Merlin Sheldrake talks about fungi to the UK Parliament Science, Technology & Innovation Committee

On Wednesday 7 February 2024, the cross party committee of UK MPs, the Science, Innovation & Technology Select Committee held a one-off session looking at how the remarkable and diverse properties of fungi can be harnessed to improve human health, tackle environmental and engineering challenges and increase food security. Merlin Sheldrake was one of the witnesses interviewed about the ways we can partner with fungi to adapt to life on a damaged planet.

[@nolongerjuicyboiz4413]

He is exactly what I expected from a guy called Merlin Sheldrake

[@ABoxOfCartonJuice]

The name sounds like a wizard name

[@sicuro5050]

@@ABoxOfCartonJuicemixed with shitake mushrooms

[@joedevitt132]

The whole family is next level.

[@thewokefindergeneral7631]

Harry Potter vibes

[@Hacktheplanet_]

Skyrim side quest character

[@imstillme3106]

Very informed, very eloquent and utterly relevant. You can tell he's not a politician though - he answers questions directly and concisely!

[@williambuchanan77]

He looks like he's really fascinated by fungus.

[@Wavy_Gravy]

It's all wasted. Stop praising wastrd efforts, it's counterproductive. especially with the EU collecting all the farmland they can, with dubious tactics. This young man could be teaching school children, not speaking to entitled corpses. IMO. Lol. Kids will outlive stupidity, if you give em the chance.

[@williambuchanan77]

@@Wavy_Gravy He's a scientist. It's not as daft as you think. Once the fungus dies out we starve, and I don't think the farmers will let the buggers

[@prismonthethehorizon5793]

😂😂😂😂

[@tubecated_development]

@@Wavy_GravyDunning-Kruger effect just made you and I both psychologists! With diagnostic expertise! Amazing.

[@danbull]

OK I did not expect to get ASMR tingles from a parliamentary select committee

[@infinity.of.smoke.and.mirrors]

lol

[@nomad_0036]

you should listen to Sheldrakes brothers music if you want tingles.

[@colonelbuds]

u made music for nerd cubed didn’t u

[@paranoidlawyer]

We didn't expect to see dan bull here either haha

[@hyporealism]

istanbul

[@KatieM786]

There is nothing more intetesting than to listen to an intelligent person talk about their area of experience and special interest with joy and enthusiasm, what a great video!

[@EmilyW.isawakenotwoke]

Merlin is ethereal... I'm pretty sure he is a faerie, that's why he understands fungi so well . ❤️

[@rivalee9]

Beautiful to hear the words 'psychedelic' and 'psilocybin' echoing in that room

[@JB.zero.zero.1]

I can think of multiple cabinet members who would do well to visit the old gods 🍄

[@goinblinddoggone]

In a very big way 😂

[@Cassidy127]

Should be an initiation before commencing any public office duties

[@oizson98]

Boris, Cameron and Sunak would surely develop psychosis.

[@RichWoods23]

Anyone care to chip in a few quid towards the building of a Cabinet-sized wicker man?

[@greatestytcommentator]

They would have to face their inner sickness though...

[@harrylong2796]

Get this man a TV show!

[@Dob_Ogurt]

Athlete's foot: The untold story

[@dannymc1971]

THAt is hilarious broski @@Dob_Ogurt

[@dcornwell7130]

At 74 you have not only restored my faith in young people but the human race in general! Imagine a world if people like you were making the environmental decisions. We would never have got into the mess we are in now. Well done.

[@trentp151]

Environmentally conscious decisions are made every day... But these don't make the news my dear 74 year old friend. All you see in the media and news is how we're destroying everything, and almost no coverage of the good things that SO MANY people do, don't get attention because good news doesn't sell. Sad, but true.

[@safebans1369]

Ageist bastard

[@homborgor]

If only more people back in your day did more to help, then it wouldn't have to fall on younger generations.

[@stevenwilson9579]

@@homborgor If only your entitlement to have it all handed to you did not show your immaturity and lack of knowledge. Dumb to be young.

