for mycology truly began when a journey of personal healing taught him first hand the power of medicinal mushrooms. He was compelled to share with others and being a part of a family of farmers was a blessing he couldn't overlook. He spent the next several years utilizing all of the experience and knowledge of mushroom farming that had been perfected over generations to research, develop, and grow the highest quality medicinal mushroom supplements - thus Alchemi Mushrooms was born. The driving ethos behind Alchemi’s medicinal mushroom products is: "if it's not good enough to give to our families, we won't sell it." I’m excited to learn about mushroom cultivation, medicine and more from someone who has mushrooms encoded in their DNA TOPICS COVERED: Generational Mushroom Farmer Discovers Medicinal Mushrooms Decentralization & Consolidation in the Mushroom Industry Monterey Mushrooms & Amycel Breeding and Selecting Mushroom Genetics Mushroom Mutations Role of Large Agaricus Farms in Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation The Birth of Alchemi Mushrooms & Monterey Neutraceuticals Medicinal Benefits of Mushroom Mycelium & Fruit Bodies Medicinal Mushroom Unknown Unknowns Chitin & Polysaccharides in Mushroom Cell Walls Alchemi Mushrooms Product Line Cultivating Chaga Innovation and Growth of the Mushroom Cultivation Industry Advice for Mushroom Cultivators EPISODE RESOURCES: Alchemi Mushrooms Website: https://alchemimushrooms.com/Mushroomhour Monterey Mushrooms Website: https://www.montereymushrooms.com/ Amycel Website: https://www.amycel.com/ Agaricus blazei : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agaricus_subrufescens Lignosus rhinocerus "Tiger Milk Mushroom": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignosus_rhinocerus Cordyceps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
S1 E104 · Sat, December 04, 2021
Ep. 104: Wild Food Year - Mushrooms, Herbalism, Plant Wisdom & the Inner Universe (feat. Monica Wilde)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Monica Wilde. Monica is a forager, research herbalist and ethnobotanist. She lives in Scotland in a self-built wooden house on 4 organic acres where she is encouraging the growth of medicinal and foraging species to create a wild, teaching garden. She is also a Research Herbalist specializing in Lyme disease & co-infections, and a Fellow of the Linnean Society. Monica holds a Master’s degree in Herbal Medicine, she is a Member of the Association of Forager and a Member of the British Mycological Society. I’m excited to learn from someone who embodies such deep natural wisdom on how to nourish both our bodies and Gaia through wild food and wild medicine. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in Kenya & Connection to the Wild Disconnection in Post-WWII Western Society The Wisdom of Plants The Language & Biosemiotics of Plants Tenets of Herbalism Ancient Roots of Herbalism Herbalism and Pharmaceuticals Money as a Religion The Body as a Collection of Microbiomes Understanding Lyme Disease Shepherding Wild Plants & Mushrooms Traditional Ecological Knowledge Reciprocity with the Natural World Lessons Learned from a Wild Food Diet EPISODE RESOURCES: Monica Wilde Website: https://monicawilde.com/ Monica Wilde Twitter: https://twitter.com/monicawilde Monica Wilde IG: https://www.instagram.com/monicawilde/ Wild Medicine Substack: https://wildmedicine.substack.com/ Napiers Herbalists: https://napiers.net/ Monascus purpureus (Red Rice Yeast): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monascus_purpureus Heracleum sphondylium (Common Hogweed): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracleum_sphondylium Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracleum_mantegazzianum Zach Bush: https://zachbushmd.com/ Lyme Disease: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease Łukasz Łuczaj: http://thewildfood.org/ Pilosella officinarum (Mouse Ear Hawkweed): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilosella_officinarum Association of Foragers: <a href=
S1 E103 · Wed, November 24, 2021
Ep. 103: Exploring Fungal Taxonomy, Phylogeny & the Future of Conservation (feat. Else Vellinga)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are honored to be joined by Else Vellinga. In her career as a mycologist, Else has described 22 new mushroom species in California. Her most recent work is at the University and Jepson Herbaria at UC Berkeley, and at UCSF, on the Microfungi Collections Digitization project. She received her training at the National Herbarium of the Netherlands, and earned her PhD at the University of Leiden (layden). Additionally, Else is a researcher and professor with the Bruns Laboratory at UC Berkeley. The main motivation for her taxonomic work is that it lays the basis for efforts to include mushroom species in nature management and conservation plans. She has proposed several species for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global database of endangered species. She concentrates especially on Lepiotas , or Parasol mushrooms. Else is an avid knitter and uses mushroom dyed yarn for her creations. TOPICS COVERED: Growing up in Netherlands Wilderness What are Scientific Names Based On? Importance of Physical Features Impact of DNA Sequences on Taxonomy ITS, Multiple Gene Sequence and Whole Genome Phylogenetic Information Monophyletic vs Paraphyletic Genera What is Sufficient Difference to Make a New Taxonomic Grouping? Relationship Between Genera and Clades How are Names Selected? Does There Need to be a Consensus? Process of Naming a Species Potential Taxonomic Shakeups Fungal Conservation Fungal Diversity Survey Official State Mushrooms Education, Outreach and Awareness Central to Conservation Efforts EPISODE RESOURCES: Else Vellinga ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Else-Vellinga University and Jepson Herbaria: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/ National Herbarium of the Netherlands: https://plants.jstor.org/partner/NHN Bruns Laboratory: https://nature.berkeley.edu/brunslab/ IUCN Fungi List: https://www.iucn.org/commissions/ssc-groups/plants-fungi/fungi Global Fungal Redlist Initiative: http://iucn.ekoo.se/en/iucn/welcome Fungal Diversity Survey (FunDiS): https://fundis.org/ Lepiota (Fungal Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepiota Entoloma (Fungal Genus): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/entoloma.h
S1 E102 · Sat, November 13, 2021
Ep. 102: The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible & The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook (feat. Dr. K Mandrake & Virginia Haze)
All the information discussed in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only! We do not encourage the use of any illicit and/or regulated substance. Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we have the honor of speaking with authors Virginia Haze and Dr. K. Mandrake . Dr. Mandrake is a proponent of psychedelics from both a scientific and personal growth perspective. His long and varied education has mostly centered on biology, toxicology and mycology, culminating in a PhD in microbiology, which greatly influenced his home mushroom growing methods. Virginia Haze is a prolific writer and photographer with many books under her belt. She’s a regular contributor to publications that focus on recreational drugs and her photography has appeared in many books. She learned to grow mushrooms under the tutelage of Dr. K. Mandrake, has co-authored two books on the growing and use of shrooms, and has since become a fierce proponent of psilocybin decriminalization and the dissemination of science-backed information relating to psychedelics. I’m excited to speak with these two myconauts today about the two works they’ve written together, “The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible” and “The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook”. TOPICS COVERED: Discovering Psilocybin - UK Prohibition & Thai Milkshakes First Attempts at Cultivation Impact of Local Climate on Cultivation Precautions in Exploring Cultivation Sourcing Spores Cultivation Hardware & Equipment Contending with Contamination Cultivation Cycle Substrate Recipes Monotub & Different Teks Strains & Testing of Psilocybe cubensis Dehydration & Preparation Methods Magic Mushroom Recipes Impact of the Books EPISODE RESOURCES: Psilocybin Mushroom Bible IG: https://www.instagram.com/themushroombible/ The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible (Book): https://bookshop.org/books/the-psilocybin-mushroom-bible-the-definitive-guide-to-growing-and-using-magic-mushrooms/9781937866280 The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook (Book): https://bookshop.org/books/the-psilocybin-chef-cookbook/9781937866419 Shroomery: https://shroomery.org Spore Works: http://sporeworks.com/ Alexander Shulgin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin David Nutt: https://en.wikipedia.org/wik
S1 E101 · Tue, November 02, 2021
Ep. 101: Queendom Fungi - Mycology as a Queer Discipline (feat. Dr. Patricia Kaishian)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by freethinker, activist and mycologist Dr. Patricia Kaishian. Dr. Kaishian received a B.A in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Studies in 2013 from Wheaton College, MA. In August 2020, she defended her Ph.D. in Forest Pathology & Mycology from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. She is broadly trained in the taxonomy of macro and micro fungi, with considerable field experience in the Neotropics. Currently, she is working as a postdoctoral researcher in the Aime Lab at Purdue University where she is serving as curator of fungi at the Arthur Fungarium & Kriebel Herbarium. Beyond more traditional scientific work, Dr. Kaishian also works in the realms like the philosophy of science, feminist bioscience, ecofeminism and queer theory, exploring how mycology and other scientific disciplines are situated in and informed by our sociopolitical landscape. She is a founding member of the International Congress of Armenian Mycologists, a research organization comprised of ethnically Armenian mycologists who seek to simultaneously advance mycological science and Armenian sovereignty and liberation. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Embracing Nature in NY State Activism & Science Intertwined The Practice of Science & the Institution of Science Western Eurocentric Perspectives Embedding into Modern Institutions Historical Dynamics Between Institutional Science, Institutional Christianity, Agriculture & Colonization Agro-Heterosexuality Queer Theory & Queer Ecology Mycology as a Queer Science Upliftment of Marginalized People & Organisms Influence of Dr. Robin Kimmerer Armenian Advocacy Link Between Biodiversity & Indigenous Sovereignty Dr. Kaishian’s Research on Laboulbeniales & Rust Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Kaishian Twitter: https://twitter.com/queendom_fungi Dr. Kaishian ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia-Kaishian "Mycology as a Queer Discipline" Paper: https://catalystjournal.org/index.php/catalyst/article/view/33523 Dr. George Hudler “Magical Mushrooms Mischievous Molds”: https://www.amazon.com/Magical-Mushrooms-Mischievous-George-Hudler/dp/0691070164 "Queer Ecologies": https://www.amazon.com/Queer-Ecologies-Nature-Politics-Desire/dp/0253222036 "The Mushroom at the End of the World": <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Mushroom-End-World-Possi
S1 E100 · Sat, October 23, 2021
Ep. 100: Mycoworks - Mycelium Leather, Reishi & the Future of Fashion (feat. Phil Ross)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Phil Ross of MycoWorks. A pioneer in cultivating living materials for art and design, Phil began using mycelium in the 1990s as a medium for sculpture. Almost three decades on, Phil and his team of artists are now complemented by engineers, biologists, production specialists and material scientists in bringing the first Fine Mycelium™ material, Reishi™, to the world. Anyone who sees his work or hears him speak, can’t help but have their mind set alight by a spark of inspiration. Phil is one of those unique individuals who can take something ancient, like fungi, and derive novel uses for it that not only shift how we see fungi, unlock new ideas and new fields of discovery, but really expand humanity’s entire “realm of the possible”. His lifetime of work with mycelium hints at the vast ocean of infinite opportunities that await humanity as we explore kingdom fungi. TOPICS COVERED: Cooking as a Primer on the Practicum of Biotechnology Push and Pull of Tropisms Fungi as a Cypher to Understand Nature From Forests to Graffiti - Learning to “Read” the Environment Polypore Inspirations for Reishi™ Fine Mycelium Leather Products Indigenous Use of Mycelium Leather Medicinal Qualities of Reishi Mushrooms Cultural Responses to the Gross and the Grotesque Fashion as a Means of Communication How MycoWorks Creates Reishi™ Fine Mycelium Leather Mycelium Sheet Polymer & Leathercraft Learning Curves Scaling Up to the Future of MycoWorks The Transformation of Phil Ross Future of Mycelium Materials EPISODE RESOURCES: Mycoworks website: https://www.mycoworks.com/ Mycoworks IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycoworks/ Louis Pasteur: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Pasteur Claude Levi-Strauss "The Raw and the Cooked": https://www.amazon.com/Raw-Cooked-Mythologiques-Claude-L%C3%A9vi-Strauss/dp/0226474879 Rudy Rucker "Ware Tetralogy": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ware_Tetralogy Carl Woese: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Woese Susan Oyama "Evolution's Eye": https://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-Eye-Systems-Biology-Culture-Cultural/dp/0822324725 Ganoderma lucidum (fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma_luci
S1 E99 · Tue, October 12, 2021
Ep. 99: Fungi for the People - Understanding Bioremediation & Engaging Fungal Allies (feat. Ja Schindler)
Today on the Mushroom Hour we are excited to have the chance to learn from Ja Schindler. Ja is a fungi researcher/ teacher/ activist/ farmer based in the Southeast Cascade Mountains of Oregon on traditional lands of the Kalapooya peoples. Motivated by desires to challenge issues of environmental injustice, Ja founded Fungi For the People in 2010, which serves as an outlet for collaboratively developing appropriate methods for cultivating and problem solving with people and fungi. As a hands-on cultivator and community organizer he is a focal point of the inspiring community science movement. I can’t wait to hear his take on the role community mycology can play in empowering people and helping us develop a more balanced relationship with our environment. TOPICS COVERED: Early Inspirations from the “Rebound Ecology” of Detroit Moving West, Working with Applied Mycology Community Evolution of Fungi for the People Ecological Restoration & Mycoremediation Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Advantages of Site-Based Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Bioremediation Work in Contaminated Mining Sites Advice on “Skilling Up” for Bioremediation Projects Background on the EPA and How it Works How EPA Regulates & Facilitates Environmental Cleanups Engaging with Institutional & Regulatory Frameworks Working with Ectomycorrhizal and Endomycorrhizal Fungi at Home Decentralized Future of Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation Impact and Upside of a Parkinson’s Diagnosis EPISODE RESOURCES: Fungi for the People Website: https://fungiforthepeople.org/ Fungi for the People FB: https://www.facebook.com/FungiForThePeople Fungi for the People IG: https://www.instagram.com/fungiforthepeople/ EPA "CLU-IN" Resource: https://clu-in.org/ "Mycoremediation: Fungal Bioremediation" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Mycoremediation-Fungal-Bioremediation-Harbhajan-Singh/dp/047175501X Fomitopsis pinicola (Fungus): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/fomitopsis_pinicola.html
S1 E98 · Sun, October 03, 2021
Ep. 98: Hips & Haws Wildcrafts - Ireland's Wild Mushrooms, Herbal Medicines & Explorations of Amanita muscaria (feat. Courtney Tyler)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Courtney Tyler. Courtney is the founder of Hips and Haws Wildcrafts, based in the Wicklow mountains of Ireland. Hips and Haws is a project all about wild food, fermentation, folk herbalism, fungi, foraging and wildcrafting- which is making food or medicine from plants and mushrooms sourced from the wild. She is a keen forager and spends much time wandering the hedgerows and forests of Ireland, searching for wild edibles to preserve as food or medicine or to add to her collection of fermented food and drinks. She passes her knowledge on through her foraging walks and tours, workshops, crafting and recipes. Her passion, knowledge, and her clarity in explaining and sharing her excitement inspires us to re-kindle our connection to the wild around and within us. TOPICS COVERED: Modernity Fatigue, Seeking Connection & Escaping to Nature Finding Solace in Herbalism & Natural Medicine Developing a Connection to Ireland in the Wilds of Wicklow Foraging as a Physical & Spiritual Practice Forage Seasons in Ireland Resurgence of Wild Food Appreciation Forest Composition in Ireland Sitka Spruce Plantations & Groves of Porcini Amanita muscaria Culinary & Medicinal Uses Destigmatizing Amanita muscaria Woodland Wizard Fergus Drennan Creative Preparations of Medicinal Plants & Mushrooms Magic of Koji Future Vanlife Adventures EPISODE RESOURCES: Hips & Haws Website: https://www.hipsandhaws.com/ H&H Wildcrafts IG: https://www.instagram.com/hipsandhawswildcrafts/ H&H Wildcrafts FB: https://www.facebook.com/hipsandhawswildcrafts/ Wicklow County Ireland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicklow Amanita muscaria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria Fomitopsis betulina (Birch Polypore): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_betulina Inonotus obliquus (Chaga): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inonotus_obliquus Fergus Drennan: https://www.instagram.com/fergustheforager/
S1 E97 · Sun, September 26, 2021
Ep. 97: Mushrooms of the Mountain Ranges & High Meadows of California (feat. Thea Chesney)
Thea Chesney is a lifelong Sierra Nevada foothill resident and naturalist. She has had an interest in mushrooms (and plants, and the rest of the natural world) since early childhood, which gradually became an obsession. She holds a B.S. in forestry from UC Berkeley, with an emphasis in botany and natural sciences. During her time at Berkeley, she spent plenty of time working and hanging out in the Berkeley mycology labs and continues to return to campus to provide specimens for and aid in teaching their mushroom ID course. She worked on a mushroom survey crew for the U.S. Forest Service around Mt. Shasta for several seasons, which allowed her to become intimately familiar with the fungal inhabitants and ecology of the area. Since then, she has continued with the Forest Service as a botanist for a long-term California-wide meadow monitoring project. She teaches occasional workshops in mushroom and plant identification, both for work and independently. She has also been involved with the California Rare Fungi Working Group since its inception. Her fieldwork and her own studies of plants and fungi are centered in the Sierra Nevada and other mountains of California, and she is currently working on a field guide to mushrooms of these understudied regions with Noah Siegel and Christian Schwarz. TOPICS COVERED: Mycology Lineage & Childhood Immersion in Nature Underexplored Mountain Ranges of California Diversity of Bioregions in Mountain Ranges Mycorrhizal Mushrooms & Tree Hosts Montane Water Cycles, Plant Ecology & Fungal Diversity High Meadows Ecosystems & Their Mushrooms California Rare Fungi Working Group The Future of Documenting Fungal Diversity Fire-Following Fungi Morel Habitat & Ecology in California Tips for Finding Morels Thea’s Lifelong Connection to the Sierras Klamath Mountains – The Most Biodiverse Pocket of California?! Future Work with Christian Schwarz & Noah Siegel EPISODE RESOURCES: Thea Chesney iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/theachesney Thea's Talk on Fire Fungi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V9Irj0GtTE Thea's Talk on Mycorrhizal Fungi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PISk9C6FAds Prof. Ralph Emerson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Emerson_(botanist) Klamath Mountains: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klamath_Mountains Rare Fungi of CA National Forests: <a href='https://www.scribd.com/document/432145073/Rare-Fungi-of-California-National-Fore
S1 E96 · Fri, September 17, 2021
Ep. 96: Hyphae Labs - The First Annual Oakland Psychedelic Conference (feat. Reggie, Ian and Tomás from Hyphae Labs)
Get Your Tickets for the 1st Oakland Psychedelic Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakland-psychedelic-conference-tickets-169188460239?ref=eios Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are beyond blessed to be joined by three members of Oakland’s own Hyphae Labs, Ian Bollinger, Tomás Garret and Reggie who has joined us on the podcast previously. Inspired by early-life transformative experiences with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Reggie has had a lifelong passion for mycology and now consults with the largest mushroom cultivators in the world. He is a also member of the Advisory Board for Decriminalize Nature and an avid activist for police reform and an ally of The Movement for Black Lives Ian Bollinger is a dedicated researcher, scientist and host of the Understanding Entheogens Podcast. Advising for harm reduction through education by working with the entheogen decriminalization movement in the SF Bay Area; Ian dedicates his time to churches, non-profits, and public benefit corporations to bring scientific insights from the growing entheogen space to the public through his writings, podcast, and outreach Tomás is the head of operations for Hyphae Labs. His background is in analytical chemistry that began with food and drug testing in Wisconsin. He moved to California in 2018 and began pesticide and solvent testing for the cannabis industry. Over the past few years he has become intertwined like mycelium with the vibrant Oakland psychedelic community. Formed by citizen scientists like these, Hyphae Labs works to connect cultivators and consumers to knowledge, data, and education that supports their community through harm reduction. They are currently engaged with research around Tryptamine content in entheogenic organisms, providing lab and analytical support for the Psilocybin Cup. I am excited to learn more about their collective, their vision and the upcoming Oakland Psychedelic Conference. TOPICS COVERED: Hyphae Connection Between Ian, Tomás and Reggie Mission and Purpose of Hyphae Labs Why is Testing Entheogenic Compounds Important? Testing Compounds in Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms Legality of Testing Entheogens in Oakland Connection Between Testing & Decriminalization Wading into the Chemistry of Tryptamines MAOIs in Mushrooms Effects of Compounds Other than Psilocybin The Hyphae Potency Spectrum Inspiration & Goals of the Oakland Psychedelic Conference Featured Speakers at the Conference Building Community & Embracing Diversity Future of Hyphae Labs as Psychedelics Go Mainstream EPISODE RESOURCES: Tickets for Oakland Psychedelic Conference: <a href='https://www.eventbrite.c
S1 E95 · Sun, September 12, 2021
Ep. 95: Spiritual Impulses, the Ecological Self & a Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom (feat. Dr. Andy Letcher)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we have the distinct privilege of being joined by Dr. Andy Letcher. Dr. Letcher is a writer, performer and scholar of religion who began life as an ecologist, completing his D.Phil in Ecology at Oxford University. After a spell as an environmental activist during the 90s, especially during the anti-roads protests, he moved across to the humanities, completing a PhD at King Alfred’s College Winchester. He is an expert on contemporary alternative spiritualities, especially modern Paganism, neo-shamanism and psychedelic spiritualities. He is especially interested in the tangled and sometimes tortuous relationship between science and spirituality, and in so-called dark green religion. He has written papers on: the distribution of mammals across continents; fairies; mysticism; and psychedelic spirituality. Andy is also the author of the comprehensive work “Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom” that examines enthnomycological research, legends and myths surrounding humanity’s relationship with psychoactive fungi. TOPICS COVERED: Ecologies, Environmentalism and Cries to the Moon What is Spirituality? Sensory and Cultural Inputs Birthing Religious Traditions Defining the Self Exploring “Semi-Permeable Self”, “Ecological Self”, “Community Self” Consciousness Fields, Panpsychism & Animism Symbiosis and Sympoiesis Are Psilocybe Mushrooms Guiding Human Culture? Are Psychedelics Going to Save Us from Ourselves? What does a Psychedelic-Informed and Ecologically Self-Aware Society Look Like? How Large a Role did Psychedelics Really Play in Ancient Cultures, Religions, Rites and Secret Societies? Are We Part of the Most Psychedelic and Mycologically Inspired Culture Ever? We are the Mushroom People Psychedelics in Druidry and Other Future Research EPISODE RESOURCES: Andy Letcher Website: http://andy-letcher.blogspot.com/ Andy Letcher Writings: https://independent.academia.edu/AndyLetcher "Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom": https://www.amazon.com/Shroom-Cultural-History-Magic-Mushroom/dp/0060828293 Schumacher College: https://campus.dartington.org/schumacher-college/ William Blake: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake Victor Turner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Turner Terence McKenna: https://en.wikip
S1 E94 · Mon, September 06, 2021
Ep. 94: Medicinal Mushrooms - Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection & Expand Your Consciousness (feat. Dr. Christopher Hobbs)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by internationally renowned herbalist Dr. Christopher Hobbs. Dr. Hobbs is a fourth-generation herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant to the dietary supplement industry, expert witness, botanist and mycologist with over 35 years of experience. He is also a prolific writer and has authored or co-authored over 20 books, including the new “Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide.” Christopher has lectured on herbal medicine world-wide. He earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley with research and publication in evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, plant chemistry, and ethnobotany. Time to dive deep into medicinal mushrooms! TOPICS COVERED: Embracing Generational Tradition of Herbalism in a World of Toxic Notions Discovering Mushrooms in the 1970s Herbalist World View Elevating Consciousness Allying with Plant & Mushroom Spirits Importance of Spiritual Wellbeing What is Medicine? Chemistry of Medicinal Mushrooms and the Immune System One of Medicinal Mushrooms Biggest Benefits - Fiber Effects of Beta Glucans & Ancient Receptors in the Body Secrets of Medicinal Mushroom Products Starch Testing our Mushroom Powders Healing Powers of Reishi Why Do We Put Up With It? EPISODE RESOURCES : Christopher Hobbs' Website: https://www.christopherhobbs.com/ Christopher Hobb's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristopherhobbs/ Christopher Hobb's IG: https://www.instagram.com/christopherhobbs1/?hl=en "Christopher Hobbs' Essential Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms": https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-Hobbss-Medicinal-Mushrooms-Consciousness/dp/1635861675/ "A Modern Herbal": https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Herbal-Complete-Margaret-Grieve/dp/1626542236/ "Back to Eden": https://www.amazon.com/Back-Eden-Jethro-Kloss/dp/0940985101/ Dr. Edward Shook: https://www.biblio.com/edward-e-shook/author/587245 Dr. John Christopher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Christopher_(herbalist) Dr. Michael Tierra: https://planetherbs.com/owners/dr-m
S1 E93 · Mon, August 30, 2021
Ep. 93: Mycoviruses - Fungal Disease, Plant Resilience & Hypovirus Biocontrols (feat. Bryce Alex)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are joined by Bryce Alex, Doctoral Student at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Bryce is originally from Utah and he spent time working as a graduate student and Masters Candidate in the legendary Dentinger Lab at the University of Utah. His mycological research work has involved important players when it comes to fungal ecology that are largely invisible and many of us may have never heard of. He has worked on projects involving metabarcoding fungal propagules carried on bird feathers and mining transcriptomic datasets for hidden mycoviruses. He began his PhD in Plant Pathology at University of Wisconsin Madison in Fall 2020. I am excited for him to share his expertise with the emerging field of mycoviruses and how they relate to fungal, plant and even animal populations. TOPICS COVERED: Entering the World of Mycology by Chance Research in Legendary Dentinger Lab What is a Mycovirus? How do Mycoviruses Effect Their Hosts? Hypovirulence in Pathogenic Fungi Cryphonectria parasitica Mycovirus Transference to Plants & Animals? Agaricus bisporous Dieback Disease Theories on Origins and Evolution of Mycoviruses Changing Paradigm of Virology Bryce’s Current PhD Research Advice for Pursuing Academic Mycology Embracing the Mycology Community Future of Bryce’s Work EPISODE RESOURCES: Bryce Alex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-alex-5799b8169 UW-Madison Rakotondrafara Lab: https://rakotondrafaralab.russell.wisc.edu/ Utah Dentinger Lab: https://www.biology.utah.edu/faculty/bryn-dentinger/ Cryphonectria parasitica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_blight "50-Plus Years of Fungal Viruses": https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25771805/ "Five Questions About Mycoviruses": https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005172 "Mycoviruses of filamentous fungi and their relevance to plant pathology": https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2008.00503.x
S1 E92 · Sun, August 22, 2021
