Stephen Axford: How fungi changed my view of the world

[@Tinyvalkyrie410]

I’m on my fourth watch of this masterpiece. The passion and dedication to something most people couldn’t care less about, is honestly breathtaking. If only the rest of the world had just a fraction of the appreciation for nature demonstrated here, the world would be a markedly better place.

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you so much for your generous words, your thoughtful comment and your on-going repeat support. You have made our day with such beautiful feedback and wisdom about a message for us all.

[@310techrepair6]

agreed, im a computer tech and ..... looks like i might dive into nature too.

[@waynegraham7611]

No It’s amazing I’m lovin it !!

[@Danika_Nadzan]

Beautifully said, and I totally agree!

[@ryangravitte6136]

@@PlanetFungi ppp

[@Tweej]

To listen to someone who has found their passion is bliss

[@kentuckysmoose]

Truest words of the month

[@aapex1]

They always make the best teachers and researchers. It's a gift to us all. Like Fungi.

[@YvonnePandora]

You sound like you've listened to Joseph Campbell!

[@Bunke09]

"All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once." - Terry Pratchett

[@SamTahbou]

I miss the guy, he was a treasure.

[@seanr699]

I’m reading witches abroad right now, love his writing!

[@S3v3n13tt3r5]

If amanita phalloides takes a few days to kill you then technically you can eat it a couple times.

[@Ikkeroger]

Where does this quote come from? I thought I'd read all his books, but this is new to me. Maybe there is a gem out there I haven't found yet...

[@TheT3d3K]

@@S3v3n13tt3r5 right, but it doesn't contradict the statement ^^

[@Happyfoam-lw3yt]

Once in a while, the youtube algorithm impresses me with something of true quality.

[@declan1015]

This is facts

[@johndoa4839]

Should check out paul stamets fungi master

[@chillgodmusic573]

Facts

[@StanHowse]

I see you too, are a man of culture, Sir.

[@randomsleepyness]

Blessed

[@lvlheadedrebel]

"The forest were starting to make sense, it wasn't just a bunch of trees" This made me chuckle. What an amazing documentary!

[@thatdude3977]

Only white people think so short mindedly

[@stayinalive9434]

I appreciate his clear paced speech and that there is no loud competing music like discovery channel productions.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Exactly. This is high quality nature programming that's about substance more than spectacle. Funnily enough, the footage is what's truly spectacular. The program isnt made to be the spectacle, for the sake of spectacle itself. It's just pure wonder and beauty, no sensationalist nonsense.

[@victorsthelargerone]

It's almost as if he isn't like the elite Hollywood types that think we are all complete fucking retards.

[@MrJackandEmily]

Agreed.

[@LoremLorem]

Yeep. Nice to hear "a normal human" talk 😁, if you get what I mean. Down to Earth, no hyping. Cosh I'm sick of all the hype around. Gimme some peace please.

[@quinnsmithy8778]

YES.

[@MR-pt7ou]

props to him for doing this entire talk while being swarmed by mosquitoes.

[@hwt-ka-pth]

That's what I thought! I would've been swollen and dead 6 times by then. And I expect the Dutch ones I have to cope with are just softies compared to most other kinds on the world

[@sarah3796]

Haha it's all I see!!

[@andy.w]

Nah, they're fams

[@littledudelittletrees1647]

I knew I couldn't have been the only one to think this, I would have been swatting at them the entire time

[@bellaweeks6340]

I couldn’t stop watching the mosquitoes 😂

[@higgaroc]

I love how not over-stimulating this is, on top of being wonderfully beautiful, scientifically fascinating, and narrated by a talented and humble but passionate chiller with an Australian accent. What’s not to love here?

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

You are so right

[@PlanetFungi]

Wow, thank you for that lovely and thoughtful feedback - you have made our day. If you are interested in fungi or in seeing more, you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@higgaroc]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind response and for the recommendations- I’ll be watching Planet Fungi this evening for sure!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I agree. It also makes it easier for KZbin's auto-caption to be more accurate.

[@howler6490]

The main difference is that this documentary is NOT designed for the "normal" american market. Therefore it avoids artificial drama and does not dumb down.It treats the subject and the viewer with respect... Well done folks...lovely work.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

The purple mushroom blew me away…exquisite. I’ve always loved the sculptural fungi that look like abstract art. Nature is truly the greatest artist.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@Arrasel]

God is the artist, He created everything.

[@edgregory1]

Joseph Conrad's "Lord Jim"

[@spiderjerusalem8505]

​@@Arrasel, free will doesn't exist then?

[@burgertime790]

​@@spiderjerusalem8505 pretty sure Christians believe in free will

[@ewaberchulska]

People are so eager to see an alien world that they dont even see the alien world right under their feet

[@traveller6744]

Yes you are so right, 90% of whats in and on our BEAUTIFUL planet we don't know about. This is breathtaking.

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you both for the lovely feedback. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie And there is a masterclass in mushroom photography. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

They are in your gut too.

[@drblaneyphysics]

@@MikeJones-rk1un I always wondered about that. is there research on this? i would be interested.under what conditions would they grow? I was told molds grow in gut and cause leaky gut as branches cut thru intestine and into other regions. is there a cause for this? (I guess sugar). anyway i'm fascinated to know more. i was told by eastern doctors not to eat any mushrooms (specific advice to me, not to others, due to my personal biology) ... and wondered if it was due to this growing thing.

[@drblaneyphysics]

... add to that, the mushrooms surely have a form of consciousness and i often wonder about that. what intelligence do they transmit? emit? some root systems I've heard are half the height of the usa. I wonder if it has, for example a code. we need computer science views on this, perhaps?

