Magic Mushrooms, Fungi, and The Mysterious Kingdom with Merlin Sheldrake - Cosmic Queries

Can mushrooms take over your mind? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen explore the weird world of fungi with fun-guy fungus expert and ecologist, Merlin Sheldrake. Could inactive spores survive space?
Who discovered mushrooms can affect us psychologically? You’ll learn about the origins of the classification of the kingdom fungi and the use of psychedelic mushrooms. Can psilocybin be synthesized? We explore the world’s great mycelium network and how fungi connect ecosystems. How many spores are in the air at all times? What are the differences between plants and mushrooms? Which one evolved first? There are fungi that like to eat whiskey?
Can fungi hijack animals? Will the zombie apocalypse be fungi-related? Could fungi potentially seed another planet? Find out how different fungi affect the people and animals who interact with them. What are telltale signs of a poisonous mushroom? Why will some mushrooms kill you and others not? You’ll learn about how some fungi create waves of electrical activity like neurons.
Discover Matt’s accidental mushroom cultivation and how our world is not so different from the world of James Cameron’s Avatar. Are there still mushrooms being discovered? We explore existing theories about psilocybin’s impact on human evolution. Is it possible that psychedelic mushrooms gave humans the creativity to make fire? How can we use psychoactive mushrooms for depression? Are there ways mushrooms can help us combat climate change? All that, plus, where’s the weirdest place fungi have been found?
Thanks to our Patrons Bradley Sheldrake, Marc Armstrong, The Warzone12, Luis Cruz, Ely, Andrea Sperini, and 1x4x9 for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
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[@tylerdiaz3856]

Merlin Sheldrake is Radagast the Brown. - chosen domain is of the forest - sits on two councils - advocates for forest protection - proposes the forest as a means to solving an impending doom - claims to be a symbiotic host - is literally a wizard

[@prospectorbonky]

Damn. So true lol

[@Luke-mf6tg]

42nd like. Must be true.

[@ii.cc.]

I was LITERALLY thinking the same

[@versag3776]

🤯🤔🍄-"can be our under lords"

[@feydrautha191]

He's like Radagast the Brown mixed with a young Time Lord, Tom Baker

[@juan2three6]

Merlin is so delicate and precise with his words, he uses wording thats easily understandable yet gives tons of information and context with very little effort on the listeners end. This is definitely one of my favorite episodes

[@dolex161]

Accessible writing and language is a easy way to encourage learning and cooperation with everyone around you. This is especially true in today's diverse global community 🙂 and maybe in time, galactic!

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

its the fundamental difference between how the English communicate vs how Americans communicate. no its not, im just joking. Thats a lie, Im serious.

[@stacknsat]

Life is about optimization A good story or movie is one that doesn't waste any audio or visual opportunities

[@taztaztaz]

he's just like his father

[@wajdihadji3707]

That's a sign of high intelligence , he is gifted

[@ThompsonEverest]

I’ve had a positive experience with mushroom. Trust me it was awesome

[@martialwoods-gy5tb]

Psilocybin mushrooms show promise in supporting mental health.

[@RamonGrant-ho4vy]

Can I get em?

[@RubenRuben-t8u]

Will he be On instgram?

[@NicoleDuncan-te2kg]

My journey to recovery was aided by the therapeutic potential of mushroom

[@HenryHenderson-qw8zy]

Can he send to me in NYC ?

[@Iconic_moment]

Psychedelics definitely has potential to deal with health issues like anxiety and depression , I would like to try them but it's hard to source them here

[@RobertDavid-fn3qo]

You can't overdose on mushrooms alone . You can definitely eat the wrong mushroom and get poisoning from that, but no one has ever died from psilocybin OD

[@JesseScott-pc3kb]

​@jojo Yeah , he's dr. johnsonshroom ..he's got magic mushrooms , chocolate bars , Isd and other psych's

[@MichaelLucos]

Taking two grams was a wonderful experience for me.

[@MichaelLucos]

dr.johnsonshroom has been my supplier and I love doing business with him I must say 😇💯

[@DestinyDonald-vc3cm]

​@Fernando Lucas Yeah I know that right, dr.johnsonshroom has also been my supplier for over months now.. He delivers anywhere and also discreet .. if you're scared about that

[@Baloneyious_Monk]

Merlin Sheldrake sounds like the exact name of a mushroom wizard.

[@demiskc]

My thought precisely!

