JRE #1035 – Paul Stamets

by

11/7/2017






Joe Rogan Experience #1035 – Paul Stamets: Topics and Summary

Joe Rogan Experience #1035 – Paul Stamets: Topics and Summary

This podcast delves deep into the world of mycology with Paul Stamets, a renowned mycologist, author, and advocate for medicinal fungi. Prepare to be amazed by the profound impact mushrooms have on our planet and our very existence.

Topics covered include:

1. The Multifaceted Nature of Mushrooms:

  • Fire Starters and Fabric: Stamets introduces the Amadou mushroom, a unique species with a history spanning millennia. This versatile fungus served as a fire starter, providing crucial warmth and survival in ancient times. Its ability to delaminate into fabric even revolutionized warfare, igniting gunpowder in the Napoleonic era.
  • Edible, Deadly, and Healing: Mushrooms exhibit a fascinating duality, with some species providing sustenance and others posing lethal threats. This enigmatic nature contributes to Microphobia, the fear of mushrooms, often driven by a lack of understanding.
  • Ancient Ancestor: Stamets posits that humans share more genetic kinship with fungi than any other kingdom. Our shared ancestry with fungi points to a deep and enduring relationship, even suggesting that we are essentially “fungal bodies.”
  • Mycelium: The Inner Net of Earth: Mycelium, the intricate network of fungal threads, forms the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Stamets describes it as a “sentient” organism, responding to every footprint and shaping the landscapes around us.

2. The Intelligence of Fungi:

  • Cellular Intelligence: Stamets presents compelling evidence of fungi’s remarkable intelligence. The Japanese study of a slime mold navigating a maze, replicating the Tokyo subway system with remarkable efficiency, highlights the potential of cellular intelligence.
  • The Stoneape Hypothesis: Drawing on Terrence McKenna’s theory, Stamets explores the impact of psilocybin mushrooms on the evolution of human consciousness. He proposes that the consumption of these mushrooms by our primate ancestors contributed to the rapid expansion of the human brain and the development of language, empathy, and courage.
  • Epigenetic Neurogenesis: Stamets argues for the possibility of “epigenetic neurogenesis,” where experiences with psilocybin mushrooms could permanently alter brain structure and function, potentially leading to new neurological pathways and cognitive abilities.
  • The Promise of Psilocybin: Stamets advocates for psilocybin as a powerful new tropic vitamin, highlighting ongoing research showcasing its potential to alleviate fear response, promote neurogenesis, and combat PTSD. He emphasizes the need for responsible research and cautions against casual recreational use.

3. The Mycelial Network’s Impact on Our World:

  • The Largest Organism on Earth: Stamets introduces the honey mushroom, a massive mycelial mat spanning 2200 acres in the Pacific Northwest. This massive network, a testament to the potential of fungal growth, demonstrates the power and resilience of these organisms.
  • Ecosystem Architects: Mushrooms play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems, often acting as “metal makers” by decomposing dead trees and releasing vital nutrients into the soil. This process creates meadows and grasslands, supporting diverse animal populations.
  • A Global Threat: Colony Collapse Disorder: The dire situation facing honey bees, with colony collapse disorder decimating populations worldwide, presents a serious threat to food security. Stamets connects this crisis to the decline of mycelial networks and deforestation, highlighting the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystems.
  • Mushroom-Based Solutions: Stamets shares his breakthrough discovery: extracts from the Amadou mushroom significantly extend the lifespan of bees and dramatically reduce the deformed wing virus, a major contributor to colony collapse. This discovery holds tremendous potential for reversing the crisis and safeguarding our food supply.

4. Mushrooms and Human Health:

  • Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties: Stamets explores the remarkable antiviral and antibacterial properties of mushrooms, specifically highlighting Agaricon, a rare polypore with a history of medicinal use. This fungus has demonstrated activity against viruses like smallpox and bacteria like tuberculosis, making it a valuable resource for combating disease.
  • Neuroprotective Benefits: Lion’s mane, a delicious and widely available mushroom, boasts neuroprotective properties. Research has shown its ability to regenerate myelin, a crucial component of nerve cells, potentially offering a natural approach to combating dementia and neurological disorders.
  • Cancer-Fighting Potential: Stamets discusses the anticancer properties of various mushrooms, particularly Turkey Tail. This species has demonstrated its ability to boost the immune system and enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies, offering hope for patients battling the disease.
  • Mushrooms for Overall Health: Stamets encourages the consumption of various edible mushrooms, like shiitake, Lion’s mane, and Maitake, emphasizing their potential to promote overall health and well-being.

5. The Importance of Mycological Research:

  • Unleashing the Power of Fungi: Stamets passionately advocates for increased research into the world of mycology, emphasizing the vast untapped potential of fungi to address numerous challenges facing humanity. He envisions a future where fungi play a critical role in protecting our health, food security, and the environment.
  • Ethical Considerations: Stamets raises important ethical considerations regarding the commercialization of medicinal mushrooms, urging responsible practices and transparency to ensure public safety and prevent exploitation.
  • A Bridge Between Worlds: Stamets believes that mycological research can foster unity between seemingly opposing viewpoints. He proposes that the importance of safeguarding biodiversity and the potential of fungi to address global challenges can create common ground between conservatives and liberals.
  • The Future of Mycology: This podcast concludes with a sense of optimism and excitement for the future of mycology, with Stamets emphasizing the vast untapped potential of fungi to revolutionize our understanding of the natural world and offer solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “We are much more dependent upon mushrooms when we were forced people than we are now seemingly in the cities, but this coming full circle very quickly.” – Stamets underscores the essential role mushrooms played in human history and their increasing relevance in our modern world.
  • “When you’re walking on soil, the 30 percent of the biological carbon is fungal. And the biggest repository of carbon in the world in the ground is related to these fungal networks.” – Stamets highlights the vast importance of fungal networks in carbon sequestration and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
  • “I think that there is a there is many benefits of us communicating with mycelium that can give us rapid responses to catastrophic. That’s how they’ve evolved. And we’re now the biggest walking catastrophe that I know.” – Stamets urges humans to reconnect with fungi, recognizing their crucial role in responding to environmental crises.
  • “I think these are deterministic organisms that are setting the stage for ecological evolution.” – Stamets describes fungi as “deterministic” organisms, actively influencing ecological evolution and shaping the landscapes we inhabit.
  • “Mushrooms had their form before we had ours. Yeah. These are elders. These are these are ancient organisms. These are the really the the overlords underlords of our ecosystem.” – Stamets acknowledges the ancient lineage of mushrooms and their profound influence on our planet.