[@genesisangel5657]

the KZbin algorithm decided I should spend a half an hour of my time learning about a guy who photographs mushrooms. I am not disappointed.

[@RED01SEA]

best accidental recommendation ever !!!

[@Eleniel13]

same

[@PlanetFungi]

These are wonderful comments 🙏 thank you 😊

[@mlgproplayer2915]

Same here.

[@robertlongoria765]

too cool for school! loved it. Makes me feel interconected and yet small.

[@tripackdroned4626]

It seems to me that this gentle chap has undergone tragedy and trouble in the past and, somehow he’s made a new life for himself, revealing an otherwise hidden world. Thank you Stephen.

[@jupiter1014]

What a kind compliment....i agree

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I dont know what would make you think hes experienced tragedy. Let's hope you're wrong

[@jupiter1014]

@@LukeMcGuireoides he explains it in his video

[@theclockworkcadaver7025]

@@LukeMcGuireoides It's explained very clearly within the first couple of minutes of the video, someone wasn't paying attention... His wife died of breast cancer and he himself experienced a life-threatening illness.

[@MultiRedbug]

@@LukeMcGuireoides it's been said before but rewatch the start of the video.

[@squashfei8907]

When I was around 5th grade, I would spend a lot of my free time downloading images and gifs of mushrooms onto my school computer because I thought they were so cool. I recognized a lot of them in this video; I had no idea how much one person's work impacted my obsession with mushrooms! I want to become a mycologist someday and also help local communities. What you do sounds so amazing.

[@DampishGlobe761]

Same.

[@judeirwin2222]

Squash fed -Good for you! Do it! Fungi are essential to soil remediation after fires, pollution or deforestation. You can be one of the “good guys” helping to correct and reduce the damage done by humans. Maybe, in time, there will be a skilled micologist in every municipality, advising on how best to manage the soil, forests and even domestic gardens in the community. We owe it to the earth to learn about and preserve the ecosystems which support all life.

[@squashfei8907]

@@judeirwin2222 Thanks for the support!

[@warriorqueen863]

Good job kid. Contribute to society what you will discover someday..

[@ManayOlen]

Me too! A month ago I found myself obsessing with mushrooms

[@merseymay]

This is honestly one of the most enjoyable, personable, moving and inspiring nature documentaries I've watched.

[@bobbygriz5648]

I totally agree❤🍄🍄

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@jamesmacleod9382]

Beautiful photography as well

[@darkcnotion]

Exactly I got goosebumps

[@bobbygriz5648]

@@darkcnotion lol

[@magpiemagus]

My face was lit up like an excited child through this whole documentary. I had no idea who was behind so much of my favourite art inspiration until now! I adore fungi and this has made me all the more passionate. Thank you so, so much for all of your hard work and artistry- as well as for bringing the hidden world of our fungi friends front and center!

[@PlanetFungi]

Wow, thank you for that lovely and generous feedback. Glad you enjoyed it! If you are interested in fungi or in seeing more, you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@picklesims]

I hope you continue to expand on your passion. (:

[@trenaareen1216]

When the first timelapse played I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt! It was absolutely magical. I felt actual wonder.

[@daveerickson9524]

The photos are brilliant. This gentleman"s words are more impressive still. Thank you Stephen

[@JohnDoe-fu6zt]

There's a line in "A Town Like Alice" in which an Englishwoman says, "I suppose one can't call him a gentleman, since he's from Australia."

[@daveerickson9524]

@@JohnDoe-fu6zt Yeah like making snide condescending comments makes her a lady.

[@JohnDoe-fu6zt]

@@daveerickson9524Perhaps making snide condescending remarks makes her an Englishwoman. I think that was the understated suggestion of the Anglo-Australian novelist, Nevil Shute. Makes me laugh, and I think of it every time I hear the words "Australian" and "gentleman" in the same sentence.

[@daveerickson9524]

@@JohnDoe-fu6zt I like it, perhaps I should read the novel. tks

[@imthere2141]

A very gentle man from fungi place.

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

I am literally gobsmacked, lost for words. I’m Australian to and have never seen, or thought to look for anything like these beautiful works of art. You have given me a whole new view of the world too. Thank you, another incredibly important reason we need to protect our forests and woodlands. What secrets are these gorgeous things keeping for us.

[@stezenast5878]

Whoever chose the soundtrack has obviously also had their mind changed by fungi

[@ardd.c.8113]

Or fast food

[@monnaranzoti732]

It's a Didgeridoo, a native Australian instrument. Its sound is pretty fitting to this documentary because it has these ethereal, mystical, and alien vibes, much like the fungi themselves.

[@booneflm]

Right

[@osmiumsoul9535]

Hahahha

[@skyinuri8868]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jvogler_art4708]

When you develop an appreciation for the natural world, the entire world becomes fascinating. It always helped my depression to just go outside and go for a walk or hike. Everything from Rocks, trees, to animals fascinates me so much and it has improved my life tremendously.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

' If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to Man as it is : infinite. ( William Blake )

[@zucchini_flowers]

I totally agree, man. Nature is so beautiful and amazing. And yet we spend 90% of our life indoors. Go outside, people ✌️

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

Well said my friend. Love you

[@gregbailey45]

It's a well-known scientific fact that spending time in nature helps our psyche. It actually promotes mental and even physical healing. We destroy nature to our absolute detriment.

[@dddmemaybe]

@@2msvalkyrie529 Needs a comma after "cleansed".

[@eliathomas9905]

This was so enjoyable. I’m glad that he found purpose and meaning in his life after going through heartache, with the snap of that first picture. What an amazing journey!

[@BlackWestCoast]

So sooo true. You can’t help but root for him

[@renatinn]

I love when people can talk about something with so much passion that it makes me passionate too. What a man!

