In this episode of Heal With Mushrooms, Cassandra sits down with author, educator, and integrative herbalist Jess Starwood to explore the sacred intersection of foraging, fungi, and healing. From ethical wildcrafting to psychedelic integration, Jess brings decades of earth-based wisdom and community mycology experience. She unpacks the challenges of today’s mushroom supplement industry, shares culinary delights from her immersive mushroom dinners, and opens up about her psychedelic facilitation training.

Jess is the author and photographer behind Mushroom Wanderland, a richly illustrated guide to identifying and using over 25 wild fungi. With certifications in psilo cybin and cannabis wellness from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, she blends science with spirit in her teachings. Currently president of the Los Angeles Mycological Society and a board member of the Arizona Mushroom Society, Jess is deeply rooted in the modern mycological movement.

🧠 What We Talk About:

Ethical foraging and being in right relationship with land

How to decode mushroom supplement labels & avoid filler-laced products

The importance of fruiting body vs. mycelium in supplementation

Psychedelic mushrooms, integration, and safe practices

Jess’s immersive mushroom culinary events—from puffball waffles to porcini ice cream

How fungi teach us about community, healing, and interconnection

🍄 Guest Bio:

Jess Starwood is an author, photographer, and integrative health educator focused on the healing properties of fungi and plants. She holds a Master’s in Herbal Medicine and certifications as an Integrative Psilocybin and Cannabis Specialist. Jess teaches through immersive, sensory-rich experiences and serves as president of the Los Angeles Mycological Society and board member of the Arizona Mushroom Society.

🌐 jstarwood.com

📸 https://www.instagram.com/jess.starwood/

📆 Upcoming Events with Jess:

Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival | May 3–4 – Use code STARWOOD for 20% off https://scmmfest.com/

Folk & Forage (Oregon) | May 9–11th https://www.folkandforage.com/

Arizona Mushroom Society Annual Foray | August 8–10 https://arizonamushroomsociety.org/coming-events

Mushroom Adventure in Greece | October (see Instagram for details)

🧪 Product Shoutout:

Jess endorses the mushroom extracts by Jason Scott (Feral Fungi) for their use of fruiting body, wildcrafted species, and potency. Learn more at feralfungi.com.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“We’ve lost our relationship with nature. Foraging is not about free food—it’s about reciprocal connection.”

“Mushrooms aren’t saving the world—we are. They just remind us how to reconnect.”

“The fruiting body is where the magic is. Read your mushroom supplement labels.”

“Integration is where the real healing begins—not in the trip, but in what we do after.”

📍 Connect With Us:

🎧 Heal With Mushrooms is available on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you listen.

📲 Follow @healwithmushrooms for more fungi-fueled episodes, foraging tips, and upcoming guests.