
Flora Funga Podcast
Flora Funga Podcast explores the fascinating world of plants and fungi, bridging the gap between these kingdoms and humans. Hosted by KK the Plant Biologist, the show dives into underrated nerdy topics about flora and funga, emphasizing their interconnectedness above and below ground.
Episodes

238: Is this the BEST Mushroom Coffee We've Tried Yet?! | Root & Rise Coffee Review
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewKK and Karleen are back for another mushroom coffee review, and this time we're sipping on Root & Rise Coffee, a consciously crafted blend created by founder Casey! From its beautiful, eco-conscious packaging to its rich, earthy flavor, this coffee seriously impressed us. We dive into the organic ingredients, including lion's mane, c

237: They Turn Restaurant Trash Into Food?! Compost Olympics happening October 10, 2026
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewGet ready to laugh, learn, and rethink what you call “waste.” 🌱♻️ In this episode of the Flora Funga Podcast, KK sits down with Aaron and Elliot from Brainplate Grows to explore their hilariously unconventional approach to composting, urban farming, and building a more resilient food system in Madison, Wisconsin. We dive into how they collect rough

236: InPerson--Inside WNY Fungi Fest: Mushrooms, Music, Saunas & a 38° Plunge
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewFlora Funga Podcast at the Western New York Fungi Festival for a weekend packed with mushrooms, community, wellness, music, and plenty of unexpected adventures. KK explores unique fungi products, learns about training dogs to hunt for truffles, catches up with Dennis Walker of Mycopreneur, experiences mushroom comedy and laughing yoga, and connects

235: Longest Mushroom EVENT--Ojai Mushroom Summit with Omar Dasco-Uribe
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewKK sits down with Omar to dive into the vision behind the Ojai Mushroom Summit, happening October 11–18, 2026 in Ojai, California. The week-long gathering brings together fungi, fermentation, regenerative agriculture, food, art, music, wellness, and community through workshops, talks, films, culinary experiences, cultivation classes, myco-filtratio

234: Rooted in Wellness--Lions Mane Chocolate
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewRichard Capalbo the Founder of Rooted Fox Wellness, a wellness company focused on functional mushrooms. He makes a Lion's Mane Functional Chocolate and Lion's Mane Functional Capsules- supporting Mood, Focus, Memory, and Cognitive Function. He founded the company along his wellness journey after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis abo

233: INPERSON: RYZE vs MUD\WTR — WORTH THE HYPE?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewAre mushroom coffees actually worth the hype—or are we just paying $40+ for fancy dirt water? In this episode of Flora Funga Podcast, KK and Karleen put two of the biggest names in functional mushroom drinks head-to-head: RYZE Mushroom Coffee and MUD\WTR Matcha. We taste-test both, compare caffeine and mushroom content, dig into RYZE's six-mus

232: INPERSON: MY First Year at Mycofest Recap
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewFinally made it to Mycofest 2026 put on by William Padilla Brown in PA. I was blessed with the opportunity of presenting on Nerdy Jobs...how you can get paid doing your passionz... S/o to all the amazing people helping to put this on every year. What fest should I venture to next?I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or

231:INPERSON--Telluride Mushroom Festival 2026 RECAP
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewIn this episode of the Flora Funga Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my unforgettable weekend at the Telluride Mushroom Festival. From landing in Colorado and making the long drive into the mountains, to waking up to unreal views, exploring mushroom-themed restaurants, catching live music and lectures, foraging for boletes and porcini, r

230: Want S’more Mushrooms? Meet Mush-Melo
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewIn this episode of the Flora Funga Podcast, KK sits down with Brice Parker, founder of Mush-Melo, to explore how he turned the nostalgic experience of roasting marshmallows around a campfire into a creative way to enjoy functional mushrooms. Brice shares the inspiration behind Mush-melo, the challenges of formulating mushroom-infused marshmallows,

229: INPERSON: A New Kind of Happy Hour: MJOasis & Plant Medicine
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewToday on the Flora Funga Podcast, we’re taking the conversation out of the studio and into the heart of Tampa, Florida, for an in-person interview with MJ, the owner and creator behind MJOasis. More than just a non-alcoholic bar, MJOasis is a community-centered space where guests can explore infused, alcohol-free beverages, pull up a seat at the ba