[@radiohill]

How many people want to see a book of all his fungi photos? Me!

[@seancostello26]

i'd pay for it

[@ameliaarquette8934]

I’d pay for it, too.

[@kunzaxe]

SIGN ME UP

[@jakehancock2888]

Yeah if it was printed well

[@Menaceblue3]

Chapter 1: edible fungi Chapter 2: non edible fungi The end

[@amaturearcadia]

When he said that he'd use a glowing mushroom covered stick to see the trails at night..... I felt that

[@solarnaut]

the mighty mushroom is my teacher ! . . . the glowing mushroom guides my path ! . . . all hail to the omnipresent mushroom ! ( ummm . . . too far out ? B-) )

[@reinernst8203]

I really hope one of those amazing new species get named after this guy. His passion is so inspiring

[@PlanetFungi]

He does so far have one species named after him Paneolus axfordii - ironically a mushroom in China that he has never photographed. But he was very grateful his efforts were recognised in this way, Thank you for the lovely feedback. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie And there is a masterclass in mushroom photography. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@anneofcleveswithinternet]

@@PlanetFungi that's cool! But I will just call that mushroom Axford's umbrella

[@reinernst8203]

@@PlanetFungi That's so awesome. Thanks for the great content. Subscribed!

[@sen5i]

@@PlanetFungi Axford Bluecaps

[@flyshacker]

Right on!! He deserves it!

[@delph.e8580]

This man is not only a photographer but also a wonderful teacher! I wanted to watch only a few minutes. But it was so fascinating that I didn't want the documentary to end. I would like to learn more !

[@karascene13]

Same! I thought, yeah I'll just watch this for a minute while I'm cooking, just some background noise-- but then I stopped to watch this video instead! 😅 It is fascinating. 🍄👍🏼🌎

[@ErnestoSolisChaps]

"But when you face death, it makes you rethink your life" - Stephen Axford

[@cibdizzy]

Yah but if you face death and u die. U not gonna rethink shjt

[@Vurdox]

@@cibdizzy No shit sherlock.

[@frds_skce]

It is. People will only appreciate life after they lost it

[@mirrortoyourweakness9769]

Not always. Not always.

[@saville1712]

Have you even had an experience?

[@adhvithnambiar3743]

This guy looks like he's reached Nirvana and is one with everything now. So inspiring to see someone find their unguessable calling.

[@ss-hc7tb]

my dumbass thought u were trying to see he lookes like kurt cobain

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Hes a truly fortunate man and he knows it. Yet hes humble and his sense of wonder cant be faked

[@bfgfanatic1747]

It's insane to me how fungi species manage to swing wildly between more vibrant colors than even the most elegant of flowers to assorted forms of The Thing.

[@extremelyreligiousdolphin750]

Mushrooms and The Thinh are pretty similar.

[@sandyshoals7565]

Those photos of fungi are some of the most beautiful natural images I've ever seen. Thank you, for sharing your passion with us here on YT, sir. May God bless you & your countrymen thru the hardships you are all now experiencing. Love from Texas, USA!!!

[@KeegAnimates]

I love listening to people taking about the things they're passionate about I never knew fungi could be so interesting!

[@xiro6]

its even much more,maybe it was time constrained.Just the interconnection of a forest is pretty amazing.the biggest living thing on earth,by so so much is a fungi who spread across kilometers and kilometers of a forest.it was tested and its only one.He can sense needs from trees and transport nutrients and water from one site to another.he can kill or protect individual trees and manage the entire forest.he can sense various agressions and emit an electric signal different from each type of agression.just one individual from a species of those millions of species.

[@geoffbercovich3489]

Stephan, absolutely beautiful.! What an epic journey. You were gifted a little purple mushroom and found the entire planet. People like you are a gift to us all. You give us knowledge and you discover beauty. This is the biggest thumbs-up I've ever awarded a nature programme. Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[@PlanetFungi]

Hi Geoff, thanks so much for this wonderfully generous message. Cath and I both love your line "You were gifted a little purple mushroom and found the entire planet". Do you mind if we use it in our synopsis and your review with your name. It truly is some of the loveliest and most thoughtful feedback we have had and we appreciate you taking the time to give it. You may also be interested in our fungi safari in the Himalayas www.planetfungi.movie

[@CLAWY1000]

@@PlanetFungi wow Stephan , absolutely beautiful!

[@hales6547]

Couldnt have said it better. Thank you!

[@dlb83082]

@@PlanetFungi thank you so much! I love fungi and photography as well - excellent video - there is no way I couldn't watch till the end

[@xenia1871]

🤍

[@marialiyubman]

This man loves mushrooms so much that he stands unaffected in a cloud of bugs. Impressive.

[@mo938]

hes blind

[@davoxime]

spores

[@mo938]

@@yagashio whoever dressed him must be a funny person (if you didn't know, he's blind)!

[@dirtywhitellama]

@@mo938 How is he blind if he's an enthusiastic photographer? source?

[@mo938]

@@dirtywhitellama what do you mean how is he blind? He can't see. That's how. Just because you're blind doesn't mean you can't see the beauty in things, or even capture that beauty in the form of a photograph. This man is an inspiration and deserves respect. Show some respect!

[@handoromper7987]

This is what should be shown in schools to show the children the real beauty and amazing wounded the planet has. Thank you for a wonderful journey I would never think of.

[@tippyandfriend]

This guy is a great communicator. I was engaged from start to finish.

[@Eglantin]

I was thinking so too! I was listening from start to finish! Even with my attention ptoblems... XD

[@ingolfurarnar697]

Yeah I was also very aware of that. Very good narrator of his own story with a nice voice. Great guy 😊

[@CreeseDF]

@@Eglantin same

[@Will-wn9nj]

Would love to meet Stephen Axford, he seems like a Fungi.