[@trentp151]

@@homborgor Don't play the victim because that is how you remain a victim until your deathbed.

[@thecreativegamers53]

Yes, go Merlin! Your voice and elegance when talking about mushrooms is intoxicating. This guy is an absolute legend.

[@andytraill]

Not mushrooms.

[@thecreativegamers53]

@@andytraill Very true, it misses the point I guess. I just always associate fungi with the reproducing organs. Which is another reason why his work is important for us.

[@maxwebber4586]

I trust this man more than any of the politicians.. mainly because he can speak for so long from the heart and have that knowledge without having to look at a piece of paper that they spent hours memorizing like a secondary school student

[@sapelesteve]

Well done Merlin! I would recommend that everyone on that committee read your book "Entangled Life". Keep up the great work! Cheers! 👍👍🍄🍄🍄🍄👍👍

[@hArtyTruffle]

I have that book… not read it yet but can’t wait to finish my present book so I can read Merlin’s 👍🏼 I leant it to a friend because I hadn’t started reading it and she loved it so much, she bought her own copy.

[@MrDavil43]

Entangled Life completely changed my view of the natural world. As a retired horticulturist that is some achievement! Just bought the new, illustrated edition for the family.

[@shonunezekiel]

Yes - SUCH a good book!

[@PoppaKrunch]

Very eloquent speaker, glad you've floated into my youtube algorithm.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

I love how one of the MPs called him "Doctor Merlin". When you've got the look, the voice, and the name, use it.

[@QwinnieLu56]

About time fungi got the recognition they deserve. I hope they are treated respectfully and not "raped" for pure commercial benefit

[@adamwilkinson6721]

His father must be proud, I am a great fan of Rupert, and now his son it seems! Im 33 and have been listening to his father since I was 17. Very interesting minds. Very well spoken and interesting. Thank you Merlin. ❤

[@TheFlowerPower47]

You radiate something truly beautiful Merlin!

[@josephridler-em5pk]

He seems like a fun guy

[@Aphelia.]

I can listen to him talk about fungi for hours

[@liketheroman]

His audiobook is perfect

[@rthat1]

Might say he’s a fun guy

[@createone100]

So fascinating. I have been kind of following Merlin Sheldrake’s involvement with fungi for a few years. He is a brilliant and creative thinker,like his father, Rupert Sheldrake. We so badly need these fearless, highly intelligent scientists.

[@TransoceanicOutreach]

'fearless, highly intelligent scientists' - er...his dad believes in ghost, spirits, and psychic pets. He is definitely not a scientist.

[@createone100]

@@TransoceanicOutreach Your opinion. I stand by mine.

[@double2mo382]

​@@TransoceanicOutreachHis father sounds like fun! What an amazing name - Merlin Sheldrake!

[@harrycampbell7594]

Nikola Tesla loved a pigeon , what's your point buddy ​@@TransoceanicOutreach

[@mohammedelmi2660]

@@TransoceanicOutreachDo you really think that has an effect on his work? You can beleive what you want but when your using the scientific method to arrive at conclusions then that’s good enough

[@burtlangoustine1]

With the end of days in sight, the King called upon Merlin for assistance. Reality - 2024

[@graememoir3545]

Wonderful performance Merlin. You got the balance just right. I think you have done us all a service

[@benjahmon]

The most important discussion on the Planet right now. 🙏❤️☮️

[@richardedwards5438]

I couldn't agree more!

[@brunodangelo1146]

Not true. The most important discussion on the planet right now that not nearly enough people are taking part in is what will happen to be people when human labour becomes redundant due to AI

[@Billygoatmanstan]

Forage mushrooms@@brunodangelo1146

[@Padraigp]

​@@brunodangelo1146lol ai can't do labour you thick. It wouldn't be very intellegent if it was doing labour. 😂

[@CyclingSteve]

@@brunodangelo1146 I'm more worried about when when human decision making becomes redundant due to AI. But there's plenty else that will bite us first.

