How This Mushroom Savant Identifies Fungi | Obsessed | WIRED

You think you like mushrooms? William Padilla-Brown might just have a step up on you. As the founder of MycoSymbiotics, William has cultivated hundreds of thousands of mushrooms from dozens of species; he's barcoded them, and turned them into various extracts and tinctures. William sits down with WIRED to break down his mushroom obsession.
Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Chad Jenkins
Editor: Richard Trammell
Talent: William Padilla-Brown
Producer: Wendi Jonassen
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Melissa Cho
Production Manager: Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Audio: Mike Competielle
Camera Operator/Gaffer: Pete Kuhn
Production Assistant/COVID Supervisor: Bill Storms
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@rtd1791]

I felt like video should have been longer; there’s definitely more to learn. This was one of your best obsession videos.

[@ivanlagrossemoule]

He should have a KZbin channel explaining mushrooms, as in one type or whatever for each video. I'd watch it.

[@MultiSoftE]

@@ivanlagrossemoule he goes on podcasts

[@richardwaller9436]

Agree

[@playdoug12]

kzbin.info he has a channel

[@vitogiacalone4135]

@@ivanlagrossemoule Adam Haritan has a lot of incredible videos on his channel Learn Your Land

[@jopo7996]

William's personality and attitude doesn't leave mushroom for improvement.

[@Goldi-Luc]

he seems like a real fungi!

[@FlorianCalmer]

Dad...Who gave you access to a computer?

[@GabsR-N]

WHOOOO!! 🤝

[@anthonykim8042]

I just want you to know I heavily sighed after reading this.

[@ziziroberts8041]

He's fungimentally perfect for this job. I would give him a spore of 10.

[@Spaceman_spliff]

Took a mushroom cultivation class with Will at his spot in Pennsylvania a few years back, truly a unique perspective and an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to fungi. Pushing the envelope and making mycology accessible to more and more people, fckn lit and noble pursuit. The man knows his mushrooms, and can tell you a whole lot of things about fungi that you never knew you’d know. What a human.

[@scottcroteau7375]

More information please I’d love to take a class with him.

[@beautifullife-dj4wk]

He really seems like a fungi 😆

[@williamchristy257]

@@scottcroteau7375 second this

[@03stmlax]

He seems like a really fungi

[@afrilifewealth8743]

Does he do online stuff? I'm stuck in UK

[@bogwitchburke]

This guy is AMAZING. What a genius and generous personality.

[@Cheap_Mycology]

He really is an amazing human. So inspiring.

[@tamn9446]

He has an amazing amount of knowledge.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Anyone can do what he’s doing

[@Cheap_Mycology]

@@hosoiarchives4858 that’s part of his message is to decentralize education. Yes everyone can do what he does if they are willing to teach themselves.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

@@Cheap_Mycology there are thousand of people doing what he’s doing. He just became social media famous, and education is already decentralized

[@candledapple]

"All mushrooms are magic" I love him 🤣

[@jayemeljay2117]

Paul Stamets could not agree more! Must even wish to have thought of that one!

[@fezzypepper8525]

He's right!

[@RudyTheNinja]

_"wooow,_ this place is *_poppin"_* x'D

[@brokenglassshimmerlikestar3407]

They really are lol. Many mushrooms are very nutritious and have medicinal value

[@dandellar200]

He's a fun guy

[@khalilahd.]

What an incredible way to spend your life. He’s a genius. Very cool to get a glimpse into his world ❤

[@akicitaa.8233]

This guy is pure charisma. I'm not into mushrooms except on pizza, but I would listen to him go on and on about them.

[@XxXenosxX]

He needs to start his own series, I love this man!

[@C2C.]

His channel is Apex Grower.

[@ELYESSS]

@@C2C. thanks

[@katiem3626]

His depth of knowledge is impressive, and his next-generation sequencing of fungi is really neat, too! Shoutout to Oxford Nanopore Technologies for their flow cell tech

[@TBat87]

He introduces himself as a 1994 model human, that's hilarious!

