Kacey Musgraves: Heart of the Woods (Mycology with Paul Stamets)

Recorded live in front of a sold out crowd at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 18, 2025, Kacey Musgraves and pioneering mycologist Paul Stamets dive deep into the biology, evolution, and mental health potential of psilocybin. From its ancient ritual roots to its emerging role in modern therapy, their conversation reveals how this once-taboo organism is transforming our understanding of consciousness, creativity, and healing. Along the way, they wander through unexpected terrain—spirituality, pandemics, AI, bees, dogs on mushrooms, and more—in a mind-expanding exploration of the heart of the woods.

Sing For Science is a science and music podcast produced with Talkhouse where musicians talk to scientists about science as it connects to their most famous songs. Created and hosted by New York musician, Matt Whyte, the podcast’s goal is to increase science literacy for as many people as possible by reaching a variety of different musicians’ fan bases. Listeners come to the show through their love of music and leave with a new piece of knowledge. Science literacy and respect for expertise are perhaps more vital now than ever before. The show’s chief tenet is that a more science and scientific process literate society can only contribute towards greater support for more fair, evidence-based policy in government. Sing For Science is listener supported; please contribute today at singforscience.org.

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