Smell that? Could be a fungus. Aroma is everywhere, and much of that comes from microorganisms. Pheromones, toxins, attractants, hormones… chemicals are the language of fungi. Today we are joined by a mycologist and artist to discuss the olfactory world of fungi and how it is experienced by human beings. With an extensive array of scents, fungal fragrances inspired the first mushroom smell wheel created by Willoughby Arevalo and Isabelle Kirouac. Our conversation features stories around these unique aromas, the attempt to recreate the smells, the possible roles of these compounds in the ecosystem, and more!
Topics covered:
- Our sense of smell and our human relationship with it
- A brief overview of fungal aroma biotechnology
- 1-Octen-3-ol or “mushroom alcohol”
- The Mushroom Smelling Wheel: the variety of smells such as garlic, watermelon, DMT, sperm, shrimp, crayons, wet sleeping bag, etc
- Chemical communications and pheromones in mushroom forming fungi
- Willoughby & Isabelle’s artist residency in Mexico and the development of fungal fragrance catalogue
- Brief visitaitons on the sex life of fungi
- Willoughby & Isabelle’s Art & Fungi Project
Show Notes:
Art & Fungi Project: https://artandfungi.org/
Walking The Mycelial Web: https://walkingthemycelialweb.org/
DIY Mushroom Cultivation: https://newsociety.com/books/d/diy-mushroom-cultivation?aff=20
Making Sense of Each Other Future Ecologies Podcast: https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-3-6-making-sense-of-each-other
The Mushroom Smelling Wheel: https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-3-6-making-sense-of-each-other
Fungal Aroma Biotech: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M9dG9bByudSDOvMXV2mF4sfQ7NEdLFr-?usp=sharing
www.mushroomrevival.com
We 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.