In this episode of SUBSTANCE, host Joe Hanson explores the surprising power of fungi with artist-turned-entrepreneur Phil Ross and BASF scientist Dr. Birgit Hoff. Far from being just mold or mushrooms, fungi are nature’s recyclers and bio factories, capable of producing antibiotics, vitamins, and even sustainable materials for fashion, packaging, and construction.

Phil Ross shares how his fascination with fungi led him from growing edible mushrooms to creating sculptures and finally growing leather-like materials from mycelium with his partner Sophia Wang at MycoWorks.
Birgit Hoff explains how BASF uses fungal fermentation to replace fossil-based chemical processes, producing essential compounds like vitamin B2. Compared to the chemical process, the biotechnology process requires one-quarter less energy, produces one-third less greenhouse gas, and is resource-efficient thanks to the renewable feedstock.

If you’re curious about fungi’s unique capabilities, biotechnology or the intersection of art and science, in this episode you will learn more about the talents from the underground.
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More information: www.basf.com/substance-podcast
Talents from the underground
More info about Phil Ross and MycoWorks: www.mycoworks.com
More info about Open Fung: https://openfung.org/

SUBSTANCE is a podcast by BASF, produced by TERRITORY Agency, in collaboration with Wake Word and Joe Hanson. Research and scripting by Danielle Sedbrook, Claudia Doyle, Hardy Röde and Joe Hanson.