In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network podcast, Earl and Mariam dive deep into the powerful role that food plays in combating loneliness and fostering connection. They explore how sharing meals can heal emotional isolation, offering practical tips for turning meals into meaningful experiences. From community cookbooks to potlucks with personal stories, they discuss how small acts of sharing food can have a huge impact on our emotional and social well-being. They also link this idea to the mycelium network in nature, drawing a poetic connection between human interactions and the invisible threads that bind communities together. Join us for a conversation full of warmth, inspiration, and tangible ideas to bring people together through food. Plus, Mariam shares a special 7-day challenge to help you build stronger connections, one meal at a time.
Your gut is doing far more than digesting food — it’s constantly communicating with your brain, influencing mood, focus, stress levels, and emotional resilience. In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network Podcast, host Earl sits down with wellness researcher and creative healing advocate Mariam to unpack the science behind the gut-brain connection and the powerful role functional mushrooms play in mental wellness.
The conversation breaks down how nearly 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, how the vagus nerve acts as a communication highway between gut and brain, and why an imbalanced microbiome can contribute to anxiety, low mood, and mental fog. Mariam explains how mushroom beta-glucans act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that reduce inflammation and support healthy neurotransmitter signaling.
Listeners will learn how functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps support focus, calm, immunity, and sustained energy — not through quick fixes, but by gently strengthening the gut-brain axis over time. The episode also explores emerging research linking mushroom compounds to BDNF production, synaptic health, and improved emotional resilience.
Beyond science, this episode offers creative, practical ways to apply these insights through craft-based wellness practices. From gut-health meal journals and fermentation projects to mushroom-focused cooking nights and prebiotic recipe cards, Earl and Mariam show how creativity can reinforce mindful nourishment and long-term consistency.
This episode is perfect for anyone curious about natural mental wellness, functional nutrition, and holistic approaches that support both the mind and body. It’s a reminder that when you care for your gut with intention and creativity, your brain follows.
As the days grow shorter and sunlight fades, millions of people experience a drop in energy, motivation, and mood — a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network Podcast, host Earl is joined by wellness researcher and creative healing advocate Mariam to unpack why seasonal depression happens and how to navigate it naturally.
Together, they explore how reduced sunlight impacts serotonin and melatonin levels, throwing off sleep cycles and emotional balance. But more importantly, they share practical, accessible tools to help you feel better — without relying solely on medication.
This episode covers natural light strategies, gentle movement, and the importance of maintaining daily rhythm during the fall and winter months. You’ll learn how nutrition plays a key role in emotional health, including how functional mushrooms like Cordyceps can support natural energy and reduce winter fatigue. The conversation also dives deep into craft therapy — using creativity as a powerful tool to shift mindset, reduce rumination, and actively create emotional light during darker seasons.
From building cozy wellness spaces and handmade journals to designing routines that blend mindfulness and play, this episode is a reminder that winter doesn’t have to feel heavy. You can design your season with intention, creativity, and care.
Whether you’re struggling with SAD or simply want to feel more balanced as the seasons change, this episode offers grounded insights and practical inspiration to help you stay connected, creative, and well.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and support our mental and emotional well-being. In this episode of Craft Therapy Network, Earl and Mariam explore how functional mushrooms can support mental health, focus, stress relief, and immunity during the fall season.
We break down the benefits of:
Lion’s Mane for focus, mental clarity, and cognitive support
Reishi for stress relief, calm, and better sleep
Chaga for immune strength and antioxidant protection
Cordyceps for natural energy, stamina, and vitality
You’ll learn why autumn is the perfect time to work with adaptogenic mushrooms, how they help the nervous system adapt to seasonal changes, and how to use them safely and intentionally as part of a wellness routine.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is designed to help you build a grounded, balanced approach to seasonal wellness using nature’s tools.
Learn more at GrooveGuide.io and take your fall wellness journey deeper.
In this episode, Earl and Mariam dive deep into The Neuroscience of Gratitude—breaking down what actually happens in your brain when you pause and say “thank you.” From activating the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens to boosting dopamine and serotonin, gratitude turns into a natural mood-reset button that lowers stress and strengthens your emotional resilience.
Together, Earl and Mariam explore how Hebb’s Law (“neurons that fire together, wire together”) explains why gratitude literally rewires your brain for positivity. They also share fun and creative ways to practice gratitude—like memory jars, journal art, vision boards, and gratitude letters—that help you turn science into everyday rituals.
Whether you’re crafting, journaling, or looking to shift your mindset, this episode shows how just 15 minutes of gratitude can help transform your mood, strengthen relationships, and build long-lasting emotional balance.
Educational purposes only—always consult a healthcare professional for emotional or physical concerns.
Did you know about 90% of your serotonin—the “feel-good” brain chemical—is made in your gut, not your brain? 🤯
In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network Podcast, Earl and Mariam explore the fascinating gut-brain connection—and how functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail can help boost your mood, focus, and overall wellness.
