Flora Funga Podcast
Let's get down N nerdy with plants and fungi on Flora Funga Podcast. I'm all about bridging the gap between plants, fungi, and humans. Come listen to the underrated nerdy topics of flora and funga. Everything's connected above and below ground. Feel free to contact me at www.florafungapodcast.com/contact
179: WTF is a Fungarium?! Tour with Matthew Smith
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This 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 the best approach. Or are they...?
Resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/179
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178: 5 Ways that FUNGI are closer to HUMANS than PLANTS
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Join 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 wonderful world, there's more to fungi than meets the eye.
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177: Death by Death Cap for Cutie Mushroom| True Crime
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True 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 with foraged mushrooms—the court found she deliberately poisoned her estranged husband’s parents and aunt while a fourth guest survived. Serving individual portions, lying about her own illness, and panickin...
176: MEET THE PLUG|The Fungivore’s Guide to Mexico’s Mycotours
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In 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, dyeing silk with lobsters (the mushrooms, not the animals), and building trust with indigenous communities one spore at a time.
We get into:
How mushroom tourism actually worksThe power of...175: Fashion Meets Fungi
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We 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 while keeping landfills leaner. And if you thought fungi and fashion didn’t mix, think again—Shane’s teaming up with design students to turn old cloth...
174: 7 Top Mushrooms YOU Should NOT Eat!
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We 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 but lethal Destroying Angel. Don't even touch the Trichoderma cornu-damae... Each mushroom comes with its own set of symptoms — from stom...
173: Turning Trash into Gold with Wrigglebrew
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Sam 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/173
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172: If you Sell Mushroom Products you're Going to Need this!
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Victoria 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/172
rudicklawgroup.com
Social Media Links
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cvitanovic-83648a90?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
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171: Can These Plants REALLY Help You Sleep?
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 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 business acumen with spiritual and cultural wisdom as a second-generation herbalist of Guyanese and Trinidadian descent. Her work focuses on sustainable, forward-thinking strategies rooted in wellness, mental health, psychedelics, and the future of life and work. She is also...
JOIN ME at This Years North Florida Entheogenic Conference July 12|13th
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Join speakers, chats, vendors, and explore the amazing people!Â
Grab yo BOGO TICKET Before 7/5/25! Â
North Florida Entheogenic Conference & Expo Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
North Florida Entheogenic Conference- WEBSITE
North Florida Entheogenic Conference & Expo (@nfl_entheoexpo) • Instagram photos and videos
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170: How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying
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Author 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 national magazines: Paleo and Hobby Farms. Has taught foraging to over 1500 chefs, arborists, organic farmers, Vikings and members of the myco-curious public. He's a self-employed polymath who lives in Durham, NC and grew up...
169: How to Automate your Mushroom Cultivation--Far West Fungi
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Kyle 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 experimenting with new varieties of mushrooms that have potential for wholesale customers. Kyle has traveled throughout the world to find the most successful and efficient growing methods and the most resilient and highest yielding...
168: Does Mushrooms Really Have Protein?
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This 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 @florafungapodcast
If you connected with me in some way or enjoyed this episode, send me an email at floraandfungapodast@gmail OR send me a DM @florafungapodcast
A re...
167: What Does your Mind REALLY Look like on Drugs?
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   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 & Johnson, Stephanie blends scientific expertise with strategic insight to pioneer innovative approaches in integrative healthcare. Her passions span women’s health, plant medicine, neurology, and music, and she actively advocates for public education and access to alternative therapies. As a presc...
Rooted in Biodiversity: Fungi, Community, and the Future of Diversity- Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival
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We 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 learning about mycoremediation, conservation, and cultural healing through mushrooms.
Featuring powerful moments from keynote speakers like Danielle Stevenson, emotional stories of transformation, and stunning scenery of the Paci...
165: BONUS| New Material Made from Fungi is Biodegradable, Edible... and Alive
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This weeks Juicy News on a mushroom out there that can literally eat garbage, make batteries, and—get this—you can eat it too.Â
Olympic Peninsula Fungi Fest Doc WILL BE RELEASED JUNE 4th
Resources Mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/165
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164: Mushroom Politics: How Fungi Could Revolutionize Health, Policy, and the Planet
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Ben 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/164
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163: Unlocking IMMORTALITY: Is Reishi Mushroom the SECRET?
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Todays Juicy News is brought to you by Mushroom Extracts News - Reddit's first place to find the latest scientific studies on mushrooms
Thank you Happy Mushroom and Mr Trippie for sponsoring this episode!
Follow curanderaremedies to read her new book " Latine Herbalism"
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Happy Mushroom "FLORA10"These 100% done-for-you kits let you harvest around 56 grams of premium mushrooms in just three week
...