Ep. 92: Fungal Diversity Survey - Championing Fungal Conservation, Together (feat. Bill Sheehan PhD & Gabriela D'Elia)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have are graced by the presence of Bill Sheehan PhD and Gabriela D’Elia of the Fungal Diversity Survey - also known as FunDiS. Bill Sheehan is the co-founder and president of FunDiS and Gabriela is currently FunDiS Deep Funga Blog Editor. FunDiS aims to increase scientific knowledge and public awareness of the critical role of fungi in the health of our ecosystems and to better utilize and protect them in a world of rapid climate change and habitat loss. They do this by equipping community scientists, working with professionals, with the reporting tools to document the diversity and distribution of fungi across North America. Bill spent most of his career starting and running two national environmental policy nonprofits. Around the time he was getting ready to retire he reconnected with his love of natural history through a fascination with fungi. Combining his experience running nonprofits with his scientific training and an appreciation for the power of grassroots action, FunDiS unites several mycelial strands of his life. Gabriela first noticed the marvelous mushrooms while she was walking around Seattle, WA. After studying fungal ecology at school there, Gabriela embraced a perspective of Holistic Mycology, which views fungi as ecology, medicine, language, ancestor, and philosophy. Gabriela is leader of the FunDiS local project, Northern Utah Funga Community Science; V.P. of the Mushroom Society of Utah; and founder of Moon Mushrooms, which focuses on mycology education and crafting tiny batch tinctures. TOPICS COVERED: How Bill and Gabriela came to FunDiS Origins of FunDiS Evolution from North American Mycoflora Project Importance of Mapping Fungal Diversity Undiscovered Diversity all Around the US Amateurs Leading the Way in Biodiversity Studies iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer Genetic Sequencing Biodiversity Data Feeding Conservation Efforts Rising Awareness of Fungi in Conservation Efforts Rare Fungi Challenges How to Participate in FunDiS Diversity Surveys How to Volunteer and Support FunDiS Future of FunDiS, Community Mycology & Biodiversity Data EPISODE RESOURCES: FunDiS Website: https://fundis.org/ FunDiS IG: https://www.instagram.com/fungaldiversitysurvey/ FunDiS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fungaldiversitysurvey iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/ Mushroom Observer: https://mushroomobserver.org/ Pachycudonia spathulata: <a href='https://fundis.org/images/PDF/Pachycudonia-
S1 E91 · Sat, August 14, 2021
Ep. 91: Bioluminescent Fungi, Mysterious Endophytes & the Mushrooms of Vanuatu (feat. Brian Perry PhD)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we have the privilege of speaking with Brian Perry PhD, Associate Professor of Biology at California State University, East Bay. He received his Master's Degree from San Francisco State University under the guidance of Dr. Dennis E. Desjardin, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University where he studied with Dr. Donald H. Pfister. Brian has been studying fungi since 1995, and has published over 45 papers in scientific journals. In addition to studying the evolution of fungal bioluminescence, he also conducts research on mushrooms and other fungi of Vanuatu, the assembly and biogeography of island fungal communities, endophytic fungi of Hawaiian plants, and the systematics of Mycena and allied genera. Brian teaches several mycology courses at Cal State East Bay and the Sierra Nevada Field Campus, and recently launched a Sierra Nevada Mycoflora project. TOPICS COVERED: Raised with an Appreciation for Nature Mycological Influence of Dr. Dennis Desjardin Why Do Some Mushrooms Glow? Exploring Evolution of Fungal Bioluminescence Biochemistry of Bioluminescence Biology & Ecological Roles of Endophytic Fungi Applied Use of Endophytes Fungal Ecology of Tropical Islands Research in Vanuatu Vanuatu’s Indigenous Culture Ethnomycology Among Vanuatu’s Indigenous Peoples Tropical Island Phylogeography & Biogeography Biogeographical Mysteries Rise of Citizen Mycologists EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Brian Perry Website: https://www.perrymycolab.com/ CSU East Bay Website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/directory/profiles/biol/perrybrian.html Prof. Dennis Desjardin: https://biology.sfsu.edu/faculty/desjardin Metrosideros polymorpha (plant species): https://www2.hawaii.edu/~eherring/hawnprop/met-poly.htm Blue Coprinopsis (fungi): https://steveaxford.smugmug.com/Fungi/Basidiomycetes/Coprinoid-fungi/Blue-Coprinopsis/ Schizophyllum commune (fungi): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/schizophyllum_commune.html Coprinellus disseminatus (fungi): http://www.mushroomexpert.com/coprinellus_disseminatus.html Mycena californiensis (fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_californiensis
S1 E90 · Fri, August 06, 2021
Ep. 90: Fungi Freights - Detroit's Urban Lab & Environmental Studio (feat. Tess Burzynski)
Today on Mushroom Hour it is our great privilege to be joined by Tess Burzynski - founder, head educator and cultivator at Fungi Freights Urban Lab and Environmental Studio. A Science degree graduate from Wayne State University, she works as an Environmental Scientist and continues doing research with mycoremediation in the city of Detroit. Tess is a member of the Michigan Mushroom Hunters Club and the North American Mycological Association. Throughout her studies she has learned the role mycelium plays in the environment and how beneficial, tenacious and magical it truly is. Through Fungi Freights, her goal is to educate Detroit and its surrounding neighbors about the benefits fungi have on health, food security and the environment. Fungi Freights offers an array of educational workshops and events revolved around mushrooms and their never-ending abilities. From identification, foraging and fungi biology, to DIY cultivation and mushroom art, their events never get dull. Their goal is to enlighten the community on the fascinating world of fungi! TOPICS COVERED: Lebanese & Polish Wild Food Influences Finding Healing & Self-Love in Mushrooms Biochemical Processes in Fungi Decomposition Decomposers & Mycoremediation Illustrative Example of Mycoremediation Research Community Science Leading in Mycoremediation Unique Ecology of Detroit Founding of Fungi Freights Fungi Freights Projects and Community Involvement Importance of Reciprocity in Community Building Advice for Our Mushroom Projects Worldwide Modular, Shipping Container Mushroom Farms Bright Potential for Detroit Fastest Organism on Earth is a Fungus?! EPISODE RESOURCES: Fungi Freights Website: https://www.fungifreights.net/ Fungi Freights IG: https://www.instagram.com/fungifreights/ Fungi Freights Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fungifreights/ NAMA: https://namyco.org/ Pilobolus crystallinus (Fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilobolus_crystallinus
S1 E89 · Thu, July 29, 2021
Ep. 89: Forage London - Urban Foraging & Emotional Connection to Green Spaces (feat. John Rensten)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with John Rensten. John lived and worked and foraged in London for 20 years before finally escaping to Dorset, via Hampshire, in 2016 to concentrate on mushroom hunting and coastal foraging. He runs and organizes numerous urban foraging events, wild food walks and mushroom forays. On a daily basis, John studies wild food, picks wild food and really obsesses about wild food! He has a deep passion for sharing what he has learned, running city foraging walks and taking groups mushroom hunting in The New Forest or combing the seashore in Dorset. John founded Forage London to give city dwellers a chance to enjoy and discover some of the amazing wild foods that grow all around us. TOPICS COVERED: Lush Diversity Found Urban Foraging Complex Interlocking Ecologies of Greater London Avoiding Terrestrial Mushrooms in Urban Environments? Understanding Historical Land Use Where You Forage Fungi Emotional Relationship with Local Green Spaces Permaculture and Wild Foraging Permeating the Mainstream Foraging Cycles, Seasonality, Multiple Crops & Geographic Variation in Fruiting Edible and Medicinal Winter Mushrooms in the UK Ancient Practice of Foraging Dovetailing with Modern Technology Secrets of Wild Food Preservation & Preparation Wending Path of Forage Knowledge Accumulation Through Gentle Repetition Importance of Foraging & Learning Local The Association of Foragers Foraging Love Story EPISODE RESOURCES: Forage London Website: https://www.foragelondon.co.uk/ Forage London IG: https://www.instagram.com/foragelondon/ The Edible City (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Edible-City-Year-Wild-Food/dp/0752266136 Andy Overall: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andy-Overall Clifford Davy: http://forestforagers.co.uk/about-us/ Pascal Baudar: https://www.instagram.com/pascalbaudar/ Phillip Stark/Berkeley Open Source Food: https://osfood.berkeley.edu/ "Restharrow": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ononis_repens "Sneezewort": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_ptarmica Sea Arrowgrass: https://gallowayw
S1 E88 · Sat, July 17, 2021
Ep. 88: Amanita Dreamer - Piercing the Veil on Entheogenic Uses of Amanita muscaria (feat. Amanita Dreamer)
*WARNING - This episode in no way condemns or condones the use of any substance. For educational and research purposes only* Today we are joined by entheogenic researcher Amanita Dreamer. In her former life, Amanita Dreamer was a scientist, an educator and a homesteading mother. Today she shares important information on that most famous of mushrooms, the Amanita muscaria. She looked for years for a natural alternative for help with chronic panic and anxiety and when she found this most iconic mushroom, she delved into the world of fungi and now lives to help others learn what she knows about Amanita muscaria – a mushroom that according to her, "Could save the humans on the planet". She started a YouTube channel and founded a Forum solely dedicated to the Amanita muscaria for those who needed a safe space to get accurate information. After severe and harsh censorship on social media platforms, that are quick to declare any mushroom deadly, dangerous and illegal, she is moving all of her content to a website, AmanitaDreamer.Net. Drawing from what little research there is, Dreamer works to sift through, interpret, share, challenge and ask tough questions. She is controversial at times but scathingly honest about her path and her use of entheogenic medicines and hopes that others will open up to the simplicity, spirit and beauty that is the Amanita muscaria. She brings together the history of lore and indigenous use with modern data, research and science and hopes that this is the beginning of a future where we will know much more about this versatile, functional and magical entheogenic medicine and teacher. TOPICS COVERED: Discovering Amanita Muscaria at the Brink of Personal Destruction The Fight or Flight Response System The Transformative Healing Potential of Amanita muscaria The “Power Mushroom" Modern Masculinity & Amanita muscaria Amanita muscaria Online Community Amanita Dreamer's Dosing Protocols Microdosing Amanita muscaria Preparation of Amanita muscaria for Therapeutic Use Conversion of Ibotenic Acid into Muscimol Learning from Lore and Records of Ancient Usage Experimenting with Novel Preparations and Uses of Amanita muscaria Future of Research on Muscaroid Fungi Embracing Spirituality and Communing with Mushroom Entities EPISODE RESOURCES: Amanita Dreamer Website: https://www.amanitadreamer.net/ Amanita Dreamer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVDN2oZZ3mgaIEVuEUm3YPw Amanita Dreamer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanitadreamer/ Amanita Dreamer Patreon: <a href='https://www.patreon.com
S1 E87 · Thu, July 08, 2021
Ep. 87: Cryptic Fungi, Laboulbeniales & Pushing the Boundaries of Fungal Exploration (feat. Danny Haelewaters PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by adventurer and mycologist Danny Haelewaters PhD. Danny Haelewaters holds a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Sciences, a Master of Science in biology, and a PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. During his Masters program he developed a new technology to analyze forensic relevant fungi in casework at the Netherlands Forensic Institute. Between 2012 and 2018, he worked at the Farlow Herbarium of the Harvard University Herbaria (Cambridge, MA) as a PhD student. In 2018, he did a short postdoc at the University of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic, and from November 2018 until late 2020 he was a USDA-funded postdoctoral research assistant at Purdue University, where he worked on characterizing the fungal microbiota of Romaine lettuce. Currently he works at Ghent University as a junior postdoctoral fellow on a project dealing with Laboulbeniales associated with bat flies. In addition, he writes popular science articles for different sources. Since the very beginning of his student career at Ghent University (Belgium), he has has loved the interdisciplinary research in biology. It probably contributed to his choice to study the ecto-parasitic Laboulbeniales fungus. I’m excited to learn more about these unique organisms as well as the secrets of other little-known parasitic fungi. TOPICS COVERED: From Vet to Mycologist Fungal Inspiration at the University of Ghent Discovering Laboulbeniales Uncovering Phylogeny of Rare, Microscopic Fungi Bat Fly Research in Panama Tripartite System of Bats, Bat Flies and Fungi Future of Laboulbeniales Research on Bat Flies Other Entomopathogens Including Herpomyces Physiology of Laboubieniales Invasive Species & "Enemy Release” Hypothesis Importance of Conserving Fungal Pathogens Exploring Laboubeniales as a BioControl Agent Discovering new Clades of Cryptic Fungal Organisms Understudied Habitats (Romaine Lettuce & Dead Bodies?!) EPISODE RESOURCES: Danny Haelewaters Website: http://www.dannyhaelewaters.com/ Danny Haelewaters Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaelewa/ Laboulbeniales (Fungal Order): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboulbeniales Herpomyces (Fungal Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpomyces Beauveria bassiana (Fungal Species): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauveria_bassiana Metarhizium brunneum (Fungal Species Complex): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metarhizium_brunneum Ophiocordyceps (Fungal Genus): <a href='htt
S1 E86 · Wed, June 23, 2021
Ep. 86: Fungi Foundation - The Future is Fungi (feat. Giuliana Furci & Nathalie Kelley)
Get your tickets now for "THE FUTURE IS FUNGI" Event on 6/26/21: https://ffungi.org/eng/the-future-is-fungi/ Today we are joined be two powerful advocates for queendom fungi, Giuliana Furci and Nathalie Kelley. Giuliana’s journey began at the age of 19, looking for native foxes in a forest on the Island of Chiloé when she came across a fungus that changed her course. Giuliana believes that fungi choose you, and she heard that call. She did not find field guides on fungi in Chile, so she decided to write one in 2006. She studied Aquaculture and went from studying algae and studies on the negative impacts of salmon farming, to leaving everything and starting the Fungi Foundation – the world’s first NGO dedicated to fungal organisms. Nathalie Kelley was born in Peru and raised in Australia by her Indigenous mother and grandmother. After working with street children in São Paulo, Brazil and Aboriginal inner-city youth in Redfern, Australia - she began her degree in Social Science and Policy at the University of UNSW. Not long after she started to work as an actress in film and television US, with notable roles in shows like Unreal, Dynasty and most recently as the star of ABC’s The Baker and the Beauty. Despite this change of course she remained inwardly mindful of her privilege and responsibility to her indigenous heritage and people. She has become an advocate for Indigenous peoples, regenerative agriculture, the soil and the undervalued but invaluable role of fungi in our ecosystem. She is now committed to using her story telling skills to be a voice for the voiceless - creating narratives of hope around the power of nature to regenerate and heal and the integral part humans have to play in this process. Nathalie is on the board of Kiss the Ground and the Fungi Foundation. TOPICS COVERED: How Nat Discovered Queendom Fungi Giuliana & Nat Connection with Divine Timing Fungi Foundation’s Origins in Chile Growth of the Fungi Foundation & Evolving Global Mission Documenting Ancestral & Traditional Indigenous Interactions with Fungi Indigenous Technologies will Yield the Biggest Future Discoveries in Mycology Importance of Consent when Working with Indigenous Communities Examples of Indigenous Communities Using Fungi Indigenous Communities’ Responses to the Program Fungi Foundation Transcending Its Foundress Future of Fungi Event Lineup of Inspirational Presenters How to Get Involved with the Fungi Foundation EPISODE RESOURCES: "Future is Fungi" Event: https://ffungi.org/eng/the-future-is-fungi/ Fungi Foundation Website: https://ffungi.org/ Fungi Foundation
S1 E85 · Fri, June 18, 2021
Ep. 85: Fungal Plant Pathogens, Dimorphic Transformation & Lessons from Smut Fungi (feat. Dr. Michael Perlin)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we are joined by Dr. Michael Perlin, Professor in Biology at the University of Louisville. Dr. Perlin’s interests drew him to study host/pathogen interactions at the University of Chicago and his PhD work centered on the evolution of bacterial resistance to certain classes of antibiotics/antimicrobials. As he was near to completing his degree, a friend of his stopped by the lab and introduced him to a different microbial system: a fungal pathogen that infects flowering species in the Carnation family and replaces the pollen of the flower with fungal spores. From that point he was hooked. Over the years he has continued to work on bacterial resistance, but in the last 10 years, he has shifted the focus of his lab exclusively to that on fungal plant pathogens, with projects encompassing three different types of pathogens on different hosts and the use of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , as a model tool in the exploration of some questions more easily investigated in this well-developed system. Dr. Perlin has roughly 70 peer-reviewed scientific articles in reputable journals, including Nature; mBio; BMC Genomics; Genes, Genomes, Genetics (GGG); Fungal Genetics and Biology; Journal of Bacteriology; Eukaryotic Cell; and Molecular Microbiology. As a member of a number of scientific organizations and a prolific teacher and mentor, Dr. Perlin has a far-reaching influence on his field and has directly played a role in the careers of many PhD students. I’m excited to learn more about how fungal phytopathogens that have a massive impact on human culture. TOPICS COVERED: Journey into the Life Sciences Influence of Dr. Stephen Lerner Antibiotic Era & Understanding Microbial Evolution in Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Fungal Phytopathogen Interactions Emerging Disease from Fungal Plant Pathogens as Primary Threat to Modern Human Society Physiology and Life Cycle of Smut Fungi Systems Studied Over Three Decades of Research at University of Louisville Extrapolating Insights from Fungal Pathogens to Other Systems Dimorphic Switch from Benign Yeast Form to Infectious Filamentous Form Signaling Pathways in Cells Triggering Dimorphic Transformation Precautionary Principle in Science Protein “Effectors” Produced by Pathogens that Manipulate Hosts Perlin Lab and Collaborative Science Studying Mitochondria Inheritance in Model Fungal Systems EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Perlin Website: https://louisville.edu/biology/faculty/perlin Stephen Lerner (Inspiration): https://photoarchive.lib.uchicago.edu/db.xqy?one=apf1-10357.xml Microbotryum violaceu
S1 E84 · Thu, June 10, 2021
Ep. 84: Darren Le Baron - Psychedelic Traditions in Africa, Mushroom Cultivation & Remembering Who We Are (feat. Darren Springer)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Darren Springer AKA Darren Le Barron. Darren Springer is an educator, researcher and event organizer based in the UK. Known around the world for his Shroomshop Master classes he is a keen mushroom cultivator and teacher and has been growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms for the last ten years. By day he is an Organic Horticulturist and Food Enterprise tutor and has translated his home growing experience into a social enterprise. Darren is the mycologist in residence at Somerset House, one of the largest communities of arts and creative enterprises in the UK. He is also a qualified Permaculture teacher and facilitator and supports businesses and communities to create sustainable working systems and environments. He is a member and presenter at the London Psychedelic Society, and is a chair and Breaking Convention committee member. Collectively his work aims to inform and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to cope with social challenges and contribute to community development as well as self-improvement in an innovative, creative and culturally-aware style. TOPICS COVERED: The Kid Who Questioned Everything Reconnecting with African Culture Influence of Kilindi Iyi Knowledge of Psychedelics within Traditional African Culture Diaspora from the African Continent Benefits of Reconnecting with Indigenous Ancestry Psychedelic Plants & Fungi as Technology to Speak with the Ancestors Rediscovering Who You Are, Where You’re From and Where You’re Going Checking in with Indigenous Cultures Before Moving Forward Creating New Systems vs. Petitioning the Old to Change Growing Plants & Mushrooms is a Revolutionary Act Shroomshop Classes & Mushroom Cultivation Ancestor Project 3-Week Course & UK Mushroom Academy Unlocking the Organic, Crystal Technology Inside the Human Body EPISODE RESOURCES: Darren Le Baron Website: https://www.darrenlebaron.com/ Darren Le Baron IG: https://www.instagram.com/darren_le_baron/ Psychedelic Emancipation Course Collaboration with The Ancestor Project: https://www.theancestorproject.com/psychedelic-emancipation Shroomshop Master Classes: https://psychedelicsociety.org.uk/mushroom-cultivation-for-beginners Jamaican Mushroom Growing Retreat w/ Silo Wellness: https://www.silowellness.com/retreats-programs/19/mushroom-growers-workshop-retreat/
S1 E83 · Thu, June 03, 2021
Ep. 83: Eat Weeds - Wild Plant Contemplations, Healing with Foraging & Perspectives in Ethnobotany (feat. Robin Harford)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of wild food expert and author Robin Harford. Robin is a plant-based forager, ethnobotanical researcher and wild food educator. He has published numerous foraging guidebooks and established his own wild food foraging school in 2008. His foraging courses were recently voted #1 in the UK by BBC Countryfile. Robin is the creator of Eatweeds which is listed in The Times Top 50 websites for food and drink. He has travelled extensively documenting and recording the traditional and local uses of wild food plants in indigenous cultures. His work has taken him to Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and the USA. Robin regularly appears on radio and occasionally on television. His work has been recommended in BBC Good Food magazine, Sainsbury’s magazine as well as in The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph among others. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood in the Wilds of the Devon Countryside Finding Freedom, Questioning Big Brother Reconnecting with Nature as Somatic Healing Sensory Method of Plant Identification Power of Contemplative Practice & Bio-Individualism Developing Relationship with Wild Plants as a Form of Activism Finding Perspectives on Anger and Love Foraging as an Act of Reverence Processing Trauma & Addiction Through Somatic Experience with Plants Living Wild Food Tradition of the Roamer Communities in England In Search of Nomadic Hunter Gatherer Communities The Oceanic Moken People & Anthropological Diversity Getting Started Foraging & Preparing Wild Plants Joining the Eatweeds Community EPISODE RESOURCES: Eatweeds Website: https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/ Eatweeds Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/foragingcourses Frank Cook (Inspiration): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_C._Cook_IV Hildegard of Bingen (Inspiration): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildegard_of_Bingen Laurel Luddite Paper: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/laurel-luddite-this-is-anarcha-herbalism-thoughts-on-health-and-healing-for-the-revolution Latcho Drom (Film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latcho_Drom Moken Culture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moken Against the Grain (Book): <a href='https://www.amazon.c
S1 E82 · Thu, May 20, 2021
Ep. 82: Zombie Cicadas, Fungivore Millipedes & Forest Pathology (feat. Dr. Matt Kasson)
Today on the Mushroom Hour Podcast we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Matt Kasson, Associate Professor of Forest Pathology and Mycology at West Virginia University. Dr. Kasson received his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Pennsylvania State University where his research focused on using a native fungus, Verticillium nonalfalfae, as a biological control of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven). He also holds an A.A.S. from Paul Smiths College and a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Maine. His current research areas include fungal-arthropod interactions, biological control of invasive plants and pathogens, and the biology and ecology of historic and emerging diseases of forest trees. Dr. Kasson is currently the Director of the International Culture Collection of (Vesicular) Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM) and currently has research focused on the metabolites associated with interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their plant partners. Dr. Kasson teaches undergraduate courses on general plant pathology and forest pest management and offers special topics courses for graduate students including advanced plant disease diagnostics. TOPICS COVERED: Origin as a Young Naturalist in Susquehanna Overview of Forest Pathology and Fungal Pathogens Chestnut Blight, Dutch Elm Disease, Laurel Vascular Wilt Reproductive Strategies of Pathogenic Fungi Fungal Pathogens as a Bio-control Agent The Precautionary Principle Changing Environments & the Emergence of Pathogenic Disease Adaptive, Facultative Capacities of Fungi Massospora Fungi & Zombie Cicadas Discovery of Psilocybin & Amphetamine in Massospora-Infected Cicadas Future Research into Massospora Effects on Cicadas Fungus Feeding Millipedes as Biodiversity Hotspots Meeting the Team in the Kasson Lab at West Virginia University Sage Advice for Academic Pursuits into Mycology EPISODE RESOURCES: Matt Kasson WVU Profile: https://www.davis.wvu.edu/faculty-staff/directory/matthew-kasson Matt Kasson Twitter: https://twitter.com/kasson_wvu Tree of Heaven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailanthus_altissima Verticillium nonalfalfae (Fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verticillium_nonalfalfae Colletotrichum (Fungi Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colletotrichum Cryphonectria parasitica (Fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_blight
S1 E81 · Thu, May 13, 2021
Ep. 81: Fungi Magazine, Telluride Mushroom Festival & Our Future with Fungi (feat. Britt Bunyard)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by magnanimous mushroom mogul Britt Bunyard. Britt is the founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of the mycology journal Fungi . Britt received a Masters in Botany from Clemson University and a PhD in Plant Pathology from Penn State University. He has worked academically (and played very amateurishly) as a mycologist his entire career, writing scientifically for many research journals, popular science magazines, and books. He has served as an editor for mycological and entomological research journals, and mushroom guidebooks. A popular evangelizer on all things fungal, Britt has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, National Geographic Magazine, PBS’s NOVA television program, and in 2016 was made Executive Director of the Telluride Mushroom Festival. He’s given talks on mushrooms ranging across so many different subjects, I’m excited to learn what he’s focused on now and what he sees as the future of mycophile culture. TOPICS COVERED: Childhood Foraging Morels in Ohio & Clutching an Audubon Guide Dynamic Interplays of Entomology & Mycology Insect & Macrofungi Symbioses Flies, Yeasts & Mushrooms The Birth of Fungi Magazine Traveling the World Seeking Mushrooms & Stories Most Popular FUNGI Magazine Issue about Genus Psilocybe Explosion of Mycophilia Across the Western World Promising Future of Mycoremediation Research Revolution of Listening to Nature Origins & Future of the Telluride Mushroom Festival From Britt’s First Telluride to Becoming Executive Director of the Festival Fungal Solutions Accommodating Human Population Growth The Future for Britt & Fungi Magazine EPISODE RESOURCES: Fungi Magazine Website: http://fungimag.com/ Fungi Magazine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/43995545858/ Drosophila melanogaster flies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosophila_melanogaster NAMA Website: https://namyco.org/ The Mycologist Journal (Inspiration): https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Mycologist-0269-915X The Beginner's Guide to Mushrooms (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Mushrooms-Everything-Cultivating/dp/1631599119/
S1 E80 · Tue, May 04, 2021
Ep. 80: Finding the Mother Tree - Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest (feat. Prof. Suzanne Simard)
