Harnessing Fungi and Rethinking Waste with Joanne Rodriguez from Mycocycle

02/18/25 • 58 min

In this episode, Mycocycle’s founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez shares an inspiring journey from the construction industry to building a company that partners with fungi to transform waste into high-performance materials. What started with an experiment on asphalt shingles has grown into a mission to replace plastics with nature-inspired innovations.

Tune in to discover how biomimicry, fungi, and a regenerative mindset are reshaping industries—and what it takes to scale a nature-based solution.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

Tune in to discover how biomimicry, fungi, and a regenerative mindset are reshaping industries—and what it takes to scale a nature-based solution.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

Previous Episode

Scaling Mycelium Innovation with Eben Bayer of Ecovative

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of mycelium innovation with Eben Bayer, Co-founder & CEO of Ecovative and MyForest Foods. Curious how fungi can revolutionize industries with sustainable materials and even food production? Tune in to discover more!

As a sneak peek, we discuss Ecovative’s journey from an ambitious idea in 2006 to becoming one of the largest fungi scale-ups today, holding the most patents in the field. Eben shares insights on creating mycelium-based products, advice for aspiring fungal founders, and the exciting potential for mycelium in future industries—plus a thought-provoking exploration of fungal consciousness.

Could fungi-based technologies redefine sustainability and transform our everyday lives?

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

Next Episode

Fungi, Function & the Future: 35 Years at the Frontier with Han Wösten

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Han Wösten, a pioneer in fungal biology with over three decades of experience. Based at Utrecht University, Han leads cutting-edge research into fungal growth and development, including projects exploring mycelium-based leather and sustainable materials.

We explore his journey into applied science — from mycoremediation and biodegradable coatings to functional foods and novel biomaterials. Han reflects on the bridge between science and entrepreneurship, the value of artist–scientist collaboration, and what it takes to bring fungi-based innovations to life.

If you're curious about the future of sustainable materials — and how fungi might help clean our water, feed the planet, and shape new industries — this one's for you.

This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:
https://www.modernbiology.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/