Geno Okok is a local artist that does artwork all around the twin cities (Minnesota) and specializes in murals. Over the last year he has completed several projects including public murals for cities, schools and businesses, the state fair and a plethora of other private pieces. You can check out some of his amazing work by following him on Instagram here or Facebook here . In this episode, we dive deeper into what fuels his passion and reflect on what lies ahead for his vision...
Nov 22, 2021•31 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features Lorilee Binstock of the Trauma Survivor Thriver's Podcast. We discuss both her personal experiences and work in the psychedelic assisted therapy space as well as how it relates to her podcast. Before diving into that, we discuss her background and what led her to therapy and psychedelics in particular. Also discussed is her work in media and how it led her to podcasting. We wrap up by talking about what it's like juggling professional endeavors, pers...
Nov 13, 2021•31 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I talk with Jesse Rennicke of Luck, Wisconsin. We discuss his ongoing endeavors with BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) & the long history his family has with MMA, his journey of lifelong learning from physics to medicine and studying abroad, what it's like being a young conservative in today's day and much more. Originally from Comstock, WI, Jesse attended Augsburg college in Minneapolis, MN where he obtained a B.S. in physics in 2016. Now back in Wisconsin again a...
Nov 03, 2021•34 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast The Illuminating Mycelium Podcast is all about everyday people. We share their stories and we learn from them. We speak with folks just like you: entrepreneurs, photographers, artists, musicians, teachers/educators, active community members, fathers, mothers and so on. Instead of giving you another mouthpiece about how some famous movie actor is struggling in their 7th home during quarantine baking cookies, we’re hitting you with the stories that matter, from people in your nei...
Oct 26, 2021•53 sec•Transcript available on Metacast Kara Boyer is a registered nurse, holistic health coach and host of the Stress Free Living podcast. Her faith helps guide her in her everyday life to live better. You can follow Kara's work further via the links below: Facebook Page Spotify Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small businesses in the heart of the Appalachia sound good to you, The Grind has you covered. Their premium, high-quality beans and tight-knit supplier partnerships make them ...
Aug 17, 2021•37 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages Bishop is a musician and actor based in Atlanta, Georgia. We discuss his work in music & acting and much more. I highly recommend his music and have included his links below including my favorite song of his: My favorite song Follow Everything is Connected (Bishop) on Soundcloud Follow him on Instagram Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small businesses in the heart of the Appalachia sound good to you...
Jun 01, 2021•33 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages Jace Wolffenstreitz is an attendant at a local billiard hall and fierce mental health advocate. Weird combination right? Anyways, we dive into his background as he reveals to us his most despised city growing up ^_^ Then we touch back and forth on a few different topics (apologies in advance, we both have ADHD lol) including mental health advocacy, coping with emotions, battling, overcoming and managing addiction, managing...
May 12, 2021•35 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast Rita is originally from La Crescent and now a long-time resident of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. We'll be discussing her life growing up on a farm with 7 other siblings, being a descendent of John Samuel Harris, the importance of mental health & advocacy, her involvement in NAMI and much more. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)- If you are struggling with mental health or having a crisis, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. NAMI in particular is a phenomenal resou...
May 05, 2021•22 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast Ellese operates her own black-owned business known as Ellese Electric Endeavors. We discuss her work with this as well as her own personal and spiritual transformation and how these all intertwine. Get ready for some wokeness! We cover it all: identity, ancient Kemet, history, alkaline, veganism, spirituality and much more. Be sure to check out her shop for sea moss, waist beads, tea, electric jewelry and more cool products. I highly recommend the elderberry sea mos...
Apr 16, 2021•42 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with coach bus driver Gerry Loos of Janesville, Wisconsin. We discuss his experiences on the road, what it's been like living in various states throughout the Midwest, his work with the Salvation Army and more! Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small businesses in the heart of the Appalachia sound good to you, The Grind has you covered. Their premium, high-quality beans and tight-knit supplier partnerships make them the best choic...
Mar 31, 2021•28 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages In this episode, we dive deep into the weird but beautiful experiences of drugs. Mesci, a recreational pharmacologist and veteran drug user, recounts his top five most memorable trips. While he presents both the pleasant and the not so pleasant experiences of these wonders, they are all entertaining nonetheless. My goal with this conversation was to be as informative and educational as possible as well as practice and advance ha...
Mar 17, 2021•59 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features local meteorologist, conservationist and climate activist Sven Sundgaard. We discuss all things Minnesota, meteorology, climate science, climate change and more! You can follow Sven for routine weather updates and more, on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Links below: Facebook YouTube Twitter Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small businesses in the heart of the Appalachia sound good to you, The Grind has you covered. The...
Mar 10, 2021•34 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast *The following podcast contains adult themes and languages Eric Osborne is the former founder of Magnificent Mushrooms and MycoMeditations and current founder & president of PLEDG. He began his professional career as an English teacher but his love for fungi developed and strengthened over time. In 2012, he began diving further into the research behind psychedelic therapy and psilocybin in particular. Soon thereafter he founded MycoMeditations, a legal psilocybin mushroom r...
Mar 03, 2021•34 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast *Please note this episode is being re-released (originally published Feb 12, 2021) after some re-editing. While an attempt was made, please note that there is some reverb in this audio due to the microphone used for recording. Thank you for listening!* Tori Smith is from Minnesota but now teaches in North Carolina. Her prior experience helping houseless youth with virtual learning has positioned her to be a better educator. We discuss this as well as her experiences study...
