Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and bestselling author of "Entangled Life," dives into the fascinating world of fungi and their ecological significance. He discusses how fungi shape ecosystems, influence our health, and embody interconnectedness through underground networks. The conversation touches on fermentation's cultural importance and the profound experiences offered by psychoactive mushrooms. Sheldrake also explores the evolutionary bond between fungi and plants, urging a more open-minded approach to science and inviting listeners to appreciate the intricate relationships that sustain life.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the secret world of fungi, hidden beneath our feet. They are joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Katie Field. They hear about the hidden life of fungi, including their hundreds of mating types, predatory behaviour and crucial role in life beginning on Earth. Katie shares how mycologists like her are using fungi to come up with creative solutions to climate change.New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyFProducer: Caroline Steel Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss slime mould, a basic organism that grows on logs, cowpats and compost heaps. Scientists have found difficult to categorise slime mould: in 1868, the biologist Thomas Huxley asked: ‘Is this a plant, or is it an animal? Is it both or is it neither?’ and there is a great deal scientists still don’t know about it. But despite not having a brain, slime mould can solve complex problems: it can find the most efficient way round a maze and has been used to map Tokyo’s rail network. Researchers are using it to help find treatments for cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and computer scientists have designed an algorithm based on slime mould behaviour to learn about dark matter. It’s even been sent to the international space station to help study the effects of weightlessness. WithJonathan Chubb Professor of Quantitative Cell Biology at University College, LondonElinor Thompson Reader in microbiology and plant science at the University of GreenwichAndMerlin Sheldrake Biologist and writerProducer: Eliane Glaser In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio production

It’s not just fauna and flora, there’s a third, much overlooked kingdom of life – fungi. Fungi are essential for plant and soil health, and therefore our own survival. It’s not just the mushrooms that we eat, in this programme we celebrate fungi in all its forms. Fungi already play important roles in our food production and medicine, scientists are now investigating fungi based solutions for environmental pollution and waste disposal. We’re joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake in the United Kingdom, author of ‘Entangled Life’, Giuliana Furci, mycologist and founder of the Fungi Foundation, the world’s first non-governmental organisation for the protection of fungi, based in Chile and Danielle Stevenson, a mycologist looking at soil toxicity in the United States. (Picture: fungi growing on a log. Credit: BBC)Presented by Ruth Alexander. Produced by Beatrice Pickup.

In this engaging discussion, biologist Merlin Sheldrake, mycologist Tom May, and CEO Amanda Morgan explore the fascinating world of fungi. They illuminate how mushrooms connect ecosystems and challenge conventional ideas about intelligence and problem-solving in nature. The conversation dives into fungi's transformative potential for sustainability, including innovative uses in materials and waste management. They also touch on the cultural significance of psilocybin mushrooms and the intriguing phenomenon of fungal bioluminescence. Prepare to rethink your relationship with the fungal kingdom!