Heal With Mushrooms

How Mycelium Is Disrupting Diapers: A Conversation with Miki Agrawal of HIRO

🌿 SHOW NOTES — Heal With Mushrooms Podcast: Miki Agrawal & HIRO Technologies Episode Title: How Mycelium Is Disrupting Diapers: A Conversation with Miki Agrawal Keywords: mycelium diapers, Miki Agrawal, biodegradable, fungal technology Host: Cassandra Beaumont Episode Overview In this special episode, Cassandra sits down with visionary entrepreneur Miki Agrawal, creator of TUSHY, THINX, WILD, and now HIRO Technologies — a groundbreaking diaper company using mycelium activators to help diapers break down dramatically faster in landfills. Most baby diapers take 400–500 years to decompose. HIRO is engineering an applied-mycology solution that leverages friendly, culinary-grade fungi to accelerate biodegradation to under 12 months. This conversation bridges mycology, design thinking, feminine innovation, and the future of regenerative products. In This Episode We Explore: How HIRO uses mycelium to support rapid diaper decomposition Why diapers are the #1 household plastic waste item The vision of “plastic-eating bombs” that regenerate instead of pollute How fungi naturally break down carbon backbones Miki’s design philosophy of “no compromise innovation” How inspired action and ecosystem thinking reshapes product design Why mycelium is safer than many substances in conventional diapers The future of menstrual pads, adult diapers, and other mycelium-based innovations How parents can embrace elimination communication to reduce diaper use The global impact of diaper waste in countries without landfill infrastructure About This Week’s Guest — Miki Agrawal Miki Agrawal is a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author (Do Cool Sht*, Disrupt-Her), and the founder behind industry-shifting companies. HIRO is her fourth venture and aims to address plastic waste using nature-inspired fungal technology. Links Mentioned: 🌱 HIRO Diapers — hirodiapers.com/heal 🎙️ Miki’s work — hirodiapers.com 🍄 Become an Ambassador — join.hirodiapers.com ✨ Connect with Cassandra — @healwithmushrooms Share This Episode If you know a mama, pregnant friend, or someone raising littles — this is the episode to send her. It offers a fresh, hopeful perspective on baby care, introduces a diaper that supports both little bodies and the world they’ll grow up in, and opens the door to understanding how fungi can play a surprising role in everyday parenting. Sometimes all a new parent needs is one inspired idea, one better option, or one moment of relief — and this conversation might be exactly that. www.healwithmushrooms.com Follow us on Instagram: @healwithmushrooms 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Subscribe to Heal With Mushrooms on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4FZvg7jiTYSWmbEQizARFK?si=5de8a99f537e43bf Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-with-mushrooms/id1796591242 Listen on Pocketcasts https://pca.st/iytnkvce

From Molecules to Mycelium: Mandie Quark on DNA Barcoding, Rainforest Mycology & Citizen Science

🎙️ Heal With Mushrooms https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/profile Episode Title: From Molecules to Mycelium: Mandie Quark on DNA Barcoding, Rainforest Mycology & Citizen Science Guest: Mandie Quark Host: Cassandra Beaumont 🌿 Episode Summary: In this episode, Cassanda welcomes molecular biologist turned rainforest mycologist Mandie Quark — a leading visionary in the world of mushroom DNA sequencing and citizen science. From her early days in pharmaceutical research to her rainforest expeditions and public education projects, Mandie shares how she’s transforming the field of mycology by making DNA barcoding accessible and engaging. They dive into: The power of iNaturalist and citizen-generated data Mycology as a portal to healing, curiosity, and community Upcoming field forays, courses, and tips for aspiring mushroom photographers Mandie shares the story behind her course Molecular Biology for Mycologists, her fieldwork in Ecuador and Costa Rica, and why women belong front and center in the future of fungal science. Whether you’re an amateur forager or advanced researcher, this episode invites you to see fungi — and your place in the mycelial web — with fresh eyes. 🍄 Top 3 Takeaways: 1. DNA Barcoding Is for Everyone. Mandie breaks down how citizen scientists can meaningfully contribute to fungal research — no PhD required. Tools like iNaturalist, a jeweler’s loupe, and a dried specimen in a bag are all you need to start observing mushrooms in your region. 2. The Field of Mycology Is Wide Open. With less than 5% of the world’s fungi formally described, we’re in a golden age of discovery. Mandie emphasizes that anyone — especially women — can make a lasting impact by collecting, photographing, and sharing fungal observations. 3. Education is a Portal to Empowerment. From her online course offerings to in-person Costa Rica forays and NAMA workshops, Mandie is committed to making molecular mycology accessible, practical, and joyful. Her classes combine scientific rigor with real-world application, inviting everyone to learn at their own pace. 🔗 Links & Resources: 🌐 Mycena LLC Website & Courses: www.mycena.llc 📸 Instagram: @mandie_quark 🧬 Submit specimens (CA residents): https://mycota.com/the-mycomap-ac-network/ Mycota https://mycota.com/ Ohio Mushroom DNA Lab https://www.ohiomushroomdnalab.com/ 📚 Sign up for Mandie’s newsletter: via https://www.mycena.llc/newsletters/mycena-news 🎓 Mushroom Photography Course (happening now!) https://www.mycena.llc/mushroom-photography-course 🌍 Upcoming Foray: Costa Rica, July 20–26, 2025 https://www.mycena.llc/costa-rica-foray 🎶 Mycena x Atlantic Connection Music: Available on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/1FNiIXYlH4vmvFhvqpL6BM?si=mBvIPXBERs62-f4Hk6ZunQ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Subscribe to Heal With Mushrooms on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4FZvg7jiTYSWmbEQizARFK?si=5de8a99f537e43bf Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-with-mushrooms/id1796591242 Listen on Pocketcasts https://pca.st/iytnkvce https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/profile Follow us on Instagram: @healwithmushrooms

