Episode description

Greetings In this week’s episode, our away mission takes us underground to explore mushrooms, the most widely distributed organisms on our planet. Without them, life on Earth might not have occurred. Terence McKenna even suggested that mushrooms might have originated in space due to their spores' resilience.

If you listened to our 2022 episode, "The Psychedelic Therapist Will See You Now," you know I'm interested in psychedelics' impact on mental health. Beyond this, mushrooms can slow cancer growth, improve cognitive functions, enhance forest health, and act as an exit drug for fentanyl addiction. Our guest today, Michael Beug, a mycologist and former professor at Evergreen State College, will enlighten us on these magical organisms.

Michael, active in the North American Mycological Association and the Pacific Northwest Key Council, has studied psilocybin since the 70s. We explore fungi's role in ecosystems, their health benefits, and innovative uses, from sustainable materials to dietary enhancements.

Also, restoring our faith in humanity this week is Taryn Foster, a coral scientist and CEO of Coral Maker. Witnessing mass bleaching while researching climate change for her doctoral thesis, she partnered with Autodesk to use AI and automation to create coral skeletons for nursery-grown corals. Coral reefs, vital to 25% of marine species and benefiting a billion people, face catastrophic losses by the 2030s if global temperatures continue to rise. Taryn's work aims to combat this threat.

Join us as we explore the incredible world of mushrooms and their potential to transform our health and our planet. Don’t forget to check out the full interview on our Patreon page!

Key Topics: 

• The Role of Fungi in Ecosystems: Exploring how fungi contribute to the health and sustainability of various ecosystems, including their symbiotic relationships with plants and trees.
• Health Benefits of Mushrooms: Discussing the various health benefits of mushrooms, including their antiviral, anti-cancer, and cognitive-enhancing properties.
• Innovative Uses of Mushrooms: Highlighting the innovative and sustainable uses of mushrooms, such as in packaging, insulation, and as alternatives to conventional materials. 
• Psilocybin and Mental Health: Examining the use of psilocybin mushrooms in mental health treatment, including their potential to treat PTSD, depression, and addiction.

• Michael Beug,  Mycologist  
• Mushrooms of Cascadia: About Author 
• Facebook: Michael Beug
• Youtube: @mushroomwonderland1

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram -