Matt Lopez
A self-taught mycologist and educator from Chicago's South Side, Matt's passion for mushrooms began in childhood through bonding with his father. Without formal training, he immersed himself in mycology, becoming an expert in cultivation and fungal ecology.
He rose to prominence as Head Mycologist at Windy City Mushroom, earning national recognition through media features and speaking engagements. Today, Matt leads the Fungitarian movement, blending food, culture, and education to inspire respect for nature. His journey proves that something small—like a love for fungi—can grow into something transformative.
Charlie Bry
A self-taught Citizen Scientist with over a decade of focused research in Ethnopharmacology, Mycology, and Nutraceutical Development. He helped develop Fungitarian's high-performance mushroom tinctures and gummies using advanced biotechnology and delivery systems like liposomes to boost oral bioavailability.
Charlie is relentlessly dedicated to researching, refining, and formulating the most potent, science-driven mushroom products on the market. He currently serves as Lab Manager and Lead Mycologist on Project Morchella for the NSF, a groundbreaking research initiative focused on the indoor & outdoor cultivation of North American Morels.
Daniel James
A 6'6", 267-pound heavyweight MMA fighter from Chicago, born in 1981. Recognized for his dreadlocks and dominant presence, he holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been competing professionally since 2014. He's fought in top organizations like Bellator, PFL, and Rizin.
Off the mat, Daniel is committed to his community, leading youth fitness programs at Reach Fieldhouse in Chicago to keep kids active and off the streets. A father of four, James prioritizes not just his own health but the health of his entire family. He fuels their lives with the best food and the cleanest supplements—which is why his training, recovery, and daily wellness all start and end with Fungitarian.
Katie
A passionate lover of life, inspired daily by our Earth and her people. Deeply curious about the human experience, she is devoted to exploring the many ways our bodies can be vessels for profound healing. Grateful to work with our mushroom allies, Katie finds joy in sharing their wisdom and supporting others on their journey toward wholeness.
Katie brings a unique blend of years of experience in massage therapy, yoga teaching and communities engagement, blog writing, and social media/SEO. Her passion lies at the intersection of wellness and communication, where her combined skills support and inspire healthy, mindful living.