228: Who Put the Coca in Coca-Cola?!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review Peter Pan and I explore the fascinating and often misunderstood story of the coca plant—from its ancient Indigenous roots to its controversial connection with Coca-Cola. Peter breaks down the history of coca-infused tonics, the creation of Coca-Cola, the company’s unique access to imported coca leaves, and the ongoing questions surrounding the pla

227: Are you Neurodivergent & How to Heal the RIGHT Way
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewPatricia Stellamares is the founder of Invocation Healing Arts & Retreats — an artist, writer, clairvoyant, and retreat guide rooted in the ancestral medicine traditions of her Northern New Mexico grandmothers, her Thai teachers, and years of exploration across spiritual and healing practices.In this podcast, Patricia speaks openly about late-d

226: INPERSON: Peak into Georgia's Mushroom Festival
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review2024 was my first year of GA mushroom festival and this year they will be having it again! Join October 2&3 2026Mindfull MycologyGeorgia Mushroom Festival – Meet The Kingdom of FungiI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, c

225: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Tomatoes
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewFrank Hyman returns to the Flora Funga Podcast to dive into his newest book, Ripe Tomato Revolution, a playful and practical guide that uses tomatoes as the gateway into gardening, self-reliance, and finding your calling. Known for How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying, Frank brings his signature mix of humor, science, storytelling, and hands-o

224: Stop Guessing-- This Map Predicts Mushroom Hotspots
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTyler Hacking returns to talk about his new mushroom map guides and the GIS technology behind them. Tyler explains how his scientific background in mycology and geospatial analysis led him to create predictive mushroom maps using tools like ArcGIS Pro. Instead of simply copying public mushroom sightings, his process layers historical collection dat

223: Can We Hear What Plants Are Feeling? Featuring the Master Plants Orchestra
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewI sit down with Tritone to explore the world of plant biosonification and the concept behind Master Plants Orchestra, an orchestra played entirely by plants. Using electrodes placed on plant leaves, Tritone converts bioelectric signals from up to eight plants into musical notes, creating soundscapes that range from calming meditation music to exper

222: What is Ayahuasca and How is it Healing?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewSam Believ is the founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, the highest-rated ayahuasca retreat in South America with over 730 five-star reviews on google. A former offshore engineer, he left the oil industry after a life-changing experience with ayahuasca and moved to Colombia to build an affordable, authentic retreat with indigenous shamans. He also

221: INPERSON: How Fungi Are Being Used to Treat Dying Bees!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewMolly Quade studies fungi at Washington State University that kill mites to help reduce the death of our honeybee population. We cover how bees are NOT native BUT we treat bees as livestock for our agriculture. She also helps out some of Paul Stamets research with Fungi Perfecti.All resources on florafungapodcast.com/221If you are interested in try

220: How to Make Traditional Delicious Mead with DnD Meadery
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewKK sits down with Derek of D&D Meadery to explore the ancient, flavorful, and surprisingly approachable world of mead-making. Derek shares how mead, often considered the oldest fermented beverage, begins with the simple combination of honey, water, and yeast, but becomes deeply complex through fermentation, yeast selection, local honey sources,

219: MEET THE PLUG: Lets Get Open-Minded with Plant Medicines from the UK
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewThis episode was such a fun, open-minded wander through fungi, philosophy, psychedelics, podcasting, and the weird little threads that connect us all. KK sat down with Joel and Jacob from The Open Minded Podcast to talk about their journey as curious young hosts exploring psychology, religion, consciousness, and the big questions of life. The conve

218: Why your Accounts are Getting Banned...Mycology Meets Social Media
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review In this episode of Flora Funga Podcast, KK sits down with Victoria to explore the complicated intersection of mycology, social media, AI moderation, and content creator survival. They discuss why mushroom-related accounts and cultivation content are increasingly vulnerable to automated takedowns, how AI-driven platform policies can misread educati

