Interviews Captured at Maine Fungi Fest 2023, Produced by Permatours

Dana Sawyer is professor emeritus of philosophy and world religions at the Maine College of Art and author of biographies of both Aldous Huxley and Huston Smith. His primary expertise is in Hinduism and Buddhism but for more than twenty years his work has focused on comparative mysticism, theories of the “perennial philosophy,” and the spiritual value of psychedelic experiences. His essays have been published by the University of California at Berkeley, the State University of New York, the University of Muenster, Germany, and have appeared in such popular journals as Parabola, Yoga Journal and Tricycle: the Buddhist Review. He lives for six months each year in an off-the-grid cabin in Maine with his artist wife, Stephani.Interview by Permatours & Allegra of the Forest Bath Podcast

Here's an interview of Margi Flint, who owns and operates EarthSong Herbals, a busy family practice and clinic in Marblehead. Her filters of wisdom include over 20 years of labor coaching, certification in polarity therapy and Reiki, and showing her etchings nationally and Internationally as well as herbal practice since 1974. Produced by PermatoursInterview conducted by Allegra Cacace-Shortill of The Forest Bath Podcast

Here's an interview with 4th generation botanist and herbalist, Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., L.Ac., R.H., who has studied and worked with the medicinal uses of herbs for over 30 years. He is the author of the recent book “Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide,” with German and English editions.

Greg Marley has been collecting, studying, eating, growing and teaching mushrooms for over 45 years. He spreads his knowledge of mushrooms through walks, talks and classes held across the New England and beyond. Marley is the author the award-winning book Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares; The Love Lore and Mystic of Mushrooms, (Chelsea Green, 2010). As a volunteer mushroom identification consultant to Poison Centers across New England, he provides expertise in mushroom poisoning cases. He is a frequent lecturer to college groups and a mushrooming foray faculty member. When not mushrooming, Marley works as a mental health clinician specializing in suicide prevention and traumatic grief. ​

Here's an interview with CJ Spotswood (PMHNP) , an advanced practicing registered nurse practitioner and educator specializing in psychiatric mental health. Originally from New York and now living in Maine, C. J. is a third-generation nurse and has over 20 years of psychiatric nursing experience. C. J. has presented on the application of psychedelics for mental health conditions and their safety concerns both nationally and internationally. He is also the author of "The Microdosing Guidebook" which was recently published by Simon and Schuster. He will be offering a workshop on both Saturday and Sunday and signing books in our Exhibitor Hall.Interview by Syd Harvey Griffith of Permatours

Here is an interview of Jim Doble- an instrument maker, sound healing practitioner, and owner of Elemental Design, which handcrafts unique musical instruments for professionals, schools, museums, playgrounds, music therapy centers, sound healing practitioners and novices. Jim designs instruments out of recycled or reclaimed materials, glass, wood, metal and stone. Interview by Permatours