KK’s growing passion for mycology led her to start Flora Funga Podcast, where she shares the magic of fungi with her audience. What began as a personal narrative quickly expanded as KK’s knowledge and enthusiasm attracted other like-minded individuals, with guest invitations rolling in. Interestingly, she was contacted by Sam the Fungi from the Central Texas Mycological Society even before launching the podcast! KK says, “I was just excited people were as interested in these topics as much as I am.”

Through her podcast, KK explores the vast potential of fungi with expert guests from all corners of mycology, including culinary, psychedelics, art, agriculture, research, sustainability, and more. Flora Funga Podcast covers it all—showcasing the endless possibilities fungi have to offer.

One of the most exciting trends in mycology right now is its growing diversity. KK’s podcast shines a light on various fascinating fields, from culinary uses of mushrooms to their role in mental health research and sustainability. “I interview people with passions in culinary, psychedelics, photography, art, research, remediation, innovation, agriculture, lab-based studies, brewing, cheese making… you name it!” says KK. This broad range of topics keeps listeners engaged and excited about the many opportunities fungi bring to the table.

Mental health is one area that KK finds especially compelling. With more research being done on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of mushrooms, she believes this will help educate people on which products are genuinely beneficial and not just trendy. Sustainability is another critical topic for KK. She is hopeful that mycology can help break down plastics, improve soil health, and provide eco-friendly packaging solutions. She envisions a future where everyone can grow their own mushrooms at home and benefit from their health advantages.

KK’s work isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about making a difference. Her podcast has become a valuable resource for those interested in mycology, and she stays authentic by choosing topics that resonate with her audience. As she explains, “I wanted to be more true to myself. I try to keep topics fun and pick things that interest me, but also find a specific question people are searching for on Google.”

A recent standout moment for the podcast was its collaboration with Fullsend Organicks, where KK dove into the world of sustainable mushroom cultivation and the importance of incorporating fungi into our daily lives. This collaboration highlights the many ways mushrooms can benefit not only our health but also the environment.

KK’s motivation to keep pushing forward comes from a deep love for outreach and education. She has always believed that science can be fun and accessible, and she wants to help others find fulfilling career paths in mycology. In addition to the podcast, KK is working on a TV series called Nerdy Jobs, which will shine a light on unique and rewarding careers in plant biology and mycology.

One of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing people who were once skeptical about mushrooms become passionate advocates. A memorable story from her time in New Zealand illustrates this perfectly. “Our whole group got into searching for mushrooms for me. They’d point out mushrooms on the trail and bring me to the front to ID them. I LOVED IT.” KK’s ability to turn skeptics into believers is a testament to her passion and expertise.

Looking ahead, KK has big plans for the future. She hopes to grow her podcast even further and is excited to work on her Nerdy Jobs series, which will feature fun and diverse career opportunities in mycology and related fields. She also dreams of more in-person events, collaborations, and sponsored travel to continue spreading the message of the power of fungi.

The future of mycology, in KK’s view, is bright. With more research and awareness, she believes fungi will play an integral role in addressing global challenges like sustainability, mental health, and food systems. As KK says, “I want to bridge the gap between plants, fungi, and humans.”

If you’re not already listening to Flora Funga Podcast, now is the perfect time to tune in. Whether you’re new to mycology or an experienced enthusiast, KK’s episodes offer something for everyone. From expert interviews to the latest trends in sustainability and mental health, you’ll be inspired to dive deeper into the fascinating world of fungi.

Check out the latest episodes on Flora Funga Podcast and hear from the incredible guests who are shaping the future of mycology. Plus, don’t miss the collaboration with Fullsend Organicks, where KK explores the exciting world of mushroom cultivation, sustainability, and more.

By listening to Flora Funga Podcast, you’re not just learning about mushrooms—you’re becoming part of a growing community that’s dedicated to exploring the many benefits of fungi for health, sustainability, and the future of our planet.