Sunday, November 9, 2025
Fungi Perfecti & Olympia Film Society present:
Mushrooms for Planetary Consciousness: An Evening with Paul Stamets & Dr. Michael Beug
$23.25 GA & $18.25 OFS
All listed prices include service fees
6pm doors & 7pm show
Join renowned mycologists Paul Stamets and Dr. Michael Beug for a rare live, in-person event exploring the profound intersections between mushrooms and human consciousness.
Together, they will examine how these “organisms from the underground” contribute to human, planetary, and community wellness. The discussion will trace the psilocybin mushroom movement from its historical roots to today’s scientific frontier, including:
Landmark Data and their implications
Emerging research on psilocybin analogs
The science and practice of microdosing
The potential for a paradigm shift in the ecology of consciousness
Following the talk, a short Q&A session will invite audience engagement. The evening will conclude with book signings in the lobby: Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats by Paul Stamets and Mushrooms of Cascadia by Dr. Michael Beug.
About Paul Stamets. D.Sc. (Honaris causa):
Paul Stamets, D.Sc. (Honaris causa), speaker, author, mycologist, medical researcher, and entrepreneur, is considered an intellectual and industry leader in fungi: habitat, medicinal use, and production. He lectures extensively to deepen the understanding and respect for the organisms that literally exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. His presentations cover a range of mushroom species and research showing how mushrooms can help the health of people and planet. His central premise is that habitats have immune systems, just like people, and mushrooms are cellular bridges between the two. Our close evolutionary relationship to fungi can be the basis for novel pairings in the microbiome that lead to greater sustainability and immune enhancement.
About Dr. Michael Beug:
Michael Beug completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Washington in 1971. He spent 32 years at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington where he taught chemistry, environmental studies, mycology, and organic farming. Michael started mushrooming in 1968. His photographs now have appeared in well over 80 books and articles on mushrooms. In 1974 he joined both the Pacific Northwest Key Council and the North American Mycological Association (NAMA where, he served on the Education Committee, was chair of the Toxicology Committee, chair of the Editorial Committee, and past editor of the Journal McIlvainea and is now active on the medicinal mushroom committee). He won the 2006 NAMA Award for Contributions to Amateur Mycology. With coauthors Alan and Arleen Bessette, he wrote Ascomycete Fungi of North America: A Mushroom Reference Guide, University of Texas Press, 2014. Michael’ website, www.mushroomsofcascadia.com, has information about his book, Mushrooms of Cascadia: An Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest, Second Edition, Ten Speed Press, speaking schedule, updates to our knowledge of western fungi, and links to podcasts and videos.
Accessible Seating:
When purchasing tickets in advance, mark “Wheelchair / Accessible.” Accessible seating sections are located on the main floor in various areas for sight, hearing, size, and mobility needs. If you are comfortable sharing your needs, email
Ym94b2ZmaWNlIHwgb2x5bXBpYWZpbG1zb2NpZXR5ICEgb3Jn before purchasing so we can better assist you and ensure your time at the theater is enjoyable.
Tickets are now available online and at the box office beginning an hour before showtime.
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