[@davidfrazier8686]

Or a strain

[@you_beg_my_pardon]

I think that's part of it

[@you_beg_my_pardon]

I'll bet he likes LARPing

[@cynthiakozlowski177]

Baloneyious Monk sounds like an amazingly awesome persons name that would knowingly participate in eating some fungi’s as well. 😉

[@jackfadell]

Neil: Ps..ilo...cybin? Everyone: Don't pretend you've never heard of it, Neil, you've been on the Jo Rogan podcast. 😂

[@hlinville6034]

I was thinking the same thing

[@cbaylor0369]

I rolled my eyes lol

[@cade2561]

It’s because he’s a science communicator. He likely knows most of this stuff, he’s just relaying it into a podcast form for others to understand too

[@slayerx009]

😂

[@KoxenBols]

He's just not 100% sure how to pronounce it, not pretending anything

[@sapelesteve]

I read Merlin's book "Entangled Life" a few months ago. If you want to read an excellent book and really learn about the world of Mushrooms, I highly recommend his book. Great interview Neil.... 👍😉

[@johan.ohgren]

Merlins? As in the wizard Merlin?🤔

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

@@johan.ohgren yes, his brother is named Cosmo

[@thunderaxe]

Does it have anything about Microdosing on shrooms ?

[@montestout1006]

@@thunderaxe macro

[@willmillard1064]

@@thunderaxe a good nonfiction is it’s own form of microdosing 🤯. There’s nothing quite like the euphoria of gaining new understanding. Except maybe microdosing, but I haven’t tried shrooms so I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@beamz1631]

This man was such a great guest, he seemed so interested and thorough with his takes on things.

[@NoName-ec4bu]

And sweet 🥺🥰

[@jakefearing6640]

@Johnny Bravo I mostly agree, but I'm not sure its intentional by Neil (the cutting him off and not letting him talk too much). For the end when he shut him down I think that he thought the mushroom boy had no clue about the cosmic web.

[@shantanubbhosale]

@@jakefearing6640 IMO this is Neil's normal behavior, can't change the old man. Still a good guy though.

[@jakefearing6640]

@@shantanubbhosale i think hes a good man as we’ll and why would i want him to change, i was explaining to Jonny Bravo that it’s unintentional and not meant to be rude.

[@luismlopez2474]

His father is even more Gangster!!

[@AdequateMusique]

Merlin has such a quick wit and hilarious sense of humour. You might even call him…… a “fun guy”

[@sergiocesarvalencia8400]

as a dad i approve this message

[@Gazer1610]

Well there isn't Mushroom in here! 😜

[@JohnSagin-SimViDeLucis579]

Wonder if hes related to Rupert Sheldrake?

[@Armira12]

Yes, he is Rupert Sheldrake’s son.

[@TheArjulaad]

🤪👍🏻

[@57beanyboy]

The world of fungi has opened up a new interest for my brain to explore. This one of my favourite episodes. Thank you Merlin!

[@Sophia-mn5mb]

I got my stuff's from online store they got Lsd, Mushroom, Xanax, extascy, chocolate bars and psychedelic products which they also deliver...?...?

[@Sophia-mn5mb]

They're on Instagram and telegram as

[@Sophia-mn5mb]

trip_world2????

[@another_blacktomcat]

...Merlin Sheldrake might have the most natural "asmr"like voice/speaking style I have heard in a long time^^

[@godagon97]

Talking fungi and that's where you went?? Bruh

[@solgato5186]

it's magic!

[@another_blacktomcat]

@@godagon97 ....why not?^^ unintentional asmr is everywhere^^'

[@sevensickszero8966]

What's a s m r

[@another_blacktomcat]

@@sevensickszero8966 well slightly unusual that you are on youtube, but haven't come upon this trend^^ if the question is honest: asmr is a specific form of video used for relaxation, sleep or posivite affirmation - depending on the consumer and the creator. it is based upon the notion that certain sounds, speechpattern or images are soothing and can cause "tingles". which fees more or less like a very positive form of goosebumbs (in my descprition^^) If the question wasn't honest, i just made you waste a moment to read through all that :P

[@truwth]

Merlin just tries to end it by drawing a light-hearted analogy between fungi networks and cosmic networks, but Neil has to get all serious and tell him how they differ. I don't think Neil was quite getting Merlin.

[@popaandrei4422]

Dude.. If the analogy was left at that, everybody would think that is an analogy. Neil was right to get that point, and POINT out the difference. So everybody knows. 🤦

[@rafaelrafaelrafael]

I think Neil has spent so much time trying to educate people with fringe beliefs that he lost the subtlety in Merlin’s words.

[@Silhouex]

He did. It was just a momentary miscommunication.

[@DCLN433]

It’s not that deep, he’s an educator so even when someone makes a lighthearted joke to connect 2 things he’ll still point out what he can point out to correct it cos it’s just how he is, he’s well educated himself so any irregularities probably bug him a bit deep down, not in a bad way, he probably just appreciates his intelligence 🤷‍♂️ nout wrong with that, he’s gifted

[@rafaelrafaelrafael]

@@DCLN433 I don't think being gifted is an excuse to not understand nuance. Quite the opposite.

