Paul Stamets

Date: 2019-11-15 | Duration: 2h 15m

Episode Overview

Paul Stamets dives deep into the world of fungi, exploring their historical significance, ecological roles, and emerging medical potential. He begins by discussing ancient uses of mushrooms, such as birch polypore’s role in fire-starting and beekeepers’ use of fungal materials for smoke. Stamets highlights the antiviral properties of wood conks and presents his groundbreaking research published in *Nature*, demonstrating how natural fungal compounds can offer broader bio-shields compared to single-molecule pharmaceuticals. He also emphasizes the critical relationship between fungi and pollinators, explaining how fungal health directly impacts bee populations and, consequently, global agriculture. The conversation shifts to the therapeutic promise of psychedelic mushrooms, particularly psilocybin and its analogs. Stamets shares insights on recent clinical studies showing significant benefits for PTSD, addiction, and depression, noting the growing acceptance of microdosing as a tool for cognitive and neurological enhancement. He underscores the importance of large-scale data collection through initiatives like microdose.me to better understand these effects. Additionally, Stamets recounts personal experiences with various mushroom species, including the controversial Amanita muscaria, illustrating both their psychoactive complexity and cultural significance. Throughout, he advocates for a nuanced, science-driven approach to integrating fungi into medicine and society, while addressing the evolving landscape of decriminalization and public perception.

About Paul Stamets

Paul Stamets is a renowned mycologist, author, and passionate advocate for the power of fungi in bioremediation and medicine. With over 40 years of experience in the field, he has authored several influential books, including "Mycelium Running," which explores the ecological benefits of mushrooms. Stamets is celebrated for his groundbreaking work on the medicinal properties of fungi, particularly their potential in treating various ailments and enhancing human health. His innovative research and captivating insights into the fungal kingdom have made him a prominent figure in both scientific and popular circles, sparking conversations about the profound impact of mushrooms on our environment and well-being.

Key Moments

– Mycology
– Medicinal Mushrooms
– Psilocybin
– Microdosing
– Bee Health
– Neurogenesis
– Psychedelic Therapy
– Fungal Ecology
– Cordyceps
– Mushroom Cultivation
– Addiction Treatment
– Mental Health
– Environmental Science
– Citizen Science
– Mushroom Identification
– Clinical Studies
– Bioinformatics
– Plant-Pollinator Interactions
0:00:06 – Introduction to mushroom hats and amadou
0:01:37 – Discussion on German felt and its uses
0:05:22 – Impact of mushrooms on warfare and fire portability
0:06:08 – Antiviral properties of wood conks
0:07:41 – Scientific publication on natural bio-shield benefits
0:08:33 – Importance of bees in almond pollination
0:10:37 – Citizen scientists helping bee populations
0:14:08 – Entomologist Dr. Steve Shepard on overcoming fear of bees
0:15:48 – Factors affecting bee immune systems
0:20:26 – Bee colony behavior and cross-colony interactions
0:22:17 – Nutrients activating bee immune gene sequences
0:24:36 – Presentation at Singularity University on medical applications
0:26:24 – Johns Hopkins research on tobacco addiction treatment
0:29:36 – Microdose.me project for data collection on microdosing
0:31:11 – Variability in microdosing definitions and effects
0:34:15 – Neurogenesis receptors and their stimulation
0:37:03 – Legal status of psilocybin analogs
0:39:26 – Pam Krisco's medical work in Antarctica
0:42:27 – Use of niacin in microdosing protocols
0:44:49 – Challenges in conducting clinical studies on mushrooms
0:47:49 – Commercial potential of mushroom-based enterprises
0:49:53 – Complexity of microbiomes and guilds in medicine
0:51:55 – Economic impact of marijuana legalization
0:54:47 – Decriminalization trends in US cities
0:56:38 – Documentary film on mushroom science
0:59:12 – Critical acclaim for mushroom-related documentary
1:03:22 – Personal experiences feeling younger with mushrooms
1:07:13 – Book chapter on tips for psychedelic trips
1:14:23 – Mushroom conservation in state parks
1:17:04 – Commercial mushroom production and tax avoidance
1:49:27 – Experiences with Amanita muscaria
1:55:05 – Repetitive motion syndrome during mushroom trip
2:01:11 – Workshops on gourmet and medicinal mushrooms
2:02:08 – Spiritual connection through magic mushrooms
2:05:20 – Long-term positive effects of psychedelic experiences
2:07:52 – Canada leading psychedelic therapy advancements
2:10:10 – Non-addictive drugs breaking addictive cycles

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Three, two, one. Starting point is 00:00:06 And you have newfangled mushroom hats. Starting point is 00:00:31 spark guns ignite the gunpowder really so it's amadou and uh it comes from a birch polypore Starting point is 00:00:56 It allowed for the portability of fire. Starting point is 00:01:37 And it's a fabric that you pull, and that mushroom there will become one hat or maybe more. Starting point is 00:02:10 And so it's called German felt, and it's been used for literally thousands of years, Starting point is 00:02:41 And so beekeepers use it for a smoking. Starting point is 00:03:20 But it's the same thing basically. Starting point is 00:03:53 Someone smoking a joint or near a fire or smoking a cigarette. Starting point is 00:04:19 And then it shrunk down to four or five. Starting point is 00:04:50 Interesting. Starting point is 00:05:22 Not only revolutionized warfare, not only allowed for the portability of fire for us to save ourselves from the coldness, Starting point is 00:06:08 and these wood conks are very strong in antiviral properties Starting point is 00:06:52 publication ecosystem. Now, that's phenomenal because that's the most credible scientific Starting point is 00:07:41 And I think the reason why this article is in the top 1% of all Nature articles is that I've been able to present the theory with proof now that a natural product can have a broader bio-shield of benefits than a pure pharmaceutical. Starting point is 00:08:33 Every almond you eat was visited by a bee. Starting point is 00:08:55 Because of the lack of bees. Starting point is 00:09:30 It says fungi.com slash bees. Starting point is 00:10:04 Now watch. Starting point is 00:10:37 this is where the citizen scientists all over the world can take action to be able to help Starting point is 00:11:14 Now think if you're a cattle rancher Starting point is 00:11:36 We're working with a very, very large computer company Starting point is 00:11:54 And so the solar pow...

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On Joe Rogan Experience #1385 with Paul Stamets, topics include Mycology, Medicinal Mushrooms, Psilocybin, and Microdosing.

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