Episode
#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
1:40:33
Published: Wed Sep 30 2020
Description
Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America | Brought to you by Wondery Plus, Four Sigmatic, and Theragun Dr. Mark Plotkin (@DocMarkPlotkin) is an ethnobotanist who serves as president of the Amazon Conservation Team, which has partnered with 55 tribes to map and improve management and protection of 80 million acres of ancestral rainforests. Educated at Harvard, Yale, and Tufts, Plotkin has since spent much of the past four decades studying the shamans and healing plants of tropical America from Mexico to Argentina, although much of his work focuses on the rainforests of the northeast Amazon. He is best known to the general public as the author of the book Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, one of the most popular books about the rainforest. His new book from Oxford Press is The Amazon: What Everyone Needs to Know.His upcoming podcast series is titled Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens: Culture, Conservation, History and Healing, and it will be coming out in late October. More information will be available on Mark’s website.Please enjoy!This episode is brought to you by Wondery Plus! People always ask me what podcasts I listen to, and the truth is… I don’t listen to many, given all the projects I’m working on. One exception is Business Wars from the podcast network Wondery. One great way to listen to it is with a Wondery Plus membership, which allows you to enjoy Business Wars one week before the episodes are available anywhere else and ad free.Check out Wondery Plus today with this exclusive offer for listeners of this podcast: get 25% off a one-year membership at WonderyPlus.com/Tim.*This podcast is also brought to you by Four Sigmatic and their delicious mushroom coffee, featuring lion’s mane and Chaga. It tastes like coffee, but there are only 40 milligrams of caffeine, so it has less than half of what you would find in a regular cup of coffee. I do not get any jitters, acid reflux, or any type of stomach burn. It’s organic and keto friendly, plus every single batch is third-party lab tested.You can try it right now by going to FourSigmatic.com/Tim and using the code TIM. You will receive up to 39% off on the lion’s mane coffee bundle. Simply visit FourSigmatic.com/Tim. If you are in the experimental mindset, I do not think you’ll be disappointed. *This episode is also brought to you by Theragun! Theragun is my go-to solution for recovery and restoration. It’s a famous, handheld percussive therapy device that releases your deepest muscle tension. I own two Theraguns, and my girlfriend and I use them every day after workouts and before bed. The all-new Gen 4 Theragun has a proprietary brushless motor that’s surprisingly quiet. It’s easy to use and about as quiet as an electric toothbrush.Go to Theragun.com/TIM right now and get your Gen 4 Theragun today, starting at only $199.***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
Tim Ferriss interviews Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist and president of the Amazon Conservation Team.
00:00 - 01:24 (01:24)
Summary
Tim Ferriss interviews Dr. Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist and president of the Amazon Conservation Team. They discuss his decades-long work studying the shamans and healing plants of tropical America, real versus fake shamans, and the use of hallucinogens in shamanic practice.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast host shares short and action-packed insights on various topics including apps, books, supplements, gadgets and hacks discovered from around the world.
01:24 - 06:37 (05:13)
Summary
The podcast host shares short and action-packed insights on various topics including apps, books, supplements, gadgets and hacks discovered from around the world. He recommends a massage tool for performance, recovery and relaxation purposes.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Get all the essential nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens for your gut and immunity with Athletic Greens' all-in-one formula and free vitamin D supplement.
06:37 - 10:31 (03:54)
Summary
Get all the essential nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens for your gut and immunity with Athletic Greens' all-in-one formula and free vitamin D supplement. Plus, get travel packs for your on-the-go nutrition needs.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Richard Schultes, a legendary plant explorer and Harvard professor, influenced many people with his work on plants and their effect on the mind.
10:31 - 20:58 (10:26)
Summary
Richard Schultes, a legendary plant explorer and Harvard professor, influenced many people with his work on plants and their effect on the mind. His discovery of magic mushrooms in the subtropical forests of southern Mexico inspired the creation of an institute at Johns Hopkins University that studies the use of entheogens in treating incurable diseases like PTSD and schizophrenia.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Studies on electric eels have been able to unlock the potential to revolutionize the implantation of micro-batteries in humans to power electronic devices.
20:58 - 27:22 (06:24)
Summary
Studies on electric eels have been able to unlock the potential to revolutionize the implantation of micro-batteries in humans to power electronic devices. Protecting these and other unique creatures can lead to more significant breakthroughs in science and medicine, all while preserving Earth's ecosystems.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses their limited podcast listening habits and the importance of being willing to listen and learn from indigenous people's stories.
27:22 - 32:50 (05:27)
Summary
The speaker discusses their limited podcast listening habits and the importance of being willing to listen and learn from indigenous people's stories. They also briefly mention their experience with a painful but spiritual trip from a natural hallucinogen.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The term "shaman" should not be self-proclaimed and is used for a specific practice, different from the traditional Western healthcare system.
