From Spore to Success: Four Star Mushrooms, Sustainable Farming and Chicago’s Top Chefs

What happens when a biologist and an economist team up to revolutionize the food system? In this episode of Supper with Sylvia , meet Sean DiGioia and Joe Weber , the innovative founders of Four Star Mushrooms , a Chicago company transforming the way we grow, eat, and think about mushrooms. What You’ll Learn: The Power of Gourmet Mushrooms: Discover seven delicious, high-quality mushroom varieties that are winning over even the most stubborn fungi-phobics—and showing up on menus at Chicago’s best restaurants. Earth-Friendly Innovation: Learn how Four Star Mushrooms is dialing in precise climate control to produce sustainable crops that are good for you and good for the planet . Building a Profitable Food Business: How two childhood friends turned their shared curiosity and complementary expertise into a thriving company that’s capturing the attention of top chefs and conscious consumers. The Mushroom Renaissance: Why mushrooms are one of the hottest trends in plant-based cuisine and how Four Star is leading the charge. Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you care about sustainable farming , farm-to-table dining , and the magic of mushrooms, this conversation will inspire you. From climate-controlled cultivation to culinary creativity, see why Four Star Mushrooms is reshaping the future of food in Chicago and beyond. Listen Now to Discover: ✅ How gourmet mushrooms are grown sustainably indoors ✅ The science behind dialing in the perfect climate for fungi ✅ The journey from childhood friends to successful entrepreneurs ✅ Tips for cooking and enjoying specialty mushrooms at home 🔥 Don’t Miss Out: Subscribe to Supper with Sylvia for more inspiring stories of innovation, sustainability, and the people transforming what’s on your plate. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. 💬 Let’s Connect: Enjoyed this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share your favorite mushroom recipes or restaurant experiences. Tag us on Instagram @supperwithsylvia —we’d love to see how you’re bringing mushrooms to your kitchen! Fourstarmushrooms.com This episode is produced by Jane Stephens Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram. 📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.com This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite. 👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun Producer: Jennifer Waters