How does a spore become a fertile fungus? Let alone a mushroom? On today's episode, we are joined by the charismatic Willoughby Arevalo who does a spectacular job at peering into the promiscuous world of fungal sex. This stuff isn't just interesting, it's critical knowledge for any serious mycological endeavors.Additionally, we highlight Willoughby's latest book "DIY Mushroom Cultivation", a new favorite here at Mushroom Revival for easy, yet effective ways to grow mushrooms just about anywhere.Willoughby Arevalo is passionate about the ecology of fungi, the ways they shape our world and the ways we shape theirs. His lifelong friendship with fleshy fungi has led him down a mycelial pathway – from a start in field identification and mushroom hunting, branching into cuisine, DIY cultivation, farming, education, writing and eco-arts. In his thirty years of self-motivated inquiry and intimate lived experience with fungi, he has spent the last decade prioritizing sharing mycology with people in communities across North America This has manifested in numerous presentations, art projects, teaching tours, collaborations, gatherings, and his new book, DIY Mushroom Cultivation, out now from New Society Publishers. Between the mycology and art work, and caring for his kid, Uma, he works part time on an organic vegetable farm. Originally from Arcata, California (Traditional Wiyot and Yurok Territory), he lives as a guest on Unceded Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver, Canada.Show notes:DIY Mushroom Cultivation Book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/artist/willoughby-arevaloSex Life of Mushrooms Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldOR1rUkNOIhttp://www.vegetationstation.ca/2016/05/the-sex-life-of-mushrooms.htmlFuture Ecologies Interview with Willoughby: https://www.futureecologies.net/patreon/meet-your-fungal-associates-6