Flora Funga Podcast

In this episode of Flora Funga Podcast, we dive into the powerful healing potential of shiitake mushrooms—specifically a compound called lentinan, a purified β-glucan found in these fungi. Recent studies have shown that lentinan can significantly boost the immune system and fight off tumor growth in mice, even when given by mouth. In one study, mice given lentinan for just 7 days showed a tumor inhibition rate of over 94%. This compound helped increase key immune signals in the blood and activated lymphocytes—immune cells that were then transferred to other immune-deficient mice, who also experienced reduced tumor growth. These findings highlight the incredible role shiitake mushrooms may play in future natural therapies for immune support and cancer prevention.

All resources are mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/181

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

180: How to Turn Cacao into Chocolate? Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Lets go through the process of how cacao transforms into the delicious treat we all know and love - chocolate. From the cacao tree to the chocolate bar, learn about the fascinating journey of chocolate making. What makes cacao turn into chocolate? Find out in this video as we explore the history, science, and art behind chocolate production. Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of chocolate and uncover the secrets behind this beloved confectionery. Whether you're a chocolate enthusiast or just curious about the process, this video is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the craft of chocolate making.
All resources all mentioned on florafungapodcast.com/180

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

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727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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

179: WTF is a Fungarium?! Tour with Matthew Smith Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

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727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

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

178: 5 Ways that FUNGI are closer to HUMANS than PLANTS Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

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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Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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

177: Death by Death Cap for Cutie Mushroom| True Crime Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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

176: MEET THE PLUG|The Fungivore’s Guide to Mexico’s Mycotours Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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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: floraandfungapodcast@gmail.com

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

175: Fashion Meets Fungi Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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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

174: 7 Top Mushrooms YOU Should NOT Eat! Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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

173: Turning Trash into Gold with Wrigglebrew Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

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

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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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

172: If you Sell Mushroom Products you're Going to Need this! Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Instagram
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cvitanovic-83648a90?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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

Drink before drinking. Drink responsibly, for an easier tomorrow

I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!

727-477-5974

Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga Podcast

Text (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs

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Patreon

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: floraandfungapodcast@gmail.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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