[@Billygoatmanstan]

What a Fun Guy. His book is excellent. Hope Fungi gets the spotlight it deserves

[@sicuro5050]

I saw what you did here 😅

[@Dekoherence-ii8pw]

The "Professor Brian Cox" of mushrooms.

[@CJShopland_Art]

Was thinking a tv show a fun guy talking fungi :)

[@FightingTorque411]

With every ounce of respect, you look and sound like Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Neil Gaiman and I love it, even before getting to how succinctly and eloquently you put forth your topic of discussion. Thank you, Merlin!

[@sarahp007]

Lovely to hear this, I am studying fungi, listening to them and researching the value in the use of Mycelium in replacing plastics. My final Undergrad degree this May is on this subject.

[@nct948]

Good luck. I wish you to find some useful ways to replace plastics with fungi products.

[@giulias.5104]

Same charm as your father when explaining us science. ❤

[@RichWoods23]

Except that his father is someone who dove off the deep end and embraced pseudoscience many years ago.

[@my_channel_44]

​@@RichWoods23Who pissed in your cornflakes?

[@Mister_H.]

If you’re going to insult somebody at the very least you should try and string a sentence together properly you fool!

[@RichWoods23]

@@my_channel_44 Pseudoscientists and other liars. Of course if you enjoy being lied to, that's your own business.

[@dom3581]

Rich Woods on the other hand, less than charming @@RichWoods23

[@giulias.5104]

We are now in the Dwapara Yuga (according to the Indian Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri), the age where humanity become increasingly aware of the electric laws of Nature, and fungi seems to be the electric wires of the soil, connecting, sharing informations... Merlin helping pushing knowledge forward. 🍄🍄🍄💪👍👏

[@lordbrahma333]

Namaste

[@wendyg8536]

Aquarius pours waves

[@thickandthinking]

Dr Sheldrake is giving my mind a place to rest by sharing a piece of his own. For this, I am truly grateful.

[@andrewcrawford1003]

An unusually humerous interaction between science and power.

[@robinwhitehead1132]

What a wonderful guy, such knowledge and eloquence. The world needs people such as him. What else would one expect with Rupert Sheldrake as father!

[@mitchellcavanagh1154]

I'm interacting with this so more people see it

[@BarghestOne]

What a legendary name. 🧙‍♂️

[@Nuts-Bolts]

Paul Stamets spoke a lot about the medicinal benefits of fungi on a Joe Rogan podcast. Hope Merlin can spread awareness of funguses importance here in the UK.

[@gregorwhyte3699]

I would hope but the opinions of politicians right now are stuck in pharma past.

[@floriebrown2089]

Dr Sheldrake I was delighted to watch this video, I am a student of the soil food web With Dr Elaine Ingham. More of us should practice this gardening system We must get more people to save and stash wood branches and leaves that as you say grows all the fungi you are talking about. Thank you for this video I am delighted that you were talking to member of parliament maybe we will eventually get somewhere?

[@andrewphoenix3609]

So good to see Fungi on the agenda among politicians, getting more investment into research for food, medicine, mental health and natures intelligent networks could have a huge contribution on how we create a future for the next generations.

[@FelonyBellend]

Wonderful to see Merlin after hearing him so many times on radio and podcasts, discussing the fungi kingdom with passion and humour.

[@helovafella]

I came here as I am a huge supporter of Rupert Sheldrake and now I’ve seen his son, I’m a big fan of his also

[@ScottFlear117]

I came across his father who has a fascinating conversation with Krishnamurti, David Bohm and a psychiatrist. KZbin the video it’s such a good conversation. Which led me to read Merlins book. It’s amazing

[@U_evolve]

This is absolutely brilliant to see happening within the British government 🍄 Thank you for your work sir 🙏

[@yoniwolf92]

What an absolute legend, loved listening to this, really interesting. What an eloquent speaker you are Merlin !