Feb 13, 2021•24 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast Meowdy and welcome to another episode! In this one, we are featuring our very good and kind friend, Kaelynn Schultz. We discuss her background, practicing kindness, being an ally to oppressed folks, how to help our local communities and what we look forward to under the new presidential administration. Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small businesses in the heart of the Appalachia sound good to you, The Grind has you covered. Their premium, high...
Feb 09, 2021•37 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast *This podcast contains adult themes and languages* *Please note this episode is being re-released (was originally published Feb 3, 2021) due to reformatting so that it can be distributed across all streaming platforms. Thank you! This one features our conversation with the Going There Podcast crew. Matt, LeJon and Jo discuss their background and how they got into podcasting, the importance of discussing taboo subjects, how they navigate disagreements, working as a team and more. &nbs...
Feb 04, 2021•42 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages* This episode features our conversation with none other than.....Mesci. We discuss the need for a stronger presence of third parties in the political sphere, the efficacy and benefits of kratom, conspiracy theories, what it's like being a furry and more! IT GETS WILD! Please be advised that this does contain explicit content and touches on sensitive topics including politics, drugs and conspiracy theories. Enjoy! For...
Feb 02, 2021•42 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features our conversation with life coach, storyteller and freedom-seeker Mike James as seen on NBC. We discuss his work and experiences as a life coach, general tips and advice, his inspirational short stories and more! Mike was recently featured in an interview on NBC regarding his inspirational short story audio series "Secrets of a Life Coach" as well as his general work as a life coach which can be found here. Below we have listed all of his links for you to explore...
Jan 31, 2021•36 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages* Happy New Years everyone! This is a special edition of the podcast to celebrate New Years and wish you all luck with your resolutions for the year 2021 ahead and beyond. In this episode, we interview Umulkheyr Abdulle who is a flight attendant. We discuss what it's been like working as a flight attendant during the pandemic & her upcoming return back, her recent trip to Somalia & more about her culture there, trav...
Jan 01, 2021•41 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Merry Christmas! This episode features our conversation with pastors Karissa & Zac Zumwalt. We discuss what Christmas means to them & their plans for it, what it's like being a pastor and how their faith influences their values & daily life. Please note that during the original recording, Karissa and Zac resided over the Watertown, South Dakota Salvation Army but have since been relocated to Sioux City, Iowa. Coffee! If you enjoy coffee and regional craft roasts from small busi...
Dec 24, 2020•27 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features our conversation with local photographer and father Matt Willis. We discuss what it's like balancing fatherhood & career matters, photography & the inspiration behind it, the importance of adapting, developing patience and more! You can check out Matt's photography services, October Nineteen Photography, on Facebook and Instagram . He offers a wide range of shoots and has several years of experience in many different settings. If you're in the area...
Dec 20, 2020•26 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features our conversation with local restaurant manager, volunteer and family man, Dave Loos Senior. We'll be discussing what it was like growing up in the Midwest, being a longtime resident of Brooklyn Center, changes in the restaurant industry, management advice, using influence to effect positive change, leadership and family. If you're in the Plymouth or Monticello areas, be sure to stop by your local Culver's for a scoop of the flavor of the day and say hi! Coffee! If you...
Dec 13, 2020•26 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast *This episode contains adult themes and languages* *Please note this episode is being re-released (originally published Nov 26, 2020) after some re-editing. While an attempt was made, please note that there is some reverb in this audio due to the internet connection used for remote recording. Thank you for listening!* Happy Turkey Day everyone! We are featuring our conversation with Brad Williamson, a photographer and active community member in Green Bay, Wisconsin. So as...
Nov 26, 2020•36 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we feature our conversation with Jason Sweeney, a local maintenance worker at a housing complex inside of Little Earth in Minneapolis. Join in and listen as we discuss wizardry, pets, identity, what it was like going through the foster care system in America & what we can do going forward, working with your hands, finding balance and more. As part of our mission to highlight everyday people and learn from them, I want to shed a light on foster care and provide some res...
Nov 22, 2020•50 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features our conversation with local Northside (Minneapolis) musician & entrepreneur BenjiMN aka Ben Hunter. Join us as we discuss life on the Northside, what it's like in the music industry & Ben's current work, his new catering business Minnesota Spice, selling on eBay and more! To check out more of BenjiMN's music, you can subscribe to him on Spotify here . I personally recommend checking out his newest single (it's a banger!), Small Talk, which can be accesse...
Nov 07, 2020•35 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast This episode features our conversation with Mrs. Alicia Campos, a local elementary school teacher and mother who is also actively involved in her community. As a side note, as many of you know, teachers in America are often forced to pay for their own classroom supplies and materials despite increased awareness to this issue. To this end, I have included a link to Alicia's Amazon Wishlist for her classroom supplies for those of you who would like to help contribute. That can b...
Nov 02, 2020•27 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast This is the very first episode of Illuminating Mycelium Podcast and we will be having Naawakweose on as our very first guest! Our conversation focuses on a wide range of topics including his background, the importance of identity, his community, the work he does within his community, the benefits of focusing locally, his camping gear shop Gabeshiwin and more. Naawakweose is an Indigenous member of the Anishinaabe tribe and this identity continues to play an integral role in his daily...
Oct 25, 2020•56 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 
