Green Dreamer: Seeding change towards collective healing, sustainability, regeneration

Patricia Kaishan: Lessons from fungi as queer companions

Sep 14, 2023

Dr. Patricia Kaishian, a mycologist, discusses the connection between fungi and their fluid, interconnected identities. They explore biases in mycology and the importance of honoring and expanding awareness. The concept of deep time in relation to the climate crisis is also discussed. 'Forest Euphoria,' a book on organisms challenging norms, and individuals making a positive impact are highlighted.

56:10

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Episode guests

Patricia Kaishian

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The speaker explores the intersection of mycology and queer theory, highlighting how both challenge societal norms and standards of categorization.

The podcast emphasizes the need for scientists to confront and recognize the cultural influences that shape their research.

Deep dives

The Power of Fungi and Identity

The episode explores the speaker's personal connection to fungi and how it relates to their identity as an Armenian person. They found comfort and companionship in fungi, even though others perceive them negatively. This connection with fungi has helped the speaker understand their own patterns of being and accept themselves. The conversation also delves into the intersection of mycology and queer theory, highlighting how both challenge societal norms and standards of categorization.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Fungal Taxonomy and Armenian Identity

7min

Unexamined Biases and Cultural Influences in Mycology

25min

Honoring and Expanding Awareness

8min

Exploring the Concept of Deep Time and Its Implications on the Climate Crisis

6min

Forest Euphoria: Exploring Queer Bestiary and Human Biodiversity

5min

Finding Inspiration from Individuals Committed to Making a Difference

3min

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Patricia Kaishian, a mycologist, writer, and educator who gestures to mycology as a queer discipline. Situated as a queer member of Armenian diaspora, Patricia threads connections between the often misunderstood and mis/under-represented displacement of mycelial bodes and her own. Offering a glimpse of the complex, fascinating, taxonomy-defying world of fungi, Patricia invokes reflections on how we can learn from, dream with, and reclaim queer existence with our fungal kin.

What stories of diversity, fluidity, and resilience do they sporulate? What lessons can they inspire in an age of ecological collapse? And what narratives can they invite us to decompose and re-birth?

(The musical offering featured in this episode is When You Carried Me by Oropendola.)

This episode was brought to you by our supporting listeners. Join us on Patreon to help us keep our show alive: www.greendreamer.com/support

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