[@urieowrjdf]

I really enjoyed this episode! Merlin is a refreshing guest and I wish there were more soft spoken yet highly knowledgeable guests like him on other future shows.

[@BubuH-cq6km]

#fakenews #corporatesellouts

[@JamesTaylor-ff4dp]

Psilocybin containing mushroom saved my life. The drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quite illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit. it has also helped me to survive depression

[@Elizabeth-gu8hx]

Psychedelic’s definitely have potential to deal with mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, I would like to try them again again but it’s just so hard to source out of there.

[@zarkos2313]

I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety because of university stress. Not until I came across bergwilly1, a very intelligent mycologist.He saved my life honestly

[@jorgparker2463]

I’m feeling the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety level. I am so glad to be part of this community.

[@mirabelwatson7863]

Is he on inSta?

[@markaxel9799]

Tripping is not really bad but find a good mycologist who will teach you the right things you need to know

[@slouchengames]

I was blown away by Merlin’s answers to all there questions. They where so much more in depth then I expected. Thanks was an interesting episode.

[@beetledjuice3062]

"But, Neil, your subject matter wiped out the dinosaurs...." Neil got got

[@sunnyday6133]

Absolutely merc'd

[@marquitospino5432]

Yeah and dont let the athletes feet get out of control so that it takes out another species.

[@danielxmiller]

that was the funniest thing I've heard in a long time

[@harku123]

Merlin is our most delicate asset. We must protect him at all costs.

[@be-qw3nn]

agreed

[@johnbalantes2261]

We need sharks with frickin laser beams

[@markkarasik2211]

😎Dr Evil cleaned me out for Sharks with Frickin Laser Beams BUT I have 150 GMO Gerbils in track shoes with miniature chainsaws…I’ll even throw in a gallon of irradiated ants…CHEAP!

[@johnbalantes2261]

@@markkarasik2211 consider it sold!!!

[@SobeCrunkMonster]

hes too precious to risk in combat

[@teddibear1153]

Merlin Sheldrake = not only someone i need to have stimulation conversation with but HAWT! That hair and smile is everything!

[@KimiAvary]

Great episode. I’m surprised Neil that you appear to have not ever taken Psychedelic mushrooms. Might want to consider trying them. I would imagine, with your cognitive abilities and understanding of science, it would be an amazing experience. Merlin was a great guest. I hope you have on again. And Matt was a fun cohost.

[@live_neck]

I would pay a great lump sum for a video of this

[@j4rey989]

Neil once said a day spent without learning anything is a day wasted, and ideally you should have your mind blown away at least once a week. Mind blown for this week achieved ✔️

[@bathin813]

I don't want my mind blown. I want my small head blown every day

[@DCLN433]

@@bathin813 u can still get head and be educated 😂😂

[@sprBEAST211]

Check out Fantastic Fungi on Netflix

[@jaelynn7575]

True that!

[@jaelynn7575]

@@bathin813 Hahaha. Nice one. Thanks for making me laugh.

[@neverpure20]

Merlin’s dialogue skills though… And what a great name is Merlin for his profession btw 😀

[@SekaiNoGaijin]

Started a little slow, but enjoyed it ^^

[@tls5870]

Merlin, the Wizard of Magic Mushrooms

[@MrYossarianuk]

More (wise) British people should have that name .

[@MJW98101]

@@tls5870 i would watch that youtube channel

[@noahway13]

His dad is Rupert Sheldrake.

[@DP-jr8uk]

This was yet another perfect example of Science communication for the general public. Thank you to all of the Startalk team and guests.

[@fiiredark]

I could listen to Merlin explain anything for hours. Your voice is so soothing!

[@grasshopper-ln9us]

I can't wait for the day when I could walk into a store and get me some shrooms

[@farley_watsononinstagram8761]

Contact the above 👆👆 name we got plenty stuff for you. We deliver world wide 😊😊

[@slyspy333]

i can psilocybin chocolate legally in stores in Florida.

[@F_L_U_X]

Merlin looks like a funguy...

[@michaelwalton7066]

😏

[@thomaslane1547]

Ow. Well done! :)

[@oldschoolman1444]

I don't get it. =)

[@HaileyMorganful]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@msmith53]

Very, very droll!!! Always invite a mushroom to your next party, because he is a ....!!

[@isaackitone]

I also did my science in the 80s and 90s but we knew mushrooms to be under the Plant Kingdom, then under Nonflowering Plants, then under Fungi. But scientific knowledge keeps changing for the better.

[@sandrataylor2323]

Merlin reminds me of a young curly headed Dr. Who.

[@Games_and_Music]

Weird... i responded to you but once again it doesn't show. But yeah, i said something like, he's definitely Tom Baker, and something about mycelium, yada yada.. haha

[@noahway13]

Look up his dad, Rupert.

