Merlin Sheldrake

Neither plant nor animal, slime moulds lead scientists into a biological identity crisis. These brainless organisms navigate mazes, inspire Tokyo’s rail map and computer algorithms, and are being studied for clues to disease. Their strange life cycles, collective behaviour and trip to the space station make them even harder to pin down.

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.

Beneath our feet lies a fungal world of vast underground networks, bizarre predators and mind-bending mating systems. Discover how fungi helped plants colonise land, can steer ants like tiny puppets, and may offer fresh ideas for tackling climate change. Prepare to see forests, and perhaps even the trees, differently.

Merlin Sheldrake, a renowned researcher and author in mycology, delves into the fascinating world of mycelial networks and their ecological wisdom. He discusses how fungi offer a decentralized approach to problem-solving, emphasizing mutualism over individualism. Sheldrake draws parallels between mycelial behaviors and human creativity, highlighting how crises can lead to new symbiotic relationships. The conversation invites us to embrace uncertainty and explore the hidden potentials within fungi, encouraging a profound connection with the natural world.

Tom Shimizu, a researcher who developed automated imaging to measure fungal threads; Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and author who studies fungal behaviour; and Toby Kiers, a mycorrhizal ecologist who led global mapping work. They discuss the first global map of subterranean mycorrhizal networks. Topics include how the maps were made, automated biomass imaging, fungal flows and carbon, hotspots and threats from agriculture, and conservation actions.

Join biologist Merlin Sheldrake, author of the acclaimed book on fungi, and Professor Tim Spector, a leading genetic epidemiologist, as they dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms. Discover how certain fungi can treat ailments like cancer and depression, and their vital role in both ecosystems and gut health. They unpack why eating mushrooms can enhance well-being, explore the love for mycology, and discuss how types like psychedelic mushrooms are reshaping mental health treatment perceptions. A must-listen for health and nature enthusiasts!

Join biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake as he dives into the fascinating realm of fungi, revealing their critical role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. Discover how mycorrhizal networks connect trees, fostering communication and resource sharing. Sheldrake discusses fungi's intelligence and their potential as sustainable materials, tackling climate challenges. He also explores their historical significance in medicine and culture, advocating for a reevaluation of our relationship with these remarkable organisms in order to better understand our interconnected world.

Merlin Sheldrake, mycologist and bestselling author of Entangled Life, explores the secret lives of fungi and their roles in ecology. Short, lively takes cover decomposition chemistry, tree-fungi carbon trading, the nuance behind the wood wide web, fungi in restoration and remediation, and cultural views of psychedelics and fungal risks. Conversational, curious, and surprising.

Beneath the forest floor, fungi form vast networks that support plants and ecosystems, far beyond the mushrooms on our plates. Mycologists explore Chile’s pioneering legal protections for fungi and investigate how these remarkable organisms might help clean polluted soil and break down waste. Plus, why truffles smell irresistible to some creatures and repellent to others.

Join evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers, known for her insights on mycorrhizal fungi, and Merlin Sheldrake, author of "Entangled Life," as they delve into the fascinating underground world of fungi. Discover how these secretive organisms form complex networks that sustain ecosystems through intricate nutrient exchanges. They discuss fungi's problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes, highlighting their intelligence and vital roles in nature. The conversation encourages a deeper appreciation for the hidden life beneath our feet and the urgent need for its conservation.