From best-selling novels like "Mexican Gothic" to blockbuster media hits like "The Last of Us," it seems like everyone is buzzing about fungi these days. Think of it as your houseplant's weirder, spongier, and creepier cousin. Fungi have a significant role in decomposition, which adds to their eerie reputation. However, they can also serve as food, a recreational drug, a source of medicine, and even a multi-story residence if you happen to be a Smurf.

As we delve deeper into the world of fungi, things get even stranger. Did you know that the largest organism on Earth is a fungus? Fungi can have thousands of different genders, and they reproduce and communicate in ways that we are just starting to comprehend. Yet, there are dedicated individuals attempting to unravel these mysteries.

Meet Dr. Leslie Holland, a mycologist specializing in the study of fungi. She joined the University of Wisconsin's Department of Plant Pathology in 2020, where she focuses on researching how fungal diseases impact fruit crops. With a teaching schedule that most professors can only dream of, Dr. Holland is the perfect person to demystify the fascinating world of fungi. Join me for an enlightening conversation with her as we separate fact from fiction when it comes to these remarkable organisms.

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