Building a Sustainable Future with Mycelium: A Conversation with Joni Wildman

https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/profile https://youmushroom.com/ Episode Summary In this episode of Heal With Mushrooms, Cassandra sits down with Joni Wildman, PhD researcher at the University of Bath and 2025 Lincoff Scholarship recipient, whose work explores how fungi can reshape the future of sustainable construction. Joni shares her journey from studying physics at Cambridge to becoming an award-winning science communicator and mycologist, driven by a fascination with fungi’s power to solve real-world challenges. Together, we dive into: • 🌱 How Joni is developing mycelium-based insulation materials from waste substrates like hemp chips and even tetra packs. • 🏗️ The promise and challenges of using fungal biomaterials in construction — from durability to mold resistance. • 🚀 Emerging applications of fungi in biotechnology, from packaging and textiles to potential uses in space habitats and refugee shelters. • 🎤 The art of science communication: why outreach, storytelling, and mycology education matter as much as lab research. • 🍄 Joni’s personal path into mycology, her favorite mushrooms, and her dream of weaving fungi more deeply into school curriculums and public life. This conversation is a blend of science, storytelling, and vision — showing us how fungi can help build not only structures, but also a more sustainable and connected future. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Mycelium isn’t just for food — it can be grown into biodegradable building blocks with promising insulation properties. • Fungi’s unique biology offers solutions for both earthly challenges and off-world applications. • Science communication and community outreach are vital to overcoming mycophobia and sparking public imagination. • Joni’s work demonstrates the value of curiosity-driven career shifts — from physics to fungi. ⸻ 🌟 Guest Bio: Joni Wildman Joni Wildman is a PhD student at the University of Bath (UK), where she researches mycelium-based insulation materials as sustainable alternatives for the construction industry. She holds a Master’s in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where she founded the Cambridge Mycological Society. An award-winning science communicator, Joni has presented at international conferences and festivals across the UK, Europe, and the US, and continues to create educational content for both academic and public audiences. When not in the lab, you’ll likely find her in the forest — still thinking about fungi, and probably searching for them too. 📸 Instagram: @joniofthewoods ⸻ 📌 Resources & Mentions • Lincoff Scholarship – Telluride Institute recognition for emerging mycologists. • University of Bath Mycelium Research • Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life (inspiration for Joni’s path into fungi). Come Visit me at YouMushroom in Everett, WA on Tuesday's from 4pm- 6pm for Mushroom Social Hour and Tea Time 2927 Rucker Ave. Everett, WA ⸻ 🙏 Support the Show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Heal With Mushrooms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Share it with a fellow mushroom lover, and help us grow this mycelial network of knowledge and inspiration. https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/profile https://youmushroom.com/

Critters, Spores & Storytelling: Eva Gordon on Animal Mycophiles and Fungal Literacy