217: STREET INTERVIEW: Healing Autoimmune Disease through Plant Medicine
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewMeet Lois Duncun...She has a pretty wild and beautiful healing story. After going through systemic lupus, which is medically documented, she credits so much of her healing to plants, Indigenous medicines, mindset work, and Gene Keys. She feels like she’s lived a lot of lives in this one, and some of those chapters were really hard.Through trauma, t

216: STREET INTERVIEW: Wake the F**k UP with a Macro Dose ft. Cannabis Nurse
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewMeet Laura Hartman a friend I've met at Cannadelic last year. She is a board certified functional medicine practitioner who empowers people towards healthier lives. She always is doing the most to advocate for everyone especially Veterans that don't always receive the best help.I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comme

215: Top 5 Mushrooms for Lowering Inflammation
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTop 5 mushrooms I like to use personally for lowering inflammation:All resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/215...I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tin

214: Supplements You are Absolutely MISSING in your Diet
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewOli Genn-Bash is a UK-based writer, educator, and cultural practitioner working at the intersection of functional mushrooms, mycotherapy, psychedelics, and contemporary wellness culture. His work sits between research, lived experience, and creative practice, with a focus on education and the responsible development of psychedelic and mushroom spac

213: Why This Mushroom Drink Is Changing Everything
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewAllen L. Davies III, known as Allen the Fun Guy, has spent over 15 years immersed in mushrooms, fermentation, and culinary innovation. With a deep respect for food as a cultural cornerstone, he views it as both sustenance and medicine—capable of nourishing, healing, and driving meaningful change through sustainability and accessibility.An expert in

212: Street Interview-Cannadelic: Legal Lean
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewJoin Cannedelic Night Market..Meet @legalleanlifeI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga PodcastGoFundMEIf you like the podcast please think o

211: Street Interview with a Pirate at Cannadelic Night Market
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewMy interview with @floridapiratehippieCannadelic Night MarketI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga PodcastGoFundMEIf you like the podcast pl

210: Mushroom Coffee Review: Cuppa VS Four Sigmatic Ft. Karleen (sister)
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewToday we sit down with my sister Karleen where we review the famous and popular mushroom coffee brands Cuppa and Four Sigmatic. Which one will be the winner and how do you choose the right mushroom coffee for YOU?Thank you Gaias Garden Goods for sponsoring. Grab your Morel Mushroom Maps TODAY using my code "KKMAPS2026" for 10% off.Try you

209: Your Beer has Glyphosate with Brandon Rust
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewBrandon Rust has been cultivating and breeding cannabis for 20+ years, originally from San Diego, he currently resides in Oklahoma and works in the legal cannabis industry, as an owner operator and as a private consultant. A self-taught agronomist and microbiologist, Brandon owns Bokashi Earthworks, which is involved in manufacturing microbial cons

208: Using AI to Talk to Plants-- IN PERSON INTERVIEW
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewToday we break down a Juicy News article on Revolutionary AI Model Deciphers Language of Plants for the First Time with Kevin an AI Expert. Do you think this is a good progressive research or a waste of time?yangheng/PlantRNA-FM at mainOther Resources found on florafungapodcast.com/208Thank you Gaias Garden Goods for sponsoring todays episode!Drink

207: Street Interview: Meet a TOP Interdimensional Visionary: Chris Dyer
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewDuring the Cannadelic Night Market here in St. Petersburg, FL we interviewed a TOP interdimensional Visionary Chris Dyer. He is up there with Alex Grey!!Chris is a Peruvian-Canadian artist, sharing his personal medicine as honest expressions of Soul. Peaceful Warrior.All resources all on florafungapodcast.com/207I got a new phone number to text in

206: The Kratom Industry Is Getting Sketchy--Start a Mushroom Cafe
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewA VIBRANT BLEND OF NATURE AND FLAVOR FILLS EVERY CORNER OF LOS HONGOS CAFE AND PLANT BAR IN PORTLAND, OR, WHERE COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY THRIVE TOGETHER.Los Hongos proudly operates as a locally-owned and operated business, focused on building genuine connections with everyone who walks through our doors. Each visit offers something new to discover,