[@thialove2121]

I laughed too, great introduction!

[@leevancliffneridacampo7769]

Ninety seven?!🙃🤣

[@jimmyispromo]

Man, this is amazing. So genuine

[@noimnotakpoppfpsheacy2526]

More Samsung sis

[@fachriahmadbaryza7616]

this guy's enthusiasm redefines my definition of "passion"

[@cameronkoch482]

It's hard not be happy/excited for people who find their passion and then share it with others.

[@bizybee8192]

This is great, it’s awesome to see people following what they love. Congrats dude !

[@LONE_WOLF_GANG]

This is the coolest person of the year by far!!! As soon as he introduced himself I was glued to the screen. Very knowledgeable and super curious. He's like the black Hamilton.

[@johntnguyen9917]

Microdosing LSD and psilocybin mushrooms has been the best experience. Since I started taking them I have noticed clearer thinking and peaceful existence. Taking on anything life throws at me, great stuff.

[@shannonkeeth3094]

I’ve heard so much and I really want to try them too. I put so much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels

[@miketolliver8940]

He’s on insta?

[@realisticlife647]

The trips I've been having has helped me a lot, I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have a lot more empathy as well

[@toddortscheid5855]

Sure, he ships discreet and anonymous.

[@philcurtis4256]

Saw reviews about dr.coxx, checked him out and I must say he is very good at what he does and his products are pure.

[@1.4142]

Mycology is such an unexplored, niche community. It's fun to id and sample different mushrooms that pop up in unexpected places.

[@BrainboxOfficial_1]

Hit up ☝️the handle. He ships safely 🍄💊🔌....

[@thejesuschrist]

so dope! mush luv 🍄❤

[@EtherealPsychonaut]

Greetings fellow human shroom enjoyer

[@ahmetberat7357]

I have researched and found out that shrooms are very helpful , it has really helps to reduce anxiety and depression . I would love to try magic mushrooms but I can't easily get some , Is there any realiable source I can purchase one

[@gaeliqbal3952]

@Christopher Harland Does dr.jeromespores ship?

[@kutevince7347]

The Trips I've been having have really helped me a lot , I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well.

[@vincentgiovanni1963]

@@kutevince7347 Tripping is not all that bad but one has to find a good mycologist to teach you the right things you need to know

[@hunterjonathan9259]

I am feeling the same way too, I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be part of this community.

[@gaeliqbal3952]

@Christopher Harland Thanks, I'll contact him right away. This means alot to me

[@santasiajones6168]

He needs a youtube channel i would love to watch him talk about mushrooms all day, i would love to know more about them

[@BrainboxOfficial_1]

Hit up ☝️the handle. He ships safely 🍄💊🔌....

[@ThePermacultureStudent]

Here you go: kzbin.info

[@_S._S._]

@@ThePermacultureStudent thanks legend

[@Sl3xx]

I have been looking for good measurement tools to assess people's reasons/motivations for using psychedelics but have not had any luck finding validated or reliable measures... does anyone have suggestions or leads? I can't wait to try any of them.

[@BrianalBrighton]

it so much easier to get over anxiety and depression with psychedelics

[@smithsSons]

Micro dosing on shrooms helped me deal with my depression and anxiety

[@Neto37375]

@free man I've always wanted to trip but am so scared it might end up bad.. I've heard a story of how a trip went bad so am so terrified of having one..

[@KenvyNguyen]

@@BrianalBrighton One of the most peaceful experience I've ever had..I really need to get my hands on some DMT

[@Sl3xx]

@Eminent Jackson pls how do I find him? Is it on IG?

[@LadyPrincessDiana]

Wow, I'm so impressed with the dedication he has toward his goals! I don't know if it's possible in the US, but I hope some big university professor finds him and allows him access to uni labs and resources so he can take his research even further!