[@harrison5465]

Most definitely. The 4th doctor

[@JE-vw3th]

Oh my god. This guy is so brilliant and so kind and just seeing him make these other young smart thinkers lives was so awesome. Sometimes you can meet your idol!

[@JohnSagin-SimViDeLucis579]

Wonder if hes at all related to Rupert Sheldrake

[@isatousarr7044]

That’s an incredible career choice! As a mushroom ecologist, you’ll dive into the enigmatic world of fungi, uncovering their vital roles in ecosystems and potentially discovering groundbreaking applications in medicine and sustainability. Plus, you’ll get to spend your days exploring forests and fields, hunting for those elusive mushrooms that many people overlook. I’m definitely ready to embrace the life of a fungi enthusiast, where my "office" might very well be a damp, mossy corner of the forest floor to master the art of mushroom identification and unravel the complex relationships fungi have with their environments.

[@kevinkirst6035]

26:53 genius comedic comeback! I loved this guy, great interview! I now have a new found respect for fungi.

[@0669249]

Thanks Merlin, you look passionate about your field and explained it to us very well!! Fungus are gonna be a powerfull tool for the future

[@forbiddenfruitbasket9112]

I can only imagine the jokes Chuck would have made on this episode.

[@mehmetdurna3115]

Entangled Life: a marvelous book, a masterpiece.

[@rjsmith6698]

What an amiable person and brilliant biologist Merlin is. Made a wonderful guest for the show.

[@katieheys8564]

Merlin is absolutely brilliant. Love him!

[@thomaslane1547]

3:23 There was a mushroom kingdom when I grew up. I kept having to save it from Bowser.

[@jasonkamaluta8293]

Looking forward to getting any psychedelics product,dmt or lsd check bredman_trip090 on iG also grow and sell cheap delivery to any destination

[@harleymorgan7226]

I have watched countless episodes of StarTalk and this was the BEST one. Merlin is a brilliant and prolific speaker. He just captures your attention and draws you into his world. I will definitely purchase his book to learn more about this fascinating subject

[@DanceonthePedals]

I love the touche’ @ 26. Ha!,

[@_KaiTheGamer_]

The fact about fungal spores in earth's atmosphere being able to influence weather really makes me wonder just how weird a planet covered in alien fungi and mushrooms would be.

[@willlie4592]

I got my stuff's from online store they got Lsd, Mushroom, Xanax, extascy, chocolate bars and psychedelic products which they also deliver...?...?

[@willlie4592]

They're on Instagram or Telegram as¿‽¿**

[@willlie4592]

Phamrafi5~~~~~~~~

[@willlie4592]

They're got great psychedelics products

[@Ragzbot]

When Neil said, “man I got a new respect for mushrooms now. Damn.” I felt that.

[@brtjohns]

One of the most insightful interviews I've ever seen.

[@noaeast8732]

The fact that Neil talked about mycelium for a whole episode, but never understood its purely fungus says a lot.

[@azureapathy92]

I love how Neil has an open mind to learning things outside his speciality

[@shahinm2306]

This would have been on another level had he brought Paul stament as guest..

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

This guy is basically his protege.

[@nolan412]

Or Dennis Mckenna.

[@Alex-bl6oi]

I thought this guy did a great job... Very informative and well spoken. Paul is a character though

[@DanielHernandez-ln3hh]

Chuck would of smoked em both

[@phantomhawk01]

yes mate

[@grantf6687]

Mushrooms were the main reason humans evolved consciousness or were once conscious at some points in history. Psilocybe mushrooms are the only thing that should ever be mandatory. Neil definitely needs more mushrooms

[@jelloballoo]

Merlin Sheldrake- studies and dedicates his studies and time to studying mushrooms Cosmo Sheldrake- makes music about mushrooms

[@808mauna]

I used to listen to Terence Mckenna and Rupert sheldrake have amazing intellectual conversations.The book "The Evolutionary Mind" was pretty interesting too. Very refreshing to see My favorite astrophycicist/science educator Neil having an intellectual conversation with Ruperts kid

[@hji123]

53:00 Neils ego was FIGHTING the idea that something could be bigger than what he knows

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Merlin Sheldrake... also known as "Fifth" among the Replicators on SG-1...

[@marraskalimotxo]

I knew it looked familiar! 🤣🤣

[@Ptaaruonn]

I see you are a Tau'ri of culture as well.

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

Can someone explain

[@atlasfeynman1039]

@@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369 StarGate

[@oldschoolman1444]

Watched SG1 a lot and did not know that. =)

[@keenanwagner8180]

I could listen to Merlin talk about fungi forever. So calming

[@elforeigner3260]

I’ve always thought our frontal lobes must be some weird ancient fungus that infected our simian ancestors, turning them into avatars or vehicles with an hybrid intelligence, modifying their genes, and finally evolving into a symbiotic creature, us

[@melissakidd9624]

I had just seen Fantastic Fungi on Netflix a few weeks ago. I thought it was going to be on a couple of things but was happily mesmerized of all the interwoven subjects and topics. I learned a lot. Who knew this fun gal was into the fungi?