[@hArtyTruffle]

So interesting. And, a much needed push for fungal protection and development. Thankyou Merlin 👍🏼

[@RastaMouseYT]

Very articulate, great ambassador for fungi

[@oystercatcher943]

Brilliant to see this man in front of parliament. Love his wonderful book and music. Incredible talent and wonderful calm intelligent manner

[@michaelmyles8584]

This does need to be channelled on all lines of educational fronts. I will certainly go out of my way to spread the word.

[@Thereal_prettyinblack]

Isn't he just beautiful when he uses his hands to support what he says while hs tie is untidy..... just beautiful true human being

[@paulnaude1]

Merlin Sheldrake echos true positive science to assist mankinds advances. He speaks with his heart which is filled with love for the benifits to mankind. Hurrah indeed.

[@martins_kreicis]

He looks and speaks nearly divine. Watching it made me feel angelic ... but not a single word about toenail fungus and dandruff...or bioweapons...

[@velvetindigonight]

! Toe nail fungus is caused by inflammation in the body so stop feeding the fungi candida albicans sugar and carbs (especially wheat) which turn to sugar in the body? Have a google? It works!?

[@DeltaNovum]

Or climate change serving up a warm and moist enough biodome where fungus is able to grow and spread exponentially. Fungi will become far bigger a problem than ticks, musquitos, viruses or bacteria combined.

[@iamsnowfox5819]

This may be the most random comment ever, but about 3 years ago I was in Vienna, having just bought your book Entangled Life. I had it lying next to me while having a coffee, and suddenly this guy asked if he could have a look at it. He claimed he knew you and your family when you were young (something about puppets..?) and told me lots of amazing stories about his life. Anyways, it was one of the best random conversations I‘ve ever had, thanks to you!

[@Lighthouses]

What a fascinating man, I could listen to him for hours! His father Rupert is also an amazing teacher & I highly recommend his work.

[@MaxSafeheaD]

HA! Just seen the ad for your new film a few minutes ago, what a coincidence. Looking forward to promoting your work and advocacy as much as I can. Always a pleasure Merlin, I trust you are keeping well 😊

[@jonnyquest1120]

What an absolute joy to watch. I've started to lose interest in this topic over the last couple of years because it isn't talked about very much. And people glaze over when I try to talk to them about it. Thank you for reigniting my desire to understand fungi more. It probably sounds kind of naive, but I truly do believe that a lot of the problems we have today with the environment could be resolved through these organisms. There are talks in my community about using mycoremediation to sequester the heavy metals left behind in our soil after the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. I'm excited to have stumbled onto this video. I very much look forward to seeing more of your content. Thank you for your contributions to this critical field of study!!

[@nct948]

Your community seems very proactive. Best of luck with the project.

[@YTviewer118]

I wish I could have such a voice, so deep, eloquent, passionate and bold.

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

Very interesting. I love mushrooms, eating them and now learning how they interact with the earth. A documentary on Netflix was good. Seems to me that fungi are like the equivalent of our brains neural network, sending communications between trees and plants. They are so amazing. The more I learn the more I respect them.

[@littlewoodimp]

I changed career direction in my 30's (screamed in frustration and ran off into the woods). Some of the most interesting, and genuinely inspiring, people I've ever met are those who have immersed themselves in the study of the least 'glamorous' aspects of ecology. A constant stream of information that makes you say things like "Really?!" and changes the way you look at things forever. Excellent presentation of the case for fungi and some good questions too.

[@alexiscroft3425]

An extremely erudite young man! We could all learn a lot from him...:)

[@malloott]

Thanks for pushing this algorithm! I have never even heard of this guy but I'm happy to have learned of him!

[@DanDukeBox]

Of course his name is Merlin Sheldrake! Wonderful, enthralling hearing!! ❤

[@LukaSauperl]

Merlin Sheldrake... What a name!

[@mikewa2]

Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach. And then there are those who are gifted in having a passion to share their knowledge

[@christiantestorf7224]

The next David A. in the making. Well done Merlin.

[@andytraill]

A beautiful mind. Explaining fractals of complexity, very efficiently.

