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.

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⏱ 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

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