Paul Stamets is an internationally acclaimed American mycologist, author, entrepreneur, and leading public advocate for the study of fungi and their ecological, medicinal, and psychoactive potential. Born in Salem, Ohio, in 1955, Stamets became widely known through his pioneering work on mushroom cultivation, medicinal mushrooms, mycoremediation (using fungi to clean up environmental pollutants), and psilocybin fungi. He has discovered and named several psilocybin mushroom species and has been a driving force in bringing mycology and psychedelic fungi into mainstream scientific and cultural discussions.

He is the founder of Fungi Perfecti, a company specializing in mushroom cultivation supplies and mushroom-based supplements. Throughout his career, Stamets has authored several highly influential books that serve as foundational texts for the field, including Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World, Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, and Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. His research explores how fungi can contribute to environmental restoration, immune health, sustainable agriculture, and mental health research.

Stamets gained broader global recognition through his viral TED Talks, appearances on major podcasts, and his central role in the acclaimed documentary Fantastic Fungi, which presented mushrooms as biologically and culturally transformative organisms. Beyond his work with psychedelics, he has collaborated with researchers to study fungal antiviral compounds, solutions for bee colony health, and ecological restoration, remaining a prominent and visionary figure in medicinal mushroom advocacy.