Wildly Optimized Wellness Podcast: Wild Wisdom: Foraging, Herbalism, and Building a Business from Nature | E061

Join me in this enlightening episode as I chat with Michael Wilson, an expert forager, herbalist, and entrepreneur. We delve into the fascinating world of foraging, discussing the ethics, techniques, and joys of harvesting wild mushrooms and herbs. Discover how Michael turned his passion for nature into a thriving business, crafting medicinal extracts from sustainably sourced plants. From the healing power of mushrooms to the art of ethical wildcrafting, this conversation offers valuable insights into reconnecting with the natural world and harnessing its gifts for wellness.

Join us as we wander through the forest.

——

 

Michael Wilson is a forager, homesteader, and rewilding enthusiast.  He regularly takes trips out to the local forests of Pennsylvania for foraging and rewilding experiences.  He has been an organic farmer off and on for the past decade.  He is a permaculture designer, and incorporates elements of nature into his gardening practice.  His business is based around wild medicinal mushrooms and herbs and turning them into extractions, with most of his focus and work dedicated to the Amanita muscaria mushroom. He leads wild walks where he shows people local wild foods that we can procure from the beautiful abundant nature all around us.  Michaels biggest passion in life is education and health and showing others the abundance of wealth we can find in nature.

00:00 Wild foraging and rewilding with Michael Wilson

03:29 How Michael got into the foraging world

12:38 Michael learns about edible plants and mushrooms

15:01 Approach to Foraging Ethics

20:36 Understanding the seasons, ecology, and intentionality behind successful foraging

24:02 Embracing a sensory approach to nature

28:13 Torea's desert foraging experience

35:47 Transitioning from foraging to crafting medicinal extracts and starting a business

39:45 Where to find out more about Michael’s products

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e061

Episode: https://torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast

Podcast: https://torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast