Festival Recap: Folk & Forage, Radical Mycology & Mushroom Magic in Oregon

🌿 Show Notes — Heal With Mushrooms Podcast

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Host: Cassandra Beaumont

Location: McKenzie River, Oregon

Air Date: Friday May 16th 2025

Episode Summary:

Cassandra reports live from the lush woodlands of McKenzie River, Oregon, sharing heartfelt stories and vibrant insights from the Folk & Forage Festival. From mushroom dyeing with Liz Vermillion to visionary screenings like Sporelandia, this episode weaves together the radical spirit of community mycology, low-tech cultivation methods, and forest-floor creativity.

Discover the healing power of river time, the joy of hula hooping under the stars, and the beauty of gathering with like-hearted mycophiles. Cassandra also dives into DIY mushroom cultivation tips, festival highlights, and the importance of family-friendly spaces in the world of fungi.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

🍄 Mushroom dyeing with Liz Vermillion

🌳 Forest forays led by Jess Starwood & Lorelle Sherman

🎥 Sporelandia documentary — growing psychedelics with low-tech setups

🌱 Lasagna method of mushroom cultivation with Matthew Rabinowitz

🎶 Musical highlights: Quattlebaum, Drumspyder, Muddy Soles, Yemen Joe, Libra Cello

🛍️ The Makers Market: stained glass at pieces, mushroom pottery, embroidered sweaters & more

🎉 Hula hoop light shows, sauna sessions, and riverside reflections

🌈 Community magic, family vibes, and why this micro-festival matters

Special Mentions:

• Jess Starwood (Arizona, on her way from Santa Cruz Mushroom Festival)

• Brandi of NorCal Forager – creator of whimsical mushroom pottery

• Lisa Tynan – healing Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath

• Pica Flores – gracious land host on the McKenzie River

• Folk & Forage founder Austin – for curating such an intentional, soulful gathering

Resources & Links:

• 🎬 Sporelandia Documentary https://sporelandia.net/

• 🧑‍🎨 NorCal Forager Pottery – Brandi’s Shop

• 🍄 Jess Starwood’s Work

• 🌐 Santa Cruz Mushroom Festival

• 📸 Follow @healwithmushrooms for behind-the-scenes images & festival moments

✨ Quote from the Episode:

“Rivers just bring me so much peace… I was by myself, processing, letting it flow… letting it help me move some emotions.” – Cassandra

⸻

🌿 Next Up:

Cass journeys to Mount Rainier for a multi-club foray with six mycology communities. Expect stories, interviews, and spores of wisdom from the heart of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

📣 Help Us Grow the Mycelial Network!

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https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/profile