205: How to Grow your Own Medicine
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTwin Mycology's mission is to help over 800,000 adults, foster mental health and sustainable living using the incredible power of mushrooms--Through their offerings of peer coaching, educational programs, and valuable resources.All resources are found on florafungapodcast.com/205Thank you Gaias Garden Goods for sponsoring this weeks episode!Dr

204: 2025 Nomination Announcement
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewThank you to all the people that filled out this years Nomination form. Congrats to all the nominees:Find all people and resources on florafungapodcast.com/204I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

203: New Study Shows Mushrooms Could Help Reduce Dementia in Dogs
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review Carter Easler is a clinical researcher and educator specializing in functional mushrooms and longevity in companion animals. As Principal Investigator of the Senior Dog Study, he explores how natural compounds can support cognitive health in aging dogs. Through his work teaching veterinarians, retailers, and pet parents, Carter makes the science o

202: Juicy News| Forever Chemicals are now Safe to Spray on Crops
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewNew Study states that PFAS or Forever chemicals are now safe to spray on crops.FACT CHECK: EPA Debunks False Claims that Agency Recently Approved "Forever Chemical" Pesticides | US EPADirty Dozen:Blueberries and potatoes make ‘dirty dozen’ list of harmful foods – NBC ChicagoI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments,

201: Trapping Nematodes & Culture
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewNiah is an aspiring mycologist with a strong background in fungal research and hands-on experience in cultivation and foraging. She works with Bigfoot Mushrooms, helping to grow and sell a variety of gourmet cultivated species, while also maintaining her own home cultivation projects. Niah’s passion extends beyond the mushroom itself — she's d

200: Top 10 Moments of 2025 Flora Funga WRAPPED
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewIn 2025, Flora Funga Podcast didn’t just grow—it spread: according to my Spotify for Podcasters + YouTube Studio stats, 26 people had Flora Funga as their #1 show, 310 had it in their Top 10, and 186 had it in their Top 5—plus 5% hit play within 24 hours and 25% of you binged 2+ episodes a day (mycelium behavior). The biggest Spotify breakout was E

199: Diet Soda’s Hidden Tradeoff? What a 1-Year Aspartame Study Found| Juicy News
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review “Zero sugar” doesn’t always mean zero impact. 👀🥤 This week on Flora Funga, I break down a 1-year aspartame study in mice that found something wild: the mice got leaner (less body fat)… but researchers also saw signs of heart remodeling and changes in brain metabolism, with subtle differences on a memory/learning test (Barnes maze). Full article fo

198: Street Interview--What YOU Mean I'm not a REAL Mycologist!?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewShout out to our friend Cyrus who created this art installation @fungi_lightingAll resources available on florafungapodcast.com/198I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Coll

197: 2025 Nominations-- VOTE NOW!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTake a few minutes to fill out 2025 NOMINATIONS!@the_flying_fungiAlso if you are interested in trying to Flora Funga Calm and Collected Extract..I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: C

196: Fun Fungi Fact with Jasper Fungi Academy at TMF
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewI interviewed Jasper from Fungi Academy at this years Telluride Mushroom Festival!All resources are on florafungapodcast.com/196I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collect

195: America's BIGGEST Fungi Magazine with Britt Bunyard
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWe chat with Britt Bunyard the Co-director of Telluride Mushroom Festival, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Fungi Magazine. He has studied the interactions and co-evolution of higher fungi (primarily mushroom fungi) with insects (primarily true flies). A recent book I published "Lives of the Fungi" We get some updates on what 2026 TMF con

194: Why the Midwest is Superior with Melissa Ketelsen| Ohio Mushroom Festival
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWe are at Ohio Mushroom Festival with @ChicoryChickadee we talk about the Midwest and some invasive species that need to be...I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collec

193: The Mushroom Finds You: Ceremony, Healing, and Creative Power with Edward Crowe
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewEdward Crowe joins KK to explore his deeply personal relationship with psychedelic mushrooms—spanning visionary experiences, ceremonial practices, and the role fungi play in his creative and healing journey. Edward shares vivid stories from his psychedelic visions, including cultural and ancestral imagery, and explains how these experiences have sh

