Protecting Plant Wisdom: Lessons from the Amazon’s Elder Healers

Episode 283B

In this special bonus episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes renowned ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin for an intimate preview of the upcoming Costa Rica Intensive in February 2025. Dr. Plotkin shares insights from his decades of work with indigenous communities in the Amazon, discusses the delicate balance between commercialization and preservation of sacred plant medicines, and explores the crucial distinctions between traditional shamanic practices and modern therapeutic approaches. As a special guest for the upcoming intensive, he offers valuable perspectives on integrating indigenous wisdom with contemporary psychedelic practices while emphasizing the importance of humility and continuous learning in working with these powerful medicines.

Dr. Mark Plotkin is a renowned ethnobotanist who has studied traditional indigenous plant use with elder shamans of Central and South America for over 30 years. As President of the Amazon Conservation Team, which he co-founded in 1996, Dr. Plotkin works to protect biological and cultural diversity in the Amazon rainforest. Time Magazine named him an environmental "Hero for the Planet," and his TED Talk on protecting uncontacted tribes has garnered over a million views. His work combines rigorous scientific research with deep respect for indigenous wisdom and traditional healing practices.

Join Dr. Plotkin and Paul F. Austin this February 2025 at the Costa Rica Psychedelic Intensive, featuring three guided psilocybin experiences and exclusive workshops exploring the intersection of indigenous wisdom and modern healing practices.