Follow The Mushroom

About Follow The Mushroom

With the “Shroom Boom” in full effect, Follow The Mushroom is a documentary / research project through which Stef and Matthijs will investigate the broad developments in the wondrous world of mushrooms. Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

Publisher

Stef Spijkermans & matthijs_ideas

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

31 Jul 2021

Latest episode

16 May 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 May 2025

   S3 - 001 - Stef & Matthijs - A New Cycle

   Time is nothing more but cycles, and this episode marks the beginning on a new season. The third cycle, after our initial meeting which happened 5 years ago already… Cycles fly when you’re having fun! This episode we talk recent life; From big life’s happenings which happen in cycles, talking about pilgrimages, vapin’ cannabis ’n tobacco, addiction, William Padilla-Brown quote, ChatGPT’s hyper confirming rabbit holes, the deep unknown unconscious of AI & psychedelics, the novelty of AI utilisation and its narratives, technological development, AI’s unpredictability, Chaos entering the chat, capitalistic extortion or unexpected saviour, modern feudalism and human’s trajectory, AI as a Trojan horse, Fractals, Mushroom Fever, NYC’s first ever documented mushroom club, breaking through the restrictions, Terence McKenna’s “it’s gonna get weirder and weirder”. — Mushroom Fever zine - click for link

2. 

   26 Nov 2024

   S2 - 016 - Jan Schilthuizen, Ellie Copeland & Nia Gohlke of Cloud Amsterdam

   Cloud Amsterdam's Jan Schilthuizen, Ellie Copeland, and Nia Gohlke share their journey and creative vision behind the multidisciplinary space and exhibition Fundamental Funghi, showcasing immersive experiences in art, music, and more.

3. 

   15 Oct 2024

   S2 - 015 - Jasmine Karimova - Composer & Performer - "Music is just everywhere"

   In this episode we spoke Jasmine Karimova. Jasmine is an Amsterdam based composer & performer, with a BA in Classical Composition from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and having her roots in Tajikistan, Australia and the United Kingdom. In our beautiful conversation we spoke about: Her journey in music Her Tajikistan roots & its Soviet influence Disney's Fantasia & ballet Visual music Discovering inner worlds & landscapes Defining what is "home" "Trauma not transformed is trauma transferred" The time of Corona and microdosing Going with the tides & the waves The added voice of the mushroom Our relationship to Death The church and the world of the Organ (Re)discovering taking psychedelics in old institutions Musical modes Follow the Mushroom concert..? The old philosophy and mathematical structure of music (De)coding Shostakovich's hidden message Current musical fascinations & exploring Tajik roots The standard curriculum and venturing outside "Music is just everywhere" Symphonic music as an psychedelic experience Our (limiting) modern day attention span Finding solace in composition Not talking about John Cage SHOWNOTES Short film ‘Fi-Fu’: (https://youtu.be/0jjiyAUiwtQ?si=KVFX5FRY5getvU5K) Gubaidulina transformation/creation quote (https://youtu.be/uwnEtWW0hWI?si=YlfLqSdgo-qX3xZG) Gubaidulina tree analogy: (1,00) (https://youtu.be/t4P2U6kzajI?si=OTeHQEwD-SsCevMs) Jane Goodall on death (https://youtube.com/shorts/UgNyILLr-tc?si=MnIgQCR_BoA2sIZU) Sofia Gubaidulina (https://youtu.be/kBj25KJpmUU?si=qMVWMytBJi-EtEvU) Saarijaho (https://youtu.be/zz5H6x4yT5E?si=vuYLG6axNLyjitvW) Shostakovich - Symphony no. 10 (https://youtu.be/C2T97GsY0nI?si=OYQ0AHB6d6YP1xLP) George Crumb (https://youtu.be/11o8nHk-l_o?si=OJhNlt7sKz9z10Mm) Stravinsky's Orpheus (https://youtu.be/__C9aVdTYdU?si=EW8VDxCB2K6BkOJW) Janáček - The Cunning Little Vixen (https://youtu.be/q2pbTAeZFrg?si=lE1Z4cNePsuzx7jf) Pitou (https://open.spotify.com/artist/27aUOc2h4pz72oZen497Va?si=-9_L8bZkQPmdzfDaf9BgcA) Richard Ayres (https://open.spotify.com/album/2v6EdFdm5O8v7aSyejgOM1?si=rA7N_qtsQP6Lx98PblBWEA) Willem Jeths (https://open.spotify.com/album/0olt3J6BsN9p9W6RkYhKMM?si=hgK56FC5RcObzxMmweILKA) Tajik percussion/dance (https://youtu.be/J8lSWpI9knw?si=_yHSSIDJtNYd2pqx) Laura Marling (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6q7UxJpg6xxIWCC1CzhBMV?si=OctJCA0UTuay_GLzW75g7w&pi=u-jseA1lfbSHe3) Apex Ensemble (https://linktr.ee/ensembleapexutm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=69d86584-2614-4c8c-891b-8d1e0124f00f) Liza Lim: About – Liza Lim (https://youtu.be/muFL7C2iQfY?si=IVF8qvLre7rawxIr) Kate Milligan: KATE MILLIGAN • Composer | Designer | Musicologist (https://www.katemilligan.com.au) John Adams (https://open.spotify.com/track/2nmxbXAKOk7QnVkx0CEVht?si=ycW36e04T-mlnPi_KPJSqg) Podcast: This Classical Life (https://open.spotify.com/show/3VMkvezQqe1NMJsGiYvIJc?si=xwu8OyYvS964NFESqmg_hA⁠) ------- Jasmine Karimova https://www.jasminekarimova.com (https://www.jasminekarimova.com)

