YOUR HOSTS

  • THE MUSHROOM HUNTER

    Don King, also known as The Mushroom Hunter, can often be found hiking the forests of Ohio and neighboring states in search of wild mushrooms and other delicious and healthy edibles, which he considers to be the pinnacle of sustainable, local foods. He has also studied wild mushrooms in Mexico, Colombia, and Canada. Don loves to share his knowledge of wild foods, and how to prepare them, through private and group identification workshops and wild edible hunts, as well as video tutorials and other appearances. He has been featured on NPR's Good Eats with Vivian Goodman, and has made over a dozen appearances on Fox 8's New Day Cleveland. Don has been foraging for two decades and has been teaching mushroom identification for 15 years. He runs foraging classes through his website, as well as through organizations such as Cleveland Metroparks, Holden Arboretum, The Ohio Mushroom Festival, and The Wilderness Center. In December of 2023, Don joined Akron, Ohio-based Epiphany Mushroom Co, a mushrooms and mental health company, as their Director of Mycology, spearheading their cultivation of mushrooms for both culinary and medicinal use.

  • MYCOGEEKY

    MycoGeeky is the dynamic host of The MycoGeky Podcast, a captivating platform dedicated to empowering individuals to cultivate mushrooms at home for a transformative impact on their well-being. His journey into the world of fungi began three years ago when he sought natural remedies to manage his ADHD symptoms. Venturing into the realm of mushroom cultivation, MycoGeeky didn't just stop at personal experimentation; he became a trailblazer. Crafting bespoke induction sterilizers tailored for at-home mushroom growers, he has successfully distributed over 600 units, improving the accessibility of cultivation tools within the community. Driven by a profound belief in the power of mushrooms to revolutionize our world, MycoGeeky is dedicated to elevating the standards of the mushroom community through his relentless efforts. With every podcast episode and each sterilizer unit sold, he strives to cultivate a culture where mushrooms are not just a hobby but a catalyst for positive change. Now, with the launch of MycoTreks, MycoGeeky endeavors to deepen the community's connection with these extraordinary organisms, fostering a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty of mycelium and its profound impact on our lives.

  • Natural State Mycology

    Natural State Mycology (NSM) embarked on its journey of foraging in 2009, delving deeper into the mesmerizing world of cultivating and breeding fungi in recent years. While gourmet and choice edibles have been the primary focus during the early foraging years, NSM has shifted its attention towards actively engaging with species renowned for their unique properties.

    NSM passionately celebrates the symbiotic relationship between fungi and nature, recognizing their profound healing powers. Beyond the enchanting realm of mycology, NSM is an avid mountain biker and explorer, drawn to the exhilarating experiences offered by the great outdoors. With a palate tuned to appreciate the finer flavors in life, NSM delights in the pleasures of savoring good food, embodying a holistic appreciation for the wonders of nature and gastronomy alike.