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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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ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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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ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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 panicking enough to hide evidence, Patterson now faces life in prison. This eerie blend of culinary trust broken by one of nature's most lethal mushrooms makes for a gripping—and disturbing—episode. 

All resources on florafungapodcast.com/177

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ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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 works
• The power of language and cultural respect in ecological tourism
• Mushroom dyeing, Mexican culinary traditions, and wild edible hunts
• And the future of cross-cultural mycology, from Oaxaca to Chiapas to Japan

All resources are on florafungapodcastcom/176

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GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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 clothes and mushrooms into the designer fashion of compost.

All resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/175

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Support the show

GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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 stomach-twisting cramps to liver failure — and often mimics edible species, making misidentification a real risk. 

The takeaway?  Don’t eat any mushroom you can’t confidently ID, and beware of the seemingly innocent “Little Brown Mushrooms.” This episode mixes science, safety tips, and a bit of sass to help you forage smarter — and stay alive. 

Wear FFP merch to support the show and impress your friends & family

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GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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

Wear FFP merch to support the show and impress your friends & family

Support the show

GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

Follow my other social media sites to interact and engage with me:
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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

SUP...

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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

Instagram
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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GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

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Email me to be on the podcast or inperson Interview: [email protected]

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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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 the author of The Absurdity of Doing You: Rebel Elegance for the Evolving Soul. 

All resources mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/171

Wear FFP merch to support the show and impress your friends & family

Support the show

GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

Follow my other social media sites to interact and engage with me:
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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

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Join speakers, chats, vendors, and explore the amazing people! 

Grab yo BOGO TICKET Before 7/5/25!  

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

Wear FFP merch to support the show and impress your friends & family

Support the show

GoFundME

ITS FINALLY LIVE! IVE RELEASED MY NEW BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTARY FILMING OLYMPIC PENINSULA FUNGI FESTIVAL--PLEASE GO WATCH

If you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash App

Follow my other social media sites to interact and engage with me:
Email me to be on the podcast or inperson Interview: [email protected]

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Zbiotics: "FLORA10"
Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day

SUP...