Professor Simard's must-read first book "Finding the Mother Tree" is OUT NOW: https://suzannesimard.com/finding-the-mother-tree-book/ This book will change how you see forests and how you understand the relationships between trees and fungi. Today we have the humbling opportunity to speak with the incomparable Professor Suzanne Simard. Suzanne is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; she’s been compared to Rachel Carson, hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is both dazzling and profound. Her work has influenced filmmakers (think James Cameron’s Avatar ) and her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide. We’ve had the chance to read an early copy of her first book “Finding the Mother Tree” and have been mesmerized by how Simard brings us into her world, the intimate world of trees, in which she brilliantly illuminates vital truths – that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground networks full of mycorrhizal fungi by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities and living communal lives not that different from our own. TOPICS COVERED: Simard Family Origins and a Life-long Love with Old Growth Forests “Free-to-Grow” Policies Competition vs. Cooperation Views of Forest Ecology Discovering the Mycorrhizal Network PhD Research – Transfer of Carbon between Trees via Mycorrhizae Groundbreaking Research Published in “Nature” in 1997 Women in Forestry How Do Trees & Fungi Benefit from Their Mycorrhizal Relationships? Mapping a Mycorrhizal Network What is a Mother Tree? Benefits of Uniting Anthropomorphic Epistemologies and Scientific Research Aboriginal, First Nation & Indigenous Systems of Knowledge An Intimate View of Suzanne’s Life to Humanize Scientific Endeavour “The Mother Tree Project”, Future Plans & Future Research EPISODE RESOURCES: Suzanne Simard Website: https://suzannesimard.com/ "Finding the Mother Tree" (Book): https://suzannesimard.com/finding-the-mother-tree-book/ The Mother Tree Project: https://mothertreeproject.org/ Sir David Read (Inspiration): https://royalsociety.org/people/david-read-12152/ Dr. Teresa Ryan: https://indigenous.forest
S1 E79 · Thu, April 29, 2021
Ep. 79: Solutions in Soil Carbon, Fungal Inspiration & Creating New Value Systems (feat. Larry Evans)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by mycophagy legend Larry Evans. Larry Evans is a mushroom hunter, teacher, cultivator, song writer, and cook. He has been instrumental in organizing forays, festivals, and workshops in Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Bolivia, and now Jamaica. He is a founder of the Western Montana Mycological Association, wrote a field guide to mushrooms of the Amazon, and appeared in Ron Mann’s come-documentary Know Your Mushrooms. His vast body of work includes detailed accounts of burn morel tracking throughout the Western US, explorations of jam-packed fungal jungles in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador and evangelizing audiences about means of fungal digestion, how fungi remediate contaminated soils, and what the process of mushroom making is all about. Time to laugh and learn with a real-life fungal pioneer. TOPICS COVERED: “Know Your Mushrooms” Changes in Soil Carbon Throughout Earth’s History Fungal Peroxidase Enzymes & the Carbon Cycle When it Comes to Wood, Bury Not Burn! Fossil Water, BCR & Soil Carbon Implications on Wildfires Fire-following Fairy Cups Understanding Soil Carbon in Land Management Trophic Levels of Wood Resources Mycoremediation & Fungal Adsorption Protein Production in the Developing World Mycofiltration Demystifying Human Fictions of Money & Property Creating New Value Systems New Models of Human Organization Inspired by Self-Balancing Systems EPISODE RESOURCES: Larry Evans Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrMushroomlarry Larry Evans IG: https://www.instagram.com/mushroomlarry/ Western Montana Mycological Association: http://wmma.wildsoil.com/ "Know Your Mushrooms" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWf7fM5iLYc Soil Carbon Cycle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_carbon Daldinia concentrica (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daldinia_concentrica Geopyxi carbonaria (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopyxis_carbonaria
S1 E78 · Tue, April 20, 2021
Ep. 78: Oakland Hyphae - First Annual Psilocybin Cup & BIPOC Entheogen Empowerment (feat. Reggie of Oakland Hyphae)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of Reggie, activist, mycologist and founder of Oakland Hyphae. Reggie studied political science at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and now has over a decade of political campaign experience ranging from local and state-level races to 3 Presidential races to working with the New York State Democrats, the DCCC, and the DNC. On the West Coast Reggie worked on a local level to replace police in schools with guidance counselors for the Black Organizing Project in Oakland. Inspired by early-life transformative experiences with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Reggie has had a lifelong passion for mycology and now consults with the largest mushroom cultivators in the world. He has worked with the largest cultivators in The Netherlands and is currently advising in the establishment of the largest commercial mushroom farm and state of the art testing lab in Jamaica. He also has over 10 years of domestic experience in the US cannabis industry. Reggie is a member of the Advisory Board for Decriminalize Nature and an avid activist for police reform and an ally of The Movement for Black Lives. TOPICS COVERED: Reggie’s Introduction to Psilocybin & Travels to Europe Activist Work for Political Change & Racial Equality Psilocybin Mushrooms as an Ancient Spiritual Technology Formation of Oakland Hyphae The First “Psilocybin Cup” April 2021 Combining Passions for Mushroom Cultivation & Plant Medicine BIPOC Activism Process of Testing Compounds in Psilocybin Mushrooms Importance of BIPOC Leadership in Psychedelic Spaces Future of Oakland Hyphae Next Psilocybin Cup & Oakland Psychedelic Conference 9/20/21 Lessons Learned from the Cannabis Industry Oakland as a Leader in Equity in Plant Medicine Colonization of Psychedelics in Jamaica Influence of Big Money on Emerging Psilocybin Mushroom Marketplace EPISODE RESOURCES: Oakland Hyphae IG: https://www.instagram.com/oakland_hyphae/ Oakland Hyphae Website: https://www.oaklandhyphae510.com/ Spring 2021 Psilocybin Cup: https://oakland-hyphae.teachable.com/p/oakland-hyphae-psilocybin-cup-spring-21 The Ancestor Project: https://www.instagram.com/theancestorproject/ Negus in Nature: https://www.instagram.com/negusinnature/ Twisted Tree Nursery: https://www.instagram.com/twisted_tree_nursery/ Pacific Substrates: <a href
S1 E77 · Wed, April 14, 2021
Ep. 77: Teaming with Microbes - The Organic Gardener’s Guide To The Soil Food Web (feat. Jeff Lowenfels)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of speaking with Jeff Lowenfels. Jeff is the author of the Award-winning books “Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide To The Soil Food Web”, “Teaming With Nutrients: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition” and “Teaming With Fungi: The Organic Grower’s Guide to Mycorrhizae” . Jeff Lowenfels has become a leader in the organic gardening/sustainability movement because of these best-selling books. His “Guide to the soil food web” has been hailed as one of the most important gardening books in the last 25 years. His talks have converted tens of thousands of gardeners at venues throughout North and South America to follow the path of organic gardening. Jeff hosted Alaska public television’s most popular show, “Alaska Gardens with Jeff Lowenfels.” Most importantly for him, Jeff is the founder of the national program “Plant A Row for The Hungry.” This program is active all 50 states and Canada and has resulted in millions pounds of garden produce being donated to feed the hungry every year. TOPICS COVERED: Transformation from “Chemical Head” to Organic Gardener Discovering the Soil Food Web Teaming with Microbes Nematodes, Protozoa, Fungi and the Rhizosphere Testing for Soil Health Teaming with Nutrients How do Plants Eat? Biological Processes of Plant Cells Roles of Mycorrhizal Fungi Humans Controlled by Microorganisms Spiritual Microbial Ecology Chemical Agriculture & the Soil Food Web Our Future Depends on Soil Planting a Row for the Hungry EPISODE RESOURCES: Jeff Lowenfels' Column: https://www.adn.com/author/jeff-lowenfels/ "Teaming with Microbes": https://www.amazon.com/Teaming-Microbes-Organic-Gardeners-Revised/dp/1604691131 "Teaming with Nutrients": https://www.amazon.com/Teaming-Nutrients-Gardeners-Optimizing-Nutrition/dp/1604693142/ "Teaming with Fungi": https://www.amazon.com/Teaming-Fungi-Organic-Mycorrhizae-Gardeners/dp/1604697296/ Rudolf Steiner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner Dr. Elaine Ingham: https://www.soilfoodweb.com/ Microbiometer (Test your soil biomass!): https://microbiometer.com/ Plant a Row for the Hungry: http
S1 E76 · Thu, April 08, 2021
Ep. 76: Mycorenewal - Ecological Restoration, Microbial Ecology & Bioremediation (feat. Mia Maltz PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the incredible myco-maven Mia Maltz PhD. As a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Biomedical Sciences at UC Riverside, her research focuses on fungal communities and functional ecology in novel ecosystems, including pumice plains, drying lakebeds, and the lung mycobiome. Mia studied at the University of California, Irvine where she received my Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, with an emphasis on Ecological Restoration and Fungi. Her dissertation work in Kathleen Treseder’s Lab of Fungi, Ecosystems, and Global Change looked at the effects of habitat fragmentation and ecosystem degradation on fungal community composition and function. For her dissertation research, Mia investigated whether restoration techniques affect fungi and evaluated the efficacy of methods for restoring mycorrhizal fungal function within degraded landscapes. As an ecologist working at the interface of community ecology, biogeography, and mycology, her work broadly focuses on community responses to environmental perturbations, which feedback to influence plant and fungal community structure and ecosystem functioning. TOPICS COVERED: Discovering a Passion for Permaculture & Ecological Restoration The Power of Showing Up & Making Connections Importance of Surveys Prior to Any Course of Bioremediation Functions of Different Mycorrhizal Fungi Roles of Saprobic Fungi & Pathogenic Fungi in Ecological Restoration Plant and Microbial Communications Importance of Precautionary Principle Ecological BioStimulation & BioAugmentation Founding of CoRenewal & Amazon MycoRenewal Project Open-Source Research Protocols Future Economic Significance of Bioremediation Environmental Justice Dust Microbiome & Fungal Ecosystems in the Air Women in Mycology EPISODE RESOURCES: Mia Maltz Academic Website: https://sites.uci.edu/maltz/ Mia Maltz Personal Website: http://miamaltz.com/ Mia Maltz IG: https://www.instagram.com/myceliumia/ Mia Maltz Twitter: https://twitter.com/miamaltz CoRenewal & Amazon MycoRenewal: https://www.amazonmycorenewal.org/ John Todd: https://www.toddecological.com/ Jan Colemeier: https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Mycology-Higher-Jan-Kohlmeyer/dp/1483241882 Treseder Lab: http://faculty.sites.uci.edu/tresederlab/
S1 E75 · Wed, March 24, 2021
Ep. 75: "Growing Back to Nature", Power of Storytelling & How Bananas Changed the World (feat. Anthony Basil Rodriguez)
Anthony Basil Rodriguez is a New York-born independent photographer and filmmaker. Since childhood he has been oriented toward a range of visual worlds. As a teenager, Anthony began to carry around an old film camera that his younger brother had lying around from a school project. Eventually taking his hobby more seriously, Anthony obtained a job pushing carts in order to buy his first digital camera. One day after a thunderstorm he was discovered by a local news station knee-deep in floodwaters collecting photos of the aftermath. He spent the following three years submerged in live television, editing daily newscasts. During this time, he honed and developed a true eye and skill for editing, videography and ultimately storytelling. Since leaving the news industry Anthony has continued to push his craft, interlacing realms of photography, video and film. This work continues to bring Anthony around the world in pursuit of research and documentation of rare plants, disparate peoples and the flux of global society. One of his current projects, Growing Back to Nature, really caught my attention as it features foragers, citizen mycologists and seekers who are trying to carve out a future path based around a more holistic connection with our planet and what it is live more in tune with natural systems. TOPICS COVERED: Anthony Discovers a Talent for Visual Media Breaking into Television News Production Childhood Passion for Plants Ethnobotanical Adventures Bananas – The Fruit that Changed the World Worldwide Cultural Influence of the Banana The Jamaican Banana King How Traveling Extensively Changes Us “Growing Back to Nature” Docuseries Influence of William Padilla-Brown Wasteland Rebel and Zero Waste Lifestyle Changes in the Art & Craft of Film in the Social Media Age Power of Storytelling to Shape Society Getting Our Sh** Together Could be Fun EPISODE RESOURCES: Anthony Rodriguez Website: https://anthonybrodriguez.com/ Anthony Rodriguez IG: https://www.instagram.com/revofthought/ Growing Back to Nature Website: https://growingbacktonature.com/ Growing Back to Nature IG: https://www.instagram.com/growingbacktonature/ "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Banana-Fate-Fruit-Changed-World/dp/0452290082 "Conquest of the Tropics" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Conques
S1 E74 · Wed, March 17, 2021
Ep. 74: Terrestrial Fungi - Cordyceps Genetics, Ganoderma Mysteries & Trusting Synchronicity (feat. Ryan Paul Gates)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of Ryan Paul Gates, founder of Terrestrial Fungi. Ryan has spent the last ten+ years collecting and breeding fungal cultures from around the world. The strains he is probably most famous for propagating and breeding are cordyceps and ganoderma mushrooms. Ryan was really an early pioneer at popularizing cordyceps cultivation in the US, exposing us to techniques used from all over the globe. His team at Terrestrial Fungi are constantly hunting and breeding new and improved strains to add to their already staggering genetic library. They are constantly refining our selection process to bring Cordyceps farmers reliable and high yielding potent genetics. In the summer of 2019, they collected over 200 wild Cordyceps militaris ascospore isolates from over 30 carefully selected wild specimens: building their work of releasing the first single ascospore progeny strains of Cordyceps militaris in the USA. A master manifester and elevator of vibration, you can tell Ryan puts the highest intention and care into his work. TOPICS COVERED: How Ryan Discovered a Passion for Fungi Falling in Love with Cordyceps Cordyceps militaris Decentralized Knowledge Share Developing Cordyceps militaris Cultivation Techniques Basics of Cordyceps militaris Biology Balancing Open-Source Mentality, Economic Self-Interest and Concepts of Reciprocity Mechanics of Culturing Cordycep militaris Strains and Selecting Genetics Birth of Terrestrial Fungi Rethinking Ganoderma Taxonomy Elucidating Ganoderma lucidum Challenges of Breeding Ganoderma Future Plans for Terrestrial Fungi Advice for Breeding Fungi Strains Guidance from Music, Spirit & Other Organisms in Following the Path of Fungi EPISODE RESOURCES: Terrestrial Fungi Website: https://www.terrestrialfungi.com/ Terrestrial Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/terrestrialfungi/ Terrestrial Fungi FB: https://www.facebook.com/TerrestrialFungi/ RusticRosette Website: https://www.rusticrosette.com/ Shroomery.org: https://www.shroomery.org/ Appalachian Gold Fungi: https://www.instagram.com/appalachiangold_fungi/ Cordyceps militaris "dendrite" strain (Fungi): https://www.terrestrialfungi.com/products/cordyceps-militaris-dendrite-liquid-culture Dr. Robert Blanchette: <a href='http://for
S1 E73 · Wed, March 10, 2021
Ep. 73: In Search of Mycotopia - Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics & the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms (feat. Doug Bierend)
Today we have the honor of speaking with journalist and author Doug Bierend. His new book “In Search of Mycotopia” dives into the neglected mega-science of mycology and introduces readers to the weird and wonderful communities of citizen scientists and microbe devotees who are leading the modern mycological movement. Doug uncovers a diverse cadre of growers, independent researchers, ecologists, entrepreneurs, and amateur enthusiasts, exploring and advocating for fungi’s capacity to improve and heal contaminated landscapes, provide food and medicine, and demonstrate how humans might live better with nature—and one another. The book is told through Doug’s first-hand encounters from the perspective of an embedded reporter drawn to this wonderfully enticing myco-culture This is an exploration of the wild new frontiers of all things mushroom and an inspiring look at the people who are paying attention to what fungi can teach us about the potential for our future. “Mycotopia is already all around us - All we have to do is embrace it.” Topics Covered: Journalist Doug's Journey into Mycology Role of Fungi in Planetary and Human Development Overlap of Academia and Citizen Science Community Mycology Labs Connection Between Mycology & a Culture of Aspirational Change How Does Mycology Culture Mirror Other Counter-Culture Movements? Influence of Psychedelic Culture Promise and Realities of Mycoremediation Resilient Future of Mushroom Cultivation Decentralize Everything Maintaining the Integrity of the Mycelium Underground Interspecies Allyship Medicinal Potentials of Fungi How Writing the Book Changed Doug Episode Resources: "In Search of Mycotopia": https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/in-search-of-mycotopia/ Doug Bierend IG: https://www.instagram.com/dougbierend/ "Fungal Biology in the Origin & Emergence of Life": https://www.amazon.com/Fungal-Biology-Origin-Emergence-Life/dp/1107652774 Fungal Diversity Survey: https://fundis.org/ Craig Trester: https://www.instagram.com/nyc.myc/ Christian Schwarz: https://www.instagram.com/biodiversiphile/ Bryn Dentinger: https://www.instagram.com/nhmumycology/ Radical Mycology: https://www.radicalmycology.com/ POC Fungi Community: <a href='https://www.instag
S1 E72 · Mon, March 01, 2021
Ep. 72: Porcini, Systematics of Family Boletaceae & Fungus Farming Ants (feat. Bryn Dentinger PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the distinguished Bryn Dentinger, Curator of Mycology at the Natural History Museum of Utah and Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Utah. Bryn hails from Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota for his PhD, where he studied the molecular systematics of clavarioid and porcini mushrooms. He has carried out fieldwork all over the world, including exciting collecting trips to Vietnam, Brazil, and Cameroon. He spent years in the UK as the Head of Mycology at the world-renowned Kew Gardens and since 2003 has published dozens of research papers in respected scientific journals around the world. Now running the Dentinger lab in Utah, he continues to pursue molecular systematics research on mushrooms and other fungi around the world, combining fieldwork, collections, and modern genomic tools, while maintaining a keen interest in home-brewing and whisky. Bryn’s work has overlapped with many other guests on the Mushroom Hour and has been one of the most recommended guests. Topics Covered: Early Inspirations to Study Fungi Introduction to Porcini Definition of Porcini (Species), Boletus (Genus), Boletaceae (Family) Family Boletaceae Phylogeny & Radiative Evolutionary Event Evolutionary Biology Behind Physical Characteristics of Fungi World’s Most Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Family Boletacae Beyond PCR - Emerging Frontiers of Genetic Sequencing Importance of Citizen Scientists in Biodiversity Research Sequencing Existing Fungarium and Herbarium Collections Species of Fungus Farming Ants "Microbial Garden" Ant/Fungus/Bacteria Ecosystems Divergent Evolution of Fungus Farming Ants Evolutionary Significance of the Chemical Psilocybin Current and Future Research at the Dentinger Lab Episode Resources: Dentinger Lab Website: https://dentingerlab.org/ Bryn Dentinger Faculty Page: https://faculty.utah.edu/u6007810-BRYN_DENTINGER/hm/index.hml Bryn Dentinger IG: https://www.instagram.com/nhmumycology/ Boletaceae (Family): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletaceae Boletus (Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus Boletus Edulis (Species): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis David McLaughlin (Inspiration): https://cbs.umn.edu/contacts/david-j-mclaughlin Tom Bruns (Inspiration): <a href='https
S1 E71 · Mon, February 22, 2021
Ep. 71: Wild Food Girl - Wild Food Cultures, Indigenous Agro-ecology & Foraging in Colorado (feat. Erica Davis)
Today on Mushroom Hour we’re excited to speak with Erica Davis, founder of Wild Food Girl. Erica started writing her adventures with wild food back in 2009 at her blog, and later in a monthly magazine called “Wild Edible Notebook.” She teaches a course on useful plants at Colorado Mountain College and conducts plant walks around the state. She is also a regular presenter at the Midwest Wild Harvest Festival in Wisconsin. Erica’s educational background includes a BA in archaeology, an elementary school teaching credential, and an MA in technology-based education. Today she maintains an active Facebook community and is hard at work on her first book about edible wild plants in the West. Her incredible body of work is carefully compiled and she has worked diligently to provide accurate, useful, safe—and whenever possible, lesser known—information. Topics Covered: Introduced to Foraging Through the Work of Yule Gibbons Learning Through Books Foraging Hobby vs Lifestyle Foraging Seasons in Colorado Wild Seed Foraging Indigenous Agro-forestry Agricultural Systems from an Ecological Perspective Co-evolution of Human Tenders and Wild Edibles Integrating Wild Foods into Your Diet The World’s Best Dandelion Preparation Wild Mustards Wild Food Recipes and Preparations Across Cultures Sustainable Foraging Erica's Book Planned for 2022 Episode Resources: Wild Food Girl Website: https://wildfoodgirl.com/ Wild Food Girl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildfoodgirl/ Euell Gibbons (Inspiration): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euell_Gibbons Cattail Bob Seebeck (Inspiration): https://www.rrcc.edu/outdoor-education/faculty/cattail-bob Samuel Thayer (Inspiration): https://www.foragersharvest.com/#/ "Tending the Wild" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Tending-Wild-Knowledge-Management-Californias/dp/0520280431 Yampa (Plant): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perideridia Goosefoot (Plant): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenopodium Pinus edulis (Tree): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_edulis "Mushrooms of Colorado and the Southern Rocky Mountains": ht
S1 E70 · Mon, February 15, 2021
Ep. 70: Mycelium Coffins, Living Homes & Building with Bio-Materials (feat. Bob Hendrikx)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of inventor & bio-designer Bob Hendrikx, coming to us all the way from the Netherlands. Through his work at Studio Hendrikx, Bob strives to restore the parasitic relationship between humanity and its environment by expanding the horizon of human imagination and exploring living materials. His Living Cocoon project has captured headlines around the world with a coffin made from mycelium that helps bodies decompose faster while improving the surrounding soil. Through all of his design endeavors Bob embraces the notion that current way we build and produce materials must change fundamentally. I’m excited to hear from this visionary designer how we may be able to shift humankind's 200,000-year model of parasitism and extraction by taking a cue from Mother Nature who has been leading the way for 3.8 billion years by growing materials in ecological harmony. Topics Covered: Becoming a bio-based designer Living vs Dead Materials Free Technology Found in Nature What is “Homo Natura”? Listening to Nature Helps us Listen to Each Other Inspiration for the Mycelium Coffin Becoming Compost, Not Waste Facing our Collective Fear of Death Living Homes Made of Mycelium Self-Healing T-Shirts Bioluminescent Streetlights Smashing the System vs. Growing a New One Growing Our Way to a Better Society Future Projects for Studio Hendrikx Episode Resources: Bob Hendrikx Website: https://www.bobhendrikx.com/ Bob Hendrikx IG: https://www.instagram.com/studiohendrikx/ Genus Ramaria (Mushrooms): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramaria
S1 E69 · Wed, February 10, 2021
Ep. 69: Mushroom Mountain - Change the World with Fungi, Think Like a Mushroom (feat. Tradd Cotter)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of Tradd Cotter, coming to us from Mushroom Mountain. Tradd Cotter is a microbiologist, professional mycologist, and organic gardener, who has been tissue culturing, collecting native fungi in the Southeast, and cultivating both commercially and experimentally for more than twenty-five years. In 1996 he founded Mushroom Mountain, which he owns and operates with his wife, Olga, to explore applications for mushrooms in various industries and currently maintains over 200 species of fungi for food production, mycoremediation of environmental pollutants, and natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. His primary interest is in low-tech and no- tech cultivation strategies so that anyone can grow mushrooms on just about anything, anywhere in the world. Mushroom Mountain is currently expanding to 42,000 square feet of laboratory and research space near Greenville, South Carolina, to accommodate commercial production, as well as mycoremediation projects. His masterwork and must-own mycology reference - "Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation" had a huge impact on my own relationship with mycology. Topics Covered: The Journey to Founding “Mushroom Mountain” Applied Mycology as a Multi-Generational Project of Discovery Pillars of Mushroom Mountain’s Business and Research Mushroom-Based Solutions in the Developing World Putting Myco-remediation Theory into Action The Key Concepts of Mycofiltration Future of Fungi in Medicine & Truly Personalized Treatments Reducing Pesticide Use with Fungal Solutions Patenting Ideas to Defend from the Dark Side Educating the Next Generation Disrupting the System, Waking People Up! Power of Growing Your Own Mushrooms “Blue Portal” Psilocybin Therapy in Jamaica Future of Mushroom Mountain Episode Resources: Mushroom Mountain website: https://mushroommountain.com/ Mushroom Mountain FB: https://www.facebook.com/MushroomMountainFarm Mushroom Mountain IG: https://www.instagram.com/sporeprints/ "Organic Mushroom Farming & Mycoremediation": https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Mushroom-Farming-Mycoremediation-Experimental/dp/1603584552 Mauritius Islands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritius Cordyceps (Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
S1 E68 · Mon, February 01, 2021
Ep. 68: Learn Your Land - Connecting to Natural Spaces, Finding a Sense of Belonging (feat. Adam Haritan)
Today we are blessed by the presence of Adam Haritan, founder of Learn Your Land. Adam started the famous Learn Your Land platform in 2014 out of a desire to connect naturalists with people who wanted to learn from naturalists. Learn Your Land is an advertisement-free media channel, helping people to improve their nature skills one species at a time. He spends most of my days either looking for mushrooms/plants/trees, researching mushrooms/plants/trees, filming mushrooms/plants/trees, or editing videos and content around mushrooms/plants/trees. Before his life became dedicated to this project, Adam studied classical piano and euphonium, toured as a drummer with a heavy metal band until his academic pursuits led him to study nutrition and dietetics at the University of Pittsburgh. I’m excited to probe the depths of a naturalist who has dedicated so much time and effort to help us all learn more about the land under our feet. Topics Covered: Charting a New Life Course Through Nutrition Learning from Mentors and Naturalist Groups Western Pennsylvania Mushroom and Wild Food Community Finding Purpose in Sharing Information About Nature Foraging in Western Pennsylvania Connection with Land as Essential to Human Health Tips for Other Educators Content Creation as a Disciplined Learning Process Foraging Wild Water, Medicine and Food Land and Belonging Transcending Dystopian Futures Significance of Land Trusts & Giving Back to Natural Spaces Learning Each Mushroom that Crosses Your Path Future Projects for “Learn Your Land” Episode Resources: Learn Your Land Website: https://learnyourland.com/ Learn Your Land YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbf8wnyVJl631LAmAbo7nw Learn Your Land IG: https://www.instagram.com/learnyourland/ Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club: https://wpamushroomclub.org/ Echinoderma asperum (Fungus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinoderma_asperum
S1 E67 · Wed, January 27, 2021
Ep. 67: Tiger Mushroom Farms - Working to End Hunger, Growing A New Future (feat. Te'Lario Watkins II)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to have a conversation with Te’Lario Watkins II, founder of Tiger Mushroom Farms. Te’Lario started his mushroom farm at the age of 7 on the heels of a Cub Scout Project. Now at age 12, Te’Lario is a speaker, author, Hunger Hero and nonprofit Founder. He grows shiitake mushrooms in his basement and oyster mushrooms in a spare bedroom. Te’Lario sells them at a farmers market and local restaurants. Te’Lario’s mission is to help end hunger and encourage kids to eat healthier. He has worked with No Kid Hungry to raise awareness and funds to end hunger. He volunteers with Food Rescue US and delivers unsold food from restaurants to food pantries. Te’Lario recently started his own nonprofit “The Garden Club Project” to help his mission to end hunger. This summer, Te’Lario’s nonprofit delivered over 2,000 pounds to a local food pantry in his community. Te’Lario was recently “gifted” a microgreen business and plans to donate some of the proceeds to his nonprofit to help his community even more. Topics Covered: Inspired by the Cub Scouts Discovering Mushrooms for Winter Growing "Back to the Roots" Grow Kits Birth of Tiger Mushroom Farms The Rise of Kid-preneurs Writing a Children's Book Making Healthy Delicious & Famous Shiitake Bacon Te’Lario’s Mission to End Hunger No Kid Hungry, Food Rescue & the Garden Club Project Future Plans for Te’Lario and Tiger Mushroom Farm Episode Resources: Te'Lario Watkins II IG: https://www.instagram.com/telariowatkinsii/ Tiger Mushroom Farms IG: https://www.instagram.com/tigermushroomfarms_/ Tiger Mushroom Farms Website: https://www.tigermushroomfarms.com/home.html "Te'Lario's Amazing Mushroom Farm": https://www.amazon.com/TeLarios-Amazing-Mushroom-TeLario-Watkins/dp/1975604741 Back to the Roots Grow Kits: https://backtotheroots.com/ No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org/ Food Rescue: https://foodrescue.us/ Worthington Farmer's Market: https://www.worthingtonfarmersmarket.com/ Sassafras Bakery: https://www.sassafrasbakery.com/
