In this discussion, Professor Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing, an anthropology expert at UC Santa Cruz, dives into her book, highlighting the matsutake mushroom's surprising resilience in degraded landscapes. Tsing shares fascinating stories of mushroom pickers and the intricate global networks tied to this luxury product, challenging perceptions of decay and hope. The conversation also touches on the linked themes of migration, ecological practices, and the importance of active human involvement in nature, all while advocating for a deeper kinship with the environment.