Dr. K Mandrake
- Dr. K Mandrake is a scientist and mushroom advocate, and along with his co-author Virginia Haze wrote The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible (2016) and The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook (2020), published by Green Candy Press. With a Ph.D. in microbiology, Dr. K’s specific interests include fungal biology, naturally occurring psychedelics, environmental justice, and food sovereignty. As one of Doubleblind’s resident expert mycologists, Dr. K uses a science-led approach to teach others how to safely grow and consume their own mushrooms, in addition to advising on a variety of projects, from the chemical quantification of fungal alkaloids to the use of locally occurring fungi in permaculture. In between keeping on top of the latest research in fungal biology and helping out aspiring growers on the DoubleBlind Discord server, Dr. K is equally likely to be found either out in the wild foraging for interesting cooking ingredients, or in the kitchen whipping up a delicious meal or a batch of homebrew beer. Both Dr. K and Virginia are active on Instagram @themushroombible where you can learn more about the work they do in the field of psychedelic mushroom cultivation and consumption. He has been featured as an expert by Merry Jane, Uproxx, Yahoo, and others. You can hear him interviewed on The Mushroom Hour, Bootleg Avocado and Heritage Radio Network.
Latest Articles
Psychedelic Research
It Turns Out Mushrooms Have a Language—And We’re Just Figuring Out How to Decipher It
Mushrooms generate electrical signals that bear a striking resemblance to human nerve impulses
Shrooms
Psilocybe caerulipes is a Forager’s Delight—But Good Luck Finding It
The blue foot Psilocybe lurks on logs and stumps in the Northeastern United States—but spotting one is no easy task. (And be careful if you try.)
FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS
Trametes versicolor: A Guide to Turkey Tail Mushroom
This medicinal mushroom may not be psychedelic, but it performs some potent magic tricks of its own.
FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS
Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa): Finding & Growing Maitake
The “dancing mushroom” isn’t psychedelic—but it’s still pretty trippy.
Health & Wellness
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
You can still grow lion's mane even if you usually kill all of your plants—we promise.
Shrooms
Panaeolus cinctulus: Identification, Effects & More
Everyone thought this shroom was poisonous—and then they realized it was magic.
Health & Wellness
Reishi Mushroom: Benefits List, Cultivation, and More
Human beings have a millennia-long relationship with the "mushroom of immortality."
Shrooms
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata: The Ohio Valley Shroom Taking Over the World
Well, two continents at least—but is it a good thing?
Why You Should Grow Your Own Mushrooms
DIY mushroom cultivation will save you money, offer peace of mind, and strengthen your connection to nature.
Shrooms
Psilocybe allenii: The Bay Area Shroom No One Can Recognize
Meet Psilocybe allenii, the mushroom that evaded even skilled mycologists for decades.
COLUMNS
Why You Should Grow Your Own Mushrooms
DIY mushroom cultivation will save you money, offer peace of mind, and strengthen your connection to nature.
FEATURES
Golden Teachers — Do They Actually Exist? Here’s What You Should Know About This Famous Mushroom
Golden teachers are a popular type of magic mushroom, but here's what you should know if you're choosing which spores to grow.
FEATURES
Psilocybe Mexicana: History, Potency, Cultivation and More
Curandera Maria Sabina first introduced mycologists R. Gordon & Valentina Wasson to Psilocybe Mexicana in the 1950s, he shared his story with the world, and the rest is history.
FEATURES
Penis Envy Mushrooms: Murder & Conspiracy Behind the World’s Trippiest Shroom
Penis Envy mushrooms were encountered by ethnobotanist Terence McKenna in the Amazon...the story unfolds from there.
Health & Wellness
Want to Measure the Magic in Your Mushrooms? You Can Now Test Psilocybin Potency at Home
The miraculix test kit shows the percentage of psilocybin in your mushrooms.
FEATURES
Psilocybin Isn’t the Only Compound in Magic Mushrooms—Here’s What Else There Is
A survey of the alkaloids in psychedelic mushrooms