162 Psychedelics, Scams, and Self-Discovery: Louis Dorian’s Fight for Healing and Truth
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Louis 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 and have had a long and evolving relationship with multiple entheogens. Louis is passionate about ending the war on drugs and bringing skill development to the forefront of managing substances in our modern world as...
161: BONUS| NEW Juicy News Explains How Fungi and Bacteria Communicate
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Haven'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_alchemist
If you connected with me in some way or enjoyed this episode, send me an email at floraandfungapodast@gmail OR send me a DM @florafungapodcast
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160: Mobile Mushroom Lab with FullSend OrgaNicks
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Welcome 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.Â
Resources Mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/160
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159: BONUS| Why Psychedelics Aren't for Everyone
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Welcome back to a bonus episode where we dive into update, shoutouts, sponsors, and JUICY NEWS.
All mentions are on florafungapodcast.com/159
HUGE THANKS TO MR TRIPPIE AND HAPPY MUSHROOMS FOR SPONSORING
Persons With Spinal Cord Injury Report Peripherally Dominant Serotonin-Like Syndrome After Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics | Neurotrauma Reports
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158: MyCOreach--Bridging the Gap Between Myco-Curious to Myco-Serious
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Shane Schoolman, CEO and Co-Founder of MyCOLove Farm, holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from CU Boulder and has been deeply involved in mycology since 2016. Through MyCOLove, a USDA Organic and vertically integrated mushroom company, Shane champions a "Farm to Bottle" mission to heal through biodiversity. He pioneers advanced techniques like Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) to create potent, full-spectrum mushroom extracts. As Co-Creator of MycoReach, Shane also empowers citizen scientists with open-source tools, workshops, and a mobile mycology lab—bridging the gap between curiosity and applied fungal in...
157: BONUS Episodes are BACK! How Does Reishi Help Hair Growth?
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 Try Happy Mushrooms-FLORA10(10% off)
Let's go through some YouTube comments, JUICY NEWS, Happy Mushroom, Fungi Academy, etc.
Resources Mentioned:
Sacred Mycology Summit Spore 2025 - Fungi Academy
Ganoderma lucidum extract attenuates corticotropin-releasing hormone-induced cellular senescence in human hair follicle cells: iScience
Florida Mycological Society (@floridamycologicalsociety) • Instagram photos and videos
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156: The Flying Fungi: What's it like Skydiving on 20G of Shrooms?
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https://happymushrooms.com/flora Andrew (aka The Flying Fungi) is a freedom seeker. He's a passionate mushroom forager, grower, researcher and educator dedicated to exploring the world of fungi. Andrew is an avid skydiver and outdoor enthusiast who thrives on adventure and pushing boundaries. Deep thinker/ high dose navigator. Hates pants and shoes.
Resources mentioned on Florafungapodcast.com
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155: The Hidden Science of Morels, Soil Health & Fungal Medicine--Must-Know Mycology!
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 Tyler Hacking is a multidisciplinary scientist whose research has focused on the interactions between plants, fungi and their habitats and how those processes impact human health. He uses agriculture biotechnologies to regenerate and transform soil.
All Resources on florafungapodcast.com
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154: Why Bananas Are Berries BUT Strawberries Aren't--Plants Are Using YOU!
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TRY Happy Mushrooms "FLORA10" FOR 10% OFF Phil Gibson is a biology professor at the University of Oklahoma. He's interested in plant evolution and plant reproductive systems. In addition to ecological work, he's interested in science education, especially evolution and botany education.
Resources Mentioned: Florafungapodcast.com/154
Wear FFP merch to support the show and impress your friends & family
Happy Mushroom "FLORA10"These 100% done-for-you kits let you harvest around 56 grams of premium mushrooms in just three week
Disclaimer: This post...
153: Swapping Genetics on SporeSwaps: A One Stop Mushroom Vendor Mall
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This week we have on Controlled Chaos from Spore Swaps A passion for fungus emerged from the forest in 2014, when a classically trained mycologist trained us in the art of hunting for wild Psilocybes. After 7 years in the foraging realm, Controlled Chaos Genetics was founded in 2021 as a hobby during foraging down time in the winter, quickly evolving from an obsession with mycology to becoming a cultivator and genetics vendor. In 2023, I became the Director of Site Operation for SporeSwaps.com and in 2024 the host of the SporeSwaps...
152: Microdosing for Over 50 Year Olds w/ Cesear Marin
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Cesar Marin is a visionary entrepreneur, former CNN producer, and the founder of Cultivating Wisdom, a platform dedicated to empowering people over 50 to unlock their potential through microdosing, biohacking, and personal growth. A proud Latino and thought leader in the psychedelic industry, Cesar combines his expertise as an author, speaker, and mentor to inspire transformational change. With a master’s degree in economics and a background in storytelling, he brings a unique perspective to everything he does, from hosting retreats and podcasts to designing apparel for a non-stigmatized ps...