[@ninjaguysith]

William is such a cool guy.

[@drdiscostu]

*William is such a fun guy

[@kibirdie]

“The more you spend time with something that you think is weird, the more it becomes something that you understand.” This is true for so may situations. Well said

[@qxqp]

Well, he definitely seems like a fun guy.

[@heraclitus6100]

I need friends like this dude. I just want to bask in the wealth and radiance of his knowledge and positive vibes.

[@heraclitus6100]

@Linda Richard I don't do social media. Thanks though.

[@heraclitus6100]

@Linda Richard I'm not sure what you are trying to say here.

[@BillyLeeGoodman]

I make mushroom stock out of Turkey Tail. You have to boil them anyway, after drying them forever, so why not? Most people will drink it straight as tea, but that's too... strong and bitter for me. So I just use it in soups I make and it adds a wonderful earthy flavor!

[@brenda1520]

Psilocybin mushroom is very helpful, I remember a trip 5 years ago I cried like I haven't cried at all in my life and I saw my pain as a rainbow of different colors, each sorrow, each specific hurt became a specific color.

[@brenda1520]

It felt so liberating. After the trip I changed a lot & my life improved so fast. 5 years later, I am now looking into micro dosing, it's time to upgrade but It’s hard to source them

[@stevensquires714]

One dose of mushroom cured my depression/ anxiety. It's a "spiritual" experience, but doctors don't like to use that word. mycologist, Dodge_Shroomtips is a life safer

[@stevensquires714]

He is on Instagram

[@jeff-xd7nu]

I've been having constant, unbearable anxiety but shrooms dissolved it

[@Brava56666]

@@stevensquires714 What’s the highest shroom dose you’ve ever taken? I’ve taken 1.5, 3.5 and 5 grams of GT. All I ever got was some visual and on 5 grams trip I ruminated about minor things haha.

[@Chuloon]

I love this guy, please do more videos with him! 10 years ago I decided I wanted to try foraging for wild mushrooms & everyone I knew thought I was crazy. Cool to see this hobby is gaining popularity, people have been doing this for forever & it is amazing how diverse the natural world is.

[@christyl7698]

In the Pacific Northwest (USA) it's a pretty common hobby among locals. Any more popular here it'll be mainstream lol

[@Diivoniis]

As someone who has recently gotten into the study of Mycology, seeing people who look like me is a huge inspiration and motivation to keep learning! Shoutout William for sharing his knowledge and personality.

[@SirSly420]

He's the huey freeman of mycology . Legend.

[@lordeverybody872]

You can get that stuff anywhere. But the stuff William is peddling is beyond your limited scope

[@TheGraceConnection]

I love his passion!

[@thaatsriight]

He’s like a modern day “Johnny Apple Seed”… “William Mushroom Spore” 🤓

[@thaatsriight]

Wait wait… “William Mycelium” 😎

[@quackmcduck6646]

Mushrooms I love it Edit: I'm not sure if I missed it or not but I find it awe inspiring what this man has achieved through a dedication and infatuation to his field. All that in spite of a formal education.

[@lorrainegatanianhits8331]

Most intellectuals without formal education are far more intelligent than their peers, because their mind hasn't been narrowed-down by today's education system. Education as we have it today produces the antithesis of intelligence, as it doesn't focus on teaching students HOW to think, it teaches them WHAT to think.

[@Prevbdbdudufhdh]

Shrooms microdosing helped me overcome my life long addiction to cigarettes and alcohol, I just relocated and they're so hard to come by here, I really need to buy some

[@bryanjacob8399]

My last trip 5 months ago changed my life.

