RVPS Gathering | Guest Speaker: Dr. Mike Amaranthus

Dr. Mike Amaranthus is a research mycologist who recently published Fry, Thrive or Die, a fun pocket guide to western US mushrooms.  Edible? Medicinal? Hallucinogenic?  Poisonous? Dr Mike will share what you need to know about mushrooms and their uses.

In his presentation, Dr. Mike will highlight some of the local psychoactive mushroom species that grow in our area. He will detail the history of psilocybin use and the potential therapies in the future . He will also highlight the latest research psilocybin containing mushrooms effects and as treatments for addiction, depression, anxiety, and terminally ill diagnosed patients.

Dr Mike will also discuss the Fry, Thrive, or Die book that features common, delicious, medicinal, hallucinogenic and poisonous mushrooms in our area The guide and the talk to RVPS will prepare folks to hunt and serve wild mushrooms, as well will delight with stories, history, possibilities, recipes, and more.

Fry, Thrive or Die is a pocket-sized field guide to the most prominent and distinctive wild mushrooms in the Western United States. Each species is identified with a detailed color picture, distinct features, as well on habitat, fruiting timing, edibility, creative uses, and dangerous look-alikes. The talk will highlight some must-know species in our area.  Many of the current guides are decades old and in crucial need of update on edibility, medicinal benefits,  toxicities and other uses.

Mushrooms attract a distinct audience. There are wild mushrooms that make a splendid meal, can alter your mind, improve your health, potentially save your life, or end your life. The talk  is suitable for both beginning foragers as well as experienced mushroom maniacs who seek new information on mushroom medicines, hallucinogens, toxins, innovative applications, and edibility. Happy hunting and fry, fly and thrive!

About the Author: Dr. Michael Amaranthus

Dr Mike Amaranthus is a world-renowned mycologist and scientist, who even has several mushroom and truffles named after him and is the recipient of the USDA Highest Award for Scientific Achievement. Dr Mike and his wife Eileen founded Mycorrhizal Applications Inc. the world’s largest producer of mycorrhizal fungal  products.  Dr Mike believes “fungi” should emphasize “fun”. As a two-time cancer survivor, getting to know this fantastic group of mushrooms has enriched and perhaps saved his life. He believes that a mushroom presentation cannot only be accurate and have substance but be entertaining as well.