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/