Ep. 7: Gnome Life - Wild Mushroom Identification & Exotic Forage Adventures (feat. Tugrul De Luce)

Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing the distinguished Tugrul De Luce, or “Tug” for short. For the last 12 years of his life, he has ventured on an epic journey into the world of fungi. He has traveled into the wilds of North and South America with world famous mycologists, and has explored the frontiers of mushroom identification.

We start our conversation with the principles of wild mushroom identification. How important is a knowledge of trees when foraging and identifying wild mushrooms? What are the physical characteristics that matter most when you're identifying a mushroom? What can we learn from spore prints?

Before you know it, we find ourselves journeying between the jungles of Ecuador, Bolivia and Mexico hunting wild cordyceps and other exotic fungi. We'll hear about Tug's mentors and legends in mycology like Larry Evans and Alan Rockefeller. The conversation wraps up with a look at future projects that include responsibly exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms in Jamaica.

Thanks for listening and Mush Love!

Directed, Recorded, Produced by: Mushroom Hour 

Music by: Ancient Baby 
Art by: Wyn Di Stefano 

Episode Resources
Two Gnomes
Chester County Mycological Association (Pennsylvania)
Larry Evans
Institute for Psychosomatic Mycophagy