192: MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE with Luna Stower
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewLuna Stower is an award-winning educator, activist, and thought leader at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, and culture. With a Master’s in Teaching and over 15 years shaping the legal cannabis market, she is known for helping decriminalize entheogens in Oakland and for curating fungi and flora conversations at the Hyphae Psychedelic Conf

191: New Fungus Lowers Inflammation AND Cancer Cells
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewNew research from Taiwan revealing a rare forest fungus with remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Discovered growing on the endangered stout camphor tree, this cultivated mushroom produces a compound called N50 F2, a sulfated galacto-glucan that blocks inflammation signals and halts cancer cell proliferation—particularly in lung

190: MEET THE PLUG: Nourish Cap
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewBenjamin Ashpole is founder of NourishCap.com, the first marketing agency in the United States to focus exclusively on the unique needs of the mushroom sector. He also runs PromoterMotor, a marketing agency that has served the nonprofit sector for over a decade, and an accomplished computer scientist. Personally, Ben is a licensed mushroom forager

189: MEET THE PLUG-Shatter the Stigma 5k-Run
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewGiovanni, founder of the Shatter Foundation and organizer of the Shatter the Stigma 5K, shared his mission to raise awareness and funds for psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans and first responders. His foundation, nonprofit, partners with the Florida International University Society of Psychedelic Science (FIU SPS) and plans to expand to othe

188: Inperson| How to Nurture a Scientist ft my Mom--Finn River Cidery
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewEnjoy this Birthday In PERSON interview with my mom, Beth Moravek. Finally checking this interview off my list and Finn River Cidery is a MUST visit! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMAB! HAPPY HALLOWEEN YALL! GET YO SPOOK ONDrink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos

187: New Anti-Cancer & Memory Boosting Boba Tea Fungus!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewEnjoy this science filled episode where we get down N nerdy Tremella:Cognition/memory clinical trialshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37836504/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29319408/Skin barrierhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32531816/https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/10/3/82Cancerhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030755/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.g

186: Does Tripping Slow Down Aging?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewNew studies shows: Psilocybin delays aging, extends lifespan, new Emory study suggests.. In this episode I break down this juicy news. Please follow my NeW Backup Youtube Channel or Rumble AND video is UP on PatreonI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga

185: Is the Hype Around Juice Cleanses REAL?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewMY YOUTUBE WAS BANNED--TRYING TO GET IT BACK...watch full episode on my Patreon...Iosellev “Josie” Castaneda Morales, is a modern day Curandera. At an early age she was introduced to the practice of Curanderismo, as a way of life. Today, Josie serves her Miami Community as a Yerbera, one who works with herbs. She shares her knowledge with depth, jo

184: MET THE PLUG: The Future is Fungitarian
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewFungitarian is a wellness movement and brand founded by Johnny James, built on his personal journey of healing through mushrooms after struggling with burnout and addiction. Their team of mycologists, scientists, and wellness advocates creates high-quality functional mushroom products—tinctures, gummies, and extracts—made from organic, U.S.-grown o

183: Why Are we NOT Roasting Chestnuts Anymore?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewElspeth dives into the surprisingly sexy world of nuts and trees, unpacking the botanical definition of nuts while highlighting the ecological power of oaks as keystone species. She gets detailed with acorns—flour, starch, oil, and even liqueur—exploring their culinary versatility and cultural history. The conversation branches out into the rise an

182: Interview with Paul Stamets | Telluride Mushroom Festival 2025
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review Join me for an exclusive conversation with renowned mushroom expert Paul Stamets as he shares his insights and expertise on the fascinating world of fungi. With a career, spanning decades, Paul Stamets has become a leading voice in the field of mycology, and his work has inspired a new generation of mushroom enthusiasts and researchers. Paul Stame

