In this episode, we sit down with Professor Han Wösten, a pioneer in fungal biology with over three decades of experience. Based at Utrecht University, Han leads cutting-edge research into fungal growth and development, including projects exploring mycelium-based leather and sustainable materials. 

We explore his journey into applied science — from mycoremediation and biodegradable coatings to functional foods and novel biomaterials. Han reflects on the bridge between science and entrepreneurship, the value of artist–scientist collaboration, and what it takes to bring fungi-based innovations to life. 

If you're curious about the future of sustainable materials — and how fungi might help clean our water, feed the planet, and shape new industries — this one's for you.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In this episode, Mycocycle’s founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez shares an inspiring journey from the construction industry to building a company that partners with fungi to transform waste into high-performance materials. What started with an experiment on asphalt shingles has grown into a mission to replace plastics with nature-inspired innovations.

Tune in to discover how biomimicry, fungi, and a regenerative mindset are reshaping industries—and what it takes to scale a nature-based solution.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of mycelium innovation with Eben Bayer, Co-founder & CEO of Ecovative and MyForest Foods. Curious how fungi can revolutionize industries with sustainable materials and even food production? Tune in to discover more!

As a sneak peek, we discuss Ecovative’s journey from an ambitious idea in 2006 to becoming one of the largest fungi scale-ups today, holding the most patents in the field. Eben shares insights on creating mycelium-based products, advice for aspiring fungal founders, and the exciting potential for mycelium in future industries—plus a thought-provoking exploration of fungal consciousness.

Could fungi-based technologies redefine sustainability and transform our everyday lives?

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking world of self-healing materials with Elise Elsacker from Vrije University and Dimitri Floudas from Lund University. Curious how fungi can repair cracks in concrete or mimic leather? Tune in to find out!

As a sneak peek, we’ll discuss how fungal spores embedded in concrete activate when cracks form, and how fungal leather self-repairs to extend its lifespan—all while reducing waste and pollution.

Elise and Dimitri dive into the science behind these living materials, the environmental benefits, and the challenges of scaling such innovations from lab to market. Could fungi-based materials transform industries like fashion and construction?

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Featuring music by Modern Biology. You can check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In the 4th episode of The Future is Fungi podcast, you will get to meet the fungi startup Visibuilt - our 2nd place startup winner which is making something incredible novel - they are replacing petrochemical derived bitumen in asphalt production with fungi. 

Converting to fungal binders can significantly improve the environmental impact of the asphalt industry, and Visibuilts founder and CEO Line Kloster Pedersen will tell us more about this groundbreaking innovation.

She will also share about her experienced with the startup journey and lessons learned that can be useful for other fungal innovators.

Join in!

This episode features music by Tarun Nayar.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In this episode we are interviewing William Newell for his research on electromicrobial CO2 fixation, and how this can prove to be an important sustainable solution. Do you wonder what that is? Tune in! 

As a taster we can say that by using electricity from renewable sources, you can turn CO2 into a liquid acid that a yeast can consume. Thereafter, you can turn the biomass into new use, such as yet fuel, feed or diverse materials.

William Newell is a doctoral researcher from Imperial College of London in the department of bioengineering, and he came 2nd place in the science category in The Future is Fungi Award for his research. We will hear about Williams aspirations to commercialize his research, and what it will take in order to get there.

You can also read about his work here: https://www.futureisfungi.org/publicity/2nd-place-scientist-in-the-award-featured-in-the-microbiologist-for-electromicrobial-co2-fixation

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In this episode, the shared startup winner Novobiom with co-founder and CEO Jean-Michel Scheuren shares about how their startup leverages the natural capabilities of fungi as the cleaner and decomposer to clean contaminated soil through so called mycoremediation. Novobiom also turns textile waste into new bioactive compounds that can be used in cosmetics, through the use of fungi.

Tune in to learn more!

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In our first episode, Jens Laurids Sørensen, associate professor at Aalborg University and the research winner of the inaugural The Future is Fungi Award, discusses his revolutionary research on fungal-batteries, and his aspirations and work to commercialize this into real world use. Join in and prepare to be blown away!

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/