[@MazMozdy]

Great interview! I find Merlin's argument very interesting "As below, so above" because celestial objects live for BILLIONS of years! Therefore if galactic communication is taking hundreds of light years, I feel it is just a fraction of a star's lifecycle. I mean, imagine being a mushroom with a week's lifespan trying to make sense of how humans live and grow for tens of years!!! O_O PS: I'm not a scientist

[@nescionetizen295]

Mushroom is the fruit, there is a much larger organism behind it ;)

[@MazMozdy]

@@nescionetizen295 that's bananas!

[@disideratum]

His name is Merlin, he talks about the Cosmic Web and uses the phrase “As above, so below”. I believe he secretly is a magician...

[@mattcrouch8984]

2 Minutes in if you play yhe video at .25 speed you can see ol cheesy faces eye through his eyelid. He doesn't exist

[@KenSoHappyClegg]

Wild squirrels would knock off the broad flat caps of amanita pantherina and eat the gills on the bottom side but leave the skin and white dots intact. Supposedly the skins were more psychoactive than the rest of the mushroom, but also amanitas may require heating to make them more psychoactive

[@smithsSons]

There’s a lot of potential in psychedelics, I can’t wait to try any of them mushrooms specifically but it’s just so hard to find a reliable source over here, I’ll be glad if anyone can be of help

[@Elena_Nolan]

Psilocybin containing mushrooms saved my life. They drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quit illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had become medically dangerous to quit.

[@Michaelsbrownie]

Psychedelic drugs should be used when you’re in the right state of mind, a lot of people abuse them.

[@Neto37375]

Tripping is not a bad idea but having a competent mycologist who will guide you on the dosage is the big deal

[@KelvinRosemark]

(Remmy_tripper) Got psychs*

[@Bryanclouds]

First time tripping was unplanned and it was great me and 2 other buddies tripped in a car then it was a wonderful experience

[@alhassirakhdugani5813]

Here for his take on Psilocybin

[@Chris-vr8cd]

Probably makes him gassy

[@Evangq]

Most of the psilocybin talk starts at 40:55

[@herewardofbourn8197]

Thay play it down really sad chuck gets it

[@timauth]

@@herewardofbourn8197 huh?

[@Evangq]

@@timauth I think he meant, they play down the effects psilocybin has (had), and if Chuck were there he would have at least tried to prompt more. -Is what I believe @Hereward of Bourn was saying.

[@petebyrdie4799]

Merlin is a gently quirky as I'd expect the son of Rupert Sheldrake to be. He's incredibly knowledgeable.

[@IslandGirlKelly]

I agree Pete. I cannot even imagine what fantastic conversations took place through the years in their house whilst Merlin was a youngster, and even now. Morphic resonance, mushrooms, all the wonders of this amazing planet. If only we all could engage with such discussions. Happy Friday. 🥂

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

I'm surprised how scientific he turned out tho

[@samuelgeorge8524]

Merlin feels so naturally nice a person.

[@ralitsastavreva2439]

So interesting, thank you for the wide range of science topics on the channel. Also, my pug found psilocybin mushrooms on a forest walk and used to eat them recreationally. I couldn’t stop him, he loved it!

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

I picture you walking him home , floating like a balloon, gently bobbing asynchronously to your stride, about a foot above your shoulder, at the end of his lead, buggy pug eyes chasing the technicolor squirrels in his mind. And they all went home and lived happily ever after.👏😅

[@pleasuretokill]

One of the best channels on YT for sure. Who needs garbage TV when you have this goodness

[@esinonuk2749]

I love neil degrasse tyson. My favourite scientest.

[@offaxisfpv]

another great interview!! thank you

[@hyperstimmed]

I love how every mycologist is a weirdo. Are weird people drawn to mushrooms, or do mushrooms turn people weird? Either way, I like it.

[@sonnieandjacob]

Ive studied it independently since I was a teenager and yes we are weird 😊

[@fante420]

It depends on how you see weird because im a hippie and i study mycology

[@derekpoulin2482]

Not all that wonder are lost, mushroom hunters

[@disclaimer5911]

To simplify an answer to that ... Just say yes. It's theorized that shrooms kinda fell from space and directly affected the ecosystem. It is not from this world. But it survives here and has had bizare effects upon its arrival to our planet

[@disclaimer5911]

I would like to ask the fairy question I know it's seemingly ridiculous like ufos or many other topics but what's the history on the fairies circles of shrooms? Answer seriously cause I asked seriously this "fairytale" had to start somewhere right?

