Dr. Sanders and Tyler Hacking | Mushrooms, Soil, and Science

Dr. John interviews Tyler Hackey, a passionate scientist specializing in mycology, botany, and environmental chemistry. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Utah, where he developed a deep connection with nature, to his academic pursuits in botany and biogeochemistry. He discusses his transition from working on farms and in various industries to pursuing higher education, where he focused on the ecological interactions between morel mushrooms and their environments, leading to his current research endeavors in fungi and soil chemistry.
Tyler elaborates on his research, particularly the complexities of finding and identifying morel mushrooms, which involves understanding various environmental parameters like soil composition, moisture levels, and specific tree associations. He highlights the importance of integrating different scientific disciplines, such as atmospheric and water chemistry, to fully comprehend the intricate relationships within ecosystems. His work also touches on the challenges of genetic identification in mycology, where traditional methods often fall short, necessitating molecular genetic analysis for accurate species identification.
The discussion also delves into the broader implications of Tyler's research, including the health benefits and potential toxicity of fungi, the role of soil health in overall ecosystem vitality, and the profound connections between humans and nature. Tyler advocates for the importance of community and education in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The episode concludes with a focus on upcoming events like the Utah Funga Festival and the Mushroom Society of Utah’s annual foray, where Tyler will continue to share his knowledge and passion for mycology with the community.