This week I’m speaking to Doug Bierend, journalist and author of In Search of Mycoptopia, a book which documents Doug’s journey of discovery as it pertains to the world of mushrooms. We talk about what sparked this journey, about what, as he puts it in the interview, was his Come to Mushroom moment and how his interest in fungi continues to develop with each new step he takes along the way.  Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Hoverflies This episode is brought to you by the team at The Real Soil Company. Launched to the market in 2020 The Real Soil Company proudly offers new organic, peat-free SuperSoil. Packed full of organic nutrients for optimal plant health, SuperSoil’s natural ‘boosters’ will stimulate quicker plant establishment and better resilience against pests and disease, whilst also enabling edible crops to benefit from nutritional enhancement and a higher crop yield.  The enhanced soil also offers better water retention and release for optimum plant growth, whilst providing a more balanced and workable material for gardeners. Order HERE. What we talk about: How Doug’s relationship with mushrooms began and what led to the birth of the book The future of mycology in terms of research and education Citizen science and its relevance to the progression of mycology Mushroom farming as an industry Why Doug thinks those in the mycological community are so non-competitive and community-minded How mycelial networks can be used as potential blueprints for societal organisation How mushrooms help improve soil About Doug Bierend “Hi, my name is Doug. I'm a freelance writer and recent first-time author based in the Hudson Valley. Over the last decade or so, I've written with a special interest in science, technology, visual and interactive media, food, sustainability and general subversiveness. My first book, In Search of Mycotopia, is due out in March of 2021 with Chelsea Green Books.” https://dougbierend.com/About-Me Links In Search of Mycotopia by Doug Bierend - Chelsea Green Publishing, 2021 www.dougbierend.com