S1 E66 · Wed, January 20, 2021
Ep. 66: Madagascar's Marasmius & the Ecology of Monkeyflower Endophytes (feat. Jackie Shay)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the pleasure of learning from Jackie Shay. Jackie is a fungal evolutionary biologist and microbial ecologist fascinated with the intimate history and future significance of symbiotic relationships between plant hosts and their microbial communities. Her goal is to use integrative techniques to explore these interactions in the natural world and learn how we can apply these partnerships to promote conservation and resilience through climate change. Jackie received a master's in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the Desjardin lab at San Francisco State University studying the evolution of wood decaying mushrooms ( Marasmius ) from Madagascar. She is currently a Ph.D. student in the Sexton and Frank labs in the Quantitative and Systems Biology Program at the University of California, Merced. This interdisciplinary team has set out to uncover the mystery behind the Monkeyflower microbiome and discover whether these microbes influence their plant hosts across its range. Topics Covered: From Urban Dweller to Forest Lover Desjardin Lab at SFSU Marasmius Research in Madagascar Unseen Ecological Importance of Saprobic Fungi Fungal Genetics Importance of "ITS" Region in Fungal Gene Sequencing Discovering New Species of Marasmius Monkeyflower Microbiome Bioinformatics Endophytes Defined Endophytes and Climate Change Mysteries of "Dark" Endophytes We Need More Mycologists! New Pedagogic Career Path & Future Plans Episode Resources: Jackie Shay Website: https://www.jackieshay.com/ Castilleja miniata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilleja_miniata Marasmius (Fungi Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marasmius Desjardin Lab SFSU: http://biology.sfsu.edu/people/dennis-desjardin Mimulus "Monkeyflower" (Plant Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimulus Sexton and Frank labs UC Merced: http://sextonlab.ucmerced.edu/ Merced Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning: https://cetl.ucmerced.edu/ Cordyceps (Fungi Genus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
S1 E65 · Thu, January 14, 2021
Ep. 65: Forage Colorado - Finding Wild Food & Connection in the Rocky Mountains (feat. Orion Aon)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are privileged to get to speak with Orion Aon, founder of Forage Colorado. Orion is a Colorado transplant with a lifelong passion for the outdoors and anything there is to do in them. He loves to hunt, fish, forage, camp, wander and wonder, look at trees, you name it! Orion grew up in Santa Fe, NM where he first started mushroom hunting with his family looking for king boletes, chanterelles, and hawk's wings - like a treasure hunt in the woods that got him hooked. In 2008, he moved to Colorado to attend CSU where he would study Natural Resource Management and Fisheries Biology. In 2015 Orion started Forage Colorado as a place where he could share his passion for Colorado foraging with others. His first big project was writing a series about Colorado morels, which has helped a lot of people who didn’t even know there were morels in Colorado to find their first ones. He now offers private foraging classes and does talks, events, and leads forays for his local mycological society. Topics Covered: Family Tradition Becomes a Passion for Foraging Colorado Mycological Societies Unique Mushroom Habitat of the Southwestern US Mysteries of Colorado Morels Finding Mushroom Spots on the Rocky Mountain range Foraging as a Source of Connection Wild Food Sustainability "Forage Colorado" Passion Project Cooking with Foraged Finds Educating Through Social Media Studies in Natural Resource Management Career with Colorado State Seedling Nursery Treatise on Dandelion Foraging Books and Future Plans Episode Resources: Forage Colorado Website: https://www.foragecolorado.com/ Forage Colorado FB: https://www.facebook.com/foragecolorado/ Forage Colorado IG: https://www.instagram.com/foragecolorado/?hl=en Colorado Mycological Society: https://cmsweb.org Fort Collins Mycological Society: https://www.facebook.com/FoCoMycoClub/ Pikes Peak Mycological Society: pikespeakmyc.org Colorado State Seedling Nursery: https://csfs.colostate.edu/seedling-tree-nursery/ Samuel Thayer Website (Inspiration): https://www.foragersharvest.com/ Briana Wiles (Inspiration): https://www.instagram.com/rootedapothecary/?hl=en Erica Davis: https://wildfoodgirl.com Mushr
S1 E64 · Wed, January 06, 2021
Ep. 64: Magdalena - Anthropology, Ethnobotany & Colombia's River of Dreams (feat. Wade Davis)
Wade Davis is Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Between 2000 and 2013 he served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society and was named by NGS as one of the Explorers for the Millennium. He has been described as “a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet and passionate defender of all of life’s diversity.” His work has taken him to unique biomes across the world including East Africa, Borneo, Nepal, Peru, Polynesia, Tibet, Mali, Benin, Togo, New Guinea, Australia, Colombia, Vanuatu, Mongolia and the high Arctic of Nunuvut and Greenland. An ethnographer, writer, photographer and filmmaker, Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. Through the Harvard Botanical Museum, he spent three years in the Amazon and Andes as a plant explorer, living among 15 indigenous groups in eight Latin American nations while making some 6000 botanical collections. Davis is the author of 320 scientific and popular articles and 23 books and as a professional speaker for 30 years, has lectured at over 200 universities and 250 corporations and professional associations. One of only 20 Honorary Members of the Explorers Club, his incredible list of awards, medals and accolades would warrant its own podcast. We’ve connected here today to introduce our audience to this incredible explorer, give some of his background and dive into his newest work about one of the most biodiverse and culturally relevant countries in the world – Colombia and it’s great river the Magdalena. ⚠️ There were some issues with audio capture at certain points in the interview. After 12 minutes you get through the roughest patches, but I encourage you to listen in even to the rough bits! There is gold here 💛 Topics Covered: Anthropological and Ethnobotanical Influences at Harvard Richard Evans Schultes & David Maybury-Lewis Cross-Disciplinary Importance of Anthropology Emergence of Concepts of Conservation & Biodiversity Magical, Animated Worldview vs. Inert, Material Worldview Indigenous Shaman as Natural Philosopher Psychedelic Renaissance Colombia & the Magdalena River Scale & Impact of Cocaine Trade on Colombia Colombia's Ongoing Civil War Enshrining Indigenous & Environmental Rights Coca - Divine Leaf of Immortality Colombia’s Outrageous Biodiversity Resiliency of Colombian People Hopes for the Book & Future of Colombia Episode Resources: Wade Davis Website: https://daviswade.com/wade Wade Davis Teaching Website: https://anth.ubc.ca/profile/wade-davis/ Wade Davis IG: <
S1 E63 · Sat, January 02, 2021
Ep. 63: Marin Mushrooms - Macro Photography, Myxomycetes (Slime Molds) & Tiny Fungi (feat. Alison Pollack)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are fortunate to be joined be Alison Pollack. Alison is a photographer specializing in making large the diminutive dwellers of the forest - Myxomycetes (commonly referred to as slime molds) and tiny fungi. Her passion is finding, photographing, identifying and sharing these miniature worlds to bring awareness to the fascinating organisms that exist right at our feet in the forest but are largely hidden to the naked eye. Alison has always had a casual interest in photography, but when she retired from the field of air quality consulting she upgraded to a DSLR and began shooting landscapes at home and while traveling - hiking with her husband throughout the world. It wasn’t until she found and photographed her first slime mold, however, that she got serious about mushroom and myxo photography. Alison’s photographs have been featured in numerous publications, including Colossal, Bored Panda, MyModernMet, the German National Geographic magazine GEO, Der Spiegel, and the Sunday New York Times Magazine. Known as “Marin Mushrooms” on Instagram, her widely shared posts have inspired people to slow down on their hikes to search for these tiny life forms that she loves. Topics Covered: Alison’s Discovery of Slime Molds Searching vs. Foraging How to Find Myxomycetes and Ascomycetes Cultivating Myxomycetes Capturing the Miniature World of Myxos Photography in the Wild and in a Studio Evolution as a Photographer Equipment for Ultra-Macro Photography "Focus Stacking" Microscopic Captures Myxobacteria Power of Fungi Community Breaking Through Internationally Future Events and Exhibitions Episode Resources: Alison Pollack (IG): https://www.instagram.com/marin_mushrooms/ Alison Pollack (FB): https://www.facebook.com/AlisonKPollack FB Slime Mold Identification and Appreciation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SlimeMold/ Sarah Lloyd: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lloyd.tasmania/ Leah Mycelia: https://www.instagram.com/leah_mycelia/ Raynox Add-On Lens for Macro Photography: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/275182-REG/Raynox_DCR_250_DCR_250_2_5x_Super_Macro.html Focus Stacking Software: https://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker Myxomycetes - A Handbook of Slime Molds (Book): <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Myxomycet
S1 E62 · Mon, December 28, 2020
Ep. 62: Myco Lyco - Fungal Frequencies, Biodata Sonification & the Music of Mushrooms (feat. Noah Kalos)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed by the presence of Noah Kalos, founder of the groundbreaking Youtube and social media channels “MycoLyco”. This work is a blend of his passions for nature, mycology and electronic music. He originally got hooked on electronic music production at the age of 17, but in the past 6 years Noah took that passion to the next level, getting deep into digital music hardware and electrical engineering. Noah majored in studio art at Oberlin College and then spent 5+ years living in the woods transitioning between outdoor roles as a camp counselor and nature therapist. During his time in the wild, he became familiar with all kinds of wild foods and has been a longtime mycology enthusiast. In the wake of the pandemic, Noah decided to focus on growing mushrooms. His plan was to convert his music studio into a mycology lab, but after a fateful connection between mycelium and synth electrodes, the studio and lab became one in the same. Now with his MycoLyco project, Noah has been giving us all a window into the incredible musical frequencies of fungi. (Intro and Outro music is the sound of mushrooms from the new MycoLyco album!) Topics Covered: Noah’s Origin Story Years Spent Living in Nature Mushroom Cultivation & Cordyceps Marriage of Synth and Mushroom - Birth of Myco Lyco Waves and Resistance Converting into Digital Sounds Biodata Sonification Responses to Stimuli & Rhythmic Spiking Behaviors Hooking up Crystals, Cacti and Orchids to the Synthesizer Unique Hallmarks of Mushroom Sound Waves Is there Sonic Communication Between Mushrooms? Mycelium Sentience Fungi Offering New Perspectives Explosion of Citizen Science and Autodidactic Learning Tips for Exploring Modular Synth Future Plans for Myco Lyco Episode Resources: Myco Lyco Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmw-u-2kzPQPO5n9sTpcyA Myco Lyco Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mycolyco?lang=en Myco Lyco IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycolyco/ Myco Lyco FB: https://www.facebook.com/mycolycomycology/ Midisprout/Plantwave: https://www.midisprout.com/ Instruo Scion: https://www.instruomodular.com/ MAKEN0ISE YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/MAKEN0ISE Divkid YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/DivKidVideo Andrew is Music YT: <a href='https://www.y
S1 E61 · Wed, December 23, 2020
Ep. 61: Fly Agaric - A Compendium of History, Pharmacology, Mythology, & Exploration (feat. Kevin Feeney PhD)
Today we have the privilege of speaking with Kevin Feeney, PhD, JD. Kevin is a cultural anthropologist and lawyer currently working as a Program Director and Instructor in Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Sciences at Central Washington University. His primary research interests include examining legal and regulatory issues surrounding the religious and cultural use of psychoactive substances, with an emphasis on peyote and ayahuasca, and exploring modern and traditional uses of Amanita muscaria , with a specific focus on medicinal use and preparation practices. His research has been published in the International Journal of Drug Policy , Journal of Psychoactive Drugs , Human Organization , and Curare , among other books and journals. He is a current board member of Cactus Conservation Institute, which is dedicated to the study and preservation of vulnerable cacti and is also a member of Chacruna’s Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants. Topics Covered: Kevin’s Formative Experiences with Amanita muscaria Amanita’s Biochemistry and Psychoactive Compounds Gordon Wasson’s Famous Analysis of the Vedic “SOMA” Breakthroughs on Soma’s “Three Filters” with Trent Austin Hypothesized Migration of the Mushroom Cult Recurring Mushroom Symbology Found Across Cultures Is Santa Claus an Amanita Shaman? Tales of Medicinal & Shamanic Uses from the Indigenous Koryak and Sami Peoples “Killer Details” in Examining Archaeological & Mythological Evidence Discernment When Interpreting Folklore and Historical Texts Viking Berserkers, Odin and the Mead of Inspiration Amanita Muscaria Motifs in Celtic and Irish Folklore Did a Worldwide Amanita Muscaria Cult Influence most Spiritual Traditions? Inspiration for Writing the Book & Hopes for the Future Episode Resources: Kevin Feeney Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kevin_Feeney Fly Agaric: A Compendium of History, Pharmacology, Mythology, & Exploration : https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Agaric-Compendium-Pharmacology-Exploration/dp/0578714426/ Amanita muscaria (mushroom): http://www.mushroomexpert.com/amanita_muscaria_muscaria.html Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality (Gordon Wasson) : https://www.amazon.com/Soma-Mushroom-Immortality-Ethno-Mycological-Studies/dp/0156838001 Peter McCoy/Radical Mycolog
S1 E60 · Wed, December 16, 2020
Ep. 60: Exploring the Endless Wonders of Truffle Fungi (feat. Dr. Matthew Smith)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the distinguished Dr. Matthew Smith. Dr. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida and the curator of the UF Fungal Herbarium (FLAS). He teaches the UF mycology course and takes on the responsibility of identifying unknown fungi for a variety of Florida stakeholders, including the UF Plant Disease Clinic, UF-IFAS Extension Service, and the UF Veterinary School. His broad range of interests spans fungal ecology, evolution, and systematics. Dr. Smith has worked extensively on the biology and systematics of hypogeous fungi (“truffles”) and the ecology of plant-symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. However, he has also studied a variety of other fungal groups, including plant pathogens Armillaria mellea ("oak root fungus") and Claviceps purpurea (Ergot disease of grasses) as well as the nematode-destroying fungi (Orbiliales and other Ascomycota). Dr. Smith’s work combines the synergistic use of molecular, morphological, and culture-based methods in both laboratory and field settings. Topics Covered: Mycology Journey from Sonoma California to University of Florida What is a "Truffle"? Biology of Truffles Convergent Evolution of Truffle Fungi Edible Truffles & Genus Tuber Zygomycetes North American Truffles Commercial Truffle Farming Truffle Foraging & Truffle Hounds Role of Birds in Truffle Reproduction in Southern S. America Applied Uses of Mycorrhizal Fungi Tropical Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Gondwana & Biogeography Florida Museum of Natural History Episode Resources: Dr. Matthew Smith Website: https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty-pages/matthew-smith/ Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Gulf-Coast-States-Mississippi/dp/1477318151 Common Florida Mushrooms (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Common-Florida-mushrooms-James-Kimbrough/dp/B00069BG5I Mushrooms Demystified (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Demystified-David-Arora/dp/0898151694/ Tuber magnatum (Truffle): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_truffle Tuber melanosporum (Truffle): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T
S1 E59 · Wed, December 09, 2020
Ep. 59: Mushroom Revelations & the Unseen World of Microbia (feat. Eugenia Bone)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to have the company of Eugenia Bone. Eugenia is a nature and food journalist, as well as an author and speaker, whose writing is primarily about the connections between food, sustainability and the natural sciences. Her work has appeared in many books, magazines, and newspapers, including The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal, Saveur, Food & Wine, Gourmet , and The National Lampoon . A member of the American Society of Science Writers, founder of Slow Food Western Slope in Western Colorado, and former president of the New York Mycological Society, she has lectured widely in venues like the Denver Botanical Garden and the New York Public Library. Eugenia is the author of six books, including the mushroom lover must-have “Mycophilia” and her most recent work Microbia: A Journey into the Unseen World Around You . Eugenia has lectured widely in venues like the Denver Botanical Gardens, the New York Public Library, and the Stone Barns Center. She’s currently featured in “Fantastic Fungi”, a movie about the magical world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth. Topics Covered: Winding Road to Mycophilia How Basic Scientific Literacy Improves Your Life Diverse Mushroom Community Fungi as the Glue of Plants, Soil & Community New York Mycological Society Mushrooms in Urban Ecosystems Fungi as a Gateway to Learning Cooking & Preserving Mushrooms Exploring the Microbial World Symbiosis & Dysbiosis Our Gut Microbiome Limitless Applications of Endophytes Psilocybin Therapy Eugenia’s Favorite Forage Grounds and Mushroom Recipes Episode Resources: Eugenia Bone Website: http://www.eugeniabone.com/ Eugenia Bone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugeniagbone/ Fantastic Fungi Cookbook: https://fantasticfungi.com/cookbook/ New York Mycological Society: http://newyorkmyc.org/ Mycophilia - Revelations from the Weird World of Mushrooms (book): https://www.amazon.com/Mycophilia-Revelations-Weird-World-Mushrooms/dp/1609619870 Microbia - A Journey Into the Unseen World Around You (book): https://www.amazon.com/Microbia-Journey-Unseen-World-Around/dp/1623367352
S1 E58 · Fri, December 04, 2020
Ep. 58: Unwinding Mushroom Mysteries, Decoding Fungal Genetics (feat. Todd Osmundson PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the pleasure of speaking with the distinguished Todd Osmundson PhD, Associate Professor of Biology at The University of Wisconsin Lacrosse. Todd is a faculty member in the Department of Biology and his research specialties include studying the ecology, genetic relationships, geographic distributions, and conservation biology of bacteria and especially fungi, using fieldwork, microscopy, and molecular genetic (DNA-based) tools. His professional mycology career really began during a fateful encounter with a local mushroom club in Montana. Todd has conducted mycological fieldwork in the U.S., French Polynesia, China, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Svalbard, Thailand, and Australia. His varied research projects have seen him span alpine, arctic, tropical, and temperate habitats in search of fungi. There are few people more familiar with the process of finding, observing, extracting DNA, and genetically sequencing fungi. Let's learn more about where “we” are in cataloging fungal populations, what that means for mycology and how citizen scientists can be a part of this process. Topics Covered: Seizing Opportunity to Begin a Mycology Career Morea & French Polynesia Model Ecosystem Modeling with Genetics PCR Analysis and Sequencing Interpreting Genetic Data Challenges of Identifying Fungal Species What are Clades and How Do We Use Them? 165 Million Species of Fungi?! Microsporidians Mysteries of Burn Morels Differentiating Individuals with Genetics Fungal Herbarium Collections as Genetic Vaults? Biogeography & Evolutionary History Diversity Surveys & Fungi Conservation Episode Resources: Todd Osmundson Website: https://www.uwlax.edu/profile/tosmundson/ Larry Evans (Inspiration): http://www.montanamushrooms.com/tag/larry-evans/ Dr Cathy Cripps (Inspiration): https://plantsciences.montana.edu/alpinemushrooms/investigators/principal.html Microsporidians (fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsporidia Andy Bruce (student): https://andibruce.com/ Alan Rockefeller (Inspiration): https://www.instagram.com/alan_rockefeller/ Boletus separans (Mushroom): https://boletes.wpamushroomclub.org/product/xanthoconium-separans/ Tylopilus (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tylopilus
S1 E57 · Fri, December 04, 2020
Ep. 57: Secondary Metabolites, Mycotoxins & Fungi in Food Systems (feat. Professor Tom Volk)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the humbling privilege to speak with Tom Volk, Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Specializing in Mycology and Forest Pathology, Tom teaches courses on Mycology, Medical Mycology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, Food & Industrial Mycology, Advanced Mycology, Organismal Biology and Latin & Greek for Scientists. His website, Tom Volk's Fungi has a popular "Fungus of the Month" feature, and an extensive introduction to Queendom Fungi. Besides dabbling in mushroom cultivation, Tom has worked intimately with the genera Morchella, Cantharellus, Hydnellum, Armillaria and Laetiporus, a lineup of edible varieties that will make every forager’s mouth water. He has also embarked on several medical mycology projects, investigations into prairie mycorrhizae, mycoprospecting, and fungi that are involved in coal formation. He also has conducted fungal biodiversity studies in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alaska, and Israel. Having lectured in 35 states so far, Tom is a popular speaker at many amateur and professional mycological events throughout North America, including NAMA and NEMF forays. Not the least of his accolades, Tom was named President of the Mycology Society of America in 2017. Topics Covered: An Obsession with Mycology is born Forest Pathology Primary & Secondary Metabolites Evolutionary Origins of Metabolites Mycotoxins Aflatoxin Is Organic Produce More Susceptible to Mycotoxins? Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium Future of Mycelium-based foods Lifecycle of Morel Mushrooms Medicinal Compounds in Mushrooms Citizen Mycology Mycology in Academia Fungi in Coal Formations Episode Resources: Tom Volk Website: https://www.uwlax.edu/profile/tvolk/ Tom Volk's Fungi: http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/ Aspergillus flavas (fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergillus_flavus Boletus frostii (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exsudoporus_frostii Chanterelle (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanterelle
S1 E56 · Mon, November 30, 2020
Ep. 56: Wood-Decomposer Fungi & Mycelium Network Architecture (feat. Professor Lynne Boddy)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by the distinguished Lynne Boddy, Professor of Microbial Ecology at Cardiff University. After undergraduate studies in Biology and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Exeter, she was interested in any and every type of ecology. A fortuitous position at the University of London led her to studying wood decay processes, which would turn out to be the subject of her PhD. That work snowballed into a 40-year exploration of wood decay processes with fungi at its core. As well as scientifically challenging and environmentally of massive consequences, mycelia and their interactions have a huge aesthetic appeal for Professor Boddy. There are so many burning questions when it comes to fungal biology, fungi’s relationships to food sources, fungi’s relationship to other fungi and other microorganisms that she, along with around 40 PhD students, post-docs and other co-workers, have striven and are striving to answer. Lynne’s passion for fungi laces out into studies of mycorrhizal fungi, the rising amateur mycologist community, and nearly every other aspect of how fungi will change human lives. There is an obvious joy in her communication of this information to both student audiences and to the public at large. We’re about to enter an exciting world of fungal battles, life and death struggles, epic hunts for food and the complexities of non-human intelligence. Topics Covered: Professor Boddy’s PhD Research Wood Decay Processes Fungi's Role in Wood Decay Endophytes Fungal Competitive Strategies Resource Unit Restricted Fungi Cord-Developing Fungi How Does Mycelium Choose Where to Grow? How Does Mycelium Pass Information? Mycelium Network Architecture Does Mycelium Have Memory? Heartwood Rot Fungi Impact of Climate Change on Fungi Importance of Amateur Contributions Episode Resources: Lynne Boddy Website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/81120-boddy-lynne Phanerochaete velutina (fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanerochaete Hypholoma fasciculare (fungi): http://www.mushroomexpert.com/hypholoma_fasciculare.html Phallus impudicus (fungi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phallus_impudicus Megacollybia platyphylla (fungi): https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/megacollybia-platyphylla.php Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby (<a
S1 E55 · Mon, November 23, 2020
Ep. 55: EcoAgric Uganda - Mushroom Farming, Empowering Women, Protecting the Vulnerable (feat. Josephine Nakakande)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to travel to Uganda to speak with Josephine Nakakande. Josephine was a founding member of The Environmental Conservation & Agricultural Enhancement Uganda or “Eco-Agric Uganda” and has been the Executive Director of the organization since 2018. Eco-Agric Uganda is a Ugandan Community-based NGO. major focus was improving food security, nutrition, and income among critically vulnerable women through sustainable farming practices. However, over time, they have included interventions like HIV prevention and control, sanitation and environmental strategies that affect agriculture. They have explored a unique, holistic approach to supporting households with interventions like; training adolescent girls with vocational skills so they can support their children. The organization now has over 65,000 beneficiaries with well-established offices in Hoima Kibaale and Wakiso districts. It also started an international volunteers program and since 2017, Eco-Agric Uganda has hosted over 162 volunteers from all over the world. One of Eco-Agric’s biggest projects is their mushroom farming project in partnership with the Marr-Munning Trust. Farmers are trained on how to grow and manage mushrooms in their gardens and the materials needed in mushroom production. Please help empower women and protect the critically vulnerable in Uganda! You can help by donating your time, your mushroom knowledge, your expertise and/or money to EcoAgric Uganda. https://www.givingway.com/organization/ecoagric-uganda Topics Covered: The Story of Josephine Women and Agriculture in Uganda Challenges Women Face in Uganda Founding EcoAgric Uganda Agricultural Programs in Wakiso and Hoima Districts Grassroots Community Organizations Impact of UC Davis Trellis Fund Developing Systems to Help Critically Vulnerable Populations Economic Development & Vocational Training Mushroom Cultivation in Uganda Importance of Mushrooms as a Source of Food & Income Plans to Scale Mushroom Farming Program Importance of Volunteer Organizations EcoAgric Future Plans - A Call to Action! Episode Resources: EcoAgric Uganda Website: https://ecoagricuganda.org/ EcoAgric Uganda IG: https://www.instagram.com/josephine.ecoagric/ EcoAgric Uganda FB: https://www.facebook.com/ecoagricuganda.org Givingway Donation Page: https://www.givingway.com/organization/ecoagric-uganda Angels for Angels Website: https://www
S1 E54 · Thu, November 19, 2020