[@mohammedmohan758]

@Allan Gary Yes

[@Prevbdbdudufhdh]

Thanks a lot I will get some now

[@Prevbdbdudufhdh]

@@mohammedmohan758 Thanks for the referral

[@mohammedmohan758]

@@Prevbdbdudufhdh Your very welcome 🤗

[@SandyRiverBlue]

A literal, honest to god naturalist. I haven't seen the like since 1896. If you had asked me when I was 12 years old, what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you that I wanted to be a naturalist (I read about it in a Sherlock Holmes novel). My parents were not enthused, so instead, I went on to get a science degree. I'm glad that someone could take what I did as a hobby (spore prints and photographs) and actually make a living with it. Kudos William!

[@Lunaskylette]

❤️❤️❤️ I love mushrooms . Been into plants and mushrooms forever and always wanted to go mushroom hunting. Was discouraged severely by everyone but seeing this makes me happy ❤️

[@annamason3087]

I've heard a lot about magic mushrooms, LSD but can't find a place to get them, I've got terrible depression and anxiety

[@odentenzin3129]

I'm so interested in the experience but am terrified of having a bad trip

[@fluffypineapples8852]

I did two grams last time, it was a thrilling experience and I enjoyed it

[@johnkeleher5563]

(dream.spores); jason Got psych's**

[@odentenzin3129]

This whole thing is pretty new to me, can I try 3grams?

[@fluffypineapples8852]

@@johnkeleher5563 where to search? Is it IG ??

[@TREEfool]

"...so that I could have more nerds to hang out with." Haha, I love this guy.

[@a.l.a.7847]

What a testament to a self-taught expert and genius!

[@LouieC]

I love this dude. Ppl need more friends like this dude.

[@waleedkhalid7486]

This was cool. He was not a classically trained scientist, but he clearly knew what he was doing. It just goes to show that science isn’t something for the high and mighty (he doesn’t seem to have gone to college?)- the average person, with enough time and will, can learn it and be involved in the discussion. I am saving this video for when I teach my high school students about fungi so they can see what’s possible.

[@philipm3173]

Get a small hay bale and let them collect some samples, taking a spore print is easy enough a kindergartner can do it. Just leave it on foil overnight. A real experiment is one where you don't know the outcome, the way we're taught labs is through rehearsal, not experimentation. Let there be wonder and discovery!

[@_evors]

Agreed, anyone can learn science. It can be self taught (James lovelock is an example of a great self taught scientist)

[@theMatIsLavaVlog]

Imagine how many years he would have wasted in classrooms if he had taken the traditional route. He would have exited his educational path with much less energy, passion, and charisma than he currently has, I can tell you that.

[@Fulorange]

The guy who is seen as the foremost expert in mushrooms is Paul Stamets, he is also not classically educated in mushrooms yet now has PhD's in mycology recognizing his expertise. These guys should hook up!

[@Fulorange]

You should check out his videos and show them to your class, the possibilities for mushrooms are vast!

[@sudstahgaming]

This guy ain't a normal guy interested in mushrooms, he has elite knowledge and researching skills

[@philipm3173]

Get that elite out of here, no room tor elite in citizen science. He's out here making this stuff accessible to all, and showing that with motivation we can learn anything. Passion will lead you to skills. No degree will teach you passion or genuine interest.

[@robogecko4067]

@@philipm3173 absolutely, we can all get there,,, it just takes passion and time

[@Usr01928519842]

Love his energy and enthusiasm!

[@jennysam3929]

I love that he is so loving what he does! That's the way to share your love with the world.

[@schizodillo1952]

He's not a savant. He worked for that knowledge. Working for what you have and achieving that, to me at least, is just as impressive as being born with a gift. That's something you guys should really highlight better I think.

[@schizodillo1952]

Get lost scammers.

[@jsblastoff]

Everyone has something to offer, with some it is more apparent than others. Super Human!

[@jcriley7695]

5:09 LOL GLORIOUS "More nerds to hang out with", dudes awesoem!

[@KKISCRAZYFUL]

All mushrooms are magic ♥️

[@williamm8069]

William is uniquely potentialized and I couldn't help but think the mushrooms are working magic on this young man - the mushrooms have chosen this young man to be their curator and guru.

