Shamanism
When life feels uncertain, who do you turn to? Across cultures and throughout history, many of us have looked to people who seemed to have a special set of abilities and knowledge… shamans.
November 30, 2025
40 min
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Episode 5 · November 30, 2025
Shamanism
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Jew and Greek Episodes Around November 30, 2025
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40:59This episodeShamanism
Summary
<p>When life feels uncertain, who do you turn to? Across cultures and throughout history, many of us have looked to people who seemed to have a special set of abilities and knowledge… shamans.</p><p>On this episode, we’ll talk to anthropologist Manvir Singh about what shamanism actually is, how it works, and why its appeal is both timeless and universal. From a remote island in Indonesia to American Pentecostal churches, we’ll explore how shamans harness ritual, empathy, and performance to help people find meaning and relief in times of need.</p><p>Manvir Singh directs the <a href="https://www.integrativeanthro.org">Integrative Anthropology Lab</a> at the University of California, Davis. He is the author of Shamanism: The Timeless Religion, and a contributing writer for <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/manvir-singh">The New Yorker</a>. Find out more about his work on his <a href="https://www.manvir.org">website</a>.</p>