Ep. 54: Woodland Cravings - Permaculture, Agroforestry & the Sacred Act of Foraging (feat. Scott Stimpson)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to chat with Scott Stimpson. Better known for his incredibly popular social media accounts “woodlandcravings”, Scott has been foraging for over 8 years across 18 different states in the US. Growing up in Broward County Florida, Scott was immersed in a diverse culture and developed a love of foods from all over. His love of food naturally led to a love of cultivation and appreciating the culinary abundance that is all around us in nature. Not until Scott learned the word “permaculture” did he know the path he had to take. His passion for agroforestry, foraging and mushrooms eventually led him to the mushroom mecca, the Pacific Northwest. As a student of working with the land in all these varied disciplines, Scott has developed an intimate relationship with natural systems. His lifestyle revolves around a symbiosis with the land and he is keenly aware of a responsibility to act as a shepherd of our Earth. As part of his great work, Scott shares his knowledge about permaculture techniques and ethical foraging with others, both online and in-person. For anyone who has followed Scott’s work, it is clear his passion and gratitude for nature’s culinary bounty are present in equal measure. I’m excited to learn more about this sacred relationship we have with the land that provides for us and how to give back as much as we receive. Topics Covered: Scott’s Early Influences & Love of Food Path Towards Permaculture Florida Foraging Safari – Citrus, Smilax, Hog plums & Lactarius Indigo Primal Connections to Foraging for Food Shift from Florida to the PNW Foraging as a Sacred Practice Understanding Ecology & Sustainable Foraging Integrating Agroforestry Responsibility that Comes with Sharing Wild Food Information The Importance of Hidden Knowledge Honoring Indigenous Space Mushroom Recipes & Preservation Techniques Wild Food Inspiration in the Restaurant Industry Future of Woodland Cravings Episode Resources: Woodland Cravings Website: https://www.woodlandcravings.com/ Woodland Cravings IG: https://www.instagram.com/woodlandcravings/ Woodland Cravings Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandcravings Smilax (Plant): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax Hog Plums (Plant): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondias_mombin Catathelasma ventricosum (Mushroom): http://www.mushroomexpert.com/catathelasma_ventricosum.html <li
S1 E53 · Sun, November 15, 2020
Ep. 53: Mycorrhizal Planet - How Symbiotic Fungi Support Plant Health and Build Soil Fertility (feat. Michael Phillips)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the good fortune to be joined by Michael Phillips. Michael is a farmer, writer, carpenter, orchard consultant, and speaker who lives with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Grace, on Heartsong Farm in northern New Hampshire. On the farm, they grow apples and a variety of medicinal herbs. Michael’s orchard, poetically dubbed Lost Nation Orchard, is part of the Holistic Orchard Network, and he also leads the community orchard movement at groworganicapples.com. He is the author of The Apple Grower, The Holistic Orchard , and teamed up with his wife to write The Herbalist’s Way . While all these works are milestones in regenerative orcharding and permaculture farming practices, we’re going to focus on his most recent work, the paradigm-shifting and mind-blowing Mycorrhizal Planet. More than just a celebration of the incredible mycorrhizosphere, this book makes you appreciate the complex ecosystem that is soil and how interactions at the microbial level on up effect everything that is birthed from a patch of Earth. This book will make you see your own lawn or garden as a complex ecosystem, awash in organic processes that, with the proper understanding and techniques, you can facilitate to build healthier soil, teeming with mycorrhizal fungi. Topics Covered: Microorganisms in the Soil & The Underground Economy Endo and Ecto Mycorrhizal Fungi Mycelium Transport Networks Rudolph Steiner Complex Intelligence of Nature Plant Nutrients & Plant Metabolism Non-Disturbance Principle Importance of Cover Crops Ramial Chipped Wood & Hügelkultur Mycorrhizal Diversity & Plant Quorum Sensing Using Beneficial Fungi in Our Farms, Gardens & Potted Plants Farming Mycorrhizal Fungi Nancy’s Influence & the Herbal Husband Episode Resources: Holistic Orchard Network (Website): http://groworganicapples.com/ Mycorrhizal Planet (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Mycorrhizal-Planet-Symbiotic-Support-Fertility/dp/160358658X Rudolf Steiner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner
S1 E52 · Mon, November 09, 2020
Ep. 52: Shared Cultures - Foraging, Fermenting & the Magic of Koji (feat. Eleana Hsu)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of chatting with and learning from Eleana Hsu. Eleana is a fermentress focused on transforming foods with the magic of microbes and koji. What makes her most excited is creating new food products and flavors using local produce, different types of beans, and whole utilization techniques. Eleana has experience teaching koji workshops in the Bay Area and crafting ferments for local popup dinners and events. Koji is a filamentous fungi that has been used to ferment food since 300 BC. By employing this wondrous organism in a sort of alchemical, culinary transmutation may play a big role in the future of food as we know it. Currently, she is working on launching unique great tasting fermented food products in the Bay Area with her company Shared Cultures. Topics Covered: Curing Depression by Foraging in Nature Mushroom Hunting & Favorite Edibles SOMA Camp Fermentation – Transforming our Food with Microorganisms The Magic of Koji Enzymes Lipase, Protease, Amylase Fermenting Inspirations Uncovering a Family History with Koji Chinese Cuisine made with Koji Fermented Fungi as the Future of Food How to Make Miso and Soy Sauce Lessons from Becoming an Entrepreneur Finding Fulfillment Shared Cultures Products & Future Projects Episode Resources: Shared Cultures Website: https://www.shared-cultures.com/ Shared Cultures IG: https://www.instagram.com/sharedcultures/ Eugenia Bone "Mycophilia" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Mycophilia-Revelations-Weird-World-Mushrooms/dp/1609619870 Sander Katz (inspiration): https://www.wildfermentation.com/ "Noma Guide to Fermentation" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Noma-Guide-Fermentation-lacto-ferments-Foundations/dp/1579657184 Jeremy Umansky "Koji Alchemy" (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Koji-Alchemy-Rediscovering-Mold-Based-Fermentation/dp/160358868X Russula Brevipes (Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/russula_brevipes.html Boletus Edulis (Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/boletus_edulis.html
S1 E51 · Wed, November 04, 2020
Ep. 51: Planet Fungi - Capturing Mushrooms with World-Famous Photographer Steve Axford
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to have the chance to chat with international fungi photographer Stephen Axford. Watch the new "Planet Fungi - Northeast India" documentary made by Steve Axford and his partner Catherine Marciniak : https://www.planetfungi.movie/ Stephen is an ambassador for Sony Australia and has an international reputation as a specialist in nature photographer with a particular passion in macro fungi photography. He also has a unique expertise in time-lapse photography of fungi. The beauty and scientific accuracy of Stephen’s fungi photography have captivated national and international media, fungi experts and the general public, with a following that stretches from Patagonia to Vladivostok. His photographs have appeared in international books and magazines, including: Nat Geo Magazine in Spain/Portugal, Geo Magazine in Germany, Roots Magazine in Holland, Guardian Observer [UK], Daily Mail UK, Civilization Magazine of Beijing in China and Sciences et Avenir science magazine in France to name just a few. In recent years, Stephen has shared the science of fungi and his experiences photographing fungi to packed houses in presentations in Australia, China and Chile. A new direction in his work is his collaborations with international universities and fungi organizations to photograph and document fungi in forests around the world. Topics Covered: Origin Story of Steve Axford Mushrooms of Australia Secrets of Fungal Photography The Breakout into Worldwide Recognition Fungal Diversity in Yunan, China Hidden Fungal Hotspots in Southeast Asia "Planet Fungi" Documentary Fungi as a Nutrition & Economic Resource Exploring Assam & Meghalaya in Northeast India Time-lapse Photography Partnership with Catherine Marciniak Australian Fires & Fire Obligate Fungi Sharing the Mystery, Wonder and Appreciation of Fungi with Others Future Documentary Plans Episode Resources: Steve Axford Website: https://steveaxford.smugmug.com/ "Planet Fungi" Documentary: https://www.planetfungi.movie/ Steve Axford & Catherine Marciniak IG: https://www.instagram.com/planet_fungi/ Mycena Interrupta (Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_interrupta Mycena chlorophos (Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_chlorophos Aseroe Rubra (Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aseroe_ru
S1 E50 · Fri, October 30, 2020
Ep. 50: Return to Nature - Herbalism, Rewilding & Overgrowing the System (feat. Dan De Lion)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are joined by Dan de Lion of Return to Nature. The mission of Return to Nature is to provide a safe and healing teaching bridge for individuals and communities to recognize Nature as a continual and abundant provider of nourishment, medicine, food, and sacred connection, and to help reconnect the perception that Nature is the very source of our sustenance as humans. By teaching about the edible and medicinal aspects of wild plants, medicinal herbs, and mushrooms, Dan aims to help move humanity towards a Nature appreciation based paradigm which inspires people to forage, wildcraft, create tools for survival and primitive art, treat their own ailments with what nature provides, and get a little probiotic dirt under their fingernails. Engaging with Nature and tapping into ancient and sacred ways to directly carve our intuitive practice and reawaken a self-reliant depth within that seems so lost in today’s society. Once we recognize and reclaim our oneness with Nature and look around with new eyes we realize an ever present bounty Mother Nature provides and we just may see that we have never left Eden. Topics Covered: The Origin Story of Dan De Lion Herbalism - Medicines & Food All Around Us Reductionism vs Systems Thinking Interconnectedness & Correspondence - As Above, So Below Rewilding - Genetic Memory, Instinct and Pattern Recognition Social Alchemy Rise of the Machines & Transhumanism Biomimicry Psychedelics at Society’s Crossroads Localize and Overgrow the System Benevolent Activism Internet Freedom The Global Elite The Power of Ritual Autumn Olives, Garlic Mustard, Plantago Return to Nature Classes and Future Plans Episode Resources: Return to Nature Website: http://returntonature.us/ Return to Nature IG: https://www.instagram.com/returntonature/ Alan Watts: https://www.alanwatts.org/ Terence McKenna: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_McKenna Manly P. Hall: https://www.prs.org/manly-p-hall.html Lactarius Volemus (Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/lactarius_volemus.html Lactarius Corrugis (Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/lactarius_corrugis.html Lactarius Hygrophoroides (Mushroom): https://www.mushroomexpert.com/lactarius_hygrophoroides.html
S1 E49 · Mon, October 26, 2020
Ep. 49: Changing the Narrative - Reclaiming Ecological, Economic, Social and Political Power (feat. Antonio Cosme)
Antonio Cosme is an indigenous (Coahuiltecan and Boricua) writer, public speaker, entrepreneur, radical economist, educator, artist, beekeeper and farmer from Southwest, Detroit. Much of his work has been dedicated to lecturing, writing, and acting in opposition to the neoliberal assault on Detroit and water. Antonio has a unique gift for connecting social movements with struggles for land reclamation and intersectional environmental justice. Setting down in urban SW Detroit, our guide Antonio helps us clear the mists of our historical amnesia. We face the genocide and removal of indigenous people from the land and how that is directly connected with the degradation of Michigan's environment and clear-cutting of old growth forests. That foundation of injustice shaped how a land evolved and we find the mentality echoed throughout Michigan's history right up to the incredible loss of civic rights for black and brown communities after the 2008 financial crisis. Through experience in local politics, Antonio found he could have the most impact in addressing the repercussions of these social, economic and political forces as a community organizer. In wrestling with massive issues, Antonio sought replenishment through a relationship with nature and the land. In creating an urban farm from derelict properties stolen by banks, he found a powerful ally in mushrooms. As he began cultivating and foraging for fungi, he recognized their ability to heal soil, but also heal people. Through projects like Black to the Land and his work with the National Wildlife Federation, he is exposing children from inner city Detroit to the power of natural spaces. While it can be hard to mobilize POC communities who are the most impacted by urban pollution, he hopes by having people fall in love with nature they can take up their rightful place on the front lines of championing environmental justice. Wading through more and more examples of systemic inequality, we have to ask - can the US political system actually offer lasting solutions when it comes to making positive environmental, social and economic change? What Antonio proposes is a continued effort from the grassroots and local government level on up to shift our cultural narratives around economics, environment, land and US history. By escaping the polarizing political party lines, we can find a populist common ground and collectively dictate a new path centered on fundamental human values like access to clean food and water, access to nature, access to education, access to land, and access to meaningful work. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/</
S1 E48 · Fri, October 23, 2020
Ep. 48 - Embracing the Land, Facing Colonialism and Honoring Indigenous Culture (feat. Amber of Moon Mountain)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are grateful for the opportunity to speak with Amber, one of the founders of Moon Mountain. Moon Mountain is a 40-acre biodynamic farm, wild food refuge and all-around sacred space located in the beautiful Michigan wilderness among some of the oldest mountains in the world. This compound functions as a demonstration site for regenerative agricultural practices and serves as a “hands on” medicinal plant classroom for their rural community. We venture to those untamed wilds of Upper Penninsula of Michigan and hold space with our gracious host Amber. Today, the combination permaculture farm and wild-food forest she manages with partner Ryan is impressive, but it was a future that she did not quite envision. In creating this sanctuary, they both had to address their centers of alienation, leaving behind some of the traditional values of modern society. They followed a lifepath that resonated most clearly with heart and mind - honoring the mystery of what it would become along the way. Alongside their ongoing explorations of ancient land-based practices like polyculture, agroforestry, lunar observation, crop rotations and water harvesting, Amber takes us into the deep forests of the Huron mountains to share in a rich bounty of edible mushrooms. Her work with fungi has taught her to slow down, listen to nature and understand the cycles of the environment around her. In exploring this deep communion with the forest and the land, those of us who are European-American run into a deep-seated anxiety. How do we develop an authentic relationship with land that was stolen? How do we acknowledge and authentically support the indigenous communities that were displaced and then dispossessed of these "wild" spaces? In a modern context, is reconciliation possible between European and non-European communities in the US given histories of systemic imbalance? Amber offers her deep work around this subject and acknowledges that her path may not be for everyone. She outlines a process of moving through our fear and anxiety, learning about and showing up to support indigenous and POC communities and expanding into stages of personal growth that will cascade into restructuring unequal systems. And while these topics can be isolating, we need to have more open conversations, face the issues and leave behind the vestiges of colonial culture. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Moon Mountain Website: https://moonmtn.com Moon Mountain Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com
S1 E47 · Sun, October 18, 2020
Ep. 47 - Bioluminescent Mushrooms, Psilocybe of Mexico and the Power of Citizen Mycology (feat. Alan Rockefeller)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to speak with our very special guest Alan Rockefeller. Alan is a mycologist who has undertaken extensive field and lab research on the mushrooms of California and Mexico. He has been collecting mushrooms for 17+ years and has focused on the taxonomy and photography of Mexican mushrooms for the past 11+ years. Our epic journey brings us back to the dawn of the new millennium when a young Alan Rockefeller first became spellbound by fungi. A few years into his mycology explorations, he had a chance encounter on shroomery.org with a biologist in Mexico who was posting amazing fungal finds. Alan made a connection and began traveling to Mexico each year to seek out rare fungi. Since he began these adventures, he has played a central role in mapping fungal diversity throughout different climate ranges in Mexico. This includes some of the most in-depth field observations in the world when it comes to those incredible bioluminescent and infamous psilocybin containing fungi. We'll cover it all - how bioluminescence occurs in biology, the evolutionary significance of bioluminescent enzymes and psilocybin compounds in fungi and how Alan goes about finding the rarest varieties of these fascinating organisms. The epitome of the self-taught naturalist and citizen scientist we'll learn the secrets of how Alan gained his vast taxonomic knowledge. Just "showing up" and pursuing his interests he has been able to collaborate with leading academics in the field of mycology. Alan then reveals how we can all contribute to the science of mycology by making good observations in the field and cataloging them effectively for posterity. We get a masterclass on cataloging field finds including how to take good photos in the field, record relevant observations, preserve dried specimens and even how we can sequence the genome of our fungal finds. This is an incredible opportunity to soak up wisdom and experience from a legend in the field of citizen mycology. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Alan Rockefeller FB: https://www.facebook.com/alan.rockefeller Alan Rockefeller IG: https://www.instagram.com/alan_rockefeller/ New Bioluminescent Mushrooms in Mexico (Article): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331996064_New_species_and_records_of_bi
S1 E46 · Wed, October 14, 2020
Ep. 46: Modern Foragers - Foraging, Cooking and Preserving Wild Mushrooms (feat. Kristen and Trent Blizzard)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the glorious opportunity to speak with Kristen and Trent Blizzard from Modern Forager. This fungal dynamic duo started out as online marketers who turned a love of mushroom adventures into a calling, a community and an obsession. Our mushroom hunting caravan makes it's first stop in the Midwest where Kristen and Trent grew up exploring nature and hunting those infamous Midwestern morel mushrooms. Once they found each other, they quickly found their mushroom foraging skills grow along with their relationship. They now travel across the US with their camper in tow, charting their calendar to follow the mushroom seasons. As we tag along for their journey, we'll meet amazing new friends and connect with foraging communities every step of the way. During the foraging tour, a deeply ingrained passion for morels comes to the fore as we follow the couple's camper through the winding roads of the Western United States chasing wild fires. Our tech-savvy guides have crafted highly-detailed burn morel maps for almost every state in the Western US by collating wildfire perimeter data, satellite imagery and forest service road maps. Even with all of this data, how do they screen and predict which burns will yield morels? What kind of success rates can foragers have with the aid of these maps? Cruising across the country and filling out bags and buckets with mushrooms is great, but now what do we do with all of our fungal treasures? Trent and Kristen have us covered with creative preservation techniques and amazing recipes from their new book "Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide". Organized around 15 species of edible mushrooms, the book shares not only amazing recipes and preservation techniques, but also the stories of 25 foragers whose knowledge graces the pages of their work. This book was a labor of love for the couple who were completely new to writing! What was it like to achieve this massive undertaking and what is next for these modern foragers? Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Modern Forager Website: https://www.modern-forager.com/ Modern Forager IG: https://www.instagram.com/modernforager/ Burn Morel Maps: https://www.modern-forager.com/burn-morels/ Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide (Book): <a href='https://shop.modern-forager.com/products/pre-order-wild-mushrooms-a-cookbook-and-foraging-guide-aut
S1 E45 · Fri, October 09, 2020
Ep. 45: Meati - The Fungal Future of Food (feat. Tyler Huggins & Justin Whiteley)
Today we are excited to chat with Tyler Huggins and Justin Whiteley – cutting-edge food pioneers and founders of Meati, a fungi-based protein company. Meati's mission is to help provide the world with nutritious protein with minimally-processed, fungi-based meats with superfood-level nutrition that don’t compromise on taste or sustainability. Tyler and Justin believe that finding the right protein should be easy and consumers should never have to choose between health, taste, or the environment. The story of Meati begins with two PhD students at the University of Colorado sharing a beer. Tyler was studying civil and environmental engineering, and Justin was in mechanical engineering. They shared a passion for helping people and the planet through engineering and science. Their first project together used fungi to produce battery electrodes and they ended up exploring loads of different applications of fungi as a manufacturing material. In their explorations of how to solve the world's problems using fungi, they realized one of the greatest potentials for a big, positive impact was to be found by focusing on food. As it becomes apparent that feeding the world with animal-based proteins is unsustainable, their vision coalesced around the idea of a textured protein product made of mycelium. We learn that Tyler and Justin's vision is to create a true meat product that will actually be superior to animal-based meat in all the major categories: texture, flavor, nutrition and sustainability. Visiting the production floor, we get up close and personal with how Meati grows and shapes a unique strain of mycelium into the future of meat. How do they achieve the texture and flavor profiles chicken, beef and anything else they choose? How is it possible that their mycelium meat contains more protein than beef along with loads of fiber and a daily serving of vitamin B-12?! Looking to the future, it becomes clear this duo has big plans for Meati. The production process they've engineered for creating their products is geographically agnostic, meaning you could set up fungal food factories anywhere in the world. That kind of production flexibilty combined with the exponential growth potential of mycelium hints at the possibility of a Meati empire that could span the globe. But how did these entrepreneurs get their start? And how close are we really to seeing a world fed by Meati? Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Meati Website: https://meati.com/ Meati IG: htt
S1 E44 · Mon, October 05, 2020
Ep. 44: Medicinal Mushrooms - The Human Clinical Trials (feat. Robert Rogers)
Robert Dale Rogers has been an herbalist for over forty-five years, and is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, where he is presently an assistant clinical professor in Family Medicine. He teaches plant medicine, including plant and mushroom medicine, aromatherapy and flower essences in the Earth Spirit Medicine faculty at the Northern Star College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is a Fellow of the International College of Nutrition, past chair of the medicinal mushroom committee of the North American Mycological Association, and previously served on the editorial board of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms . Robert Rogers discovered herbalism and the power of plant medicines as an enthusiastic botanist living in a hippy enclave in Alberta, Canada. He was struck with how little he knew about the plants and fungi he was discovering in the Great White North. He was blessed to learn from indigenous experts about the medicinal properties of these plants and mushrooms in the boreal forest. He then took this knowledge and applied it to family medicine, running a clinical practice for over 20 years. In the effort to share knowledge of herbalism with the masses, he has published 56 books, including the incredible " Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America" . In our chat, Robert demystifies the medicinal powers of fungi and lays out the facts about specific medicinal mushrooms and their properties. We've all heard about immune-boosting properties and anti-cancer properties in medicinal mushroom varieties, but what does that really mean? What are the compounds that are responsible for these properties? How do these compounds like beta glucans and triterpenes actually work in our bodies? In our explorations, we even enter the mycelium vs. fruit-body debate and reach insights that are different than you might expect. Learning about emerging models of holistic medicine, we dive into Robert's newest book, "Medicinal Mushrooms: The Human Clinical Trials" . His impetus for writing the book was simple - provide the facts and information about the research on medicinal mushrooms. Both for consumers and for medical professionals who may have dismissed the actual potential of medicinal fungi without examining the full body of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, human clinical trials. The evidence in this book is extremely compelling and offers hope for a future where these medicines are more thoroughly understood so as to be formulated into more potent natural medicines and applied for the highest good. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.band
S1 E43 · Wed, September 30, 2020
Ep. 43: Lorelle Morel - Forest Biology, Fire Ecology and an Obsession with Wild Foods (feat. Lorelle Sherman)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the amazing opportunity to interview Lorelle Sherman. Lorelle is an accomplished field naturalist who has studied flora, fauna and funga of diverse ecosystems across the US. She received her BS in Forest and Wildlife Biology from the University of Vermont and received her Masters Degree in Forest Ecology at Oregon State University. In the wilds near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we find a young Lorelle bounding across neighbors' yards to sneak away to the nearest woodland. She found a calling at the University of Vermont to explore nature and its wildlife more deeply and to share her passion with others. She would return after her college years to work with the Western PA Conservancy and become an environmental educator. What are some effective methods she has learned to communicate environmental information and inspire others to learn more about the natural world? Pursuing a Masters degree in forest ecology, Lorelle made her way to Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. Along with studying flora, fauna and funga interconnections in the forest, Lorelle has researched the tremendous importance of forest fires. Forests like the Cascade forests she has researched in the Pacific Northwest introduce us to the concept of fire-dependent ecosystems. There are plants and fungi that have evolved to rely on forest fires to reproduce and there are even birds that rely on fires to thrive! Applying this knowledge, we ask hard questions like, is human management necessary in forest ecosystems or is it best to leave it alone? Are prescribed fires a neglected tool that can help prevent more disastrous forest fires? Lorelle's deep passion for nature has always involved wild foods. Foraging has evolved from a teenage hobby, to leading groups at college, to now teaching others about wild food at the Wildcraft Studio in Portland Oregon. She believes everyone should be empowered to supplement their diet with wild foods from nature, so long as we remember the importance of sustainability. We'll learn about her new wild food business and how she is blending her passions to forge her own path into the forest. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Lorelle Morel (Website): http://www.lorellemorel.com/ Lorelle Morel (IG): https://www.instagram.com/lorellemorel/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: https://waterlandlife.org/ "Edible Wild Plants" by John Kallas (Book): <a href='htt
S1 E42 · Fri, September 25, 2020
Ep. 42: Red Glasses - England's Godfather of Mushrooms and Worldwide Forager (feat. Roger Phillips)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are honored to speak with our distinguished, bespectacled guest Roger Phillips. Roger is a natural nonconformist and a legendary godfather of foraging in the UK. Drawing upon decades of experience, his knowledge of wild food is unrivaled. Known as “Mr Mushrooms” he is an expert mycologist, renowned for his work tracking and recording more than 1,600 species of fungi in North America and Europe. Considered a pioneer in the use of photography for documenting and identifying mushrooms, he has written numerous guide books and resource materials. Let's take a trip across the Atlantic, and back in time, over to the UK isles to find Roger Phillips at just 8 years old hunting wild nettles and bucket loads of mushrooms. His younger years saw him join the air force, work with a major advertising firm and eventually find his way to photography. As his obsession with documenting nature took hold, Roger began writing his own botanical guidebooks to European plants and mushrooms, and in so doing, was an early pioneer of the use of photography, in lieu of drawings, in his guides. Roger reflects on the mycophobia that is deeply entrenched in British culture, but also how that is starting to change. There is a rich wild food tradition and has always been an incomparable love of gardening amongst the British people. Roger sees all of these traditions as connected, with gardening and foraging being disciplines that most people innately recognize as "moral" and "good". Exploring his newest book, "The Worldwide Forager" we end up traveling all over the planet to learn about wild foods across cultures. Roger has a deep interest in First Nation Peoples in the Americas. Through his research on the wild food history of the Nez Pearce we learn about the consumption of wild camas bulbs. How much can we learn from First Nation peoples about wild foods and sustainable gardening? When it comes to mushrooms, we visit Italy to marvel at the oft underappreciated Caesar's amanita and Roger regales us with the story of how it may have been involved in a plot that brought down a Roman Emperor! As our conversation winds down, we glimpse a future where cross-cultural sharing of wild food traditions leads to a more sustainable, more nutritious and scrummier future! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Lyla Foy ( https://www.lylafoy.co.uk/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Roger Phillips Website: http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ Roger Phillips IG: https://www.instagram.com/rogerphillips_redglasses/ Worldw