181: New Study Shows that Shiitake Could Lower Risk of Cancer
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewIn this episode of Flora Funga Podcast, we dive into the powerful healing potential of shiitake mushrooms—specifically a compound called lentinan, a purified β-glucan found in these fungi. Recent studies have shown that lentinan can significantly boost the immune system and fight off tumor growth in mice, even when given by mouth. In one study, mic

180: How to Turn Cacao into Chocolate?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewLets go through the process of how cacao transforms into the delicious treat we all know and love - chocolate. From the cacao tree to the chocolate bar, learn about the fascinating journey of chocolate making. What makes cacao turn into chocolate? Find out in this video as we explore the history, science, and art behind chocolate production. Get re

179: WTF is a Fungarium?! Tour with Matthew Smith
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewThis week we visit the University of Florida's Fungarium in Gainsville with Matthew Smith the Professor of the department of Plant Pathology at UF. We cover the importance of his research and a full tour of the Culture lab, Molecular Lab, and the Fungarium.We also have a soundbite from Tyler Hacking on why University Fungariums are not always

178: 5 Ways that FUNGI are closer to HUMANS than PLANTS
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewJoin me as I dive into the wild world of fungi to uncover just how similar they really are to us humans!Fungi are often seen as these alien-like organisms that pop up in your kitchen when you forget about that old bread. But, believe it or not, they have some pretty fascinating connections to humans. From their complex networks to their weird and w

177: Death by Death Cap for Cutie Mushroom| True Crime
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTrue Crime meets Flora Funga Podcast...In this episode, we dive into the chilling real-life case of Erin Patterson, who was convicted in 2025 for murdering three of her in-laws by intentionally serving them Death Cap‑laced Beef Wellington in July 2023. Despite her claims that the deadly fungi were included by accident—due to cross-contamination wit

176: MEET THE PLUG|The Fungivore’s Guide to Mexico’s Mycotours
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewIn this episode, Zach and I dive into how he went from 27 years in kitchens to hiking through the mountains of Mexico hosting culinary myco-adventures with his wife. From psychedelic beginnings in the '90s to micro-tourism magic in Oaxaca, Zach shares stories of barbacoa under the stars, discovering 51 orchid species on a mushroom survey, dyei

175: Fashion Meets Fungi
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWe unpack how Shane is using tech like open-source humidity sensors and wet bulb wizardry to fine-tune his fungi farms—because apparently, mushrooms are picky about their climate, just like us.But it’s not just about the grow room—Shane’s on a mission to tackle food waste, reinvent plant pots with mycelium and shredded jeans, and make soil richer w

174: 7 Top Mushrooms YOU Should NOT Eat!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWe dive into the dangerous yet deceptively world of poisonous mushrooms. From the lawn-dwelling False Parasol to the infamous Death Cap for Cutie, KK breaks down 6 toxic fungi that could ruin more than just your hike. You’ll learn how to spot deadly lookalikes, like the glowing Jack-O'-Lantern, and the brain-like False Morel, and the elegant b

173: Turning Trash into Gold with Wrigglebrew
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewSam founded a biotech startup out of college making worm poop fertilizer then found a way to use worms to eat plastics. Now hes the CEO of Wrigglebrew.Find all resources on florafungapodcast.com/173Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-597

172: If you Sell Mushroom Products you're Going to Need this!
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewVictoria is an attorney focused on psychedelic medicine, cannabis, and functional mushroom law. She helps businesses and healthcare providers enter and grow in these challenging spaces.All resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/172rudicklawgroup.comSocial Media LinksInstagramLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cvitanovic-83648a90?u

171: Can These Plants REALLY Help You Sleep?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review Janine is the Owner and Chief Innovations Officer of Talent Think Innovations, a business strategy and consulting firm. With over 19 years of experience across diverse industries—from pharmaceuticals and education to tech and wellness—she is known for her dynamic, human-centered approach to innovation and organizational design. Janine blends her b

JOIN ME at This Years North Florida Entheogenic Conference July 12|13th
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewJoin speakers, chats, vendors, and explore the amazing people! Grab yo BOGO TICKET Before 7/5/25! North Florida Entheogenic Conference & Expo Tickets, Multiple Dates | EventbriteNorth Florida Entheogenic Conference- WEBSITENorth Florida Entheogenic Conference & Expo (@nfl_entheoexpo) • Instagram photos and videosI got a new phone number to

