Thinking about prying open your third eye by experimenting with some psychedelics? Or perhaps you just want to be better educated about entheogens? Whatever your trip, here are a few mind-expanding media recommendations to help get you in the right headspace for your journey toward enlightenment.
Film: Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Filmed in glorious 4K by the filmmakers behind “Moving Art,” “Fantastic Fungi” seamlessly switches between mind-blowing time lapses, stunning CGI graphics, and in-depth interviews with mycological mavens like Paul Stamets, Michael Pollen and Dr. Andrew Weil. This comprehensive documentary explores every aspect of mushrooms and their unique role in the cycle and evolution of life, including how their underground mycelium networks enable trees to communicate, how their psychedelic properties may have kickstarted human consciousness, and how their enormous medicinal and psychiatric potential is finally being studied after decades of demonization via the Drug War. A must-see for mycophiles. – Bobby Black
Book: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake (2020)
Written by tropical biologist and fungal researcher Merlin Sheldrake, “Entangled Life” is an incredible book dedicated to providing a further understanding of mycology and how fungal networks operate. For those of you yearning to learn more about mushrooms, their unique relationship with the environment around us and how they could potentially help save the world, this book is for you. Pick up a copy today and grow your knowledge on mycelium, microbiology and much more! – Max Early
Album: Lonerism by Tame Impala (2012)
If the Beatles were to make Sgt. Pepper today, this is what it would sound like. With Lennon-esque vocals and fuzzy riffs pounding along with sweeping synth star sails, your musical soulmate awaits through the mind of Perth, Australia’s Kevin Parker. Released in 2012, this is no new news for longtime fans who’ve seen the band headline festivals worldwide, but nothing has rivaled the impact on guitar-driven music since. The psychedelic highlight is Endors Toi, where the anxious mind is reassured that the safety of dreamland is only one long blink away. Yes, this was their commercial breakthrough, but for good reason: The ‘60s splendor matched with third eye imagination leaves something hidden in every note for the intrepid tripper. – Mike Ricker
