ABOUT THIS EPISODE
"Most people hear “mushrooms” and think psychedelic." - Jake
Jake Plummer is building a very different case for them—one rooted in recovery, focus, sleep, and longevity. If you're trying to feel better, perform better, or simply stay active longer, this conversation will change how you think about functional mushrooms.Jake breaks down why he launched Umbo and Mycolove, how his team uses third-party testing and fruiting-body extracts to create a more potent product, and why quality matters more than hype in a category full of shortcuts. He also explains the difference between psychedelic, gourmet, and functional mushrooms, and why compounds like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, and shiitake are showing up everywhere from morning routines to post-workout recovery.You'll discover:
- Why “mycelium on grain” is not the same thing as a high-quality mushroom extract
- How reishi is being used for stress, calm, and sleep support
- Why functional mushrooms are more about consistency than instant effects
- The best formats to take them in, from tinctures and capsules to powders and travel packs
- How to spot products that are actually built for performance, not just shelf appeal
Jake also shares the athlete mindset behind the brand, including the role of co-founders Del Jolly and UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans, plus the real-world inspiration behind their mission to make wellness more affordable and accessible. He gets candid about aging, recovery, and why small daily interventions can matter more than expensive hacks.And because this episode came out of a pickleball connection, the second half turns into pure fun. Jake talks about the Jake Plummer Pickleball Bash, why pickleball became part of his own comeback to movement, what makes it such a generational sport, and how competition feels very different now than it did in the NFL. There are even rapid-fire moments on pizza, skiing, old cars, javelinas, and the possibility of a future pickleball showdown with Tom Brady.
Essential listening if you want a smarter, more natural approach to wellness—and a great reminder that sometimes the best performance upgrade is simply getting your body what it actually needs.
