the UNDERGROUND WISDOM of FUNGI

In this 7-minute and 37-second episode, we dive deep—literally—into the hidden world beneath our feet: the underground, pulsing, interconnected web of fungi called mycelium. But don't be fooled—this isn't just some science lesson. Fungi teach us a thing or two about survival and success, lessons we desperately need in our personal and professional lives. Mycelium isn't just an underground network—it's a thriving system of communication, collaboration, and resilience, silently making or breaking our ecosystems. Because, like it or not, we're all part of networks like this, and how we communicate, collaborate, and hold ourselves accountable determines whether we thrive or wither. 

Join me as I uncover what these seemingly humble fungi can teach about building healthy, robust connections. More importantly, I'll show you how to identify and sever toxic ones. If you've ever felt like you're connected to the wrong people or that your relationships are draining you instead of feeding your growth, this episode is for you. 

Fungi don't just adapt—they flourish. And if you're ready to flourish as well, you won't want to miss these lessons from nature's most unexpected network.


 Tim Windsor
 the UNCOMMODiFiED Podcast – Host & Guide
 tim@uncommodified.com
 https://uncommodified.com/
 
 PRODUCERS: Kris MacQueen & Alyne Gagne
 MUSIC BY: https://themacqueens.com

Transcript

PLEASE NOTE: UNCOMMODiFiED Podcast episode transcriptions are raw text files and have not been proofed or edited. They are what they are … Happy Reading.

© UNCOMMODiFiED & TIM WINDSOR

Welcome back to the Uncommodified podcast, I am Tim Windsor and this episode might seem a Little weird at first but stay with me —this episode is all about fungi … mushrooms … the rather mystical and magical world of a fungi

Yeah, you heard that right. We’re talking about mushrooms, the mold most often overlooked and under-appreciated .. a spore-producing system thriving beneath our sandals, systems that can teach us a hell of a lot about how we should live, work, and communicate. 

Now, fungi aren’t just weird growths in the damp corners of your basement or the stuff that shows up on your pizza. They’re part of a vast, powerful network that scientists have started to call the "Wood Wide Web." Sounds strange, right? But what if I told you this fungal network can stretch thousands of miles underground, communicating faster than many human networks? It’s a little mind-blowing when you think about it.

Fungi form massive underground networks called mycelium (MY SEE LEE UM). Imagine veins threading through the ground, connecting trees, plants, and just about everything else in the ecosystem. Mycelium can stretch over a thousand acres—yes, one network can be larger than the entire city of Los Angeles. And these aren’t just passive Systems. These fungi are constantly communicating, making decisions, and directing resources where they’re most needed.

Here’s a wild statistic to put this in perspective: scientists have found that a single cubic meter of soil can contain up to 20.6 kilometers (for my American listeners .. that’s up to 8 miles in just a cubic inch of fungal mycelium. A network over 20 kilometers in length—just sitting there, quietly working its magic beneath our feet. But don’t mistake that silence for simplicity. These networks are like the fiber-optic cables and conduits under the forest, exchanging water, nutrients, and even warning signals. In fact, trees that are connected to mycelial networks are up to 100 times more likely to survive disease than those that aren’t. Think about that for a second. A 100-fold increase in survival because they’re connected to a hidden underground communication and resource sharing network.

It’s like fungi are the unnoticed and unsung heroes of the ecosystem. They’re the ultimate collaborators and communicators—working behind the scenes, strengthening the community. But it’s not all altruistic. These systems thrive on a brutal form of reciprocity. You give, you get. You stop giving? You’re cut off. This underground economy is ruthless. 

Let’s be real. In our personal and professional lives, we’re not that different. Humans live and die by their networks. But how many of us are actually working that network? How many of us are investing in relationships, sharing resources, and communicating clearly—versus just taking and hoping someone else does the work?

Here’s where the fungi’s wisdom can school us.

In business, we’re constantly told that “communication is key.” But what if that communication was as strategic as the fungi’s? Mycelium doesn’t waste energy on unnecessary chatter. It doesn’t have small talk; it gets straight to the point. The goal is survival, efficiency, and growth. If we took a leaf—or rather a spore—from the fungi’s book, maybe we’d stop wasting time on half-hearted connections and focus on building real, mutually beneficial relationships.

We also can’t overlook the power of collaboration. Mycelium connects trees of different species, allowing them to share resources. Think about that. Trees—competing for light and space—still share nutrients through this underground network because it strengthens the whole system. If you’re the one hoarding all the resources on your team, in your family, or in our community you might feel strong and safe, but you’re actually weakening the entire network. Eventually, that scarcity mindset and desire to only resources yourself will come back and bite you in the ass.

But here’s where things get even more provocative. Just like with fungi, not all networks are nurturing and cooperative. Some mycelial networks are parasitic. They’ll connect to a tree, drain its resources, and eventually kill it. These fungal bastards and bullies teach us something, too. Some connections, no matter how long-standing, are toxic. They’re draining you, dragging you down, and ultimately, they’ll hollow you out if you don’t cut them off.

Let’s face it—whether it’s a toxic workplace, a manipulative relationship, or a friendship that’s all take and no give, sometimes severing the connection is the healthiest move. 

Mycelium doesn’t hesitate. When a tree stops giving, the fungi disconnect. They cut the cord. Maybe we should be doing the same in our own lives—less guilt, more decisiveness. If it’s not feeding you or the network, it’s got to go.

And here’s where we can bring it full circle. Mycelial networks rely on trust but also accountability. Each tree in the network must contribute something. Trust, but verify. The fungi ensure that each part of the network holds up its end of the bargain—if not, they’re left behind.

In our personal and professional lives, think about how often we trust without accountability. We assume everyone’s pulling their weight, but when’s the last time you checked the balance sheet of your relationships. Are you overextending in your giving, or are you not contributing enough to the network that’s keeping you alive and thriving?

Fungi don’t have time for freeloaders. And neither should you.

So for fungi and for this guy and maybe for you … It’s about more than just surviving. It’s about thriving in a network—leveraging trust, communication, and reciprocity. It’s about knowing when to invest and when to disconnect. It’s a delicate balance between collaboration and competition. And, most importantly, it’s about doing the work behind the scenes that keeps the whole system—your personal and professional ecosystem—alive.

If you’re struggling to find balance in your relationships, or if you’re looking for ways to be more efficient in your communication, take a lesson from fungi. Strengthen your network, share your resources, but know when it’s time to cut the carcinogenic connections. Because at the end of the day, just like the forest, we all Flourish —or fail—together.

Until next time … be a mushroom … be a fungi or fun gal … but don’t let anyone keep you in the dark and cover you with their shit.

Cheers