S1 E41 · Wed, September 23, 2020
Ep. 41: Edulis Wild Foods - Foraging Mushrooms and Restoring Vital Connection in the UK Isles (feat. Lisa Cutcliffe)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to sit down and chat with Lisa Cutcliffe from Leeds, Yorkshire in the UK. Lisa is the founder, foraging-guide-in-chief and all-round mushroom-nut at Edulis Wild Foods. With a degree in biology, being a keen gardener, veg grower, and having a lifelong fascination with nature and wildlife, she is interested in all aspects of wild food and medicinals. As we explore the wilds of Leeds in England, we find a younger Lisa poking around the woods between classes at university. Her curiosity about using edible mushrooms in cooking led her down a pre-Internet road of discovery, seeking out information about mysterious kingdom fungi. It was the quest for her first porcini that brought her from Leeds to the "New Forest" in the South of England and set her down the path of edible mushrooms and wild food. Her love of mushrooms branched out into a love of plant foraging as she was determined to find edible foods across every season. Her journey came to a traumatic inflection point as a diving accident damaged her back and crippled her ability to go abroad and engage in the physical activity that was her passion. However, the regeneration from this experience pushed her to explore the UK Isles and rediscover herself, open up her love of wild foods and connect with an incredible community of wild mushroom and plant enthusiasts across the UK. How can foraging be used as a form of physical and emotional therapy to help us recover from trauma? Pursuing her passion for wild foods more intensively, Lisa felt the call to "find the others"! After connecting with and learning alongside other UK wild food experts, she became a founding member of the Association of Foragers - a network that provides collective support for professional foragers guided by an ethos of "Restoring Vital Connection". This influence and the community she was now a part of inspired Lisa to create her own wild foods business - Edulis Wild Foods. We'll take a walk in the shoes of a professional foraging educator and learn keen insights about the responsibility and realities of such a path. How do you know when you're ready to start teaching others? How does one balance a day job with the commitment to being a professional educator? For Lisa the most satisfying part of sharing her love of wild foods is seeing her students reconnect with nature and remember the ancestral connection they have to their land. Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Edulis Wild Foods (website): http://www
S1 E40 · Sat, September 19, 2020
Ep. 40: Entheogenic Evolution - Psychedelic Consciousness and Non-Duality (feat. Martin W. Ball PhD)
Today on Mushroom Hour, we have the honor of speaking with Martin Ball. Martin is a PhD, writer, independent publisher, energy worker, visionary artist, and musician. Martin earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from UC Santa Barbara in Religious Studies with an emphasis on Native American traditions, Philosophy of Science and Religion, and the Phenomenology of Mystical and Shamanic Experience, as well as the role of entheogens in religious and spiritual experience. Our saga into psychedelic spheres of awareness takes us beyond the bounds of ordinary five-senses consciousness, into a world that our guest Martin Ball has explored extensively. His journey into entheogenic realms of psychedelic experience began with psilocybin containing mushrooms. His own explorations continued into other tryptamine-based psychedelics (like DMT) and led him to unique understandings of the energetic and non-dual nature of our reality. For Martin, the method for coming to understand the true nature of reality is through direct experience and self-exploration and entheogens provide unparalleled tools for self-exploration. As we peer through the lens of Martin's psychedelic-informed worldview, we see the wisdom of the phrase "All is one". Everything in reality is made from the same energy that is pulled from a firmament of raw consciousness, that Martin is comfortable calling "God". This unitary consciousness forms all elements of physical reality through an on-going process of energetic transformations and interactions that function according to basic mathematical and geometric laws. Some of the highest order expressions of this energetic creation are us - human beings. Where do concepts like ego and soul fit into this unique perspective? How are tryptamine-based compounds useful tools for human suits and how do we best use them? It was with the release of Mushroom Wisdom in 2006 that Martin started his career as a public advocate for entheogenic reform and education. We talk about the current changes our society is undergoing as so many people become disaffected by the meta egos that have historically organized human societies like religions and governments. We are in the midst of big changes when it comes to our relationship with psychedelic substances as more safe and productive methods for use are shared with the masses. How do psychedelics inform new worldviews and new models of human organization? Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources: Martin Ball (website): http://www.martinball.net/ Martin Ball (Patreo
S1 E39 · Mon, September 14, 2020
Ep. 39: Mt. Tam Psilocybin Summit - Psychedelic Gnosis and Enlightenment-Based Society (feat. Daniel Shankin)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of Daniel “Sitaram Das” Shankin. Daniel is the founder of Mt. Tam Psychedelic Integration, which supports individuals who are exploring their consciousness for spiritual growth and transformational healing. He is the proud host of the Mt. Tam Psilocybin Summit which brings together leaders in the field of psychedelic science in a virtual summit for "Four Days Celebrating the Myth, Magic, Science, and Culture of the Sacred Mushroom". The Mt. Tam Psilocybin Summit takes place 9/17/20 - 9/20/20. Mushroom Hour listeners can get discounted tickets here: https://summit.psilocybinsummit.com/tickets/?coupon=hithere I will be moderating a speaker session and will be absorbing all the amazing material being shared! Daniel's path began working at a yoga bookstore, pursuing gnosis from Eastern spiritual traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism. Books like "Be Here Now" were incredibly influential in his own psychedelic explorations and spiritual pursuits. Why do psychedelic experiences and Eastern mysticism seem to blend well together? Do both pursuits aim to take us to the same transcendental plane? Through his work at Mt. Tam Integration, Daniel has extensive experience when it comes to preparing individuals for a psychedelic experience and helping them integrate back into sober consciousness after such an experience. He'll explain the preparatory importance of set and setting (including preparing one's own emotional state) and some of the tools he uses with clients like somatic anchoring. When it comes to integration, we learn how revelatory urges can be acted upon safely and effectively without hurting the people around us. In the noble pursuit of shifting our current culture towards an enlightenment society, Daniel was called to create the Mt. Tam Psilocybin Summit. This conference brings together incredible speakers from around the world and of all different backgrounds. He thought this was one of the best ways he could contribute to the creation of a society based around positive values like love, grace and humility. As psychedelics suffuse into the mainstream, we look at the impacts of forces like capitalism and politics on the integrity of utopian psychedelic ideals. What is the future of psychedelic culture and will the current psychedelic renaissance help bring about an enlightenment society? Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour ( @welcome_to_mushroom_hour ) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources: Mt. Tam Psilocybin Summit (website): <a href='https://psiloc
S1 E38 · Fri, September 11, 2020
Ep. 38: Hiking the Long Trail - Forest Pathology, Fungal Relationships & Protecting Rare Plants (feat. Matt Berger)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the fantastic opportunity to chat with Matt Berger. Matt is a trained horticulturalist with a masters in forest pathology from West Virginia University. He currently works as a seasonal botanist for Sierra Pacific Industries and an Ecological Surveyor for the Great Basin Institute. Our adventure begins as we find Matt mid-expedition hunting for rare plants in one of his favorite plant habitats - the high desert and mountainous regions of Nevada. His background in forest pathology means he always has an eye on interactions between plants, fungi and insects. Even in the desert, fungi are omnipresent and Matt shares some of his experience with fungal pathogens that can be found on rare, desert plants he studies. How central is an understanding of fungi in understanding the big picture of forest pathology? Getting lost in the wild and cataloging biodiversity is something Matt is uniquely equipped for. He shares with us secrets of locating and identifying wild plant species and also encourages us to get out into big nature. In the context of a fast-paced modern society, spending days and even months hiking a trail can take on a spiritual significance and profoundly change a person. Life-changing experiences hiking on the PCT trail spurred Matt's own passion for studying plant diversity and pursuing work in rare plant conservation. As we continue our trek across the great hiking trails of the American West, exploring deserts and mountain ranges, it becomes apparent just how many under-explored areas still remain. In the ranges of Nevada and California that are Matt's focus, each mountain can be a completely unique environment with entirely different species of plants and fungi! This means there is an incredible amount of biodiversity to research and catalog. We learn how researching biodiversity is integral to any conservation effort because you can't protect what you dont know is there! It would be putting it lightly to say Matt is obsessed with the conservation of rare plants. He explains how humans lose so much when we lose a species - both in it's potential value to humans and in it's intrinsic value as an organism that can never be replicated. We are called to get out into under-explored areas then catalog and protect the organisms we find! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Matt Berger IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheriff_woody_pct/ Matt Berger YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxru3ZxQQyQBw1188a
S1 E37 · Wed, September 09, 2020
Ep. 37: Mycomaker - Building Mycotectura and Spreading Mycophilia in Ecuador (feat. Nelson Dueñas)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are grateful for the opportunity to interview biologist Nelson Dueñas who is a founding member of the MycoMaker project in Ecuador. Mycomaker is an organization that was born in the minds of biology students in late 2016 and was founded by Nelson in early 2017. The group has undertaken keystone fungal projects including promoting mushroom cultivation, researching mycelium as a building material, and even researching potentials of mushroom grafting! Touching down on the sacred grounds of the Yasuni National Park in the Amazon, we meet some unique jungle fungi - bio-luminescent mycena, alien cordyceps and many others which first captured Nelson's imagination. Ecuador is the home to some of the world's most precious environmental regions including the Yasuni National Park, the Chocó bio-region, Los Cedros bio-reserve and the Mashpi rainforest reserve. Unbelievably, Ecuador is home to 6.4% of all species on earth in just 280,000 sq. km. This includes an incredible array of endemic fungi. How is this insanely biodiverse environment under threat? How much untouched environment is left in Ecuador? Called to share his love of mushrooms and fungi, Nelson and a team including other biologists (and now designers and manufacturers) created the MycoMaker project. Inspired by the fungi visionary Phil Ross, one of their main goals was to pursue mycelium as a material. They dubbed their research in biomaterials "mycotectura" and began by creating art canvas from mycelium. In their materials research, the MycoMaker team experiments with many different species of fungi mycelium to explore the properties each can offer as a material aside from just durability. As we learn about their experiments in materials science, we glimpse a vision of a sustainable future that may find us living in domes made of mycelium. Mycomaker's mission includes sharing a love of mushrooms and making mushroom cultivation more accessible to every community in Ecuador. In 2019, they hosted a special mycotectura fair that brought in hundreds of people from all walks of life to inspire them with mycelium materials and mushroom cultivation. Nelson sums up his team's ambition as sharing a love of mushrooms, changing people's perceptions when it comes to fungi, and encouraging them to recognize the importance of funga to the environment. As our conversation winds down, we venerate the mystery and awe that mushrooms represent. When it comes to fungi, the more we learn, the more we realize we don't know. Episode Resources MycoMaker website: https://hongos.guru/ MycoMaker IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycomaker/ Yasuni Rainforest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasuni_National_Park Phil Ross (inspiration): <a href='https://www.mycowor
S1 E36 · Wed, September 02, 2020
Ep. 36: Uncharted Mushrooms - Tropical Fungi in South America and Central Africa (feat. Prof. Terry Henkel)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are honored to be joined by Terry Henkel, Professor of Botany at Humboldt State University. Terry boasts a Masters in Botany from the University of Wyoming and a PhD in Botany from Duke University. Terry’s main body of research investigates macrofungal biodiversity and ecological relationships in the remote tropical rainforests of South America's Guiana Shield and the Guineo-Congolian region of Central Africa. We venture to the heartland of Ohio and find young Terry Henkel exploring the outdoors and immersed in the transformative works of Alan Watts, Joseph Campbell and Andrew Weil. Terry discovered his passion for ecology and mycology at Ohio University before sinking his teeth into a PhD project studying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Wyoming. It was a fateful roadtrip from Wyoming to Florida which set Terry on a path to studying tropical fungi in some of the most unexplored areas on Earth. Falling in love with the jungles in Guyana, a remote country in northern South America, Terry discovered ectomycorrhizal mushrooms like amanitas, chanterelles and boletes that should not have been there! It is commonly assumed that in incredibly biodiverse tropical regions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (which do not produce mushrooms) are the dominant symbiont with native flora. He quickly went in pursuit of backing to study this tropical mushroom mystery and it would become one of his main research projects for years to come. Initially, his mushroom findings were explained by areas of typically hyperdiverse tropical jungle that have been overtaken by woody-legume species. These species play host to a huge diversity of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms - many that are unknown to science! In trying to figure out if his tropical mushroom discovery was reported elsewhere, a connection was made with similar woody-legume dominated forests in Central Africa. Having researched these areas for decades, Terry is seeking answers to the burning questions brought on by his fungal discoveries. Why are mono-dominant forests appearing in such stark contrast with tropical mixed forests despite no evident changes in environmental conditions between the forest areas? How much fungal diversity has been found and how much is left to be discovered in Guyana and the Guineo-Congolian region? Do the similar jungle forests in Guyana and Central Africa hint at a bio-geographical history of being connected at one time as part of the "Gondwana" supercontinent?! As we hear the detailed history of his research and the amazing findings his team has made in terms of fungal diversity, we also learn about indigenous populations that have become critical allies in allowing this research to continue successfully. Part of the mission of this research is to provide training for local populations in cataloging biodiversity. In Central Africa, Terry's research team also plays host to PhD students to give them field experience and en
S1 E35 · Wed, August 26, 2020
Ep. 35: Growing Regenerative Art with Crystals, Algae and Mushrooms (feat. Chris Ritson)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to interview biophiliac and artist Chris Ritson. His practice is informed by societies relationship to Nature, and ranges from video and installation to living, generative sculpture. He studied New Genres at the San Francisco Art Institute and has since exhibited internationally. Taking a much needed vacation to the tropics, we visit Mt. Tantalus on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This is where we'll find native plant propagator, mushroom cultivator and sculptural artist Chris Ritson. To our resident alchemist, art is a process, initiated to produce phenomena which impacts the viewer with a novel perspective. Truly his practice in creating art is generative, unique and inspiring as he grows crystals, algae and mushrooms into pieces that quite literally take on a life of their own. Lifting the veil on his creative process, Chris reveals how his stunning creations are conceived and executed. Diving deeper, we get a sense of purpose and understand the message being conveyed with such organic works. How can art using expanding organisms trigger anxiety in us about the growth of a non-human "other" and our strained relationship with nature? A passionate student of the mycelium, Chris guides us through the lush Hawaiian forests to forage for mushrooms. We'll learn how the lines between endemic, native and invasive fungi often blur given Hawaii's history of tourism, imports and a ethnomycological history that has not been fully uncovered. The unique mushroom artworks he creates are sourced from strains found in his own backyard then cultured and inoculated in his studio. What are the strains of polypore he uses to make such vibrant, living canvases? How has his relationship with fungal organisms influence his perspectives on spirituality? It becomes clear that for Chris, a lifelong relationship with the resplendent environs of Hawaii has instilled a passion for protecting nature. His work highlights the relationship between natural systems and human society in a visceral and tangible way. Many artists convey a message of environmentalism with their work, but fewer consider how the creation of their work effects the very environment they are symbolically venerating. He articulates the idea that only by weighing the environmental, social and economic impacts necessary for its creation, can the intent of any artist's work of art be considered. What are some ways that artists who seek to highlight environmental concerns can offer solutions to the viewers of their art? Episode Resources Chris Ritson IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrisritson/ Chris Ritson Website: https://sites.google.com/view/chris-ritson/page Tantalus Botanicals Website: https://www.instagram.com/tantalusbotanicals/ <b
S1 E34 · Fri, August 21, 2020
Ep. 34: Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast & the Future of Biodiversity Research (feat. Christian Schwarz)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to have the chance to hear from our guest Christian Schwarz. Christian is a Research Associate at the Norris Center for Natural History and he is coauthor of "Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast" – the bible for California mushroom foraging. Christian Schwarz has been intrigued by fungi ever since he inherited his first mushroom guidebook from his brother. That guide turned out to be irrelevant to his area and so his first year of foraging was spent using just his own powers of observation. What can foraging for mushrooms without a guide bring to a forager's ability to develop their own libraries of sensory perception? As the author of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast, we couldn't ask for a better guide to help us explore the mushrooms of California. Christian explains the foraging season, different bio-regions and the variety of fungi, including a plethora of endemic fungi that call California home. The book itself is one of the best resources available for mushroom hunters along California's coastline. What was the inspiration for the book and what was that journey like of cataloging 900+ types of mushrooms? And as someone who traveled throughout the state hunting mushrooms, what are some of Christian's favorite areas in California to mushroom hunt? The answer might not be what you expect. Christian may best be described as a "biodiversiphile" - someone who loves biodiversity in all of its forms. As he eloquently elucidates the future of fungal diversity research, it becomes clear that amateur naturalists and citizen scientists have a huge role to play in the raw data collection and cataloging of biodiversity. We'll learn about the "Taxanomic Triangle" and pick up invaluable tips on how amateurs can structure their observations to contribute the best data possible to be used in future biodiversity studies. What are the six pieces of information in the basic biodiversity suite on a given organism? What insights about evolutionary history are we gleaning based on the massive influx of biodiversity data gathering? Episode Resources Christian Schwarz IG: https://www.instagram.com/biodiversiphile/ Mushrooms of Redwood Coast (Book): https://bookshop.org/books/mushrooms-of-the-redwood-coast-a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-fungi-of-coastal-northern-california/9781607748175 Norris Center of Natural History: https://norriscenter.ucsc.edu/ Amscope Microscope: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=amscope&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Southwestern Research Station: https://www.amnh.org/resear
S1 E33 · Wed, August 19, 2020
Ep. 33: Marrow of the Mountain - Defending Biodiversity in Ecuador (feat. Dr. Roo Vandergrift)
Today we are graced by the presence of Dr. Roo Vandegrift - queer scientist, illustrator and producer of the forthcoming documentary film Marrow of the Mountain . Roo received his doctorate in mycology from the University of Oregon’s Institute of Ecology and Evolution, doing much of his dissertation work on the ecology of fungi at Los Cedros, in Ecuador. Please support Roo's documentary "Marrow of the Mountain": https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/werdnus/marrow-of-the-mountain-the-covid-emergency-fundraiser?ref=discovery&term=marrow%20of%20the%20mountain Help their team bring international attention to the threat posed by international mining companies to biodiversity and environmental health in Ecuador! Getting lost in the jungles of Ecuador, we find Roo Vandergrift crawling through the undergrowth of the Los Cedros bio-reserve performing fungal diversity surveys. Originally studying the genus xylaria, Roo quickly fell in love with Los Cedros and his relationship with this vibrant and powerful land would change his life forever. Multinational mining companies have bought the rights to huge swaths of the country, leaving Ecuador’s most sensitive and biodiverse habitats at the mercy of international mining interests. This happened suddenly, and without public knowledge or consent. We witness the deep impact of extractive industry on Ecuadorian lives, as three women struggle to protect their families and communities whilst the land is being sold out from under their feet. Told in the powerful voices of Afro-Ecuadorian farmer Isabel Anangonó, indigenous leader Filomena Rosero, and scientist and activist Elisa Levy, and following a scientific expedition into the heart of the rainforest, this film explores the impact of mining on people's lives with both beauty and stark candor. How did the International Monetary Fund set in motion circumstances that would clear a path for giant Australian and Canadian mining corporations to gain access to mining territories, even in areas protected by environmental legislation? How is a pending Constitutional Court Case ruling pivotal in the future of protecting Ecuador's biodiversity from destructive mining? Due to the COVID-19 lockdowns all people, including activists, have been forced inside. This has allowed international mining companies to continue their illegal mining and environmental destruction without any resistance. These same lockdowns have also meant that the documentary has been set back. So the Marrow of the Mountain team needs all of our support on their new Kickstarter! Empower this documentary activism and help defend biodiversity. Episode Resources Marrow of the Mountain Documentary Website: <a href='https://marrowofth
S1 E32 · Wed, August 12, 2020
Ep. 32: Empowering BIPOC Communities by Going Back to the Land (feat. Indy Srinath)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are honored to be joined by Indy Srinath. Indy is a forager, educator, gardener, mushroom cultivator, and steward of both her environment and her community. Her work brings many of the principles that we discuss on Mushroom Hour - wild food, mycology, permaculture, environmentalism - into urban settings and into a relational context with BIPOC communities. Please support Indy's campaign to create a BIPOC community farm! https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-urban-farm-fund Our journey begins in North Carolina where a high-school aged Indy, disillusioned by traditional education, starts to develop a relationship with the land. Before you know it, we're WWOOFing along the California coast, helping at organic farms and picking up land-based skills along the way. Returning to Asheville, NC to steward a 7-acre permaculture farm and cultivate mushrooms may seem like the dream to many of us, but it is just another stepping stone for Indy's ultimate vision. Changing scenes to the concrete jungle of LA, Indy employs the skills she's developed in herbalism, foraging and permaculture to purposefully empower chronically under-served houseless populations and BIPOC communities. What are some permaculture principles we can employ to grow food even in urban environments? Are urban agriculture and foraging useful tools in addressing major social issues like food apartheid in inner cities? Her mission brings some particularly poignant questions to the surface. America's undergoing a cultural reckoning as European-Americans (colloquially "White") are forced to reconcile their status quo with generational and systemic disadvantages BIPOC communities face. Amidst protest, desires to help and gestures of allyship, we are reminded that access to land, or a lack-there-of, lies at the heart of America's glaring economic, political and social imbalance. This difference in land access even spills over into land-based disciplines like farming and wild food foraging. Why are practices like farming and foraging largely the domain of European-Americans now, despite having indigenous and BIPOC roots? What are some strategies to correct this imbalance and help BIPOC Americans return to the land? As more minds turn to the idea of reparations as the most obvious solution to help heal a centuries-old trauma between European-Americans and BIPOC-Americans, Indy encourages us to remember that while interpersonal-reparations are a good start, what we really need are institutional reparations (ie. big banks, governments) to redress generational economic inequality. Ownership of land once more centers our conversation and provides a myriad of tangible solutions. How does a focus on increasing BIPOC ownership of land truly empower communities and address gene
S1 E31 · Wed, August 05, 2020
