Our Story
- Noah Pratt
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Hello! I’m Noah Pratt, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for mushrooms with you. My journey into the fascinating world of fungi began four years ago during my college years when I first discovered some of the many incredible benefits mushrooms have to offer.
As I moved through my studies, my curiosity about mushrooms deepened. I started to explore their diversity and vital ecological roles. In 2022, I got married to my amazing wife Rachelle, and we moved to Washington State to travel, pursue mushrooms, and experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. There, my wife and I got to fully immerse ourselves in the perfectly fungus-friendly ecosystem and conduct further research into mycology. In 2025, we returned to Colorado with our first son. Over the years, we have discovered so much together regarding fungi, and we have only scratched the surface. This blog is my way of sharing this passion, hoping to inspire others to explore the captivating world of mushrooms alongside me!
NOTE* I am a mycophile, not a mycologist. This means that I am not a fungi or mushroom expert, and I would encourage all readers to do their independent research into the topics discussed on this site.
My Family
I'm lucky to have a supportive family that shares my love for mushrooms. My wife, Rachelle, has been with me every step of the way—whether it’s helping me spot oyster mushrooms in the woods or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Our son, Fredric, born in 2024, may not be foraging just yet, but he’s already joining us on outdoor adventures, bundled up in the carrier and taking in the sights. As a family, we enjoy finding creative ways to add mushrooms to meals we already love—elevating both the flavor and the nutrients in our everyday cooking. These shared moments make the journey even more meaningful.
Eye-Opening Discoveries
Reflecting on my earlier views of mushrooms, I realize how little I knew. I always saw them simply as food items or something to avoid in the wild. But in reality, mushrooms are so much more than that!
Not only are they full of important nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but according to The National Library of Medicine, some mushrooms like the Reishi (photographed above) even possess remarkable compounds like beta-glucan and triterpenes, which are anticarcinogenic and provide incredible healing and medicinal qualities (Chan). Mushrooms are also well known for their psychoactive properties. For centuries, varieties like Psilocybe mushrooms have been linked to spiritual practices and modern wellness trends. According to the National Institute of Health, "Some types of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and MDMA (ecstasy), have shown promise as therapies for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They appear to work by encouraging the growth of new connections between neurons in the brain. This ability of the brain to make new connections is called plasticity” (Reynolds).
There is still so much science to uncover regarding Fungi, and I am so excited to safely explore more of the benefits mushrooms can offer with you!
Discovering More
If you feel the spark of curiosity about mushrooms, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore! There’s a whole world waiting for you. Start by identifying common mushrooms in your area and consider joining workshops or forays to meet other enthusiasts.
Safety is key in mushroom foraging. Ensure you can properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some can be toxic. Respect nature and be mindful of the ecosystems you explore. Remember, mushrooms are vital players in our environment!
Welcome
I invite you to connect, share your mushroom stories, and join me in exploring this amazing world. Let’s learn together and celebrate the delightful and beneficial organisms that are mushrooms!
Works Cited
Chan, Godfrey Chi-Fung et al. “The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells.” Journal of hematology & oncology vol. 2 25. 10 Jun. 2009, doi:10.1186/1756-8722-2-25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2704234/
Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity through the activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors. Vargas MV, Dunlap LE, Dong C, Carter SJ, Tombari RJ, Jami SA, Cameron LP, Patel SD, Hennessey JJ, Saeger HN, McCorvy JD, Gray JA, Tian L, Olson DE. Science. 2023 Feb 17;379(6633):700-706. doi: 10.1126/science.adf0435. Epub 2023 Feb 16. PMID: 36795823. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36795823/
Reynolds, S. (2023, March 14). How psychedelic drugs may help with depression. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-psychedelic-drugs-may-help-depression
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