There’s just something about mushrooms that so are cool. I can’t really explain it. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, often looking like they belong in a fairy tale or another planet.

They transform any landscape with their mysterious, almost magical appearance. They are not plants or animals but belong to a fascinating kingdom of their own. They thrive in the most unexpected places. They can taste delicious or they can kill you.

They’re just awesome. But developing a hobby in mycology can seem a bit daunting for a beginner. There are thousands of mushroom species, and many look similar, making it difficult to identify them accurately. Some edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes, so learning the differences requires careful study.

Luckily, there are groups out there to welcome beginners to this great hobby. The Philadelphia Mycology Club is one such group. Founded in 2018, the club includes a diverse group of novice and experienced mycophiles.

On this episode, I speak with Sam Bucciarelli. Sam is the president of the Philadelphia Mycology Club.

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis