Happy Wednesday {{first name | my friend}},

Today we’re uncovering a translucent creature, the magic of the Redwoods, and how fungi can help save the world. Don’t miss details on the Purity Coffee membership because their prices are going up soon – but you can lock in current rates for the only coffee I have in my home.

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Meet the mesmerizing Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi)—one of the ocean’s most mysterious residents. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, this deep-sea cephalopod is almost entirely transparent, with only its eyes, optic nerve, and digestive tract appearing opaque. This remarkable adaptation helps it blend seamlessly into the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, making it nearly invisible to both predators and prey.

The glass octopus can reach up to 18 inches in length, with long, slender arms lined with a single row of widely spaced suckers. Its cylindrical eyes are specially shaped to minimize their silhouette when viewed from below, a crucial adaptation in the dim, predator-filled depths. Gold-flecked cells sometimes shimmer across its clear webbing, adding a subtle sparkle to its ghostly form.

Little is known about the glass octopus’s daily life, but scientists believe it feeds on crustaceans, fish, bivalves, and jellyfish, hunting closer to the surface at night and retreating to the deep by day. Rarely seen alive, most of what we know comes from deep-sea submersible footage and specimens found in the stomachs of predators. Each sighting is a reminder of how much wonder still waits in the unexplored depths of our planet’s oceans.

There’s something truly sacred about stepping into a redwood forest. I’ve spent some meaningful moments among these giants, and every time I return, it feels like entering a natural cathedral—quiet, awe-inspiring, and deeply grounding. The towering trees, some stretching over 300 feet into the fog, create an atmosphere that’s both humbling and healing. The air is thick with the scent of earth and terpenes, and the interplay of fog and sunlight feels almost magical, nourishing both the trees and the soul (learn more about redwoods and fog).

It’s no wonder that people often describe the redwoods as their church—a place to reconnect, reflect, and find peace (read more on the redwoods as a church). And every so often, something extraordinary happens here—like the rare Kenny Loggins concert held among the trees, immortalized in his live album “Outside: From the Redwoods.” That magical night is still talked about by those lucky enough to be there (see the story of the concert).

If you ever get the chance to wander beneath these ancient giants, let yourself slow down and soak in the wonder. The redwoods remind us what it means to be small, connected, and alive.

Now through June 3rd, the ECL community gets an exclusive discount on new Purity Coffee subscriptions: 20% off your first subscription order AND your first renewal!

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Starting June 16, Purity Coffee will be adjusting prices across their product line. This change reflects the rising costs of certified organic specialty-grade Arabica coffee, which has more than doubled in the past year, as well as global factors affecting production and supply chains.

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EGCG: (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a powerful antioxidant found mainly in green tea (best green tea on Earth), but also present in smaller amounts in black tea, berries, and some nuts. This plant compound is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects, and research suggests it may support heart health, brain function, and healthy metabolism. Studies link EGCG to benefits like reduced blood pressure, improved cholesterol, and even potential cancer-fighting properties.

(Preview, full article for ECL Members)

For most of modern history, fungi have been overlooked—tossed in the shadowy corners of biology between plants and decay. But as the climate evolves, ecosystems collapse, and chronic disease surges, mushrooms are stepping into the light.

Today, science is catching up to what ancient cultures have long known: fungi are medicine, teachers, and stewards of the Earth. From regenerating ecosystems to regenerating our own health, this forgotten kingdom may hold some of the most promising solutions for our future.

CLICK HERE to read the full Deep Dive on our Members-only blog «