logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
42m 31s

The Magic of Mushrooms

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the secret world of fungi, hidden beneath our feet. They are joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Katie Field. They hear about the hidden life of fungi, including their hundreds of mating types, predatory behaviour and crucial role in life beginning on Earth. Katie shares how mycologists like her are using fungi to come up with creative solutions to climate change.

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Up next
Nov 19
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy
<p>Robin Ince and Brian Cox wind up at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich – arguably the centre of time – to uncoil the mysteries of what time is and how on Earth (…and on moon) we keep track of it. Taking the time to join them are comedian Marcus Brigstocke, curator of the Royal ... Show More
42m 18s
Nov 12
Mind-reading computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford
For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang. ... Show More
42m 42s
Aug 20
Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie
What is light? How has it shaped our understanding of the universe, our biology, and even our culture? In this illuminating episode Brian Cox and Robin Ince shine a spotlight on the fascinating science and history of light. From sun and circadian rhythms to the dazzling complexit ... Show More
42m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
The Life-changing Magic of Fungi | Merlin Sheldrake
<p>Have you ever wondered about the secret fungal networks operating unseen beneath your feet? My guest Merlin Sheldrake, author of the New York Times bestseller Entangled Life, reveals a surreal subterranean cosmos of mycelium underlying life as we know it.</p><br><p>In this min ... Show More
52m 26s
Jun 2022
Are Mushrooms Truly Magic? with Dr. Patty Kaishian
Jonathan long saw mushrooms as an ingredient to avoid on a menu—until they learned that mushrooms, and fungi more generally, have a lot to do with queerness. In this week’s “Pride In Nature” episode, Dr. Patty Kaishian joins Jonathan to discuss fungi behavior and reproduction, he ... Show More
1h 10m
Jan 2021
Looking for mushrooms, finding happiness
We're journeying into hidden worlds, exploring nature that offers much more than what initially meets the eye. We travel to locations that continue to thrive against the odds.When Long Litt Woon's life drastically changed, she turned to the secretive world of mushrooms to manage ... Show More
26m 43s
Jul 2021
Cosmic Queries - The Fungus Among Us with Merlin Sheldrake
<p>Can mushrooms take over your mind? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen explore the weird world of fungi with fun-guy fungus expert and ecologist, Merlin Sheldrake. Could inactive spores survive space? </p> <p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or ... Show More
55m 16s
Mar 2024
Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) Encore with Joy Reidenberg
<p>Ever poked at roadkill? Watched videos of whales exploding? Drooled over a curio cabinet full of claws & bones? Peered into a jar with a pickled toad? Then this one is for you. Whether you’ve heard it before or are new to this classic ep, you’re sure to be delighted by this Ol ... Show More
1h 12m
Dec 2022
Special Ep: Mycology (MUSHROOMS) Tom Volk Memorial Encore
<p>In celebration of Dr. Tom Volk’s life: Mushrooms! Psilocybin! Humongous fungus! Black mold! Foraging! The incredibly charming and warm Dr. Tom Volk, world-renowned mushroom expert, welcomes Alie into his office to dive deep into the underground world of fungal enthusiasts and ... Show More
1h 18m
Feb 2024
The Mystery of Mushrooms with Bryn Dentinger
<p>Why are some mushrooms delicious, some make you high, and some kill you? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice discover the weird world of mushrooms, psilocybin, and mycelia with mycologist Bryn Dentinger. </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode ... Show More
55m 11s
Apr 2024
#2134 - Paul Stamets
Paul Stamets is a mycologist and advocate for bioremediation and medicinal fungi. He has written, edited, and contributed to several books, including "Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Save the World," and "Fantastic Fungi: How Mushrooms Can Heal, Shift Consciousness, and Save ... Show More
2h 37m
Sep 2023
Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) Part 1 Encore with Katie Mack
<p>Stars. Black holes. THE GAWDANG UNIVERSE. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Katie Mack (@astrokatie) re-introduces us to this 2017 episode along with some bonus updates on astrophysics, her career, and the book she’s published since we last heard from her. Katie also tells us ... Show More
1h 33m