25: Mycologist Giuliana Furci - Fungi Will Change How You See the World

Fungi are everywhere. Under our feet, in our food, in our medicines. Yet they remain one of the most overlooked kingdoms of life. In this episode of Wonderstruck, we speak to mycologist Giuliana Furci, a self-taught champion for fungi and founder of the first NGO in the world dedicated to fungal conservation, the Fungi Foundation. She reveals how mushrooms shape ecosystems, inspire culture, and hold ancient knowledge. They are alchemists of decay, transforming death and toxins into the fertile ground of new life. From sacred candlelit ceremonies to songs created with a cloud forest that has rights, Giuliana’s stories may change how you see the world forever.We explore:How fungi sustain life on Earth and make our survival possibleDocumenting indigenous relationships with fungi, from birth control to healingThe Song of the Cedars with Robert Macfarlane, Cosmo Sheldrake, César Rodríguez-Garavito Sacred mushrooms, Mazatec culture and Maria SabinaWhy protecting fungi may shape the future of our planetGiuliana’s story is a testament to what can happen when we follow our calling and, in the words of Giuliana's mother, that something doesn't have to be done in order for us to do it! Chapters: 0:00 Intro: A fateful encounter with fungi5:56 Mycology 101: Fungi's role in life on Earth9:37 Studying fungi with experience and intuition15:07 Don Pfister’s invitation to Harvard23:13 The Song of the Cedars and forest rights30:13 Documenting indigenous relationships with fungi37:38 Surprising fungal uses across cultures41:27 Fungi communication and sacred ceremonies47:49 National Geographic award and impactFollow Giuliana: Website: https://giulianafurci.com/Instagram: @giulifungiFungi Foundation https://www.ffungi.org/LET THINGS ROT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpjWh1TXthMFlora, Fauna, Funga Documentary National Geographic Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DsnWcWeyoIThe Song of the Cedar by Cosmo Sheldrake and Robert Macfarlane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH_timp2S3E&list=RDHH_timp2S3E&start_radio=1Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455147/is-a-river-alive-by-macfarlane-robert/9780241624814 Follow Wonderstruck:Newsletter: https://newsletter.wonderstruck.orgWebsite: https://wonderstruck.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderstruckpod/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wonderstruckpodApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wonderstruck/id1671879661Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fS5boWGwYTShddG7SKlVw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.