What if functional mushrooms supported more than just physical wellbeing—what if they were co-travelers in our lifelong pursuit of vitality, resilience, and inner transformation?

Join medical herbalist and educator Lee Carroll for a masterclass that dives deep into the evolving world of functional fungi. With over three decades of experience bridging traditional wisdom and biomedical science, Lee brings a grounded, integrative perspective to the role functional fungi play in supporting lifelong vitality, adaptability, and inner transformation.

In this wide-ranging and conversational session, we’ll begin by discussing our long-standing evolutionary relationship with fungi. And how these remarkable organisms have been part of our diet, medicine, and spiritual practices for tens of thousands of years. This ancestral context reminds us that functional mushrooms aren’t new—they’re simply being rediscovered in a modern light. 

From there, we’ll briefly explore fungal chemistry and discuss why quality truly matters. It’s the complex web of compounds working together in synergy that creates the “magic” we see in terms of health benefits. Honoring the spirit of the fungus—and the traditions that have used them for centuries—means preserving that chemistry. Every part of the fungus holds distinct bioactive potential: fruiting body, mycelium, spores, and even primordia all contain different compounds. How mushrooms are grown and processed directly influences this chemical profile. 

The heart of the talk dives into healthspan—the quality of life as we age. You’ll be introduced to powerful concepts around how functional mushrooms support long-term wellbeing, not just through immune modulation or antioxidant activity, but through deeper mechanisms of cellular protection, neuroplasticity, and system-wide resilience.

One compound in particular, stands out in this story: ergothioneine. Known as the “longevity Vitamin” and found almost exclusively in mushrooms, ergothioneine is emerging as a key player in cardiovascular and brain health, metabolic stability, and adaptive recovery.

This masterclass is for anyone curious about the deeper intelligence of fungi and how they can be allies in our personal and collective evolution. Whether you’re a lifelong mycophile or just starting to explore the world of functional fungi, this talk will expand your understanding—and your appreciation—for the fungal allies all around us.