[@DieFlabbergast]

Har!

[@RudyRotor]

Your comment should have 10000 likes

[@ariesfifistar9780]

truee

[@martinnevey7258]

Booo hiss. ..that's terrible lol

[@jamesmacleod9382]

Like that Japanese horror movie Attack of the Mushroom People?

[@manneklosty1028]

This video is absolutely incredible. Just getting a small view into a world we normally do not recognise. And I agree, the world is much more complex than we could ever think about it. Thanks for sharing this view.

[@BanditOfBandwidth]

This guy gets it. Fungi are so bizarre and interesting, yet so easily underappreciated. I still think there must still be a whole world to learn from studying fungi.

[@misterfister7714]

No, there really isnt; we know almost everything about mold and fungi.

[@solomonreal1977]

gimme back my bandwidth >:(

[@BanditOfBandwidth]

@@solomonreal1977 NEVER!

[@solomonreal1977]

@@BanditOfBandwidth THUMBS DOWN!!

[@BanditOfBandwidth]

@@solomonreal1977 How about I give you Bandlength?

[@rolfw2336]

"Life on this planet is more interconnected than I ever could have imagined" - I'm awestruck by your pictures! Thank you Stephen!

[@hedgeyhogs]

I would love to read a book written by this guy. He’s so passionate; it’s really inspiring :)

[@trulyinfamous]

I second that. Maybe something digital, like a website, so he could put his timelapses in.

[@DaHoody11]

Mycelium Running - Paul Stamets. This is a very good book apparently, the author has a Ted talk video which I found really inspiring.

[@chezmoi42]

@@DaHoody11 👍 Paul Stamets is THE Man on mushrooms of all kinds. The world needs to listen to him on bioremediation and so many more subjects.

[@LakinKrystle]

@@chezmoi42 I’ll second that statement ☺️

[@MuscarV2]

Stephen: Speaks slowly with a monotonous voice You: so passionate!

[@karascene13]

Amazing. I appreciate this video, and now fungi much more than I would have ever thought! 🍄I'm sure when this gentleman's wife passed away from cancer, he probably didn't think that life would go on, or that he'd ever be happy again. I'm glad he turned his hobby into real research that helps people. Perhaps the cure to cancer, or other horrible diseases can be found in fungi- or elsewhere in the rainforests. We must take care of our planet. 🌎🙏 Love to you all ❤

[@PifflePrattle]

This is special, a genuine You Tube treasure.

[@MayMay00]

Ugh, I was def crying when he said that the burnt forest had fungi growing in just 2 days or so. It's inspiring to know that despite destruction, something prevails.

[@alexc7857]

Death is most often the birth place for a new generation of life.

[@lythyboo]

most species in aus have evolved to reproduce after a fire, dont be sad its an erea of new life for that bushland.

[@LeBakalite]

You guys want to watch Princess Mononoke, definitely the best illustration of this concept !

[@MayMay00]

Absolutely agree with all the replies and it is wonderful to have this perspective about death. It’s just heartbreaking that a forest that takes hundreds of years to grow can be burnt in a matter of hours.

[@MayMay00]

@@LeBakalite LOVE anything Miyazaki 💕 have you also watched Nausica of the valley of the wind?

[@unpaidprodigy0179]

I couldn’t divert my mind at the fact that he is wearing a “fungi fetish” shirt

[@unpaidprodigy0179]

@@debbitage I do consider myself a fungi collector, enthusiast, and promoter

[@tryhardfinessedyou]

You haven't lived untill you've inserted micilium into your body imo.

[@dr.doppeldecker3832]

He loves himself some sweaty yeast infection

[@itsrachelfish]

HAHAHA I know right??

[@Juno-gi6fj]

@@dr.doppeldecker3832 oh god thats a terrible image.

[@patricia1333]

Barely started this documentary and I am absolutely mesmerized. I’ve never seen fungi this spectacular in Canada (although I don’t go hunting them!). WOW.

[@thespoiledtexan3904]

My 18 yr old daughter was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome a few months ago. She was already fascinated by fungi, and now she is enthralled in the world of fungi, especially in learning how specific mushrooms can help heal the brain and specifically the neurological benefits. I’m so thankful for this documentary as a (very) beginner photographer, especially as someone who loves photographing while scuba diving. Fungi are miraculous. God is good.

[@restlessmind8921]

its amazing how such wonderful content is available to us for free with just a few simple clicks, yet ironically very few people ever get to appreciate it

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. We do try to provide a great deal of fungi content for free to introduce people to this wonderful kingdom of life. And you may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie Thanks so much for sharing your kind words and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@BuddyLee23]

In a few generations, with techno-cerebral connections allowing the human brain to directly interface with repositories of information many magnitudes larger than the entire sum of human knowledge as it stands now, our descendants will pity just how little we of this era could ever actually know or experience.

[@lauraholzler1417]

@@BuddyLee23 from your lips... just imagine what we will know then!

[@Godisautomaten]

holymoly it's itching all over my body watching this guy standing there in the middle of a cloud of mosquitos.

[@PlanetFungi]

I know - what to do - with a beautiful forest came pesky mosquitos . But you'll be pleased to know he was well protected and came away without a single bite.

[@RTFosmark]

@@PlanetFungi not one bite?! Fungi are worldchangingly beautiful and fascinating, but that may be the most amazing thing about this video 😄

[@jacquelinebarnard649]

@@PlanetFungi sometimes we need to put up with a little to get lot.... or little ❤😇🇨🇦😊

[@Dewkeeper]

If we ever get body enhancement tech I'm making my skin mosquito proof. Maybe turn myself into a living bug zapper... Sweet revenge.

