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/