Untold Medicine Interview: Dr. José Stevens
What Real Shamanic Healing Requires
A Conversation with Dr. José Stevens
In this episode of Untold Medicine, I sit down with Dr. José Stevens, co-founder of the Power Path School of Shamanism and one of the most respected teachers of shamanic traditions in the modern world. With more than four decades of teaching and a decade of apprenticeship with traditional shamans in Mexico, Dr. Stevens brings rare depth and integrity to a topic that is often misunderstood or commercialized today.
Our conversation explores what shamanism actually is—beyond the stereotypes, social media trends, and weekend workshops that often claim the title.
True shamanic practice is not a performance or identity. It is a discipline rooted in humility, service, and long-term training.
Dr. Stevens shares how traditional apprenticeships can take years of dedicated practice, often under the guidance of experienced elders and teachers. These traditions view the shaman not simply as a healer, but as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds—someone responsible for maintaining balance within individuals, communities, and the natural world.
Throughout the episode we discuss the many roles a shaman may hold: healer, teacher, ceremonialist, leader, artist, and wisdom keeper. These roles require deep self-awareness and ongoing personal work. In authentic traditions, the practitioner must continually refine their ability to listen—to nature, to spirit, and to the needs of the people they serve.
We also explore an important question: How does real healing occur?
According to many traditional systems, healing is not simply about removing symptoms. It often involves restoring balance within a person’s relationship to themselves, their environment, and the unseen forces that shape life. This perspective challenges the modern tendency to view healing only through a biochemical or mechanical lens.
Another central theme in the discussion is discernment. As shamanic language becomes increasingly popular in modern wellness culture, it can be difficult for people to distinguish between authentic practice and spiritual branding. Dr. Stevens explains the signs of grounded teachers and the importance of seeking practitioners who demonstrate humility, ethical responsibility, and years of training.
Ultimately, this episode is not about romanticizing ancient traditions. It is about understanding the depth of wisdom they hold and approaching them with respect.
At a time when many people feel disconnected—from nature, from meaning, and from their own intuition—these teachings offer a reminder that healing often requires slowing down, listening deeply, and reconnecting with the larger web of life.
This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of humility, spiritual practice, and the enduring relevance of ancient healing traditions in the modern world.