🎙 Heal With Mushrooms Podcast Episode Title: Critters, Spores & Storytelling: Eva Gordon on Animal Mycophiles and Fungal Literacy Host: Cassandra Beaumont Guest: Eva Gordon Air Date: August 9st 2025 🌿 Episode Summary: In this joyful and knowledge-rich episode, Cassandra welcomes science educator turned storyteller Eva Gordon—a self-described fungal zoologist—to explore the captivating world of animal mycophiles: creatures that forage, farm, self-medicate, and even get high on fungi. With over 20 years teaching AP Biology and Chemistry, Eva now blends zoology, evolutionary biology, and mycology into engaging talks and written works that illuminate the overlooked ecological relationships between animals and fungi. Her upcoming book, Animal Mycophiles: Critters That Hunt, Farm, Self-Medicate, and Get High on Fungi, is now available for preorder, offering both rigorous science and whimsical delight. Together, Cassandra and Eva discuss mushroom-eating slugs, truffle-digging pigs, medicinal fungi for bees, and frog-mushroom symbiosis. Eva also shares her vision for Mycelium Mindful Meditation, fungal education through NAMA, and a growing movement to establish an international World Fungi Day. 🍄 Topics Covered: Eva’s journey from naturalist child to “fungal zoologist” The moment mushrooms captured her heart Why animal-fungal interactions are underexplored (and why that matters) Snails, squirrels, and pigs as fungal dispersers Medicinal mushroom use by animals (and implications for humans) Frogs on Amanitas: aesthetics, ecology, and the rise of Cottagecore How fungi show up in Eva’s fantasy fiction The power of storytelling in science education Eva’s work as Co-Chair of the NAMA Education Committee Vision for World Fungi Day in classrooms nationwide Her upcoming talk at the Olympic Peninsula Mushroom Festival (Oct 19, 2025) Mycelium Mindful Meditation as ecological wellness practice 📚 Preorder Eva’s New Book: Title: Animal Mycophiles: Critters That Hunt, Farm, Self-Medicate, and Get High on Fungi Release Date: August 19, 2025 🔗 Preorder Link: tevagordon.blogspot.com Publisher: Green Writers Press 📌 Connect with Eva Gordon: Instagram: @evagordonauthor Facebook: Eva Gordon Substack: egordon56.substack.com Contact: evagrodon@ravenauthor.com 💫 Like What You Heard? 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review Heal With Mushrooms 🌱 Share this episode with a fellow fungi lover 📸 Tag us on Instagram @healwithmushrooms and use #AnimalMycophiles

Tenders of the Mycelial Future: Gabriela D’Elia on Fungal Conservation & Sacred Feminine Psychedelia

Tenders of the Mycelial Future: Gabriela D’Elia on Fungal Conservation & Sacred Feminine Psychedelia 🌿 Show Notes — Heal With Mushrooms Podcast Host: Cassandra Beaumont Guest: Gabriela D’Elia Air Date: 8/6/2025 In this rich and reverent episode, Cassandra is joined by Gabriela D’Elia—mycologist, writer, educator, and former Executive Director of the Fungal Diversity Survey (FunDiS). Together, they journey through the forest of fungal advocacy, spiritual ecology, psychedelic wisdom, and embodied imagination. Gabriela shares stories from her pioneering work in fungal conservation, including the successful campaign to recognize Boletus edulis as Utah’s state mushroom and the launch of the first statewide, government-funded fungal diversity project in California. She also offers insights into community science, legislative advocacy, and how to bring fungal justice into local environmental policy—like the case of Snohomish County’s Critical Area Regulations, which still lack fungal inclusion. But this conversation is more than policy—it’s poetic. Gabriela guides listeners into a deep imagination practice, speaks to the forgotten women of psychedelic history, and reminds us that fungi are more than functional—they are wisdom keepers, storytellers, and kin. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How Gabriela helped make Porcini the official state mushroom of Utah • What’s missing in fungal conservation policy—and how local advocates can change that • How mushrooms invite us into deep imagination and embodied listening • Why women’s stories in psychedelics need to be reclaimed • What it means to center fungal beings in both science and spirit • A guided visualization to connect with mushroom messages • How to use the term Funga to elevate fungal presence alongside Flora and Fauna Website: gabrieladelia.com Substack: gabrieladelia.substack.com – Fungi Talk Instagram: @gabrielamushroom FUNDISOrganization: https://www.fundis.org/ Retreats: Catskill Fungi https://catskillfungi.com/pages/puerto-rico-foray-2025 Heal With Mushrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/healwithmushrooms/ HWM Website https://healwithmushrooms.kit.com/