[@blackhare1346]

There are mosquito repellent creams you can use in these situations 😃 we have to slather it on in India during the monsoons

[@VirginiaAlexander-tj8ez]

I am watching this again and making questions and a work book for my girls, talk about an awesome science exploration! Thank you for sharing Mr. Axford!

[@PlanetFungi]

You have made our day. Thank you 🙏

[@legendarypillow1450]

It’s pretty amazing how a tiny spore about a few microns can grow into an incredible life form. If I could become a mycologist, I definitely would. The fungal world is amazing.

[@PlanetFungi]

If you are interested in fungi or in seeing more, you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@legendarypillow1450]

@@BlessingsMate I will admit, I am a follower of Christ, but I fully believe in all respect and admiration, that Jesus did not create us. Evolution and the Big Bang surely did, the universe created us to experience itself. I do however, understand that Christ has saved us as sinners. Evolution didn’t just “happen” it happened because of the rare creation of the universe. It is purely, rare precedent. The universe started out as empty space, nearly the size of an electron. But, within a mere fraction of a second, the universe created quarks, which started the era called “the quark soup.” Within the next fraction of a second, would become the only era known to science in which quarks exist independently, without any gluons. The universe at the time had its 4 fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. With these specific properties that all things in the universe has, quarks were smashed together and formed hadrons such as protons, neutrons, and their “anti” counterparts. Again, in a fraction of a second, the matter created won over antimatter, and became what we know today as “matter.” From all the chaos, the first element was formed, “Hydrogen.” Lone neutrons underwent beta decay to form protons and electrons, some atoms became unstable and split, and the process began all over again. After about 300,000 years, the universe began forming galaxies, and was finally the stable universe we know today. It’s a very marvelous thing, to know that we came from particles that are nearly massless, that we are that old…

[@birdiekay686]

You can become a mycologist! There is a whole world of support and information out there and the internet makes it easier than ever. A degree helps but it's not a requirement. Go for it!

[@paulwhite6626]

LP Tool Reviews, judging by your monicker, you have a livelihood and doubtless spend most of your time thus engaged, However, there is nothing whatsoever to stop you from utilising your free time to throw yourself into the field of mycology. If you have a passion for it, the time would be rewarding and it is always good to have more than one string to your bow workwise. You might begin on an amateur basis or try online learninng. Your only barrier is time, but perhaps a little judicious time management will be as life changing for yourself as it has been for Stephen Axford

[@natureisallpowerful]

Youre a mycologist if you're interested in mushrooms, in my opinion.

[@nicoletesla5978]

I love fungi and I can't express how happy I am to find stuff about it. There are too few documentaries about fungi :(

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. As you are interested in fungi or in seeing more, you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@nuzayerov]

@@PlanetFungi , Eastern Himalayas you say? I live relatively near the Himalayas ( in Bangladesh), so thanks for this video! I would definitely check it out!

[@sander_bouwhuis]

At 31:55 you say, "Thank you". No Sir, thank YOU! What a wonderful documentary. I do believe that compassion for nature is much more easy to come by when we have documentaries like this that large amounts of people can easily absorb and be inspired by.

[@EmilyBieman]

This was wonderful, and it reiterates my theory of “life doesn’t really begin until you start gardening!”, and I love the whip birds in the background tweeting.

[@marialeticiarennoowens5635]

Is It your Theory? Congratulations, I loved It.

[@debrajean9432]

These photographs were glorious. I backed up the video a couple of times to stare at the Fungi. How on earth do 535 people give this a thumbs down? I'm beginning to believe that there are people who spend their days giving dislikes to videos.

[@PlanetFungi]

Thanks for the lovely support.

[@ant896321475]

@@PlanetFungi He's right though. You are an amazing photographer and the beauty you captured in each of your photos helped us better understand your passion on the subject. I never thought mushrooms were particularly beautiful until now

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

That's absurd. No one should dislike this. Probably climate change deniers lol. Whoever they are they're foolish imo

[@martyhorten3743]

It's now 666 Thumbs down - Some whiners had nothing to do but complain.

[@susanlee9532]

@@martyhorten3743 😁Probably some elite didn’t like the remark. Some are like their dad..steal, kill, destroy. Too bad. Life’s happier and more content - fulfilling on the other side of the coin.

[@glenkoko3649]

3:02 that's a lovely picture, but every single photo in this video is a masterpiece.

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@glenkoko3649]

The tree being you is amazing, imagine living in a place like that. In Sweden we have very different fungi species and nature, Its literally on the other side of the earth from Australia! I love photographing mushrooms in the autumn and summer but its usually quite difficult to find information about them, luckily our government are funding something called "the Swedish species project" which goal is to document all species of animals, plants and fungi in the country!

[@PlanetFungi]

So lovely to connect with fungi lovers from Sweden we wish you well with your fungi project. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@TurboSilke]

@Glen Koko, nice, visste inget om det!

[@antonyloc]

The fungi that glows in the dark really surprised me and watching Timelapse videos of fruiting fungi is amazing. Such a great video, thank you very much.

[@kennycubensis8152]

Being a fungi lover while tripping on fungi that I grew watching a color plethora inducing videos about the coolest fungi on the planet while explaining how they are essential fungi are with such passion and a way to teach it how I want to explain why I love fungi. Damn, thats the trippiest thing I can think right now.

[@JyotirmoyDas]

This is epic. One of the best documentaries ever. I am from Assam, a neighboring state of Meghalaya. We have a lot of varieties of Mushrooms in our lush green forests. I want someone someone like him to Document all these beauties before humans destroy them.

