Ep 79 - Conversation with Merlin Sheldrake

In this awe-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma speak with biologist, author, and researcher Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled Life. Together, they explore the astonishing and often mind-bending world of fungi: from underground networks and forest symbiosis to medicinal mushrooms, ancient knowledge, and cultural metaphors. The conversation is wide-ranging, touching on how fungal thinking challenges our sense of self, how mycorrhizal webs might change educational practice, and the potential of psychedelic science to reframe not just brains but beliefs. Merlin shares his thoughts on storytelling, interconnection, forgotten folk knowledge, and what it’s like to have your brain melted by your own manuscript. This episode invites you to pause, look again at the soil beneath your feet, and consider the quiet wisdom of the mushroom. 🌱 Sponsored by: 🔗 https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast ⏱ Chapter Timings: 00:00 – Mushrooms, mud, and Merlin Sheldrake 01:34 – Introducing fungi to woodlands: ethical questions 03:00 – Symbiosis and identity: where do “we” end? 04:46 – Editing awe: writing mind-blowing science clearly 06:01 – Why fungi were hidden from our cultural radar 08:51 – Teaching children about fungi: disbelief and wonder 10:23 – Spores in the brain: planting curiosity 13:05 – Clinical psychedelics and creative problem-solving 20:30 – Why ancient fungal knowledge was lost—and is returning 29:23 – A web not a tree: rewriting evolution 36:12 – Nested selves and the biology of belonging 43:11 – Fungal hot sauce and edible experiments 🌲 Keywords: fungi in Forest School, Merlin Sheldrake, mycorrhizal networks, fungal learning, symbiosis, mushroom metaphors, child curiosity, psychedelic research, evolutionary models, food fermentation, outdoor education 🔖 Hashtags: #ForestSchool #FungiFriday #OutdoorEducation #EntangledLife #MerlinSheldrake #MycorrhizalMagic #MushroomLearning #ChildLedEducation #ForestSchoolPodcast #Biophilia #NestedSelves #NatureCuriosity #EcoEducation 🌐 More Episodes & Support: Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast Contact us at ⁠[email protected]