32:50 - 37:34 (04:44)
Summary
The term "shaman" should not be self-proclaimed and is used for a specific practice, different from the traditional Western healthcare system. The hesitancy to claim the title of shaman is a notable contrast between the Western system of healthcare and that of the Amazon.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The wellness industry is rife with false and misleading claims, often peddled by those claiming to be "shamans" or "gurus".
37:34 - 41:00 (03:26)
Summary
The wellness industry is rife with false and misleading claims, often peddled by those claiming to be "shamans" or "gurus". Potential consumers should be wary of these claims and do research before buying into them.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The use of plant medicines, such as ayahuasca, has become popular in Peru and elsewhere as a way to potentially address personal problems or seek transcendent experiences.
41:00 - 45:41 (04:40)
Summary
The use of plant medicines, such as ayahuasca, has become popular in Peru and elsewhere as a way to potentially address personal problems or seek transcendent experiences. However, while these compounds can have positive effects, it's important to understand the potential risks and the idea that they are a panacea is unrealistic.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A conversation with an indigenous tribe chief from the Northeast Amazon highlights the importance of providing maps and technology to document the traditions, medicinal plants, old songs, and legends of indigenous communities.
45:41 - 51:34 (05:52)
Summary
A conversation with an indigenous tribe chief from the Northeast Amazon highlights the importance of providing maps and technology to document the traditions, medicinal plants, old songs, and legends of indigenous communities. This can be used to obtain land titles and record ancestral knowledge for future generations.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Indigenous communities are using traditional shamanic wisdom and modern technology to fight COVID-19, from creating immunostimulant beverages to using face masks to protect their land and territory.
51:34 - 56:27 (04:52)
Summary
Indigenous communities are using traditional shamanic wisdom and modern technology to fight COVID-19, from creating immunostimulant beverages to using face masks to protect their land and territory.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The idea of a male aphrodisiac may not be scientifically proven but there are shamans who have claimed to know about it.
56:27 - 59:44 (03:17)
Summary
The idea of a male aphrodisiac may not be scientifically proven but there are shamans who have claimed to know about it.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A diverse portfolio of income streams for indigenous communities could provide a sustainable way to earn a livelihood while avoiding destruction of the ecosystem.
59:44 - 1:04:51 (05:07)
Summary
A diverse portfolio of income streams for indigenous communities could provide a sustainable way to earn a livelihood while avoiding destruction of the ecosystem. Case in point: Viagra was originally meant for blood pressure regulation before being discovered for male enhancement.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A discussion on the origins of COVID-19 and how our attitude towards abusing animals is causing real harm, as indigenous peoples have warned, and calls to end wildlife trade have been made.
1:04:52 - 1:10:54 (06:02)
Summary
A discussion on the origins of COVID-19 and how our attitude towards abusing animals is causing real harm, as indigenous peoples have warned, and calls to end wildlife trade have been made.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Deforestation of the rainforest is a major contributor to climate change, pouring carbon into the atmosphere and ranking as the second-largest cause of climate change after fossil fuels.
1:10:54 - 1:17:05 (06:10)
Summary
Deforestation of the rainforest is a major contributor to climate change, pouring carbon into the atmosphere and ranking as the second-largest cause of climate change after fossil fuels. Long-term relationships built on trust and friendship can help in working with diverse groups on common interests in preserving the rainforest.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The tribes in South America, who rely on hallucinogens for hunting and warfare, are struggling with COVID-19 as resources are being withheld by governments, making it a great time to support them.
1:17:05 - 1:26:25 (09:19)
Summary
The tribes in South America, who rely on hallucinogens for hunting and warfare, are struggling with COVID-19 as resources are being withheld by governments, making it a great time to support them. However, not all tribes rely on hallucinogens, as most of the tribes in the Northwest Amazon do not use them.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of alternative healing modalities that involve the use of plants and plant derivatives.
1:26:25 - 1:30:00 (03:35)
Summary
The podcast discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of alternative healing modalities that involve the use of plants and plant derivatives. The conversation highlights the importance of this approach, particularly during a time when more traditional medical practices may be experiencing limitations.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Boundary walkers and individuals open to other realities and modalities can help build bridges and alliances to create a new way of stewarding nature and living our lives.
1:30:00 - 1:36:57 (06:57)
Summary
Boundary walkers and individuals open to other realities and modalities can help build bridges and alliances to create a new way of stewarding nature and living our lives. The future of conservation and indigenous peoples depends on our support for their technology and means of preparation and administration.
Episode#469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss promotes Four Sigmatic's mushroom coffee on his podcast, highlighting its zero sugar and calorie content, and half the caffeine of regular coffee.
1:36:57 - 1:40:23 (03:25)
Summary
Tim Ferriss promotes Four Sigmatic's mushroom coffee on his podcast, highlighting its zero sugar and calorie content, and half the caffeine of regular coffee.