[@PlanetFungi]

Really fantastic to meet you. We have visited your part of the world many times and love both the majestic landscape and the many generous and inspiring people we have met. We did document the some of the fungi in Assam - on Majuli Island and in Hollongapar Reserve in our documentary Planet Fungi - north east India. www.planetfungi.movie You might find it of interest.

[@dirtkongor]

Hello fellow North Eastern!

[@JyotirmoyDas]

@@PlanetFungi Thank You

[@JyotirmoyDas]

@@dirtkongor Hello !!

[@jonhohensee3258]

Jyo - documentaries

[@TylerDWard]

The Amount Of Mosquitoes Around Him Is Disturbing, But That Makes Him More Of A Boss

[@rosemadder5547]

Right? And he ignored them all. Props.

[@omyhaby1912]

Disturbed by quitoes?

[@versiewlw]

He prob has used some mosquitoes spray hah

[@helenfay9465]

fungus gnats?

[@sichere]

Fungus fairies

[@StFrannn]

I love the calm, slow speaking. The longer shots and just stills of the fungi. That's enough. Rare nowadays.

[@Fr0s1Byte]

"I take photographs of fungi" This is a guy thats got life figured out

[@elvenkind6072]

Yes. He's happy. You got sarcasm. Who end up dying happy?

[@derekli8757]

@@elvenkind6072 I don’t think he was being sarcastic

[@vblord]

Retired obviously

[@andreamitchell4758]

Yeah and I hear he is a really fun guy to hang out with too

[@laserfan17]

Life’s better when you take pleasure in the simplest things around you, searching for fungi is one of life’s biggest delights 🍄

[@SmartStr33t]

Not sure why I was recommended this. The other day I was walking through a scrap of woodland and saw some startling red on the floor. Initially I thought it was litter, but on closer inspection it was a fungus. I took some photos and searched for them on Google when I got home. They were scarlet elf cups. Now after watching this video I think I am obsessed with fungi.

[@roisinnigcrainn7722]

Scarlet Elf Cups are edible. There are recipes right here on KZbin if you'd be interested in harvesting some samples!

[@SmartStr33t]

@@roisinnigcrainn7722 I considered it but I prefered to leave them there growing and looking beautiful.

[@karthiksubramanianlakshmi]

Your phone is spying on you

[@oceanbreathyogawellness4487]

Brilliant! check out some of Paul Stamet's work as well, and more of @Planet Fungi.....and if you haven't yet see it, the beautiful Documentary Fantastic Fungi. Here's the link to the trailer...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmK7foFpjNNpgMU I believe some of Stephen Axefords work is in it. They are the piece of life that if fully understood, I think would shift our perception of everything. The mycelium and fungi are outside us and within us, the communication network between everything alive. The more I learn the more I am humbled and realize how much we are missing out on by not wanting to be part of this incredible symbiotic life. Maybe look for someone in your area who leads forest tours. I have been on some amazing ones.

[@samvimes9510]

26:00 it's crazy how that guy casually mentions the glowing mushrooms like they're super common, and they turn out to be a completely undocumented species

[@miguelmejia4656]

jellyfish glow in the dark too

[@rogercarpenter418]

@@miguelmejia4656 even some rotting logs glow. Freaked me out.

[@francoestrubia6503]

Yes, that guy let me thinking species are tied to a pretty small classification scheme.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

That's glowing fungi making those rotting logs glow. There are many plants and animals that bioluminesce in most every ecosystem across the globe. Marine ecosystems have the most though, by far

[@rogercarpenter418]

@@francoestrubia6503 Interesting theory. Broke off small section took it home. Seen no sign of myclium. Did continue to glow for almost a week. Was very drywood

[@elzabaku1234]

Здравствуйте.Ваша работа великолепна.К большой моей радости я тоже умею видеть эти тонкости в природе. Хотя не так детально как вы. Вы даёте понять человеку , что не только мы имеем право здесь жить , но и другие живые существа тоже являются жителями земли и мы должны относиться к ним с увожением , потому что зависим друг от друга.

[@benjaminvleugels5609]

I dont know why I got this recommended but I enjoyed every minute of it this man is a treasure

[@Leanne_w]

Same!

[@famousbowl9926]

Ikr!

[@igorz3551]

Simp Jk

[@benjaminvleugels5609]

@@igorz3551 I mean I'm not saying I wouldn't pay for a fungi only fans with this man xd

[@acarl005]

Some people try to go viral on social media. This guy went fungal.

[@coreym162]

I love this!

[@explorateur8159]

Underrated comment!!

[@youwotmate7705]

@@explorateur8159 ok boomer

[@lindisamathabela3192]

Tee hee hee 🤭

[@syntheticsimpshrimp]

Nice

[@jesshardy6269]

Beautiful and inspiring talk, this has made my day.

[@PlanetFungi]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you. 🙏🍄

[@PG-qw8er]

Please elaborate? How did it make your day?

[@icedragon627]

@@PG-qw8er In case you mean actual meaning, making one's day means to really improve someone's mood for that day so drastically that almost nothing could ruin that mood.

[@BlackWolf6420]

The same! Just woke up and found this gem 🍄 on YT 😄😉. Thank you for the informative video 😊

[@jasondelves8758]

Me too!

[@skepticalgenious]

The amount of time to complete this must be huge. Thank you all for this. Many of those I recognize but in virginia. They have slight alterations but so similar I feel it is the same. It's like how California magnolias are almost like the Texas ones. Or mimosa hostilis to mimosa teneflura. Hostilis I can find in nature in Texas. In Virginia it's mainly teneflura

[@GamesHelpmeForget]

So many people would be swatting at the insects swarming about his head but Mr Axford seems totally at peace with his surroundings and the woodland. Very relaxing to listen to and relaxing to watch.