170: How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewAuthor of "How to Forage Mushrooms Without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide." Frank has foraged with pro's in seven states and six countries. He found a 33-pound Lion's Mane mushroom on an oak tree. Has made as much as $200/hour finding and selling wild, edible mushrooms to chefs. Has written foraging columns for two nat

169: How to Automate your Mushroom Cultivation--Far West Fungi
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewKyle Garrone holds a degree in Plant Biology from University of California, Davis with a focus on plant pathology and mycology. He has been the Production Manager of Far West Fungi since graduating from UC Davis in 2010, with his primary focus on increasing yields, developing appropriate technologies for the mushroom industry, reducing labor, and e

168: Does Mushrooms Really Have Protein?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewThis week’s Juicy News is all about proving if mushrooms have enough protein— is it a good source of protein or not?Thank you Mr.Trippie for sponsoring this episode!IF you want to sponsor Flora Funga Podcast. Shoot me message…floraandfungapodast@gmail OR send me a DM @florafungapodcastIf you connected with me in some way or enjoyed this episode, se

167: What Does your Mind REALLY Look like on Drugs?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a Review Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist with a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacology, is the founding advisor of Beyond Consulting, where she offers science, research, and strategy solutions for organizations in the plant medicine and psychedelic sectors. With a background in clinical research and industry experience at Johnson &am

Rooted in Biodiversity: Fungi, Community, and the Future of Diversity- Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWe take you deep into the heart of the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival—a celebration of fungi, community, and the biodiversity that connects us all.“Rooted in Biodiversity” follows foragers, scientists, healers, educators, and everyday enthusiasts as they explore the hidden world of fungi—from collecting wild specimens for DNA sequencing, to learn

165: BONUS| New Material Made from Fungi is Biodegradable, Edible... and Alive
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewThis weeks Juicy News on a mushroom out there that can literally eat garbage, make batteries, and—get this—you can eat it too. Olympic Peninsula Fungi Fest Doc WILL BE RELEASED JUNE 4thResources Mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/165I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974Happy Mushroom "FLORA10&

164: Mushroom Politics: How Fungi Could Revolutionize Health, Policy, and the Planet
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewBen Taylor is a mushroom hunter, amateur mycologist, and political scientist. He's a strong advocate for psychedelics from New Jersey, and specializes in the Gymnopilus genus. He is also co-chair of the Green Party of New Jersey, and former US House of Representatives candidate.All Resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/164Drink before d

163: Unlocking IMMORTALITY: Is Reishi Mushroom the SECRET?
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewTodays Juicy News is brought to you by Mushroom Extracts News - Reddit's first place to find the latest scientific studies on mushroomsThank you Happy Mushroom and Mr Trippie for sponsoring this episode!Follow curanderaremedies to read her new book " Latine Herbalism"I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, o

162 Psychedelics, Scams, and Self-Discovery: Louis Dorian’s Fight for Healing and Truth
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewLouis is the founder of Psychedelist. He was a mathematician in a former life, then I became a smuggler and transportation operative and then after many tragedies developed an organized understanding of the root fundamental skills of MES (mental emotional and spiritual) skill development and growth. He was first introduced to psychedelics in 1995 a

161: BONUS| NEW Juicy News Explains How Fungi and Bacteria Communicate
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewHaven't you been wanting to know how these organisms communicate to each other?! New juicy news explains how...A new tool for parsing the 'metabolic dialogue' between microorganisms | ScienceDaily@desert_alchemistIf you connected with me in some way or enjoyed this episode, send me an email at floraandfungapodast@gmail OR send me a D

160: Mobile Mushroom Lab with FullSend OrgaNicks
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewWelcome to a fun inperson interview with FullSend OrgaNick's. I chat with Nick a Floridian Mycologist, entrepreneur, inventor, and educator focused on wellness, sustainability, and growth. He's passionate about mental health and positive change. Resources Mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/160Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for
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