151: Beyond the Roots: How Mycelium Redefines Plant & Fungal Connections with Melissa Ketelsen
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Yay! I am finally releasing Melissa's chat. She has been working for the La Crosse county parks system for 4 years ago, and fell in love with fungi after stumbling upon Chicken of the Woods while mowing the lawn. Having grown up in the inner city of Milwaukee WI working as a cook that also struggles with an autoimmune illness, she was enthralled with the new culinary and health opportunities behind discovering the world of fungi. Since then she has led several successful dinner forays in the Driftlesss area...
150: The Truth About Psychedelics the Media Won’t Tell You- Satire Approach with Dennis Walker
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Dennis Walker is a journalist, podcaster and puppeteer who is primarily known for his satirizing of the psychedelic space. He is the founder and host of the Mycopreneur Podcast, with which he has published over 200 interviews platforming mushroom entrepreneurs from over 40 countries on 6 continents. Walker has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Wired, High Times, and many other international outlets.
All resources mentioned on website:
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149: How Microdosing Can Help Anxiety, Depression & Addiction
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This week we chat about microdosing to heal depression, addiction, and anxiety. Let's chat with Justin Brent from @redwoodintegration. He's all about motivation and inspiration, holistic and natural therapy, and all things mushrooms. He has created his own signature blend that y'all can try out NOW. Go message him for consultations and anything else.
Resources on florafungapodcast.com/149:
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148: Philosophy Meets Mycology: Do Plants and Fungi Think?
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Thank you Magic Mind for your 45% off this January Bundle
Today we have my guest Joshua Farris from The Created Souls podcast. We chat about consciousness, and we pick a few philosophers to see what they would answer to the question on if plants and fungi have consciousness. Grab his new book " The Creation of Self".
All Resources Mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/148
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Magic Mind "...147: Why You're Not Feeling Your Mushroom Powders with Hamiltons Mushrooms
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Thank you Magic Mind for your 45% off this January Bundle
If you want to try Hamiltons Mushroom Products use this linkÂ
Today we chat with Hamiltons Mushrooms a Medicinal Mushroom Nerd. Forager. Filmmaker and storyteller all on uncovering the secrets behind mushroom supplement industry as well as how to learn mushrooms quickly.
All Resources Mentioned on www.florafungapodcast.com/147
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Magic Mind "F...146: Ready to Unlock your Higher Consciousness?
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Today we chat with Devin Bailey from As Above Podcast. We talk about some consciousness topics on NPC life, non-player characters, slime molds, and Rick and Morty trips.
Resources on www.florafungapodcast.com/146
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145: How is Nature Against the Law? DECRIMINALIZE NATURE
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Thank you, Magic Mind! Get 45% off with January Bundle of BOTH the focus and Sleep, https://www.magicmind.com/FLORAFUNGAJAN
This week we chat with Larry from @Decriminalizenature. We chat about the specific laws around legalizing nature, animals getting high, and what are the real issues at hand?
All Resources on www.florafungapodcast.com/145
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144: BONUS| NOMINATION RESULTS--Flora Funga Wrapped 2024
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WELCOME TO 2025 YALL! HERE ARE THE WINNERS FOR 2024 NOMINATION.
Check out my new foraging bags for sale!
Â
All links can be found on www.florafungapodcast.com/144
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ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH
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143: Germs Don't Get You Sick, YOU DO!
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This week we finally are talking to Liev Dalton from Beyond Terrain Podcast. He takes a scientific, holistic approach to health. We dive into topics like terrain model vs germ theory, what is pleomorphism and how can we clean up our environment inside and outside our bodies. Is climate change going to affect our health?
Resources Mentioned on www.florafungapodcast.com/143
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142: BONUS| Can Fungi have an Enormous Potential for New Antibiotics?
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Short and Sweet bonus today!
All links and mentions are on www.florafungapodcast.com/142
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Magic Mind "FLORAFUNGA20"The World’s First Productivity Shot™ A matcha-based energy shot infused with nootropics and adaptog
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141: Fascinated by Fungi with Dr. Gordon Walker- Fermentation, Growing your Social Media, and his Spicy OF Account
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This week we are honored to have on Dr. Gordon Walker @fascinatedbyfungi. We chat about his time at a winery and all things fermentation as well as his new book called Passport to Kingdom Fungi releasing 2025. I also ask him about how he grew his following on TikTok and Instagram as well as what is his OnlyFungi account on Onlyfans about. Let's dive into this juicy episode.
All resources on www.florafungapodcast.com/141
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde...
