Paul Stamets has been a dedicated mycologist for over thirty years, has discovered and co-discovered four new species of mushrooms, and pioneered countless techniques in mushroom cultivation. In the first half, he discussed how mushrooms and fungi are at the cutting edge of scientific discovery. His new research has revealed that mycelium extracts can be used to reduce pathogenic viruses plaguing bees and their ongoing problem of colony collapse disorder. Fungi helps govern and foster habitats on the planet, but our biosphere is changing, and many species are threatened with extinction. People, he advised, need to band together to protect biodiversity.
Edible mushrooms like shiitake have potent antioxidants, and immune building properties, he noted. For those interested in mushroom hunting, Stamets suggested joining a mycological society, like the North American Mycological Association. He talked about promising research with hallucinogenic or "magic" mushrooms as a therapy tool, as well as people experimenting with microdoses of psilocybin to improve mental function. Stamets also enthused about how his work has entered popular culture. In the new Star Trek Discovery series, the science officer is named after him, and mycelium is part of the storyline.
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In the latter half, Keith Linder, an IT professional with over twenty-five years in the field, shared how he was abruptly introduced to the paranormal in 2012 when he and his girlfriend Tina moved into a house outside of Seattle, WA that was beset by menacing poltergeists. At first, the unexplained activity was fairly benign, like hearing a child cough, objects such as jewelry and silverware going missing, and items that they didn't own showing up in the house. But at one point, he and Tina were watching TV and saw a 4 ft. tall plant next to their entertainment center rise up off the floor and do a 360-degree spin, before falling back down. At this juncture, they couldn't deny some type of spirit was in the house, even though the structure wasn't old-- it was built in 2005.
The paranormal activity quieted down in 2013, but came back with a vengeance in 2014, he reported (view related photos). Bibles burned on their own on three different occasions (though there was no residue of a burnt smell), Linder believes he was pushed down stairs by a spirit, and an armoire weighing hundreds of pounds crashed, leaving a hole in the wall. The manipulative entities, he surmised, sought to create emotional havoc, particularly between him and his girlfriend. There were also writings made on the wall, which he connected to Native American symbols. Before eventually moving out, Linder tried various countermeasures, and two psychic investigators collected evidence such as EVPs.
During the last half-hour, George played a 1999 interview with famed alien abductee Betty Hill conducted by John Horrigan.
News segment guests: Howard Bloom, Peter Davenport