In this episode of Brain We Are, we explore the amazing world of fungi with Merlin Sheldrake, biologist and author of Entangled Life. Fungi are more than just mushrooms – they form vast networks that communicate, process information, and have surprising effects on the world around us.

We discuss whether fungi could be conscious, how they communicate, and their potential role in shaping weather and even influencing our minds. Merlin also shares his personal experiences with psychedelics and how mushrooms can grow in the most unexpected places.

Tune in for a fascinating look at how fungi connect life on Earth in ways you might never expect!

This podcast was recorded during the MELTINGPOT forum in Ostrava in 2024

Timestamps:

01:06 Who is Merlin Sheldrake

02:01 How fungi differ from humans

04:42 Organisms are complex amplifiers of experience

05:16 Do any organisms have consciousness?

08:09 Are fungi conscious?

12:18 How fungi communicate

17:16 Electricity in fungi – can it store information?

20:50 Intelligence in organisms

23:31 How can we be inspired by mushrooms?

27:35 Do fungi spores affect our weather?

29:35 Mushrooms can grow anywhere – The story of a factory

32:39 Do mushrooms affect our minds on purpose?

35:53 The story of LSD & problem-solving abilities

44:19 Merlin’s experience with psychedelics

48:09 A few interesting things about fungi

51:20 How humans influence each other

53:36 How can we improve our health with mushrooms?

56:19 What is your favorite mushroom?

57:01 Ending

Join us in this revealing interview with Bryan Johnson, hailed as the most optimized human on the planet. Delve into the depths of his mind and discover the thoughts that drive his innovative visions. In this episode, we explore: How does Bryan think? Is he different in front of the camera and real life? Why is hate a predictable algorithm? Why does he want to escape in thought into 25th century? We discuss everything from consciousness to his don´t die movement. Why he doesn't trust his mind and when he has done with his Blueprint diet. This episode is not just a conversation; it's an exploration into what it means to optimize human potential and confront the complexities of mental health. Watch now to uncover the innovative and introspective world of Bryan Johnson. "I´ve learned not to trust my mind, because when I was chronically depressed, it said to kill myself." Listen to the latest episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2czLMsbujC4p8FJ88gW0TQ?si=599b1b153e9f4a18 Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-we-are/id1671775183 CastBox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id5315213?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Brain%20We%20Are-CastBox_FM "Quiet is the best communication" "I am trying to escape into 25th century." Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/track/peppermint-hip-hop/ Music from #InAudio:

In this illuminating episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the essence of wisdom with the esteemed cognitive scientist and philosopher, John Vervaeke. This conversation is an expedition into the heart of understanding, perception, and the profound transformational potential of wisdom in our lives. John Vervaeke, renowned for his groundbreaking work on cognitive science, psychology, and ancient philosophy, guides us through the intricate landscape of wisdom, its importance in our modern world, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate it. From the nuances of spectral egocentrism and the power of community learning to the intriguing role of psychedelics in expanding consciousness, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. We delve into the critical balance between trusting ourselves and valuing the feedback of others, exploring how this equilibrium is essential for personal growth and societal advancement. John also sheds light on the delicate dance between rationality and spirituality, revealing how these domains can coalesce to enrich our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Drawing on the profound teachings of Neoplatonism and the wisdom of thinkers like Gregory Bateson, we venture into discussions about the principles of the universe, the limitations of human perception, and the ontological revelations that challenge our everyday reality. This episode is more than just a podcast episode; it's an invitation to re-envision our approach to wisdom, encouraging listeners to embark on their own journey of discovery, introspection, and enlightenment. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Vervaeke's work or newly curious about the depths of wisdom, this episode promises to be a transformative experience, offering valuable perspectives that resonate with anyone looking to navigate the complexities of life with grace, understanding, and profound insight. Listen to the latest episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2czLMsbujC4p8FJ88gW0TQ?si=599b1b153e9f4a18 Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-we-are/id1671775183 CastBox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id5315213?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Brain%20We%20Are-CastBox_FM John's website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Wisdom 02:07 Why is wisdom an important topic? 03:17 How to cultivate the wisdom? 04:57 Perspectieval egocentrism 06:54 Feedback of other people 09:45 How much should I trust myself 11:32 The learners community 13:35 How we can integrate this to our society? 15:16 Psychedelics 19:11 Is our perception fooling us? 22:31 Principals of the universe 23:43 What does neoplatonic mean 25:17 Rationality VS Spirituality 25:48 Gregory Bateson 27:04 Some people enter ontological places... 28:58 Ending Used footage from: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman https://www.youtube.com/@JordanBPeterson Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/track/peppermint-hip-hop/ Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/track/coma-pop/