Send us a text

Nick talks to anthropologist Dr. Michael Winkelman, who was a professor at Arizona State University for many years, where he studied topics related to shamanism as practiced by early hunter gatherer societies, and other topics related to human cultural evolution. He is now retired and conducts independent research from Brazil, where he now lives. They discuss: what shamanism is & the core features of shamanic ritual practices across historical hunter gatherer cultures; how the various ritual practices associated with shamanism were used by forager societies (e.g. symbolism, group dance and drumming) & the use of psychedelics; evolution of shamanism & religion from prehistoric times to the present; role religion and spiritual practices have played in human evolution; how human culture is akin to virtual reality & how human ritual practices help sculpt the narratives that form within human cultures that regulate human behavior; future of religion & spirituality in the modern age & whether the use of psychedelics as entheogenic substances might have a role to play in that.

*Not medical advice

Support the show

All episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack

Affiliates:

KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)
Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off
Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link
SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount.
MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off

For all the ways you can support my efforts

Shamanism, Psychedelics, Social Behavior, Religion & Evolution of Human Culture | Michael Winkelman | 86

Mind & Matter

Shamanism, Psychedelics, Social Behavior, Religion & Evolution of Human Culture | Michael Winkelman | 86