Join us for an intimate and thought-provoking morning exploring the unexpected parallels between mediation and mushrooms. From the hidden networks of mycelium to the emotional ecosystems we navigate in conflict, this session delves into how both fungi and facilitated dialogue teach us about connection, resilience, and transformation. We'll look at what nature and neuroscience can reveal about empathy, communication, and the space between reaction and response. A conversation for the curious — about how we heal, relate, and grow.

TIMINGS

09:30 – 10:00 I Arrival and networking breakfast.

10:00 – 10:05 I Welcome from Lottie and Joanna.

10:05 – 10:45 I In discussion: Mediation with Joanna Gosling, interviewed by Lottie Leefe.

10:45 – 11:00 I Q&A.

11:00 – 11:30 I Tom Baxter, Bristol Fungarium: why mushrooms are so brilliant, what we can learn from them and how then can help us.

11:30 – 11:40 I Q&A.

11:40 – 12:00 I Sample products and networking.

12:00 – Finish.

ABOUT JOANNA GOSLING, IRWIN MITCHELL

After a 30-year career in journalism — including 23 years as a chief news anchor at the BBC — Joanna qualified as a family mediator in 2022. Her transition into mediation was driven by a deep passion for helping people navigate conflict with greater understanding and empathy. Over the course of her journalistic career, as well as through personal experience, she observed the profound emotional, financial, and practical toll that unresolved disputes and protracted litigation can take on individuals and families.

Joanna trained and qualified as a family mediator with the Family Mediators Association and is registered with the Family Mediation Council. Her particular interest lies in the emotional dynamics of conflict and supporting clients in overcoming communication barriers. In addition to family matters, she also mediates workplace and commercial disputes, having trained and qualified with the London School of Mediation. She has further enhanced her expertise through the Mediation and Conflict Management course at the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation.

ABOUT TOM BAXTER, BRISTOL FUNGARIUM

As an organic farmer and former forest school leader, founder, Tom Baxter spent two years initiating "The Growing Up Project" which welcomed children from 9 months to 19 years into an organic farm just outside Bristol, encouraging them to reconnect with nature and learn what it means to work with the land.

With a penchant for fungi and growing demand for organic mushroom products; in 2020, The Growing Up Project was reborn as The Bristol Fungarium, focusing on the finest quality, organic certified UK-bred native and exotic mushrooms; handling the whole process from spores to sterile lab work, liquid mycelium cultivation and finally the fruiting blocks. Today the Bristol Fungarium crops over a ton of 18 strains of fungi each month including maitake, shiitake, king oyster and 7 other strains of oyster mushroom, wine caps, lions mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps. Many of which are now featured in the first UK grown organic certified range of medicinal mushroom products to hit the market.

DETAILS

Wednesday 17th September | 09:30 - 11:30

Irwin Mitchell LLP, The Northcliffe, 28 Tudor Street, Temple, London EC4Y 0AY

Members Free | Guests £55

INVITE ONLY | rsvp@thedurasociety.com