Ep. 31: How to Quit Your Job and Devote Your Life to Mushrooms (feat. John Michelotti)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of John Michelotti. John is the founder of Catskill Fungi and past President of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association (MHMA). His goal is to inspire people to partner with fungi to improve their health, communities, and the environment. Our journey takes us to the Catskill Mountains in New York state where we find a young John spending the summer on his grandfather's farm - whose grounds were some of the favorite mushroom foraging spots of Gordon Wasson! After spending a childhood in nature, John pursued many paths until his fateful connection with the Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association. One the group's leaders, the mycology legend Gary Lincoff, become John's mentor and inspired him to dedicate his life to working with fungi. Sadly, Gary passed away in March of 2018. What was Gary really like and how did his unique background make him such a charismatic ambassador of the fungal world? John's pursuit of fungal abundance took him to the jungles of Ecuador as he had the transformative opportunity to participate in the Amazon MycoRenewal project led by Mia Maltz. Armed with more knowledge and an even deeper passion for fungi, John movedback to the Catskills to his grandfather's farm and joined the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association. Inspired by his days with the Westchester Mycology Club, John set about building community and eventually became Association President. Catskill Fungi was born as another way for John to share knowledge and form community around a love of mushrooms via presentations, workshops and mushroom walks. Learning about how fungi improves our health, John mastered a triple extraction technique for making medicinal mushroom tinctures of the highest quality and even teaches others how to do the exact same process. Catskill Fungi now provides an assortment of medicinal mushroom tinctures made from local, foraged and organically-grown mushrooms like lions mane, reishi, chaga and turkey tail. Why does John feel its so critical to teach these skills to others even if it means selling less of his own products? Hearing John's story and his commitment to fungi moves us all to action and we'll feel the call of those immortal words of Gary Lincoff to, "Quit your job and dedicate your life to mushrooms!" Mushrooms and fungi are a key tool to improve humanity's outlook into the future. By pairing with fungi we all can pursue a life work that improves the community, the environment, and our personal health. It's easier than you think - you don't even need to quit your job! We'll become the extra-radical mycelia, reaching out beyond whats comfortable and transform the planet for the better! Episode Resources Catskill Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/catskillfungi/ Catskill Fungi website: https://www.catskill
S1 E30 · Wed, July 29, 2020
Ep. 30: Leah Mycelia - Making Friends with Mushrooms, Mycoheterotrophs & Slime Molds (feat. Leah Bendlin)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are graced by the presence of Leah Bendlin AKA Leah Mycelia. For anyone on Instagram or Facebook, you will know Leah for her near-encyclopedic knowledge of wild macrofungi, some of their underappreciated fungal brethren and even their distant cousins, the infamous slime molds. On our way to visiting her myceliated domain of Portland, OR we make a stop in Leah's home state of Wisconsin to learn a little from Leah's Dad - a biology teacher who was a huge early influence in Leah's exploration of nature. As she explored her own relationship with nature and her quest for more delicious wild things to eat, Leah discovered mushrooms and became obsessed with these enigmatic organisms. Her love of food is still at the core of her mushroom obsession. To date, she has eaten an unbelievable 252 species of mushroom! What are some delicious edibles that we don't even know about? As she has continued to develop her mycological repetoire, Leah has been able to tap into the extensive fungal community both in-person and online. Whether it's Facebook mushroom identification groups or local mycology clubs we'll feel the mush love and expand our knowledge exponentially. As citizen scientists have increasing access to vast amounts of information, the line between the professional and amateur scientist begins to blur. How do these communities overlap in practicing science and furthering the study of mycology? Branching out beyond the confines of kingdom fungi, Leah will introduce us to some distant relations that either rely on fungal organisms or resemble them - Mycohetertrophic plants and the infamous Slime Molds! Mycoheterotrophic plants rely on the nutrient-sharing mycorrhizal fungal networks that connect 95% of land plants together. Are these plants strictly parasitic or do they offer some benefit to the fungi? Few people are as passionate about slime molds as Leah and she will demystify these single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Even though many of us associate them with fungi, slime molds evolutionary lineage shows they actually have less in common with fungi than we do! Due to their unique physiology and behavior, slime molds are frequently used in scientific research. What kind of unique clues about non-human learning and brain-free intelligence do slime molds reveal to us? Episode Resources Leah Bendlin (IG page): https://www.instagram.com/leah_mycelia/ Disciotis Venosa (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disciotis_venosa Geopora Cooperi (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopora_cooperi Cortinarius Caperatus (mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortinarius_caperatus
S1 E29 · Wed, July 22, 2020
Ep. 29: Researching the Mysteries of the Mycorrhizal Network (feat. Professor Tom Bruns)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are honored to be joined by Professor Tom Bruns of the UC Berkeley Dept. of Plant & Microbial Biology. Tom’s primary focus has been fungal ecology, and most of his work in this area has been at the community ecology or autecology levels. The Professor breaks down some fundamentals about the study of ecosystems before he pushes us into the deep end or exploring one of his most researched subjects and one of the most ecologically relevant organisms on the planet - mycorrhizal fungi. It is impossible to overstate the importance of mycorrhizal networks. Ever since plants came out of the nutrient soup that is the ocean, they have enlisted the aid of fungal allies to survive and gather nutrients from the soil. Between the 2 main types, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, mycorrhizal fungi connect almost all plants on Earth into their nutrient-exchanging networks. But what are the differences between these groupings of mycorrhizal fungi? What, if any evidence, do we have of their evolutionary history? Much of Tom's research has focused on the ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi that dominate the temperate forests that many of us are familiar with in the United States. Walking us through the findings of his years of research, it becomes clear that our temperate forests cannot thrive or expand without EM fungi leading the way in colonizing new soil and partnering with new tree seedlings. With loads of EM players involved, and many lacking a big showy mushroom, there is still plenty of mystery when it comes to how mycorrhizal fungi establish themselves and reproduce. We learn about some of the factors that may contribute to successful propagation between different species and quickly come face to face with some of the burning questions when it comes to EM fungi - Why do the most desirable EM fungi like porcini and chanterelle spring up where they do? Is it possible to purposely inoculate trees and cultivate our favorite culinary mushrooms?? Is the ever-mysterious morel mushroom a mycorrhizal fungi? With the aid of ever-advancing sampling technology, we have a better picture than ever of what is going on in the mycorrhizal realm. Tom's lab has been on the forefront of using these cutting-edge technologies to piece together more and more information. As he continually trains amazing scientists to further the study of mycorrhizal relationships, Tom's own work has shifted to focus on how fungi recolonize areas devastated by wildfires. What role do fungi play in helping ecosystems rebound from fire? We wrap up our conversation learning about an infamous ectomycorrhizal fungi, the amanita phalloides or deathcap mushroom, in the context of cutting-edge research from his grad student Catharine Adams. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mush
S1 E28 · Wed, July 15, 2020
Ep. 28: Fungi Foundation - How to Save the World by Protecting & Promoting Fungi (feat. Giuliana Furci)
This week on Mushroom Hour we are grateful for the opportunity to speak with our guest Giuliana Furci. Giuliana is founder and president of the Fungi Foundation and has been the greatest advocate for the study and protection of the Fungi Kingdom in recent decades in the country of Chile. She managed to make Chile the first country in the world to include fungi in its environmental impact assessment legislation. Giuliana's upbringing took her across the Atlantic as her family fled political persecution, but she returned to Chile as a young adult. Already armed with a passion for fungi, Giuliana made a life-changing decision to forgo studying abroad and instead would try to invigorate the mycological tradition in a largely mycophobic nation that did not have any avenues for studying fungi. That brave decision, and her perseverance in her mission to study fungi, has forever changed her country. After years of self-taught and self-led field mycology work documenting Chile's fungi, Giuliana founded The Fungi Foundation - the first NGO on Earth to be dedicated to promoting the knowledge, appreciation and protection of fungi. The Foundation has now expanded and supports many projects in Chile, but the biggest effort they have undertaken is their work in changing legislation to protect fungi. Giuliana and her team seized an opportunity to change environmental laws and implement a regulatory and enforcement framework that mandates all building projects in Chile must include an analysis of how they will impact local fungi populations, in addition to plants and animals. Chile is now the only country in the world that specifically protects fungi in its environmental legislation. How did they achieve this historical milestone? How does the shift from identifying "flora and fauna" to "flora, fauna and funga" fundamentally change our ecological perspectives as a society? Leaving the halls of government, we'll try to keep up with Giuliana as she traverses the country for months at a time, hoping to coincide with the appearance of mushrooms. From the Atacama desert to the mountains of the Patagonia, Chile's unique geography makes for an incredible amount of unexplored biodiversity, especially when it comes to fungi! We'll learn to never underestimate the power of an encounter with a fungus and Giuliana will educate us on the proper steps to scientifically document mushrooms we find in the wild. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Fungi Foundation Website:
S1 E27 · Wed, July 08, 2020
Ep. 27: MushRoaming - Yartsa Gunbu Cordyceps of Tibet & Amazon Adventures (feat. Daniel Winkler)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are blessed to have the opportunity to interview Daniel Winkler. Daniel has been organizing mushroom focused eco-adventures across the world since 2007. His research on different species of Cordyceps has been featured in The Economist, National Geographic, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, BBC World Service and more. Emerging from the deep, Bavarian forests we meet a young Daniel who was foraging steinpilz (boletus edulis) when he was only 3-years-old! His academic studies saw him working on environmental and ecological issues and a sequence of synchronicity found him pursuing this work in Tibet. While he applied his training to benefit Tibetan communities, he soon found himself ensconced by the mysterious and highly-prized Yartsa Gunbu - the Tibetan catepillar fungus. We know this mushroom in the West as Ophiocordyceps Sinesis. Daniel was one of the first westerners to deeply explore this famous zombie mushroom in the 1990's. Daniel will explain the unique ecology of the Ophiocordyceps Sinesis and why "CS-4", the strain that has been widely used in labs for testing medicinal properties and growing medicinal supplements, is likely not true ophiocordyceps sinesis! His fascinating research focused not only the physiology of the fungus, but also the history and ethnomycological implications of its use in Tibetan and Chinese culture. What profound economic impacts has the collection of Yartsa Gunbu had on the people of Tibet? How has this fungus had a massive influence in the diplomatic relations between Tibet and China for centuries? Vicarious adventure abounds as we join a MushRoaming ecotour and experience the hunt for Yartsa Gunbu for ourselves. This pursuit of cordyceps then continues into the Amazon where an explosion of tropical biodiversity means we find a vastly more diverse collection of cordyceps species, including many that are unknown to science. What are any applications of these cordyceps species that can be found in the Amazon? Are there medicinal benefits that are yet to be discovered? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources MushRoaming website: http://mushroaming.com/ Yartsa Gunbu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_sinensis
S1 E26 · Wed, July 01, 2020
Ep. 26: Entangled Life - How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (feat. Merlin Sheldrake)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the pleasure of speaking with Merlin Sheldrake, author of the groundbreaking fungal narrative, Entangled Life. Merlin is a biologist and a writer with a background in plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and the history and philosophy of science. He received a Ph.D. in tropical ecology from Cambridge University for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama. Our voyage begins in the fertile jungles of Panama, teeming with biodiversity of all kinds. It's here that we find Merlin studying mycoheterotrophic plants and unlocking the secrets of the seemingly infinite web of mycelium that skeins out underneath the forest floor. His work in Panama captures our imaginations and peels up the edges of many key concepts that pop up again and again through the pages of his book. It becomes apparent that as our collective understandings of ecology and biology advance, we can no longer examine organisms in a vacuum, without understanding their complex relationships. Fungi so easily embrace this "intimacy of strangers" and have a seemingly unparalleled ability to form entangled relationships with other living things. Why are fungi in particular such potent scions of symbiosis? Riding tips of hyphae through rotscapes and the wood wide web, we'll marvel at the paradox of mycelium-based intelligence - living labyrinths that are seemingly processing information everywhere at once, and nowhere in particular. It is able to make decisions, it recognizes the limits of its physical form and it can adapt to changing circumstances, all without the help of a brain. Do analogies relating mycelium structures to our own brains aid or hinder our understanding of them? Why should we be careful when we examine fungi through an anthropocentric lens? Human society has been perpetually guided by fungal influences - both in our physical relationships with them and in the stories we tell about them. When we imbibe or ingest fungi, we participate in this ancient relationship as the fungal consciousness influences our human experience. And whether it was psychedelic entheogens that opened up doors of perception or invisible yeasts that magically created bread, beer or wine, the myths and rituals we developed around fungi also shaped the course of civilizations. How will fungi continue to influence the course of humankind? Where can we find hope in fungal solutions to human problems? Our wizened, fungal wizard Merlin beckons us to descend into the earth and find communion with our favorite, more-than-human organisms on their terms - and learn something about ourselves in the process. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby (<a href='https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com
S1 E25 · Fri, June 26, 2020
Ep. 25: Sweden's Legends, Myths, Magicks and Mushrooms (feat. Saga Mariah Sandberg)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to interview Saga Mariah Sandberg. Saga Mariah is an accomplished artist whose work focuses on mushrooms and other natural subjects. Her work has been described as authentic, beguiling, captivating and, perhaps above all, a beautifully curated celebration of Sweden’s natural systems. In this second part of our two-part interview, Saga will be our guide through the folklore, myths and legends of Sweden. This epic journey starts with a brief introduction to the indigenous Sami people, whose tribes inhabited polar regions across Europe and Asia. We quickly come face to face with everyone's favorite pirate traders - the Vikings. Best known for their fierce warriors, their clans of elite fighters who donned bear-skins and wolf-skins are the origin of the English words "berserker" and "werewolf". There is a legend that Viking berserkers used the delirium-inducing amanita muscaria to fuel their rage prior to battle - but is it true? Continuing our journey through time, we'll see that the peoples of Sweden have always sought the aid of shamans to access higher realms of consciousness. One of the most powerful spiritual conduits were master witches known as valas or völvas. These female mystics channeled spiritual power by performing a sejd (trance-inducing chant) and calling upon the aid of one's haugen (spirit or soul) with the help of a women's circle, a drum and a staff. Did entheogens or mushrooms play any role in the practices or powers of these wise women? Attuning with the realms beyond our own, we commune with spirit animals and spirit guardians and then dive into the realm of the Vaesen. The Vaesen is another dimension that is the domain of otherworldly beings including trolls, fairies and mushrooms! These spirits feature prominently in Swedish myths and their influence persists to this day. Because non-bracket mushrooms were considered of the Vaesen domain, they were avoided as "troll food" by ancient Swedes. Luckily this has completely reversed in more recent times as Swedes have begun to deify the mushroom! These ancient myths, folk tales and spiritual concepts we discuss echo through many parts of our modern society and still live on in modern Swedish culture and language. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Saga-Mariah's Art & Illustration Website: https://www.sagamariah.se/ Saga-Mariah IG: https://www.instagram.com/
S1 E24 · Wed, June 24, 2020
Ep. 24: Saga Mariah Flora - Illustrating Biology & Sweden's Enchanting Mushrooms (feat. Saga Mariah Sandberg)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to interview Saga Mariah Sandberg. Saga Mariah is an accomplished artist whose work focuses on mushrooms and other natural subjects. Her work has been described as authentic, beguiling, captivating and, perhaps above all, a beautifully curated celebration of Sweden’s natural systems. In this first part of our two-part interview, we travel to the beautiful Varmland region of Sweden, the land that our artist Saga Mariah calls home. We'll experience life on her family's farm through the curious & rebellious eyes of young Saga. This wild environment and her bold nature as a child led young Saga to develop a lifelong fascination with insects, plants, animals and of course fungi! We'll venture deep into the woods and explore ancestral mushroom forage grounds that have been passed down from generation to generation - sometimes for hundreds of years. Like the forage patches themselves, Saga's mother passed down her knowledge of foraging to Saga when she was old enough to walk! This type of fungi hunting lineage is found throughout Sweden and it helps us understand how deeply ingrained foraging is in the culture. But how did an ancient cultural fear of all mushrooms eventually transition into such an intimate relationship with them? Throughout the enchanting, winding paths of our conversation, we witness Saga's development as an artist. As a child discovering her natural talents, to her first art exhibit at 11 years old, through an academic career in design to her current work as a freelance illustrator and designer, she has blazed her own trail. She now produces amazing works rendering wild mushrooms and ecological biotopes with a captivating, "saturated" style that is all her own. We'll see her mission to educate with her ecological art come full circle as her works are showcased in Sweden's most well-known natural history museum. How does an artist find their own voice in both the composition, production and distribution of their art? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby ( https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/ ) Art by: Wyn Di Stefano ( http://www.wyndistefano.com/ ) Episode Resources Saga-Mariah's Art & Illustration Website: https://www.sagamariah.se/ Saga-Mariah IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagamariah_floral/ Violet Cortinarius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortinarius_violaceus Varmland, Sweden: https://www.visitvarmla
S1 E23 · Wed, June 17, 2020
Ep. 23: Malama Mushrooms - Powering The Hawaiian Mycoflora Project (feat. Ben Lillibridge)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the blessing to interview Benjamin Lillibridge. Benjamin is the founder of Big Island based Mālama Mushrooms, a business focused on bringing superfood mushroom extracts to the masses for immunity, brain health, and energy support. This week's journey takes us to the Big Island of Hawaii - one of the most unique biomes on the planet. With Ben as our guide, we'll take a tropical tour through the fungal landscape of the Big Island, including a look at some of Hawaii's endemic fungi. We'll learn how a mission to catalog Hawaii's fungi was sparked during a Radical Mycology community gathering that inspired him to found the Hawaii Mycoflora project with Jeff Stahlman and secure grant funding. What kinds of unique fungi are endemic to Hawaii? How does the relatively young geography of the islands play a role in fungal populations? Ben has a rich background in agriculture and food systems, with years spent working on permaculture farms and with value-added food products. He has been able to leverage his knowledge and talents to found a medicinal mushroom company that employs ethical sourcing to deliver high-quality mushroom supplements. Staying true to his own integrity and love of fungi, Ben has been able to use his company's success as a platform. He plans to use the growth of Mālama Mushrooms to fund the creation of vertically integrated medicinal mushroom supply chains in Hawaii and fund his mycoflora research. We wrap up our conversation talking about Ben's work with the Clarity Project - an Oahu-based organization that hopes to create a conversation around the classification of psilocybin-containing mushrooms as medicinal substances. How important is it for people to share their psychedelic experiences as a community and how can that lead to safer practices when it comes to engaging with entheogens? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Hawaii Mycoflora Project on iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/mycoflora-of-hawaii-2019-new-list Mālama Mushrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/malamamushrooms/ Mālama Mushrooms Website: https://www.malamamushrooms.com/ The Clarity Project: https://clarityproject.org/
S1 E22 · Tue, June 09, 2020
Ep. 22: Fungi Academy - Sacred Mycology & Transformational Community in Guatemala (feat. Oliver Merivee)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to interview Oliver Merivee. Oliver is the co-founder of the Fungi Academy, a paradigm-shifting community and a sacred mycology school in Guatemala, located on the magical Lake Atitlán. Pack your bags and open your mind as we go on a world-spanning journey from Oliver's native Estonia over to Australia, hitchhiking across Mexico and winding up in Guatemala. His travels have given him a unique perspective on the human experience and the value of service to others. It can be liberating to take on the role of penniless traveler and rely on your faith in the Universe and synchronicity to provide what you need and take you where you need to go. Everyone has felt the allure of idyllic communes or intentional communities at one time or another. We get the chance to be part of the tribe at Fungi Academy and hear about how their community operates. Oliver has visited many communities throughout his journey and has been able to absorb invaluable insights from each. He has held space with elders and seen what makes an intentional community thrive. What are the most important pillars of intentional communities that help them stand the test of time? How do intentional communities achieve symbiosis with their surrounding environment and help build more resilient societies? We wrap things up with an expansive conversation about plant medicines and psychoactive mushrooms. The anecdotal evidence and growing scientific body of knowledge is offering hope that powerful therapies for the body, mind and spirit lie within our grasp. Responsible use of these natural substances encouraged Oliver to seek knowledge all over the world and Fungi Academy may not exist without their influence. How can we learn to use sacred mushrooms to help us embody principles of self-love and service to others? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Fungi Academy Sacred Mycology Courses: https://fungiacademy.com/sacred-mycology-school/ Fungi Academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/fungiacademy/ Fungi Academy Website: https://fungiacademy.com/ Intentional Communities: https://www.ic.org/
S1 E21 · Wed, May 27, 2020
Ep. 21: Mycosymbiote - Cordyceps, Citizen Science & Systemic Change (feat. William Padilla-Brown)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the extraordinary honor of interviewing William Padilla-Brown. Founder of MycoSymbiotics, William is a social entrepreneur, citizen scientist, mycologist, amateur 'phychologist', urban shaman, writer, you-tube vlogger, contributing editor for Fungi magazine, researcher, poet, and father. Venturing into the woods of Pennsylvania, we'll train our eyes to go foraging for wild cordyceps with a man who has played a major role in popularizing the cultivation of this zombie mushroom. William walks us through some of the fundamental biochemistry of this fiery fruit body including the compounds in cordyceps that make them world-renowned medicinal fungi. While reviewing some well-known compounds like the adenosine-derivative cordycepin, Will also shines light on some lesser-known compounds like cordynin. How much of cordyceps' medicinal potential has yet to be researched and uncovered? How many different species are there and do cordycep species besides C. Sinesis and C. Militaris show promise in terms of their use as medicinals? As a non-traditional educator and YouTube-university graduate, Will's journey has always involved novel methodologies when it comes to spreading scientific information across communities. We'll hear about his work in the lab and how he has given others the tools to practice the scientific method in their own home. Exploring the growing citizen science ecosystem, we'll glimpse a vision of a not-too-distant future where a decentralized network of home labs and community-based labs work together to push science forward. Can the application of models like community-based science and permaculture be enough to help manifest a better world? Is there an opportunity for a new, conscious generation to participate in what may be perceived as "broken" or "outdated" institutions to effectively subvert the dominant paradigm and create lasting, positive change? We wrap up our chat talking about POC involvement in the mycological and citizen science communities. Inclusion is critical and everyone needs to be exposed to this life-changing information. What are some ways event organizers and mycology clubs can engage with POC communities? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Mycosymbiote IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycosymbiote/ William Padilla-Brown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/William-Padilla-Brown/100006127386177 Mycosymbiotics: <a href='h
S1 E20 · Wed, May 20, 2020
Ep. 20: Yellow Elanor - Sharing a Love of Mushrooms with Self, Family, Community and the World (feat. Rachel Zoller)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Zoller. Under her moniker, Yellow Elanor, she has become a pillar in the online mushroom education community. She teaches classes and speaks at mycological events across the Pacific Northwest. We trek up to the wilds of BZ Corner, Washington to start exploring the forest floor with our master myco-educator! Rachel will guide us through the basics of mushroom identification, including the importance of engaging all of our senses in the process. We'll smell all the mushrooms we find, play with them and really experience the essence of these fungal treasures that we are seeking to understand. As an educator and someone who spreads the love of fungi into her community she'll illustrate how, when it comes to mushrooms and the 50-year old science of mycology, passion is enough to put an amateur in a place to make a real impact. We'll also get comfortable coming out of our shell to engage mycology clubs and the local mushroom community and watch our learning accelerate exponentially. As one of the most important roles she takes on, Rachel is the mother of two little mycophiles. For all you parents out there, she shares some invaluable advice when it comes to taking the little ones out mushroom hunting. How can your children, and your family dynamic, benefit from foraging for mushrooms together? How do you make sure mushrooms don't end up in a pocket or a basket that shouldn't be there? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Yellow Elanor IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowelanor/ Yellow Elanor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yellowelanor Yellow Elanor Website: http://www.yellowelanor.com/ Mycena haematopus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_haematopus Hericium abietis : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium_abietis
S1 E19 · Wed, May 13, 2020
Ep. 19: Fascinated by Fungi - Foraged Cuisine, Science Communication & the Hidden Universe of Yeast (feat. Dr. Gordon Walker)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the honor of speaking with the distinguished Dr. Gordon Walker. Gordon boasts a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from UC Davis and has had a passion for wild mushroom hunting that began at the tender age of 5. Traveling to Napa County California, the heart of US wine country, we'll learn about the amazing powers of yeast, a fungi you may not even know is a fungi! We'll get a window from an expert into the complex, hidden ecosystem that is active on the microscopic level and the sequences of ecological succession at work that are responsible for some of humanity's most cherished culinary inventions - bread, wine and beer. How do yeasts actually power the different fermentation processes of wine, beer, kombucha and others? And how are yeasts, and fungi more broadly, being used to create the future of alternative proteins? With his talent of communicating scientific information in a very digestible form, Gordon helps us understand some technical points when it comes to kingdom fungi. What are the differences between the two major fungi groupings of basidiomycota and ascomycota? How are species more fluid of a grouping system than we may think when it comes to fungi? What can fungi populations in general tell us about biodiversity and divergent evolution? After we go out foraging for some of his favorite mushrooms, we get into the kitchen and learn some secrets from this Instagram and Tik Tok superstar about cooking with mushrooms. Gordon breaks down some basic principles of heat, moisture and fat content that we can all utilize that will turn our wild foraged finds into homemade delicacies. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Fascinated by Fungi IG: https://www.instagram.com/fascinatedbyfungi/ Fascinated by Fungi website: https://fascinatedbyfungi.com/ Fascinated by Fungi Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fascinatedbyfungi