[@rosemadder5547]

Your name is sad 🧐

[@soundseeker63]

He's Australian. That alone should explain it! lol

[@gizzykatkat9687]

I'm from Canada and we have many fungi here too. in the prairies, the mountains, forests and by lakes, rivers and the oceans. There are even fungi in the far north growing in glaciers and snow. They are amazing things, otherworldly, beautiful. Thank you for that wonderful documentary.

[@andyzhang7890]

This is one of the most fascinating and eye opening videos I’ve seen. I love a animals but wow, there’s really a universe of unexplored biology out there...

[@mariadewey4369]

Wow. I just have spent some of the best minutes of my day learning and being blown away! Thank you very much from Costa Rica. ❤️🇨🇷🍄

[@flipphone582]

The only word I have to describe his photography is MAGICAL.

[@katec5532]

Amen

[@deathmerchant8662]

Then buy a thesauris (sp?) and educate yourself...If you won't spend time on yourself then why should anyone else.

[@flipphone582]

@@deathmerchant8662 🍩

[@EverdomeYT]

This is so remarkable, thank you for the inspiration ❤️

[@PlanetFungi]

You are so welcome! Thank you for the lovely feedback. If you are interested in fungi you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@Hi_lm_V]

@@PlanetFungi You commented 28 minutes ago, lucky me. I wanted to thank you and everyone involved for sharing such information, I just watched the whole video and it was really enjoyable, Stephen Axford's voice, nature's sounds and the visuals were all on point. English isn't my native language so excuse me for any spelling mistakes.

[@PlanetFungi]

@@Hi_lm_V Thanks you so much.

[@undefinederror40404]

@@PlanetFungi To you and LECIMY: Did you know that there is a way that mushrooms can 'make' music? Someone on KZbin named MycoLyco has some videos of this. I feel like maybe you would be interested, and if you didn't know yet I would like to let you know as thanks for this video! This is a week late, but maybe you'll still see it some day..

[@yb6.]

Oh yes

[@TheMartian11]

I like how his Tshirt just says "fungi fetish"

[@davidandrada4968]

That's one kinky old man

[@nateypotatey2106]

God i really need that shirt, immediately saw it and looked it up but couldnt find it ):

[@Jewls2]

@They're Distorting Your Rhythm 128 nope I’m sleeping

[@slushbeats5417]

@@nateypotatey2106 i also want that shirt, i'll take a look around and link if i find anything

[@TheMartian11]

@@RE-xv9fp we all know that the old guy very well knew what "fetish" meant. (^_-)

[@Vv08991]

The way he keeps his focus while at least 60 mosquitoes make his face and hat there new home is AMAZING!!

[@DaysInTheGarden]

I’m over here thinking that I’m the only person that finds taking pictures of fungi amazing. Now I need to step up my time lapse game.

[@yourboss4561]

Why don't you post your pictures?

[@gruuno]

*Recommendations:* "How fungi changed my view of the world" *Me at 3am:* "Now this is the quality content i've been searching for."

[@letshearyourverse]

Just found this vid at 3:00 am, too. I wonder if the KZbin algorithm changes when it's dealing with people who should be asleep already 🤔

[@asgioan.8819]

literally me right now

[@MonsterZack5]

it's 6am what am I doing with my life

[@jamlessjimin1552]

4 am and I’m high af

[@peterbl.6652]

Greetings from Germany 01:25 AM

[@孝月希実]

なんて色鮮やかなキノコ達でしょうか🍄見てるだけでも楽しませてくれる不思議な生物群です🎉

[@johneastman1905]

This fine gentleman is eminently deserving of having his name attached to his blue fungi.

[@paradigmshift2223]

I agree

[@elilivezey7884]

The modern convention is to name it based off of morphology, as it is more useful to other scientists. Although he has done a lot of great work!

[@MargaretBelle]

The Blue Axford

[@dddmemaybe]

inb4 "bluu phungee" but nah that'd be dumb

[@DanikaOliver]

This man proudly wears the t-shirt of his kink.

[@Sara-gl8ue]

I'm happy to have provided you with your 69th thumbs up 😂

[@lifesource6594]

KZbin algorithm: He’ll literally watch anything

[@PlanetFungi]

funny.

[@lukaslefevre8007]

And original.

[@beenzumulilo9197]

🤣🤣

[@usernamesnamesnames]

Me: YES

[@MrPyro808]

😂😂😂

[@rokshanabari5472]

EXCELLENT Planet Fungi . Beautiful photographs .Different types of Collection , wonderful

[@TheHealthConscounist]

This dude turned the “bird watching phase” of adulthood into a whole new successful profession for him

[@carliep123]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@christinae30]

Aha, I didn't know what hit me like two years ago - I've never been interested in birds, but suddenly I was! Now I can tell people that it wasn't my fault, I just came into that age 😅

[@UmatsuObossa]

@@christinae30 I think it's just a sudden realization of the beautiful intricacies of nature that we overlooked in our youth. Birds end up being the topic so often because they're one of the few kinds of wild animals that will routinely come within view, especially in any kind of interesting variety

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

Thank you for all of your time, energy, and effort you put into making this beautiful film. You are educating so many people about a part of our Earth that has been so undervalued.

