We know the fungi cordyceps can infect ants and manipulate their behavior. But could cordyceps evolve to control us? That’s the premise of the post-apocalyptic TV drama, “The Last of Us.” The show inspires mycelial horror as a mutant cordyceps infection causes human society to collapse. It flips the script on how we typically think of cordyceps, which is consumed to improve many aspects of health and cognitive performance, including learning capacity and memory. I talk with Matt Held, senior research and development manager at MUD/WTR, to discuss what the show gets right, and what it gets wrong, about this zombie fungus. If you dig this podcast please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds and helps a bunch. For weekly stories visit Trends w/ Benefits and sign up for our newsletter. Stalk us on Instagram. Reach out and send voice memos to podcast@mudwtr.com.