4. 

   15 Jul 2024

   S2 - 014 - Marieke McKenna - Altered States on Consciousness on the border between Science & Art

   In this episode we spoke with Marieke McKenna Marieke studied philosophy and history of science at the the University of Amsterdam, the University of Glasgow and Utrecht University. She is interested in metaphysics, phenomenology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of physics, and consciousness studies. Her recent research focuses on historical, cross-cultural and philosophical perspectives on (lucid) dreaming, as well as the history of the scientific & academic study thereof. By combining an interdisciplinary oral history approach, hands on experience in a laboratory setting, historical analysis and philosophical reflection, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the spectrum of consciousness, specifically the phenomenology of dreaming (which is related to daydreaming, ideation, and creativity). Outside academia, Marieke, works as an dj, artist, creative entrepreneur, label owner of Mink Records, curator, lecturer, and programme maker, having your podcast “Roots & Threads” regarding ethnomusicology and most recently your own radio show on NPO Soul & Jazz at Round Midnight. In this beautiful conversation, we spoke about: Marieke’s Scottish roots and her spiritual & emotional inheritance of this ancient land The importance of a holistic and truly open educational system Having deeply profound (mystical) experiences and how to make sense of these in the context of a standard reductionist, brain focussed world view The history of research on dreaming and dreams as the most common of altered states of consciousness The evolution of science, its severance with Nature and the deep importance of spiritually interacting with Nature once again Her inspirations and influences Meta Modernism, A.I. and the history of technology Spiritual narcissism v.s. hands-on spirituality Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR - 2024), the assumptions v.s the reality of attending Psychedelic Academia, the novelty of the field and the massive lack of research regarding having an explicit focus on women Dream research, today and the future

5. 

   20 Jun 2024

   S2 - 013 – Stef & Matthijs - Thoughts on Mycelial Thinking

   In this episode, Stef & Mattijs have another check in with each other. Diving into and exploring the overall theme of “mycelial thinking”, we dive into topics like; Mandelbrot & fractals, the mycelial connection between Stef & Matthijs, sense making in a world of chaos, the hubris of human centricity, Stef’s love and focus on Lion’s Mane, experimenting with new Lion’s Mane products, (losing) the sixth sense of understanding Nature’s medicine, Sheldrake’s “Morphic Resonance” and Jung’s “Collective (Un)conscious”, Rick Rubin’s creativity and asshole René Descartes split of body & soul, A.I. as the modern times genie, the Intelligence behind Chaos and fractals, how Chaos within A.I. makes it so fascinating, the relativity of perceived time, the intensity of Salvia, Bufo, Kratom, meeting ancestors with Amanita Muscaria, tonsure haircuts of monks and tripping by putting Amanita on the bald spot, the upcoming collab of Leeway Tools & Prima Materia…

6. 

   23 May 2024

   S2 - 012 – Adrien Rigobello - Ways of Knowing, Being, and Acting in Relationship With The Mushroom

   For Adrien’s 2nd appearance on FTM, he suggested to flip roles and ask Stef and Matthijs a couple of questions regarding their own personal projects and perspectives. The conversation turned into a deep dive around consciousness, the enlightenment, artificial intelligence, non-human intelligence, being an “entrepreneur” and alchemy. Adrien currently works as a design researcher with a focus on eco-social sustainability. He is assistant professor at the Royal Danish Academy and president of the NGO design studio thr34d5.