[@charlesbikas3405]

Met him in 2021 at the Georgia Mushroom Festival. Super nice guy with a truly stunning amount of knowledge about mushrooms. Great teacher.

[@jameskim3915]

He's on Instagrams also on Telegram with..

[@jameskim3915]

*Mycopete.*

[@jbp4182]

“I’m a 94 model human.” Yep, he has experience with the magic ones.

[@nelsonfrank4844]

Try my dealer

[@nelsonfrank4844]

MyCohenRy 33

[@nelsonfrank4844]

On Instagram

[@nelsonfrank4844]

He got stuffs

[@primalentity9824]

Couldn't hear anything he said after it cut to him sitting in front of that sick laminar flow cabinet(wall?)box. That thing stole all my attention. It would fit perfectly where my tv sits right now, collecting dust, about to be sold. After that I'd only need to sell maybe a few dozen more tv's to buy me that flow hood/cabinet/wall/whatever thing.

[@stefflus08]

Imagine if fungi were as rough with us as they are with insects.

[@jasonasselin]

Cool! I met William and his "crew" over the summer here in upper Michigan. I took them to a field of mushrooms.. lol

[@Suger18]

Thats actually really cool, keep it up !

[@Jerryberger9235]

Psychedelic’s definitely have potential to deal with mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, I would like to try them again but it’s just so hard to source here

[@georgewilliams1062]

Psychedelics are the reason why i didn’t take my life when i was at my end. I was stripped of my ego and saw the beauty of life and interconnectivity and even though i still battle anxiety and depression, I’m doing better everyday and will never think in such a self destructive way again.

[@zoeywinston6826]

LSD and mushrooms completely changed my whole outlook on life. I became a better version of myself This experience gave me a lot of confidence about my self and my body. A bunch of bad thought / behavior patterns were broken. One of these was pretty bad OCD that made me wash my hands a lot. It gave me a lot of hope that things will be fine, this is the one thing that I heard throughout the trip: Everything is alright. The main reason for the trip was my severe depression and it definitely helped me (although it's not gone). Before all I could do was lay in bed. Now I am trying to rebuild my life one step at a time which wasn't possible before."

[@sarahh321]

[_James_tray] Got psychs

[@Jerryberger9235]

@@sarahh321 Where to search?? Is it IG?

[@sarahh321]

@@Jerryberger9235 Yes

[@raisnaix]

I subscribed to your channel today specifically because you're promoting positive mycological content. More like this, please. :)

[@cherrysmith7585]

IG 👇

[@cherrysmith7585]

Michellewilly23

[@ThePermacultureStudent]

William has his own channel too: kzbin.info

[@xpndblhero5170]

Finally, after all these Vice episodes I've finally found a mushroom guy in PA.... Thank you Vice. 🍄❤️😁

[@chrismac1456]

So impressive to see the citizen science approach and the self-taught molecular biology, without the direct support of an academic institution

[@robbob1866]

If countries educational systems were more flexible and accommodating how many more people like him would find their "mushrooms" and then how much better would our world be?

[@quietcell]

Absolutely

[@904TallerTim]

William needs to start a KZbin channel and teach people like him on there. The school system should cater to what people want to learn and develop so I love seeing stories like this where someone bucks the system and becomes a genius through passion

[@moes_film]

3:50 milliipede: Ight imma head out...

[@Tamara-sr6rw]

I've heard that mushrooms can heal the garden soil. Anyone know anything about that?

[@afrilifewealth8743]

Gosh his last statement needs to be inscripted. Wow what a world his intelligent mind has uncovered. So inspirational👏🏿

[@peter7129]

Yes!! Nature's technology is incredible!!!