[@kaybradford1721]

This is not the first time that I have heard Dr. Sheldrake speak and his knowledge is fascinating

[@CrankyRayy]

Love this dudes enthusiasm

[@maddiestewart399]

Yes Merlin!!! Great talk well done

[@coneyisland4568]

I read Entangled Life recently, and found it to be the most interesting book I've read in the last thirty years. It's so well written and easy to understand. The pictures are exquisite. It has made me look at the planet very differently and I highly recommend it.

[@graeme5584]

This young fella is exactly what we need in government. his book is fascinating.

[@Pindrop22]

How very well spoken - a joy to listen to him

[@fburton8]

I haven’t heard and felt so much enthusiasm for fungi since Harry Hudson’s lectures in 1980.

[@oteyozzonerich3806]

Merlin your cracking & you are a great voice on the subject. Love hearing you talk about fungus

[@tybronx2446]

Absolutely in love with the fact that their parents named them Cosmo and Merlin

[@samdavenport4604]

Excellent, with how well you speak you're a joy to listen to, and the discussion is such an important one. Definitely subscribed 👍👍

[@zoecoote3746]

He is brilliant and on the right side. I hope this knowledge is used for good.

[@patrickquinlan3056]

Well done Merlin. Spellbinding.

[@carolynellis387]

This book Merlin Sheldrake wrote, Entangled Lives is fascinating. I highly recommend it, as it is written in an easy to understand style. Great topic fungi. His parents are fascinating folks too.

[@concretec0w]

Just found you through serendipity! I'm a huge fan of your father and so happy to have stumbled on your account! Subbed :)

[@AuroCords]

Nice pun! Haha In spanish it is common to call a loved one "mi cielo" (my heaven), so in my family we jokingly use "micelio" instead :)

[@benjahmon]

Love that! ❤️

[@user-mb8op5hx7h]

🇬🇧 intelligence science . Really interesting research highlighting ..

[@goinblinddoggone]

Merlin is great. The committee seem to be fishing for business investment ideas above all else, but that's capitalism for you.... long live fungi ❤

[@daproductions1960]

Wow! Standing up for fungi. That's humanity.

[@Niall96]

Thank you Neville Longbottom

[@alanbryer6234]

Get it out there Merlin! 🙂👍🏽

[@RachLZelda]

I don't know why this was in my recommended but I'm glad it was. Subscribed! :D

[@carolspencer6915]

Super sensemaking, indeed. Appreciate your field of work. 💜

[@paulmckenzie6039]

This is fascinating,explained so eloquently and simply.I’m ordering your book.

[@robertallanmiller2363]

Great to him for holding his place

[@langdonfairchild1st805]

If we didn't have nerds. We would miss so much.

[@infinity.of.smoke.and.mirrors]

True, that.

[@vickiwalker3486]

Brilliant delivery. A scientist who engages with an audience with genuine enjoyment and warmth.

[@poniesinthemist]

What a great presentation of an important subject. 😊 Thanks

[@grizzyb4149]

Psilocybin should be allowed to end the abuses of the psychiatric industry.

[@ThisDJ808]

really interesting, only realised this is your channel 9 minutes in as thought this was a Parliamentary release. Subbed.

[@mp9810]

Well done - very concise and clear, even eloquent.

[@michaelaadams2921]

Best news I’ve heard in a while! Well done for spreading the word

[@sanditeale3632]

Thank you Merlin.?So eloquently spoken. So needed

[@NickNam3]

From the moment i learned about fungi i knew they are the missing link for so many of today's problems! Doing Awesome work!! Thank you!

[@casskidd1]

very important discussion thank you for sharing and so glad this has been highlighted

[@MrOllieBD]

What a very informative and engaging talk. A a very gentle talking style too. Thank you for putting it up Dr.

[@Alexander-uj5pb]

Wow, such enthusiasm from Dr Merlin, wonderful!

[@Dipsomaniac]

Good job everyone involved!

[@clarepover4978]

Well done again Merlin. Excellent talk.

[@tubecated_development]

Thank you Mr Sheldrake.