HOST: Hallo, wise viewers, and welcome to Healthy Living. We just heard from Paul Stamets a world- renowned American mycologist or botanist specializing in the study of fungi. Commonly known fungi include mushrooms, molds, mildew and yeast.

Mr. Stamets has written six books on fungi, including “Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World,” and for decades has studied the medical applications of fungi and their role in rehabilitating the environment.

He firmly believes that fungi can protect the planet and should be promoted for use in “permaculture” or the design of human habitats and food production systems that mimic the relationships found in nature. Mr. Stamets’ work is featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary on environmental devastation called “The 11th Hour.”

For his efforts Mr. Stamets has been called a pioneer in the field of mycology. His research and innovative ideas have won him many awards, including the 1999 Founder of a New Northwest Award from the Pacific Rim Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.

In 2008, Paul received the National Geographic Adventure Magazine's Green-Novator and the Argosy Foundation's E-chievement Awards.

Paul Stamets was also named one of the “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” in the November–December 2008 issue of the Utne Reader, a bimonthly American news magazine.
http://www.utne.com/2008-11-13/50-Visionaries-Who-Are-Changing-Your-World.aspx
At present Mr. Stamets is an advisor to the Program for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, USA and a member of the editorial board of The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.Today’s show features an interview with Paul Stamets in which he provides insights into the vital ways fungi help keep the health of all species in balance.