[@jerbear97]

we need a Mushroom Support

[@wuhaninstituteofvirology]

“people think mushrooms are toxic”...yea, cuz some of them are

[@dorcasmalahlela2805]

He's like a real-life turned up to 11 Star Trek: Discovery mycelium scientist

[@dreb.7416]

Dope content! 💯

[@viniopini]

Wow that was amazing! What a great guy :)

[@tms045]

"This place is poppin" 🌟 so much passion

[@xandru8]

he goes to Romania and his mind would blow up like a mushroom cloud hahaha

[@gabrielaart1]

What a fun guy talking about fungi!

[@NowayJose14]

Model 94 human? I like that, I'm stealing that dude 😂

[@magstheonlyone]

This fella looks like a fun guy

[@STODDART705]

Best obsession video. I am inspired

[@craftedbyorre]

He’s such an easygoing fungi

[@SoloMotivation]

*Today's message is about a song by Alan Jackson titled - Angels and Alcohol.* Funny title, right.* Personally, I think Alan must have been high on whiskey when he wrote that song. Lmao. So the first verse of the song goes like this... "You can't mix angels and alcohol I don't think God meant for them to get along When it takes control, you can't love no one at all You can't mix angels and alcohol" Each time I hear that song, I just keep thinking about the line: *"I don't think God meant for them to get along"* Just like Angels and Alcohol (according to Alan)...there are things that just won't go along in this life no matter what. An example that comes to mind is "making money" and "making excuses" I always say you can't make money and make excuses. You have to pick one and be okay with it. So, which one are you choosing today? Angels or Alcohol? Making money or making excuses? Just one. And be okay with whatever comes out of that choice. *Have a great day!* 💕 💕

[@finchisneat]

Only thing I didn't like is how quickly it was over! When is part 2???

[@AmberAmber]

THIS. WAS. AWESOME!!!

[@andressora]

Amazing guy! Inspiring and stirring!!

[@holiness9340]

He's on Instagrams as

[@holiness9340]

@Mycojared7_

[@The12hugo]

When he hit us with the "bing!" I immediately liked him

[@norrinradd9155]

Mushrooms! Great video

[@youretheai7586]

I LOVE watching things grow on agar! It's interesting that he didn't use a glove box or vent hood.

[@daphnesawyer8555]

He is so inspiring

[@johnta17]

Hope for humanity starts with people like this guy.

[@jameskim3915]

He's on Instagrams also on Telegram with the below handle as...

[@jameskim3915]

Mycopete..

[@reidsummers8183]

Thanks for teaching me how to grow muchrooms william

[@insertgenericnamehere7774]

I've had mushroom in a tea aswell.. For some reason i started to feel really happy and giggly, and then the wall started to grow patterns that kind of moved.. Hehe

[@johnnzboy]

"All mushrooms are magic" - priceless :)

[@this-abledtheextravertedhe5299]

I fell in love with mushrooms in central PA, Williamsport area. I live in Ky now. ✌🏼

[@saturos1392]

He seems like a fun-guy :)

[@shio654]

最近キノコの図鑑を見るのにハマってるの！めちゃくちゃいいタイミング！😂

[@mush_alphaoninstagramsells8441]

😂

[@mush_alphaoninstagramsells8441]

😂

[@dietzyfly]

Wow. This guy is absolutely genius and inspiring. I love how he just started teaching himself DNA sequencing....

[@BouncingTribbles]

I've always wondered why mushroom gatherers always use net bags, cool video

[@ezakustam]

It takes a higher degree of expertise to safely forage for mushrooms than other types of food. It's extremely irresponsible to imply otherwise, WIRED. He seems to be well qualified. Most of us aren't.

[@bonster101]

This dude is great. Love hearing people talk about their passion.

[@spitalhelles3380]

It's funny how he understands the whole universe in terms of mushroom xD

[@BrainboxOfficial_1]

Hit up ☝️the handle. He ships safely 🍄💊🔌....

[@333Hedgehogs]

Wish I had a friend like this guy!

[@nicholasadams2374]

If more people were like William, it would be a mush better world!!

[@kikopsan]

This dude is just insanely smart