#525: Giuliana Furci on the Wonders of Mycology, Wisdom from Jane Goodall, Favorite Books, and the World’s Largest Fungarium

Aug 4, 2021

Giuliana Furci, the Foundress and executive director of the Fungi Foundation, dives into the astonishing world of fungi and their vital role in ecosystems. She shares her transformative journey from tracking foxes to becoming a passionate mycologist. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of mushrooms, the advocacy for fungal conservation influenced by Jane Goodall, and the emotional connections forged through her work. Giuliana emphasizes the need for fungi to be recognized alongside plants and animals in environmental policies, celebrating their ecological contributions.

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ANECDOTE

Family Exile

Giuliana Furci's mother was a political prisoner in Chile, tortured, and exiled.
She fled to Italy and then London, where Furci was born.

ANECDOTE

Return to Chile

Furci moved to Chile with her mother at age 15, although she was born in London.
It was a challenging return as her mother didn't recognize the changed country.

ANECDOTE

Mycology Spark

While volunteering for fox scat research, Furci saw a mushroom, sparking her mycology passion.
Unable to find Chilean fungi books, she ordered every book she could find online.

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