Fungal Biodiversity of Hawaii with Nicole Hynson

Today we get an auditory transport to Hawaii to sit down with Nicole Hynson to chat about the fungal biodiversity of Hawaii. We focus on the importance of mycorrhizal fungi on the island and the relationship between these rare tropical plants and their fungal allies. We end the episode talking about how to inspire young kids to get excited about mushrooms and how to best teach kids in our school systems.Dr. Nicole Hynson is a Professor in the Pacific Biosciences Research Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. There, she teaches mycology and ecology as well as runs a research lab. The focus of her group's research is the ecology and evolution of symbiotic fungi. They are particularly interested in defining "rules of life" for microbial communities. Another focus of their work is endangered plant species conservation through a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions, including the mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and root-inhabiting fungi. Nicole has been classically trained as a mycologist since her time as an undergraduate at the Evergreen State College under the tutelage of Dr. Michael Beug, she received her PhD from University of California Berkeley where she studied mycoheterotrophy in the lab of Dr. Tom Bruns, after which she worked in the lab of Dr. Kathleen Treseder at UC Irvine on fungal ecosystem ecology before starting her lab at the University of Hawaiʻi in 2012. Her favorite part of her job is getting students excited about fungi in the hopes of training the next generation of mycologists.You can learn more about theirr work here: https://hynsonlab.com/ and here: https://www.c-maiki.org/ Sign up for our podcast giveaway here. Our next winner will be selected on December 27, 2023 and contacted via email.www.mushroomrevival.comWe are a functional mushroom company and make 100% certified USDA Organic and Vegan mushroom supplements. We are transparent with our lab results, and use actual fruiting bodies aka mushrooms! We provide our supplements in tincture, capsule, powder, and delicious gummy form. Energy (Cordyceps): Need a little pick-me-up before a workout or when you’re picking up your kids from school? The Energy Cordyceps is the mushy match for you.Focus (Lion’s Mane):  Needing a little more focus in your daily life? Lion’s Mane is known to be the mushroom for the brain and may support cognitive function.Calm (Reishi): Looking for some tranquility and zen in your life? Reishi will bring you into the zen state of mind you’ve been searching for.Daily 10 (Mushroom Mix): It’s like having 10 bodyguard mushrooms fighting off all those bad guys. This is a good place to start as it contains all of the daily mushies you need. Not sure where to begin? Take our mushroom quiz here.Use code ‘PODTREAT’ for a 30% discount.