Paul Stamets
Paul is legit the most important or influential mycologist probably on the planet π at present, author, & advocate for the study & use of mushrooms. Paul is like Our Mushroom πβπ« Moses.
One Of The Psychedelic Alumni We Oweππ½A Lot Toβ¦
The Light From Their Contributionβs Still Shinesβ¦
Here We Keep Their Eternal Flames π₯ Alive.
Today⦠I introduce Paul Stamets
Paul was born on July 17, 1955, in Salem, Ohio. He grew up in a family that valued education & curiosity. His passion for fungi began at an early age. This early fascination set the stage for a lifelong journey into mycology, despite his initial pursuit of a degree in forestry. Paul loves & respects fungus & forest alike.
Early On
Paul went to Evergreen State College in Washington, where he studied mycology & gained hands-on experience in the field. His education was perfectly matched with his deep curiosity about the natural world & an insatiable drive to learn more about fungi. This led to his first book, "Psilocybe Mushrooms & Their Allies," published in 1978. This book laid the groundwork for his future contributions to mycology & established him as a credible voice in the field.
Paul is also known for his innovative work in mycoremediation, the use of fungi to decontaminate the environment. His research demonstrated that certain fungi can break down pollutants, including oil spills & industrial waste, into harmless compounds. This groundbreaking work has garnered significant attention & has potential in cleaning the environment with soil remediation.
βI spend a lot of time in the old growth forests, & in these forests are libraries of knowledge. Ancestrally it goes back not only millennia, but multi-dimensionally in ways that we can barely imagine.
The largest organism in the world is a fungus in Eastern Oregon. It is a honey mushroom called armillaria. It covers 2,200 acres. Itβs a contiguous mycelial mat, & itβs only one cell wall thick. Think of that: The forests are being governed & controlled by these large fungal mats, & I think we should respect things that are larger than us, especially the largest organism in the world.β
Paul is also a passionate advocate for the preservation of & saving the Beesπ explaining how all these things play a part in Earthβsπbiodiversity.
Despite his busy professional life, Paul values personal connections & has shared his love of fungi with his family. He often recounts stories of foraging for mushrooms with his children & the joy of introducing them to the wonders of the natural world.
His personal experiences have deeply influenced his work, reinforcing his belief in the interconnectedness of all life. Paul tells a heart warming story of how his initial experience with psilocybin fixed his severe stuttering predicament he was in for the first part of his life.
Paul explaining how psilocybin fixed His stuttering
Paul explaining why He believes that Psilocybin is a PβοΈRTAL to another Dimension
Paul Explaining How Mushrooms πβπ« Saved His Momβs Life
Paul Stamets' legacy is a world more informed about fungi & itβs universality through his relentless curiosity, innovation, child like spirit, & dedication to the study of fungi. His work has not only advanced the field of mycology but also highlighted the critical role fungi play in maintaining the health of our planet.
Through his books, research, advocacy, & entrepreneurship, Paul has inspired countless individuals; Myself included, to explore the fascinating world of fungi & consider their potential to create not only a more sustainable future, but a healthier Me/You.
Paul As An Authorπ
Paulβs contributions to mycology are vast & varied, spanning from the practical to the visionary. He is the author of several influential books, including:
1. βPsilocybe Mushrooms & Their Allies,β(1978):
An authoritative guide on the identification & taxonomy of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The book provides detailed descriptions, photographs, and ecological information on various species within the genus Psilocybe. It covers the habitats, distribution, & physical characteristics necessary for accurate identification.
2. "The Mushroom Cultivator"(1983):
Co-authored with J.S. Chilton, this book is foundational in the field of mushroom cultivation, providing detailed methods for growing mushrooms at home & commercially
3. "Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms"(1993):
This comprehensive guide explores the cultivation of various species of mushrooms, emphasizing their culinary & medicinal properties.
4. "Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World"(2005):
Probably his most well-known work, this book presents fungi as a solution to many of the world's environmental problems, advocating for the use of mycelium in bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, & more.
Paulβs Books πΒ Are Literally A Part Of The CurriculumπΒ In Many Collegeβs Mycology Courses
Beyond Paulβs academic & research contributions
Paul is also an entrepreneur, founding Fungi Perfecti. Through Fungi Perfecti, Paul has introduced numerous products, including cultivation equipment & βHost Defenseβ mushroom supplements(available in grocery stores, Etc.) making the benefits of fungi accessible to a broader audience.
Paul frequently speaks at conferences & public events, always championing the ecological importance of fungi & their potential to address a world full of challenges.
His TED Talk, "6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World," has been viewed millions of times, inspiring a new generation of mycologists & environmentalists.
Paul speaking about Terence McKennaβs Stoned Ape Hypothesis
Paul explaining How Mushrooms π Can Save The World
Paul Is The Most Profound Single Figure When It Comes To Fungal Knowledge.
He has even been a part of developing a mushroom that can help eat toxins. He Is Featured In The Documentary βFantastic Fungiβ which I absolutely recommend as something You watch (Itβs on Netflix) Itβs so interesting & heartwarming & the imagery is amazingly beautifulβοΈ
Paulβs life paints the profound picture of the impact fungi can have on Our world, from healing the environment to enhancing human health.
As a mycologist, entrepreneur, & advocate, Paul continues to inspire Us & educate Us, leaving Us with an unforgettable impact on science & the πworld.
Paul is just βA FunGuy(Fun-gi)β who loves Fungi & he has so many interesting things to share. If Youβre into long form podcast/interviews, Heβs been on Joe Rogan several times; beside Fantastic Fungi, thatβs a really great way to get more familiar with Paul Stamets.
I hope You enjoyed being introduced to Paul, cause I love telling people about himβ¦
Wanna Grow Your Own πβπ«βsβ
So Friendsβ¦
If You would like to grow Your own mushrooms⦠I invite You to Grow With Me.
Here are sources for the 3 things You need to growβ¦
Equipment
Spores
&
Instruction
β’ Equipment & materials to grow with
β’ Spores for the source of the mushrooms. Like if Youβre growing a gardenβ¦ Youβll have nothing if You donβt plant seedsβ¦ thatβs the Spores
β’ Instruction so You know what to do
This is where I started & is the perfect one stop shop for all Your Mushroom πβπ« Growing EquipmentβοΈ
A recommendation from a friend at My local Psychedelic Club.
I have now βGrownβ to recommending MGK to Others.
So much so that I just contacted them & Iβm happy to say I got a referral codeβοΈ
Itβs an easy way to support My efforts by simply taking a step to grow Yourself a source of natural medicine.
Here Is My Affiliate Linkππ
Here is where I highly recommend going for Your Spores. No affiliate linkπ (Not yet at least)β¦ just a genuine suggestion from personal experience with many companies.
Here is Your linkπ for thatππ½
I have a growing guide Iβll be publishing soon.
However I can share this information with You now with this link to my Notion page where I compiled everything.
Itβs FreeβοΈ
Itβs not all illustrated yet, but the info is there for Youβ¦ Complete with a dictionary & moreβοΈ
Hereβs Your linkπ for that here.(If the π is broken please let Me know & Iβll fix it.) ππ½
Pleaseππ½β¦ If You find Value here, become a Free Subscriber Vs. Only Following. Also Please ππ½ Consider supporting My work by becoming a Paid Monthly Subscriber Or You can Buy Me A Single Cup Of Coffee βοΈ
Also please ππ½ share this with as many like minded minds as possible.
Nicely done! I like how you add in the photos and video and practical tips and links for those wanting to grow their own mushrooms.
Thank You so much for Your appreciation of it all.
Iβll keep them coming