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:TENTSILE – Get 10% off their amazing hammock tents with code ForestChildren10CHRIS HOLLAND – 54-page wild plant guide with 10% off using code FOREST10🔗 https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Mushrooms, mud, and Merlin Sheldrake01:34 – Introducing fungi to woodlands: ethical questions03:00 – Symbiosis and identity: where do “we” end?04:46 – Editing awe: writing mind-blowing science clearly06:01 – Why fungi were hidden from our cultural radar08:51 – Teaching children about fungi: disbelief and wonder10:23 – Spores in the brain: planting curiosity13:05 – Clinical psychedelics and creative problem-solving20:30 – Why ancient fungal knowledge was lost—and is returning29:23 – A web not a tree: rewriting evolution36:12 – Nested selves and the biology of belonging43:11 – 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.comSupport the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastContact us at ⁠[email protected]