A biologist delves into the fascinating world of fungi and soil ecosystems, exploring the role of fungi in decomposition and nutrient recycling. The podcast also covers unconventional scientific inquiry, symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi, and the exploration of mycelial networks and individuality. Additionally, the discussion extends to the power of improvisation in music and life, as well as challenging materialistic views through unexplained phenomena and interconnectedness in nature.

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

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.

Tim Spector, a nutritional science expert and author of "Food For Life," joins Merlin Sheldrake, a fungi specialist, to dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms. They reveal the surprising health benefits and unique nutrients mushrooms offer, along with tips on enhancing their flavor through cooking. Safety in foraging is stressed, including proper identification and cultivation practices. Listeners are encouraged to explore diverse mushroom varieties for a rich culinary experience, making mushrooms a delightful addition to their diets.

Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and author of 'Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures', shares his motivations for studying fungi and discusses the complex ways it has shaped his life and thought. The episode explores the importance of popularizing fungi, delves into the complexities of restoration and conservation efforts, explores the intricate relationships between fungi and plants, and discusses the metaphor of decomposition in transforming harmful ideologies. It also touches on surrendering to the unknown and appreciates Merlin Sheldrake's work in the environmental movement.