💡 You’ll discover:
How the gut and brain constantly communicate through the gut-brain axis
Why gut health directly affects your mood, stress, and mental clarity
How Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail support both gut and brain health
Easy, beginner-friendly ways to add functional mushrooms to your daily routine
⚠️ This conversation is for educational purposes only. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health conditions, consult your doctor before adding new supplements.
🔗 Explore More
Visit GrooveGuide.io for more resources & rewards
Subscribe to the Craft Therapy Network on YouTube for more episodes on wellness, mushrooms, and nature-based living
🌱 Nourish your gut—and your mind will shine!
Discover how mushrooms are quietly shaping the future of sustainability worldwide. 🌍
In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network Podcast, Earl chats with Mariam about the surprising ways fungi are becoming climate heroes—from storing carbon and regenerating soils to replacing plastics, building eco-friendly homes, and revolutionizing fashion and food.
💡 You’ll learn how:
Fungi lock away carbon and protect ecosystems
Mycelium is being used to make compostable packaging, bricks, and leather
Mushrooms can feed the world with low-impact, high-protein foods
Investing in fungi innovation can help solve global challenges
This content is for educational purposes only. If you are pregnant or managing a health condition, consult a doctor before making dietary or lifestyle changes.
🔗 Explore More
Visit GrooveGuide.io for resources & rewards
Subscribe to the Craft Therapy Network on YouTube for more episodes about wellness, mushrooms, and nature-powered solutions
🌱 Let’s reimagine the future—one mushroom at a time.
In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network Podcast, Earl and Mariam explore a fascinating and growing trend—using medicinal mushrooms as a natural, sustainable alternative to caffeine. While caffeine may give you a quick energy boost, it often comes with a crash. But mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga offer a steady, grounded energy that nourishes your body and supports overall wellness. Tune in as they dive into the benefits of these functional mushrooms, debunk common myths, and provide actionable tips for incorporating them into your daily routine. Discover how mushrooms can boost your energy, mental clarity, and stress resilience without the jitters or crashes.
In this episode of the Craft Therapy Network podcast, Earl and Mariam discuss the growing trend of sustainable eating and how mushrooms are leading the way as an eco-friendly protein source. While traditional animal-based proteins contribute significantly to environmental issues, mushrooms offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative. Not only are mushrooms packed with nutrients, but they also require fewer resources to grow, making them a viable solution for a planet-conscious diet. Tune in to learn how functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail are transforming the way we approach both food and wellness. Get inspired by how easy it is to integrate mushrooms into your diet, and start making sustainable food choices today!
"Nature’s Elixirs: Unveiling the Most Potent Psychedelic Mushrooms and Their Human Stories" explores the powerful effects of potent psychedelic mushrooms and the transformative experiences they offer. Through personal stories and scientific insights, this episode reveals how these mushrooms can profoundly impact the mind, body, and spirit, shedding light on their potential for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
🌿✨ Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only ✨🍄Explore the wonders of natural wellness and fungi with us. Our content is for educational purposes, promoting informed learning and safety. Always consult professionals for personalized advice.
In this episode, we explore the healing benefits of mushrooms for cancer care. Discover how incorporating mushrooms into your diet can support your health journey beyond just the plate.
🌿✨ Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only ✨
🍄Explore the wonders of natural wellness and fungi with us. Our content is for educational purposes, promoting informed learning and safety. Always consult professionals for personalized advice.
In this episode, we explore how subscription boxes can help you build daily calm and mindfulness in your life. Tune in to learn more!
🌿✨ Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only ✨
🍄Explore the wonders of natural wellness and fungi with us. Our content is for educational purposes, promoting informed learning and safety. Always consult professionals for personalized advice.
Learn why mushroom protein might be the future of protein! Discover the benefits of incorporating mushroom protein into your diet for a healthier lifestyle.
🌿✨ Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only ✨
🍄Explore the wonders of natural wellness and fungi with us. Our content is for educational purposes, promoting informed learning and safety. Always consult professionals for personalized advice.
In this episode, learn how to choose the right mushroom for your wellness goals. Discover the benefits of different mushrooms and how they can support your health and well-being.
Your first mushroom trip can be an eye-opening experience, but many people make crucial mistakes before, during, or after their journey. From unrealistic expectations to mismanagement of set and setting, these mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal experiences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common pitfalls people face on their first psychedelic mushroom trip and offer tips to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and insightful. Whether you're exploring psilocybin mushrooms for personal growth, creativity, or therapeutic reasons, understanding the essential dos and don'ts can make all the difference.
In this episode, we explore how psychedelics can help with processing grief and experiencing a journey from pain to peace. Tune in to learn more!
Is microdosing mushrooms the key to boosting creativity, focus, and mood?
In this episode, we dive into the science of microdosing psilocybin and explore how it works—without the 'trip.'
Learn the potential benefits, safety tips, and much more!
Discover five mind-blowing facts about mushrooms—from ancient forests to space exploration—in this fun and eye-opening episode.
Explore how cannabis and psilocybin work together to support clarity, creativity, and emotional healing—safely and intentionally.
Feeling drained and stuck in survival mode? Discover how functional mushrooms can help you bounce back from burnout and reclaim your energy, focus, and peace of mind.