[@610231718]

I wish he gave Terrance McKenna some credit for some of the stuff he was talking about

[@johntowner1893]

Merlin Sheldrake - what a well spoken and inspiring professional. 18 years ago in my high school chemistry class I postulated using genetic engineering of fungi to live off hydrocarbon polymers in plastics and break down waste from human industries. I have had a love and interest of biology since, however sadly was not able to succeed in my biology studies and now study horticulture - mycelium are such an integral part of growing healthy plants.

[@Brett_S_420]

You were right though. There are successful studies of just that hypothesis here in Washington State. Oil, plastic, all of that is food to some of these fungi that have been found.

[@Brett_S_420]

Mycologist Paul Stamets has had findings in the lab and the field have secured his reputation as a visionary scientist and proven that mushroom-based technologies can be deployed to solve an array of challenges, including cleaning up toxins and pollutants (mycoremediation), controlling insect pests (mycopesticides), restoring habitats (mycorestoration), and battling human health problems (mycomedicinals). Over the course of his career, he’s been awarded nine patents-with several more pending-for unlocking and tapping a number of the beneficial properties of mushrooms. He’s discovered four new species-including one on Evergreen’s campus-and written dozens of scientific articles and six books, including definitive texts on psilocybin, or “magic,” mushrooms and on the cultivation, identification, and use of medicinal and gourmet specimens. His latest treatise, Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World, describes the fungi’s applications for repairing and restoring health on both the personal and ecological levels. His 2008 TED Talk, “6 ways mushrooms can save the world,” conveyed this vision more broadly: It’s been viewed more than 2.5 million times since it was posted online.

[@_Lionsin]

The Galaxies that are seperated by ages of the universe were at one point close enough to interact with each other. Ageed that they're structures in the universe that will no longer ever interact, but at one point they did which resulted in their non interaction presently.

[@wildyamtarot2488]

I would love to see and hear more about the long term relationship that indigenous peoples around the world have had with mushrooms for 10s of thousands of years. European and Western science is thousands of years behind most indigenous cultures in our relationships and deep understanding of nature in general and mushrooms in particular.

[@catatonicable]

Spiritual, adults, elders..controlled by the people...not for daily use...Respect, Earned...

[@pranveralu6927]

Most quantum physics contributions came from Europeans and European science, we’ve found out more about nature then your indigenous groups.

[@erinhardick1362]

The Europeans had tribal people as well and those tribes also used medicinal plants the same way Western tribal people did.

[@erinhardick1362]

“Than” not then. If you’re going to make an attempt at a dig on a person’s comment, the least you can do is get the grammar correct.

[@ThePixelExpedition]

Love this show always, but Chuck really needed to be here for this one. So much potential for his kind of humour!

[@massiballa8282]

This guy?!? I mean this guy!!! Sooo prepared and interesting!

[@someguy2135]

On the question of whether mushrooms affected the brain growth of our primate ancestors, the Lion's Mane mushroom has been shown to improve brain function. There may be other edible mushrooms that we aren't currently aware of that have an even greater impact in this regard.

[@vanillarpgsoundtracks]

Psychedelic mushrooms my dude.

[@corneliusthecrowtamer1937]

Psilocybin has also been shown to improve brain function, but it also has the potential for ENJOYABLE effects *GASP* THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!

[@bchearne]

I believe lions mane actually can stimulate neural growth, not just function. Might be a good companion fungus for psilocybe consumption

[@tonygrowley5275]

Psilocybin itself that spurs the growth of neuronal connections.

[@HeartBeatSurfer]

Same results as placebo in scientific litterature.

[@TheRabbitRonin]

Eating shrooms can make you a fungi (fun guy) at a party. Only mushrooms I ever ate were morel mushrooms. I love those kind.

[@Karl_Kampfwagen]

Micro-dosing is the key usually, and it really comes down to proper growth, harvest, and extraction of the alkaloid compounds. Great video! Loved the German guidebook anecdote, especially how some people can metabolize the toxins better than others. 😂

[@mycojolesviai.n.s.t.a.g.r.236]

For your authentic shrooms,chocolate bars dmt,and psyched product check

[@mycojolesviai.n.s.t.a.g.r.236]

M-y-c-o-j-o-l-e-s

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On ig

[@Rob_TheOne]

One of my favorite things to eat are mushroom "chicken" nuggets. Qorn grows mushrooms as meat substitute.

[@gordonquigg9389]

I like the part where, the mushrooms or roots of, can survive outside the space station and then later propogate back into living mushroom type life. Which means that, mushrooms could have evolved somewhere else in the universe zillions of years ago, and may have been explode from one galaxy through space in ice forms like comets or astroids, and landed on earth in earth's infancy of life and aided in the first life forms on earth, giving way to all kinds of mutations in the evolution of life on earth, and thus through billions of years created a symbiosis with all of the life forms that came to be here. But just the fact that any life forms can travel through space and repropogate lets us know that that possibility answers a lot of questions about how life first formed on earth in its infancy. It also lets us know that there is a high probability that there are other planets in other galaxies throughout the universe where life has already been, or already is, but that not all of the life forms on those far off planets in ideal conditions have the ability to survive the harshness of space travel in any form that could make it long distances. Therefore, these harty survivors leave their counterparts behind and wind up being the only life forms to get through all the way to say us on earth in order to reproduce and recultivate life. In any event, our evidence lies on those trays on the space station, and in those cultures after they were regerminated or repropgated. This is a huge advanced in science and the understanding of us and our universe.

