Tag: biology

The Amazing World of Mycelium: Paul Stamets

In the first half of an extended talk at SAND 18, Paul Stamets, author, mycologist, medical researcher and entrepreneur, gives a self-styled “immersion lecture” about mushrooms and mycelium. He tells us that terrestrial organisms have evolved to be interconnected with the mycelial web of life, and that we are its descendants. He informs us that many primates consume mushrooms, and mentions Terence McKenna’s Stoned Ape Theory as a possible explanation for the neurogenesis that resulted in the striking expansion of hominid brain size in the last two million years. In the second half of this presentation, Paul Stamets explores magic mushrooms.

View the second half at https://www.scienceandnonduality.com

For more information visit https://fungi.com

#PouredOver: Ed Yong on AN IMMENSE WORLD

AN IMMENSE WORLD is the delightful new book from The Atlantic staff writer Ed Yong, and he joins us on the show to talk about meeting animals on their own terms, the connection between Jane Austen and mice, peacocks and The Bee Gees; how hearing is also a kind of touch and how deer-like creatures transformed into whales; his pandemic puppy and his literary inspirations (including Mary Roach) and much more, with Poured Over’s host, Miwa Messer. And we end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Marc and Becky.