Wild Mushrooms and the Mycology of Consciousness at Hollyhock

Join renowned mycologist Paul Stamets for an extraordinary workshop exploring the profound intersection of mushrooms, consciousness, and planetary healing. This immersive workshop event in Denman Island brings together cutting-edge mycology science with transformative exploration, offering participants a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading voices in fungal biology and consciousness studies. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned explorer, this gathering at Hollyhock promises to fundamentally shift how you understand mushrooms and their remarkable potential to reshape human health and ecological restoration.

Paul Stamets has spent decades investigating the miraculous world beneath our feet—and within our minds. His groundbreaking research into psilocybin mushrooms, medicinal fungi, and mycelial networks has positioned him as a visionary thought leader in both scientific and alternative wellness communities. During this workshop, Stamets will guide you through fascinating discoveries about how mushroom consciousness intersects with human neurology, ecosystem intelligence, and spiritual awakening. The workshop combines presentations, interactive dialogue, and contemplative space, creating an environment where scientific rigor meets genuine wonder.

This workshop event provides more than information—it's a transformative experience designed to awaken your curiosity about the fungal kingdom's untapped potential. Expect to leave with both expanded knowledge and a deeper reverence for the mycelial networks connecting all life on Earth.

What to Expect

Arrive at Hollyhock on Friday, October 16, 2026, ready to enter a space of learning and discovery. The day unfolds with Paul Stamets leading you through presentations that blend molecular biology, ethnobotany, and consciousness research in surprisingly accessible ways. You'll encounter stunning visuals of fungal fruiting bodies, learn about psilocybin's emerging role in psychiatric medicine, and explore the mycelial internet—the planet's original communication network.

The workshop format balances teaching with participation. Expect interactive Q&A sessions where you can ask Stamets directly about research, personal experiences, and the ethical dimensions of fungal exploration. The atmosphere remains grounded and intellectually rigorous while maintaining openness to the profound, often spiritual dimensions of this work. Sensory elements—from microscopic imagery to discussion of taste and embodied experience—bring the material to life.

By day's end, you'll depart with not just facts but a fundamentally transformed relationship to mushrooms, consciousness, and your place within nature's vast fungal networks. Many attendees report lingering inspiration that reshapes their personal practices, curiosities, and commitments to ecological healing.

About the Artists

Paul Stamets is a mycologist, author, and TED speaker whose decades of research have made him one of the world's foremost experts on fungi and consciousness. His work spans medicinal mushrooms, psilocybin therapeutic applications, and mycelial networks' role in ecosystem health and intelligence. Stamets brings rigorous science together with genuine reverence for the mystery of fungal life, making him a uniquely compelling guide for this workshop.

Venue & Location

Hollyhock sits on beautiful Denman Island, BC—a community known for its artistic spirit, natural beauty, and commitment to transformative learning. The venue itself embodies this ethos: set amidst coastal forests and gardens, Hollyhock creates an intimate, immersive atmosphere perfect for workshops exploring consciousness and nature's deeper dimensions. The island location offers natural respite from urban distractions, supporting deeper engagement with the material and fellow participants. Parking and accommodation details are available through Hollyhock's website.