S1 E18 · Wed, May 06, 2020
Ep. 18: Breakfast of Champignonz - Exploring Nature as Therapy, Mushroom Taxonomy & Etymology (feat. Anna Henning)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the wonderful occasion of speaking with Anna Henning. She has been hunting fungi in the woods of central Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut for over 5 years, gathering edible and medicinal mushrooms along with knowledge, and friends along the way. In the sleepy town of Cape Cod we'll meet a passionate self-taught mycology, taxonomist and etymologist named Anna, but you can call her "Breakfast". We wander the forests, with plenty of canine company, searching for mushrooms and also benefiting from some innate, therapeutic effects. Our culture is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health and how each of us accumulates degrees of trauma and anxiety. Anna will use her knowledge of psychology to relate the feeling of connection we feel out in nature to tangibly improving mental health. Can our experiences in nature help us to heal the parts of ourselves that need it most? How does a relationship with nature intertwine with our modern psychological understanding of concepts like "attachment theory"? Entering the domain of "binomial nomenclature", we'll cover the basics of scientific taxonomy and how the interlocking structure from "kingdom" down to "species" works. This leads us to in-depth exploration of etymology, the study of the origin of words and language. We'll hear some particularly intriguing, amusing and insightful examples of different fungi and how their names were derived. How did Greek helmets made from weasel-skin become the basis for naming a mushroom? How does an understanding of etymology provide us a sense of connection? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Breakfast of Champignonz IG: https://www.instagram.com/breakfast_of_champignonz/ Gyroporus Cyanescens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyroporus_cyanescens Exsudoporus Frostii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exsudoporus_frostii Calostoma Cinnabarinum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calostoma_cinnabarinum
S1 E17 · Wed, April 29, 2020
Ep. 17: Corvidopolis - Art, Nature & The Mysteries of the Mushroom Tarot (feat. Chris Adams)
Today on Mushroom Hour we are excited to chat with Chris Adams - illustrator & print-maker from Corvallis, Oregon. Chris is the driving force behind Corvidopolis, an art & apparel company, and he is the creator of The Mushroom Tarot. We'll gather our gear and hike through vast tracts of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest to see how Chris transformed from an aspiring architect into a mushroom-obsessed artist. His own personal journey into mycology became an inspiration for the stunning art and graphic apparel that he creates today. We'll learn about how he started his business as an artist and screen-printer. And we'll even discover the artistic influences that helped create the unique Corvidopolis style that blends a love of nature with a healthy heaping of weird. Chris' newest project is creating a full-color, 81-card mushroom-themed Tarot deck. The system of tarot is an ancient one that has seen many interpretations over the centuries. From the earliest cards passed along the Silk Road to the renowned Rider-Waite deck and more modern interpretations, the symbolism of the tarot has always found deep resonance with the many archetypes of human experience. Kingdom fungi also shows up symbolically throughout human history in art. We'll learn about this modern mycophile's journey of crafting his own understanding of the tarot system and the process of selecting fungal iconography that can invoke the same energies of the classic major and minor arcana. How does one find their own authentic path when crafting a new interpretation of a system that has such a revered and ancient history? Be sure to support the Mushroom Tarot Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/corvidopolis/the-mushroom-tarot-full-color-full-deck Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Corvidopolis Website: https://corvidopolis.com/ Mushroom Tarot Website: https://mushroomtarot.com/ Corvidopolis IG: https://www.instagram.com/corvidopolis/ Mushroom Tarot IG: https://www.instagram.com/mushroomtarot/
S1 E16 · Wed, April 22, 2020
Ep. 16: Scotland's Wild Food Stories - Pioneering Research on the Culture of Foraging (feat. Leanne Townsend)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the wondrous opportunity to interview Leanne Townsend. Leanne is the founder of Wild Food Stories which sees her leading a variety of courses, workshops and events throughout the year in Aberdeenshire, and throughout Scotland. Let's travel to rural Scotland and hop from birch tree to birch tree finding beautiful golden chanterelles. We'll experience living and foraging in rural Scotland and then look more broadly at the wild food landscape across the UK. We'll also join the Association of Foragers and see the culture coalescing around wild foods. How is foraging culture viewed in the UK? What are the conversations surrounding forage culture and the opposing viewpoints? Leanne is also an academic professional leading research with the James Hutton Institute. This role sees her analyze many dynamics effecting rural communities, including wild food! One of her new paths of research has given her the opportunity to examine different viewpoints in and about the wild food community. She aims to produce academic research on different foraging subcultures and foraging practices present in the UK, beyond just their economic impact. What are some of the questions her research is looking at? How can this research on foraging bring people together around an appreciation for nature? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Wild Food Stories IG: https://www.instagram.com/wildfoodstory/ Wild Food Stories Website: https://www.wildfoodstories.co.uk/ James Hutton Institute: https://www.hutton.ac.uk
S1 E15 · Sat, April 18, 2020
Ep. 15: The Art of the Mushroom - Spirituality, Myth and Psychedelia (feat. Michael Campbell)
Today on Mushroom Hour we chat with my good friend, talented artist and fellow mycophile Michael Campbell. Michael is a sculptural artist based in the San Francisco bay area whose work explores our connection to the mysterious fungi kingdom. Be sure to visit the links below for information on his upcoming shows! Join us as we enter the mind and studio of Michael Campell. Michael's fungi sculptures are colorful and mysterious, centering around mushrooms like amanita muscaria and psilocybe cubensis. We explore the inspiration for his evocative work and how he makes these incredibly realistic sculptures. Like branches of an oak tree, his body of work winds in different directions and the symbolism and inspiration for each is unique. From dome-worlds and teacup universes to mushroom-adorned Judeo-Christian statues, his genuine reverence for mushrooms shines through. The deep dive is inevitable as we discuss the artist's relationship with psychedelic mushrooms. How has the psilocybin experience inspired his current body of artwork, and more broadly his relationship with nature? The connections mushrooms have with spirituality, religious myths and death are evident through history, usually with evidence passed down through artwork. Michael's own work is certainly a channel that makes manifest the very same symbolism and themes that mushrooms seem to evoke. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Michael Campbell IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcampbellart/ Corey Helford Gallery - Fantastical Beasts Show: https://www.coreyhelfordgallery.com/shows/fantastical-beasts/info-press/ Michael Campbell at Modern Eden: https://www.moderneden.com/collections/all/michael-campbell (BOOK) John Allegro - The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Mushroom-Cross-Christianity-fertility/dp/0982556276 (REF) Plaincourault Chapel - Amanita Fresco: http://www.herbmuseum.ca/content/fresco-plaincourault-possibly-depicting-fly-agaric
S1 E14 · Wed, April 15, 2020
Ep. 14: Decriminalize CA - Decriminalizing Psilocybin, Protecting Democracy (feat. William Goss)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing William Goss. William graduated with a B.S. in Plant Genetics from UC Davis, with a Fungal Biology and Ecology minor. He has taken a passion for mycology and turned it into an impressive and multifaceted career. In this interview, we focus on his efforts as an activist leader for the "Decriminalize California" organization. If you live in California, please see the links below to support Decriminalize CA and/or support their united effort to reform California's legislative process and defend citizen initiatives. Join us on a trip to the sunny shores of California on the front lines of psilocybin mushroom decriminalization. We'll dive deep into the statewide legislative initiative currently being championed by Decriminalize CA. William will help us define what decriminalization really means and the reasoning behind the idea that psilocybin mushrooms should be decriminalized. We'll walk through arguments against decriminalizing psychoactive substances while also exploring the repercussions of the current drug war and prohibition. We even touch on the current clinical research on psilocybin as a therapeutic and if those efforts are mutually exclusive from decriminalization. City councils of Santa Cruz and Oakland have passed resolutions that decriminalize various entheogenic plants and fungi - but are there still legal repercussions for possessing these substances? What is the importance and power of pursuing a statewide legislative initiative? How can the different decriminalize movements work together to achieve change? As our conversation continues, we actually uncover a huge roadblock for citizen participation in government. California requires that any citizen group who wants to have a new legislative initiative put up for vote, must gather signatures from their fellow citizens "in-person". It seems that our civic processes have not caught up to the digital age and in the era of COVID-19, this deficiency could severely hinder our rights as citizens to effect change within our state government. This interview is a great discussion of the modern movements surrounding psilocybin mushrooms and also an important call to action for every citizen to make sure we preserve our civil liberties and citizen initiatives. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Decriminalize CA IG: https://www.instagram.com/decrimca Decriminalize CA Website: https://decrimca.org **Change.org to
S1 E13 · Wed, April 08, 2020
Ep. 13: Natura Design - Building a Better World with Mushroom Materials (feat. Ashley Granter)
Today on Mushroom Hour, we have the exciting opportunity to chat with Ashley Granter, ecological designer and co-founder of Natura Design. Let's hop into Ashley's mobile mycology lab and get out in the woods. We'll got foraging for mushrooms, but instead of edibles we'll be looking for specimens that show potential to be used as a myco-material. Mushrooms are like witches & wizards of the forest, spewing forth an incredible array of chemicals that give them amazing properties. What do we look for in mushrooms that might be useful as a material? How do the properties of a mushroom fruit body translate to its mycelium? We'll see how Natura's team uses mycelium to digest industrial waste streams and transform them into beautiful products. What are some of the practical applications of mycelium as a material - what can we make with it?! From consumer products to building materials to even far-out applications like circuitry, the possibilities seem endless. We wrap up with discussions of the future, including the importance of open source knowledge that allows more and more people to explore these exciting new fields of bio-design and bio-materials. Collaboration, creative thinking and not being afraid to try new things can lead to some amazing discoveries and expand the limits of what's possible. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Natura Design IG: https://www.instagram.com/natura_studios/ Natura Design: https://naturadesign.org/ Biohm: https://www.biohm.co.uk/
S1 E12 · Wed, April 01, 2020
Ep. 12: Wholesun - Empowering the Medicinal Mushroom Industry, Shaping the Future (feat. Jme Bonfiglio)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the wonderful opportunity to interview Jme Bonfiglio, medicinal mushroom evangelist and founder of Wholesun Wellness. Our conversation begins as Jme lifts the veil and leads us through the vast landscape of medicinal mushrooms. Her own journey began with powerful healing experiences using chaga mushrooms. She soon found herself working with Paul Stamets himself in the heart of the US medicinal mushroom industry. We'll ask some big questions at the center of the "Shroom Boom" and see behind the scenes. Where are all the medicinal mushrooms coming from? How do you maintain integrity through the whole supply chain? Are the mushrooms being imported truly the potent medicines that manufacturers (and consumers) think they're buying? What are the standards when it comes to measuring compounds and general testing of medicinal mushrooms? Beyond just making high-integrity supplements, Jme aims to change the 'shroom supply chain game. This starts with hands-on, responsible sourcing and ultimately manifests in her ambitious plan to build a huge medicinal mushroom farm, testing and processing facility in the heart of Utah. Her goal is to help create a decentralized network of domestic producers that can meet the exploding mushroom demand and bolster economies around the country. And that's just the beginning! Hear more miraculous tales of the works wrought by this mushroom maven - fungi inventions that may stem the tide of endless plastic waste, promising therapeutic research being sponsored in Mexico that focuses specifically on psilocybin mushroom fruit bodies and an inaugural Utah Fungi Festival. Her passion for mushrooms is palpable and the scope of her projects is inspiring. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Wholesun Wellness IG: https://www.instagram.com/wholesunwellness/ Wholesun Wellness: http://www.wholesunwellness.com Utah Fungi Fest: https://www.utahfungifest.com/
S1 E11 · Wed, March 25, 2020
Ep. 11: Masterclass in Transforming Ecology with Soil Biology & Mycoremediation (feat. Craig Trester)
On this episode of Mushroom Hour, we have the honor of interviewing Craig Trester of MYC.NYC. Strap yourself in for a mind-blowing conversation as Craig walks us through a veritable masterclass in soil biology and the soil food web, including the interactions of fungi and other microorganisms. He shares the secrets of working with the passive systems of nature to regenerate our environment through bio-remediation and myco-remediation. The constant theme is that everything starts with the cultivation of healthy, life-rich soil. How does fungi work with other microorganisms to create healthy soil? How can healthy soil kick-start a restoration of its surrounding ecosystem? What are the steps and ingredients in creating healthy soil? Taking this knowledge into the heart of New York City, we'll see how Craig is inspiring the next generation of young minds with an appreciation of mycology and soil science. We'll journey into creeks full of "black mayonnaise" and witness bio-remediation in practice and how the restoration of healthy soils really can restore an urban environment. The knowledge expounded in this interview is like a blueprint for tangible, positive change. The best tool we can give the next generations inheriting the Earth is this compendium of knowledge that can restore our natural ecology and, in so doing, change our social ecology with a shift from a scarcity mindset to a mindset of abundance. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Craig Trester IG: https://www.instagram.com/nyc.myc New York Mycological Society: http://newyorkmyc.org Youtube - Professor Dave Explains: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cd_-e49hZpWLH3UIwoWRA Books Adding Biology - For Soil and Hydroponic Systems (Elaine Ingham & Carol Ann Rollins): https://www.amazon.com/Adding-Biology-Soil-Hydroponic-Systems/dp/0979756103 Teaming with Fungi (Jeff Lowenfels): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604697296/ Teaming with Microbes (Jeff Lowenfels): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604691131/ Teaming with Nutrients (Jeff Lowenfels): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604693142/ Oxford Press: Ver
S1 E10 · Tue, March 24, 2020
Ep. 10: Mixing Chemistry & Mycology in the Appalachian Rainforest (feat. Mandie Quark)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the joy of interviewing Mandie Quark AKA Mushroom Madman. Mandie is an intriguing blend of artist and scientist who has been completely taken over by mushrooms. Our journey takes us to the temperate rainforests of North Carolina - one of the only rainforests in North America. We start our chat with a brief history of Mandie Quark. Her impressive academic career saw her explore pharmacognosy, ethnobotany and eventually receive a Masters Degree in Biochemistry. Mandie made the decision to hang up her academic lab coat in 2018 to pursue an alternative career path centered around mycology with her partner-in-mushrooms, Michael Weese of MushroomLife. Our conversation takes us into mushroom foraging, mushroom identification, genetic sequencing of mushrooms how Mandie is sharing her vast knowledge of chemistry to further other citizen scientists' endeavors in the world of mycology. We wrap up talking about her upcoming "Chemistry for Mycologists" classes and an amazing "Rainforest Mycology Convergence" educational bonanza planned for Summer 2020. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour (@welcome_to_mushroom_hour) Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Mandie Quark IG: https://www.instagram.com/mushroom_madman/ Mandie Quark Website: https://www.mushroommadman.com/ Michael Weese IG: https://www.instagram.com/mushroomlyfe/ Michael Weese Website: https://mushroomlife.com/ NAMA: https://namyco.org/ Book - Mushrooms of Northeastern North America: https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Northeastern-North-America-Bessette/dp/0815603886 Book - Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm: https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Intelligence-Imaginal-Realm-Perception/dp/1591431352 Mushroom - Terana Caerulea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terana_caerulea
S1 E9 · Wed, March 18, 2020
Ep. 9: Wild Kingdom - Medicinal Mushrooms, Regenerative Foraging and Spiritual Connection (feat. Neil Thenier)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Mr. Neil Thenier of Wild Kingdom Extracts. Neil is a life-long forager, musician, and an IIN ( Institute for Integrative Nutrition ) health coach. Our chat starts with an exploration of the compounds that make both medicinal and gourmet mushrooms such nutritional powerhouses. What are polysaccharides and terpenes and why are they good for us? Neil’s team at Wild Kingdom creates amazing medicinal mushroom extracts that are optimized to supercharge your body using a dual-extraction method. But what are the differences between dual-extraction, alcohol extraction and hot water extraction and why does it matter? And is there a difference between compounds present in wild mushrooms compared to cultivated mushrooms? Sustainability in foraging is a hot topic, so let's learn the methods Wild Kingdom uses to source medicinal mushrooms and how to implement some next level ecologically-friendly practices into your own foraging. We wrap up with a little perspective on the priorities of our modern, hyper-commercialized culture and how an explosion of interest in re-wilding is opening new possibilities for us to co-create a brighter future. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Wild Kingdom Instagram https://wildkingdomextracts.com/ Arthur Haines (Research on Potency of Wild Foods)
S1 E8 · Wed, March 11, 2020
Ep. 8: Let Wild Mushrooms & Plants be Thy Medicine (feat. Jess Starwood)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the joy of interviewing Jess Starwood. Jess is a master forager, plant-based chef, teacher, and herbalist with a Masters of Science degree in Herbal Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She hosts wild food workshops in Southern California as well as other sites in the Western US and Mexico. We kick things off with our own observations on how a connection to the natural world aids in balancing in our spiritual, mental and physical health. Then get your forage gear together for a trip into the wild, or maybe even just the backyard, to meet some amazing wild plants and mushrooms. We'll chat about the nutritional virtues of wild foods that are all around us and how to embody what Jess calls "The Forager's Mindset" - What can we forage from forests (or even situations!) to make things work and tap into the invisible abundance at our fingertips? Looking at foraging and its growing popularity in the context of a broader ecological framework, foragers are faced with some important questions. Is there enough wild food for everyone to go foraging in places like LA? What are sustainable practices we can be mindful of in picking wild plants and mushrooms? In the effort to manage invasive fungi and plant species, could be the best solution be found in learning how to harness and eat them? We finish our conversation with a dazzling display of wild food recipes that will leave you feeling inspired. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Jess Starwood Instagram https://jstarwood.com/
S1 E7 · Wed, March 04, 2020
Ep. 7: Gnome Life - Wild Mushroom Identification & Exotic Forage Adventures (feat. Tugrul De Luce)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing the distinguished Tugrul De Luce, or “Tug” for short. For the last 12 years of his life, he has ventured on an epic journey into the world of fungi. He has traveled into the wilds of North and South America with world famous mycologists, and has explored the frontiers of mushroom identification. We start our conversation with the principles of wild mushroom identification. How important is a knowledge of trees when foraging and identifying wild mushrooms? What are the physical characteristics that matter most when you're identifying a mushroom? What can we learn from spore prints? Before you know it, we find ourselves journeying between the jungles of Ecuador, Bolivia and Mexico hunting wild cordyceps and other exotic fungi. We'll hear about Tug's mentors and legends in mycology like Larry Evans and Alan Rockefeller. The conversation wraps up with a look at future projects that include responsibly exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms in Jamaica. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources Two Gnomes Chester County Mycological Association (Pennsylvania) Larry Evans Institute for Psychosomatic Mycophagy
S1 E6 · Wed, February 26, 2020
Ep. 6: The Lion King - DIY Mycology & Lions Mane Mushrooms (feat. MycTyson Mushrooms)
On this episode of Mushroom Hour, we have the privilege of interviewing the man behind MycTyson Mushrooms. Myc has years of professional mushroom growing experience, founded the Reddit.com/r/MushroomGrowers community and has spent the past 8 years on his own intensive cultivation and research projects. He's best known for his Hericium erinaceus or lions mane mushrooms! Our chat starts by diving into the digital to talk about how online communities should provide safe spaces for new mycophiles to learn and grow in their journey of exploring mushroom cultivation. We reveal some sage wisdom and useful resources for those who want to start growing their own mushrooms. What is the most critical thing to have in your toolkit when you decide you want to dive deeper into the world of mushroom growing? True to his nickname, we enter the lion's den and learn about the medicinal properties of lions mane and Myc's lions mane breeding program. Pulling from 30+ wild strains of this potent medicinal, he hopes to develop a powerful strain that will be a vigorous grower loaded with beneficial compounds (and maybe sporeless!). Finally, we talk about a new book in the works to help everyone grow lions mane and how MycTyson Mushrooms is planning to support mushroom farming efforts in developing countries. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Art by: Wyn Di Stefano Episode Resources MycTyson Mushrooms Reddit.com/r/MushroomGrowers Reddit.com/r/MycoBazaar Mushroom Cultivation by Peter Oei (book) Fungal Pharmacy by Robert Rogers (book) Lions Mane Research Articles
S1 E5 · Wed, February 19, 2020
Ep. 5: Wild Food Foraging & English Folklore with a Freudian Twist (feat. Fern Freud)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Fern Freud, who comes to us all the way from Southern England. Fern developed her skills as a mushroom forager early in life and has since become a prolific plant forager as well. With this member of the storied Freud family, we travel to the misty shores of England and explore UK foraging culture. Fern will lead our group through the woods and show us, not only an abundance of wild food, but also the bond that is formed by foraging in community. We'll talk about escaping the low-level stress of modern urban living and how spending time in the forest can recharge your spirit. We finish the interview with a conversation about the role of folklore in culture and specifically the lore of the land in England. Could folk tales be time capsules of important herbal and medicinal knowledge passed down through the generations? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Episode Resources Foraged by Fern Lore of the Land (Book)
S1 E4 · Wed, February 12, 2020
Ep. 4: Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research - The Promise of Psilocybin Therapy (feat. Ian Geithner)
Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Ian Geithner - a graduate student at the University of Maryland working in the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, under the mentoring hand of Dr. Roland Griffiths. During our conversation we walk through the hallowed halls of Johns Hopkins into the cutting-edge world of therapeutic psilocybin clinical trials. We'll meet the researchers who have picked up the torch of psychedelic research and are exploring the frontiers of treating mental and emotional disorders like anorexia, depression and Alzheimers. As a method of treatment, psilocybin shows unique promise to clinical research subjects. What are the physiological effects it has on our brains and how does it work to change the way our consciousness operates? What is the future of this research and are we at the beginning of a renaissance in psychedelic medicine? If these topics spark your interest and you feel a pull to get involved, we talk about opportunities both as a research subject and/or a clinical researcher in this promising field of holistic medicine. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Episode Resources Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences by Bill Richards Roland R. Griffiths
S1 E3 · Wed, February 05, 2020
Ep. 3: Community Mycology & Entheogen Decriminalization in San Francisco (feat. James McConchie)
On this episode of Mushroom Hour, we have the honor of interviewing James McConchie, the proprietor of San Francisco's own "Haight Street Shroom Shoppe". This interview was conducted inside his 'shroom shop in San Francisco. In this chat we go under the hood into the world of DIY mycology and learn about growing our own mushrooms. We'll try our hand at community building and see how a physical space where mycophiles can gather and explore their passion for mycology can be a positive influence on any community. We also talk politics and learn about the decriminalization movements of entheogenic plants in California (in which James has been intimately involved). How is decriminalization different from legalization? How does the decriminalization of substances work at a civic level? We wrap with our postulations about about the therapeutic future for psilocybin, the future for mycology in general, and how mushrooms can nourish mind, body and spirit. Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Episode Resources The Haight Street Shroom Shoppe Decriminalize California Decriminalize Nature
S1 E2 · Fri, January 31, 2020
Ep. 2: FreshCap - Activating Minds & Bodies via Education & Medicinal Mushrooms (feat. Tony Shields)
On this episode of Mushroom Hour we have the distinct privilege of interviewing Mr. Tony Shields of FreshCap Mushrooms. During this interview we follow the windy trail of Tony's personal exploration through kingdom fungi. This journey saw him build his own mushroom farm, teach people around the world about cultivation, and ultimately dive into the world of medicinal fungi with his company FreshCap Mushrooms - all with the his wife and partner in fungi, Tegan, by his side. Diving beneath the surface, we'll come to grips with some of the big questions surrounding medicinal mushrooms. Is there a difference between using the fruiting body of the mushroom vs. mushroom mycelium? What are the realities of sourcing the highest quality medicinal mushrooms and are all mushrooms from China bad? Thanks for listening and Mush Love! Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour Music by: Ancient Baby Episode Resources FreshCap Mushrooms Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide by Martin Powell (can also be found on Amazon) Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter (can also be found on Amazon)
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