[@josephinegrey4517]

mushroom have definitely given me original thoughts and changed my mind in fascinating ways, they are a sacred medicine for a reason, one has to use them wisely - bless you Merlin, we need your beautiful mind for humanities' evolution and thank you Neil and Matt for a profound, lively and entertaining interview ...

[@PS-xu7wj]

This was your one chance to bid us to keep looking down Neil...

[@GregShoop]

It was interesting to me to watch Merlin shed his nerves as the podcast went on. At first I thought this was going to be slow show. I think some folks are just so smart that they have a hard time relating to the "real" world.

[@kylezo]

It was hard watching him being talked over so much because he's so patient, quiet, and thoughtful.

[@gabesmith5570]

@@kylezo yeah I agree, Merlin was respectful and Neil kind of went overboard with his egocentric reactions

[@adeleamra]

@@gabesmith5570 I think Neil felt embarrassed when he kept mistakenly referring to fungi as mushrooms. He seemed to overcompensate from that point onward.

[@Rich_P_Anya]

Perhaps this "some folks" is *you*

[@m.antoinette3410]

Psychedelic experiences thru mushrooms may go mainstream one day like Mj. Been flirting with this channel for a while. First one I watched all the way thru. An hour for me!?!? Stellar👍🏽

[@dk-fk4xm]

Totally worth it every time.

[@Kdubbzism]

Very informative show and unexpectedly quite funny and entertaining. Love the dynamic of the guests and the information we bring to the table is appreciated. Glad I found this channel!

[@legendno1]

yes🎉

[@stevenhix6897]

Wonderful topic! Thanks guys.

[@RetNemmoc555]

The carpet in my old jalopy was a mushroom farm due to a leaking sunroof.

[@derekfrost8991]

I've got some growing on my ceiling.. 😬🍄🍄

[@apachedisco]

Merlin Sheldrake has got that young Tom Baker vibe going on. I'm thinking Young Tom Baker did a lot of mushrooms.

[@Games_and_Music]

It does explain the scarf.

[@gabrielhersey5546]

Space mushrooms! Sounds like a 1960’s science fiction horror film

[@michaelwalton7066]

The Outer Limits episode!😁

[@ytyehyeh]

Or Star Trek: Discovery

[@dondaniels127]

Neil, if you have Quantum Pairing then communication across the Universal mind could be instantaneous across the cosmic web, which just "Coincidentally" looks a lot like a neural network. Consciousness (telepathy) does not appear to be limited to the speed of light.

[@sirvapalot]

Ive had respect for fungi/mushrooms since my first psilocybin trip 30-40 years ago.

[@ianfindley8160]

This was a really cool episode. Food for thought Neil, what if the communication time of the cosmic web is reasonable for the age of the organism? I know it's a little "out there" but since we don't know for sure (scientifically speaking) the fate of our universe, who's to say light speed is too slow?

[@thinginground5179]

"nah thats too out there, you a conspiracy nut my homie"

[@frankwestphal8532]

And who's to say that electromagnetic energy is how it communicates? Right away I go to quantum entanglement. Zero time elapses in communication between entangled pairs. And the emerging study of quantum biology is showing us that everyday organisms use quantum entanglement to communicate and understand things that should be unknowable. My suspicion is that humans use this much more than we ever thought possible, we just aren't consciously aware of it.

[@arcturionblade1077]

I find it cool that mushrooms and fungi have been a fixture in video games past and present, what with the Super Mario Bros. series in the 80's and more recently with the Last of Us and Resident Evil (7and 8) series of horror action games. It's interesting that the latter horror games would feature fungi that would mind control (and mutate) humans similarly to the fungi that makes zombies out of insects. Mushrooms also happen to be our (my wife and I) favorite foods. It's certainly our favorite topping on pizza! The sheer varieties available in supermarkets where we are (in Japan) astounds us, and how quickly wild mushrooms appear after heavy rains here too. It's little wonder that the Japanese would feature them in the very first Super Mario Bros. game!

[@DeX9O2]

Great episode. I’m eating some mushrooms on my pizza right now. Thank you for your sacrifice, Mr. Mushroom.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I keep doing this, but never trip!

[@Brett_S_420]

Wrong mushrooms y'all.

