Speaking Engagements

Bringing the Hidden Kingdom to Your Audience

Fungi shape our forests, support our food systems, recycle nutrients, and form partnerships that sustain much of life on Earth—yet most people know very little about them.

I want to help audiences discover the fascinating world of fungi and their importance through engaging presentations filled with stunning photography, science, and storytelling. Whether speaking at a botanical garden, nature center, library, conference, school, or community event, my goal is simple: to make fungi accessible, memorable, and inspiring.

Featured Presentations

All presentations can be adapted for audiences ranging from curious beginners to experienced mushroom enthusiasts.

 

The Hidden Kingdom: The Ecological Power of Fungi

An engaging introduction to the fungal kingdom and the essential roles fungi play in ecosystems, conservation, and human society.

Topics include:

  • Mycorrhizal partnerships and forest health
  • Decomposition and nutrient cycling
  • Fungi and wildlife
  • Mycodiversity
  • Community science and conservation
  • Threatened species

 

Stories from the Forest: Exploring Ethnomycology in Czech Culture

A journey into the rich mushroom traditions of the Czech Republic, where mushroom hunting is more than a hobby—it's a cherished cultural tradition passed down through generations.

Through personal stories, photography, and cultural history, I explore how fungi connect people to the landscape, family traditions, and culinary heritage.

Topics include:

  • The history of mushroom hunting in Czech culture
  • Ethnomycology and the relationship between people and fungi
  • Why mushroom foraging became a Czech "national sport"
  • Culturally significant mushroom species
  • Traditional Czech mushroom recipes and culinary traditions

This presentation offers a unique blend of natural history, cultural storytelling, travel, and food traditions, providing a glimpse into one of the world's most mushroom-loving societies.

 

Understanding Fungi: Morphology, Ecology, Identification, and Key Mushroom Groups

A comprehensive introduction to fungal ecology, morphology, taxonomy, mushroom identification, and major mushroom groups.

Topics include:

  • Ecological lifestyles of fungi
  • The fungal life cycle and major groups of macrofungi
  • Key identification features and terminology
  • Amanitas, boletes, agarics, polypores, coral fungi, jellies, cups, and more
  • Eight core principles of mushroom identification

 

10 Mushrooms Everyone Should Know

A visual introduction to some of the most recognizable and ecologically important mushrooms of eastern North America.

Topics include:

  • Species profiles
  • Identification features
  • Ecology and habitat
  • Edibility and lookalikes

 

Know What You're Picking: Edible Mushrooms and Their Lookalikes

Some of the most sought-after edible mushrooms also have convincing—and sometimes dangerous—lookalikes. Learning to identify a mushroom means understanding not only what it is, but also what it could be confused with.

Through real-world examples and detailed photography, participants will learn how to evaluate lookalikes, recognize critical identification features, and make safer, more informed decisions in the field.

Topics include:

  • True morels vs. false morels
  • Blewits vs. webcaps
  • Oyster mushrooms vs. angel wings and oysterlings
  • Wood ears vs. other jelly fungi
  • Honey mushrooms and their toxic lookalikes
  • Practical strategies for comparing similar species
  • Common identification pitfalls and how to avoid them

 

Custom Presentations

Many organizations have unique audiences and goals. I am happy to customize presentations for your event or create a brand new one. 

About the Speaker

Barbora Batokova is a mycologist, photographer, writer, and educator dedicated to bringing the kingdom of fungi into the public spotlight.

She is the author of Hunting Mushrooms: How to Safely Identify, Forage, and Cook Wild Fungi, President of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club, contributor to statewide fungal biodiversity and conservation initiatives, and creator of @fungiwoman, a popular educational platform on Instagram and Facebook followed by more than 168,000 mushroom enthusiasts worldwide.

Her work combines scientific accuracy, visual storytelling, and practical field experience to help audiences better understand and appreciate fungi.

Booking Information

Presentations are available both in person and virtually. For availability and booking inquiries, fill out the contact form.