7. 

   22 Mar 2024

   S2 - 011 – Saskia Boer - Forager, Mushroom educator and Founder of Outsiders (Dutch spoken)

   Saskia is a forager based in Rotterdam. In her work she helps people get familiar with plants, herbs and mushrooms. All while staying true to her cultural and activistic roots, to equally teach and make people aware of what is currently happening to our planet. We talked with Saskia about many topics, including about her background in culture and journalism, her path towards foraging, early spring, corpse smelling penis mushrooms, fytotherapy VS homeopathy, saying goodbye to an animal, the liberty cap mushroom, activism in Nature and the importance of scientific evidence within the rising trend of herbalism and an inherent esoteric vagueness. Saskia Boer Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boer.saskia Outsiders website https://www.outsidersforaging.com Outsiders Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outsiders.foraging Show notes: Invasive Californian death caps develop mushrooms unisexually and bisexually https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42317-z#:~:text=phalloides%20in%20California%20is%20likely,natural%20population%20of%20death%20caps (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42317-z#:~:text=phalloides%20in%20California%20is%20likely,natural%20population%20of%20death%20caps) Mycotherapie https://zenchi.eu/product/basiscursus-werken-met-paddenstoelen-ofwel-basiscursus-mycotherapie/ (https://zenchi.eu/product/basiscursus-werken-met-paddenstoelen-ofwel-basiscursus-mycotherapie/) Herba Sanitas https://herbasanitas.nl/ (https://herbasanitas.nl/) Breading Sweetgrass braiding sweetgrass - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=braiding+sweetgrass&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-nl&client=safari) Psilocybe Liniformans psilocybe liniformans - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=psilocybe+liniformans&client=safari&sca_esv=a32461fe05b6239e&hl=en-nl&sxsrf=ACQVn09L44B5SQdgeljUyQUrFWbsAl9P5Q%3A1710769746186&ei=Ukb4ZezYCo7HwPAPqP2FyAs&oq=psilocybe+liniformans&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIhVwc2lsb2N5YmUgbGluaWZvcm1hbnMyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEcyBBAAGEdIrIEBUOkEWLCAAXAAeAGQAQGYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgGgAgmYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwExoAcA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp&zx=1711112218654#sbfbu=1&pi=psilocybe%20liniformans) Homeopathie en fytotherapie Homeopathie en fytotherapie producten kopen? Groot Assortime (https://www.leef.nl/gezondheid/homeopathie-fytotherapie) Japanese Knotweed Rhizome Bark Extract Inhibits Live SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495978/#:~:text=SPR%20results%20showed%20a%20specific,and%20data%20mining%20%5B62%5D (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495978/#:~:text=SPR%20results%20showed%20a%20specific,and%20data%20mining%20%5B62%5D) Officinalis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officinalis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officinalis) Mellie Uyldert https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellie_Uyldert (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellie_Uyldert)

8. 

   29 Mar 2023

   010 – Adrien Rigobello - Design Researcher, Founder of NGO design studio Thr34d5 and maker of Cheese

   On this episode we talked with Adrien Rigobello who’s currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy. As a designer and engineer, with a specialization in fermentation and eco-social design, Adrien has deep roots in the global maker community and participates in the creation of a growing number of scientific publications. We discussed vernacular architecture, mycelium based packaging material, terroir, non human collaborations the importance of knowledge platforms and so much more. Adrien Rigobello https://adrienrigobello.com/about Thr34d5 https://thr34d5.org/ Articles https://scholar.google.fr/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=en&hl=en&user=c-zzNykAAAAJ

9. 

   12 Jan 2023

   009 – Carl Ruck - Professor of Classical Studies and Author of 'The Road to Eleusis'

   In this episode we talk to Carl Ruck, professor in the Classical Studies department at Boston University. He received his B.A. at Yale University, his M.A. at the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. at Harvard University. Carl Ruck is best known for his work, along with other scholars, in mythology and religion on the sacred role of entheogens, or psychoactive plants that induce an altered state of consciousness, as used in religious or shamanistic rituals. His focus has been on the use of entheogens in classical western culture, as well as their historical influence on modern western religions. Carl wrote many groundbreaking books, including "The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries" which he co-authored with Albert Hoffman and Gordon Wasson. Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

10. 