[@PlanetFungi]

Our pleasure. Thank you so much for your wonderfully positive message. 🙏 And Yes people are just starting to get how important fungi is to life on earth which is great to see. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie 🍄❤️🎥

[@fancynancymacy]

Why are we trying so hard to find life on Mars? Stephen Axford found the most amazing extra terrestrial life right here on earth! Life on another planet can’t be any better than what Stephen found right here. Thank you so much. This is the land of Oz. Stephen has what it takes. He has the right stuff! You are as important as the great explorers that climbed the tallest mountains and went to the North and South Pole and deepest Africa in the 1800s. The wonders of our world are still too numerous to be imagined and still here to explore and find. I am so grateful that you reinvented yourself. You not only found the fungi you also found parts of yourself on the inner adventure as exciting as the outer adventure that you are taking, living. You are not wasting your time here on earth. You are giving the world so much too.

[@jumpleadsx2]

Extra terrestrial life on this earth is an oxymoron, but you're right - we should really investigate more. Chances are the first real extra terrestrial life we find will be funghal.

[@zejdland]

@@jumpleadsx2 that is impossible.. I would explain why but meh

[@PeachesandMoss]

This was fabulous! I’m so inspired! I started mushroom photography a few years ago. The glow in the dark mushrooms were incredible! WOW!

[@mamapetillo8675]

Awe, common. Name the durn blue fungus after him. He’s earned it.

[@SweetSagan]

I was totally thinking that!

[@sharishirazi]

Exactly!

[@tThisNThat]

Did he discover it? If so it's his scientific right to name it himself.

[@valara1699]

Or call it the Australian Snowdrop

[@SermonFapple]

Axfordus Lazulas?

[@safala]

This video made me love fungi, which is a feat cause I used to _hate_ them. Plus, as an architecture student and art lover, some of these fungi have even inspired me to add their unique design to my future designs. So, thank you.

[@Glim246]

LOVE that idea. So much of the most fantastic designs in all areas are inspired by nature and its endless beauty and complexity. I wish you the best of luck in your future creative life.

[@CookingMyWay]

Are we ignoring how still he is among all those mosquitoes? He's a heroe! 😂

[@PlanetFungi]

Haha - thanks for noticing. You may also be interested in our documentary about a fungi safari in the Himalayas streaming on many platforms - info at www.planetfungi.movie And there is a masterclass in mushroom photography. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and supporting our work 🍄❤️🎥

[@CookingMyWay]

@@PlanetFungi O'll totally watch it. Please, make sure to put in the video's description, the fungi you're mentioning. There are also a lot of species we see in the video and don't have a clue of what they are. It is amaziwyou reinvented yourself. I wish you all the best to find peace in your memories and in the forest. We are also the forest. Good fortune! 🥂

[@Quaggabagel]

amogus

[@AyessaVCruz]

Until one goes in his nose...

[@DjurrenArt]

Those could be males, cause they prefer nectar over blood.

[@andyroo3022]

Your photographs are amazing, the fungi even more so. I went for a walk after rain near my home in a NSW coastal forest last week and saw many types of mushrooms I had never seen. I took some pics just with my phone camera. Taking time to admire nature is great for our mental wellbeing. Thanks Stephen,

[@jgetscensored7837]

Mushrooms have changed my view of the world too. But it usually wears off in 4-8 hours.

[@brendanhill5948]

He’s a very pleasant fellow with a lovely voice.

[@summerminato2850]

I love people with specific niche that they are passionate about. It’s so interesting! The world of fungi has expanded because of this video! Thank you!

[@Graphomite]

This was fascinating. Also, as a side note, I'm glad he explained for no particular reason beyond our own morbid curiosity what the amanita phalloides tastes like and exactly does to the body. (Dying from liver failure sounds very unpleasant).

[@rpbmpn]

I’m so easily distracted, but watching this felt like two minutes from start to finish and it was over before I had time to notice. Wonderful video.

[@PlanetFungi]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. If you are interested in fungi or in seeing more, you may also be interested in our 52 minute documentary about a fungi safari in the remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas - packed with new fungi finds, fabulous festivals and many edible, poisonous, weird and stunning mushrooms. It's called "Planet Fungi - north east India" and info about it can be found on our website - www.planetfungi.movie There is also a fungi photography masterclass which is designed to help people take the best mushroom shot they can with either a digital camera or an iphone and covers some advanced focus stacking techniques in the field and in post-production. Once again thanks for supporting our work about the wonderful kingdom of fungi.🙏🍄❤️🎥

[@saphirebandit93]

I've been reblogging this guy's stuff for years, and I'm geeking out so hard right now!! I love this!

[@mlgproplayer2915]

XD

[@erichfuentebella6298]

ikr i see so much of his work on pinterest n shit

[@katherinesills3852]

This video is simply outstanding. Currently, I am taking field biology and we are studying mushroom and how they improve our natural surroundings. I have an exam on the subject and looking for videos to add to my study material, I found your video. I loved the work you have done. You are creating a legacy for the world of fungi. I will send your videos to my professor. Please keep up this outstanding work. Thank you 😊.

[@damnoish]

He speaks without fillers like 'uh, umm, aaah' etc even at this age. Fluid thoughts! Good going!

[@potatofuryy]

It’s called a script.

[@TheLadybughug]

My mentor, who happens to look like him speaks the same way, measure, each word meaning a thousand more.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I saw zero indication he was working from a script. Which is excellent if he indeed was

[@audreyhowe3697]

I’m thirty seconds in and I’m already so much happier than when I started this video.

[@janicep1508]

Stop being a narcissist. No one cares.

[@Approximation]

@@janicep1508 Woah there- all she said was this video made her happy. Stop projecting your self hate onto others.

[@Hhhhhhggghhgghhh]

@@Approximation i agree

[@janicep1508]

@@Approximation she watched for 30 seconds before she needed the world to make it about her feelings. Yeah, classic narcissism right there.

[@sir_john_hammond]

@@janicep1508 sounds like you're projecting