[@VeggiePower303]

The Psylocibin in the mushrooms enables the Mushrooms with Hyper-Light communication capability. And when we ingest Psylocibin our brain becomes enabled with Hyper-Light communication abilities and therefore we can look into other dimensions. The Mushroom is our friend and it exists in Symbioses with some of the members of the Human race. And the Mushroom has a key roll in our Spiritual evolution.

[@sierrabaughman810]

Very interesting fellow Merlin is, feels like Merlin is literally a vessel used by the mushrooms to communicate themselves to us. I always thought we all came from mushrooms and they use us or were suppose to but government stopped such progression and evolution of the human and nature. But seeing and hearing Merlin I can definitely say Merlin is human vessel for speaking on behalf of the fungi. Gentle soft unique. One of a kind find Neil!!! Mycelium Merlin Human Representative of Magic Mushrooms and other Fungi. Helping mushrooms and humans connect again.

[@beamz1631]

Of course Neil has to shut down this WONDERFUL man's parting thoughts lol these astrophysicts maaan

[@armanunited8120]

That was so funny, he was about to cry 😂

[@joshportie]

Neil isnt even a real scientist. Hes an actor. His views are actually antiscience.

[@antonyshortridge7747]

@@joshportie I am only a quarter through and I feel he is trying to diminish this thoughtful person who actually is up to date and willing to think. It’s a crime the way Neil treats him and especially the side cart. I am happy I am more aware.

[@V_2077]

@@joshportie He has a masters in Physics and a masters in Astrophysics. Written tons of books and hosts many shows communicating science to the masses. Just an actor? 🤔🤔🤔

[@joshportie]

@@V_2077 he knows literally nothing about physics. He literally holds views in opposition to physics and you believe that.

[@Bugy64]

Wow great video I love the in depth discussions of these topics!

[@olivierguimontbnk]

Mr. Rupert Sheldrake, you've help your son grow into someone bright and brilliant! Glad to see this man be part of IT. Great conversation about fungi and putting the points where they have to be.

[@pussyslayer1484]

this sounds so ominous, what do u mean with IT?

[@douglo3676]

I was wondering if this was Ruperts son, I heard Sheldrake and immediately perked up.

[@billsadler3]

I knew I recognized the Sheldrake surname. Evolution in action.

[@buford9752]

Fungi control all functions of life. They're everywhere. We have no idea of the influence Fungi has on our planet. The Science community has dropped the ball on this subject. The world needs more Merlins.

[@maninashedandyp]

Who would have thought fungi as so awesome. It’s incredible that they are more related to animals than green leaved plants

[@notlessgrossman163]

"Some fungi can put you in a light coma" LoL maybe lower metabolism for long space travel hibernation

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

While I really admire Neil's efforts to boost & popularize science in these new dark ages, it's frankly a little weird to see him acting so gregariously "Hollywood" as he's interviewing young Merlin Sheldrake, a scientist who obviously does not travel in those circles. Merlin, who is genial enough, is a soft-spoken guy who keeps getting trampled under Neil's boisterousness. I'm thinking this episode might have gone deeper and further if Neil had prepped for it by ingested one of the more contemplative varieties of shrooms beforehand.

[@CatylisticRevo62]

Merlin needs to go on Rogan's podcast

[@isdenn7]

@@CatylisticRevo62 word!

[@jaynewton5278]

Touchee my friend. Neil does not want to be proven wrong where wrong happens.

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

@@jaynewton5278 Now that is a bold statement that I reflexively, instinctively like, but I'm honestly going to have to chew on it a bit, if that's okay.

[@NomadicBrian]

Whether we are eating them on pizza or with a steak as mushrooms or dealing with the nasty of it on our bodies or around the damp dark crevices of the house fungi is certainly fascinating. Wonderful guest Merlin was.

[@Matchette]

This episode is so interesting in so many ways and has excited my interest all along. Ive looked into etymology, ISS and NASA experiment, Mars simulation, taxonomy, Stone ape hypothesis... As below so above, As above so below I believe needs to be reviewed by Mister who rejected to quick and easily the concept. At the end of the day Merlin talked about the speed of the our brain cells connection to the speeds of the mycelium communication system and even though mycelium is much slower, it is working this way and doesn't need to go faster. Why wouldn't cosmic web communication speed be proportionally as fast? What do you think?

[@rxibot]

I can't even keep a cactus alive when I'm present When I'm gone, it's a groundbreaking botanical epic From desolate to Little Shop of Horrors in a second It's weird knowing life thrives more when you exit ~Aesop Rock

[@paramkumar8329]

Love the show.....can we get Matt Parker on the show, would love it even more?

[@WishfulCreation]

It's a bit disappointing seeing NDT is taking shots at the profundity of the psychedelic experience. In my opinion, it's minds like his that would benefit the most from these types of experiences. The mystical experience is one of the greatest treasures of mankind.