    28 Oct 2022

    008 – Gino van Dam aka JEANS; dj, producer, label owner of Oracle Bones, programmer at PIP Den Haag and unintended modern day medicine man

    In this episode we talk with Gino van Dam aka JEANS; dj, producer, label owner of Oracle Bones, programmer at PIP Den Haag and unintended modern day medicine man. In this open hearted conversation, we talk about how Gino’s formative past paved a way for curiosity, exploration, betterment and healing, in which the mushroom has (and still is) been playing a leading role. Resulting in Gino becoming one of the most deeply respected figures in his scene, both for his refined relationship with music as well as him as a human being. SHOWNOTE: This conversation is held in Dutch, honouring the request of Gino of him feeling more comfortable and expressive in his native tongue. JEANS https://www.instagram.com/jeans_audio/ Orcale Bones https://theoraclebones.bandcamp.com/album/talking-to-the-entities PIP Den Haag https://pipdenhaag.nl/

11. 

    27 Jun 2022

    007 – Stef & Matthijs - A cross solstice update

    In this episode, Matthijs and Stef share a conversation with each other after a perfect 6 months (1 solstice) hiatus. An organic conversation that covers deeper stories like consciousness, the meaning of “death” and the relevance of modern day ceremonies. Equally touching topics on how our own businesses (Leeway & Prima Materia) came about and have been progressing in these last months! Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

12. 

    21 Dec 2021

    006 – Maartje Nevejan - Director of Documentary 'Descending The Mountain'

    In this episode we talk to renowned documentary filmmaker Maartje Nevejan, who's most recent film, "Descending The Mountain", is taking the global stage by storm. In this openhearted conversation, we talk on how this full project came to life, how things are coming full circle, and in what seemingly mysterious ways the mushroom seems to be working on this project and making its journey seem almost effortless. DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN "This film takes you on a journey of mystical revelations through magic mushrooms and meditations. In ‘Descending the Mountain’ psychiatrist Franz Vollenweider and Zen master Vanja Palmers create a ground-breaking scientific experiment located on the majestic Mount Rigi in Switzerland. The film shows if and how, when united, psilocybin and meditation might expand our understanding of the nature of consciousness." https://descendingthemountain.org Follow Maartje: @maartjenevejan Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

13. 

    20 Nov 2021

    005 – Stef & Matthijs - A cross border update on Mushrooms

    In this episode we update each other on our personal paths guided by the mushroom. Matthijs on how he followed the mushroom, which brought him all the way to Guatamala. Here he did a special mushroom cultivation course at Fungi Academy, with citizen scientist extraordinaire William Padilla-Brown (@mycosymbiote) and dove deep into the world of single origin cacao for his "Leeway" venture. Stef elaborates on how his "Prima Materia" venture came into being, where the Lion's Mane mushroom was his real introduction into the world of mycology & medicinal mushrooms. This episode was originally aired on Echobox Radio 20-11-2021 Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

14. 

    23 Oct 2021

    004 – Aldo Hakman - Herbalist, Ethnobotanist & Alchemist

    In this episode we talk with Aldo Hakman; a globally leading herbalist, ethnobotanist & alchemist with laboratories in Switzerland and Ecuador. We talk about how his distinct past shaped the way for his future, how he followed his intuition by exploring plant/fungal medicines all across the world and currently is creating a system on how to share (t)his knowledge with the next generation. This episode was originally aired on Echobox Radio 23-10-2021 Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

15. 

    25 Sept 2021

    003 – Daan Keiman - Lead Facilitator, Director of Ethics and Advocacy at The Synthetis Institute

    In this episode we talk with Daan Keiman; Lead Facilitator, Director of Ethics and Advocacy at The Synthetis Institute. A focus of this conversation is around the emergence of psychedelic retreat centers and how to manoeuvre oneself amidst this b(l)ooming industry. This episode was originally aired on Echobox Radio 25-9-2021 Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

16. 

    28 Aug 2021

    002 – Jasper Degenaars - Co-founder of Fungi Academy

    In this episode we talk with Jasper Degenaars who co-founded the Fungi Academy. This episode was originally aired on Echobox Radio 28-8-2021 Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

17. 

    31 Jul 2021

    001 – Stef & Matthijs - Introducing 'Follow The Mushroom'

    In this first episode Stef and Matthijs talk about how they met each other and why they want to do a podcast about the mushroom landscape. The fruition of "Follow The Mushroom". This episode was originally aired on Echobox Radio 31-7-2021 Follow Matthijs: @matthijs_ideas Follow Stef: @jack_nl

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

35

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

77