The Third Wave

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Mariah Gannessa, founder of Four Visions, a plant medicine platform rooted in sacred reciprocity and indigenous partnership.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-317/?ref=278 Mariah shares her decade-long apprenticeship with the Inga people of Colombia and her journey creating Four Visions as a reverent bridge between Amazonian healing traditions and modern seekers. The conversation explores the Four Visions of the Yahé tradition, the nuances of cultural appropriation vs. cultural exchange, and the responsibilities of Western entrepreneurs engaging with indigenous medicines. Mariah also discusses how Four Visions reinvests in indigenous communities and why the concept of sacred reciprocity is central to her mission. Join Paul F. Austin and Mariah Gannessa on August 21st at 10am PT / 1pm ET for Hapé 101 for Practitioners, Coaches & Guides, a free live webinar hosted through the Psychedelic Coachi

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes cultural historian and acclaimed author Mike Jay. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-316/?ref=278 Together they explore the untold history of nitrous oxide, psychedelic experimentation in the Romantic era, and the deeper cultural and philosophical roots of psychedelic science. Mike shares insights from his latest book, Free Radicals, highlighting how figures like Humphry Davy and William James helped shape psychedelic thought long before the 1960s. The conversation weaves through ancient San Pedro rituals, colonial attempts to suppress peyote use, and the divergent paths of modern psychedelic medicine. From poetic self-experimentation to medicalized models, Mike unpacks the historical tensions between grassroots healing and institutional control—and what this means for the future of psychedelic culture. Mike Jay is a British author and cultural historian who has written widely on the history of d

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes Brian Robertson—creator of Holacracy and founder of Ledgeway Sangha—for a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of organizational design, spiritual community, and psychedelic practice. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-315/?ref=278 Best known for reimagining how companies structure authority through Holacracy, Brian now brings his systems-level insight into the realm of psychedelic spirituality. He shares the origin and mission of Ledgeway Sangha, a legal psychedelic church rooted in peer-to-peer healing, communal practice, and non-dogmatic love. Together, Paul and Brian explore how this innovative model bypasses conventional hierarchy, integrates softer entheogens like 2C-B and 6-APB, and builds a path toward legal protection for churches operating outside mainstream psychedelic frameworks. Brian Robertson is best known for creating Holacracy, the most comprehensive framework in th

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Vass Eliopoulos, co-founder of Longevity Health and a pioneer at the intersection of regenerative medicine, longevity science, and psychedelics. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-314/?ref=278 Dr. Vass shares his journey from emergency medicine to a proactive, prevention-based approach to health optimization for high performers. Dr. Vass shares why today’s healthcare system fails to address the root causes of disease, the synergistic potential of psychedelics, stem cells, peptides, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and how chronic stress and inflammation underlie many modern conditions. He also outlines why psychedelics may be essential in reversing chronic inflammation and treating neurodegenerative diseases—and how prevention, not pathology, should guide the future of medicine. Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos (Dr. Vass) is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Longevity Health, a cutting-edge regen

Following our recent conversation with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris on the neuroscience of SSRIs and psychedelics, this bonus episode takes the next step—focusing on clinical realities, tapering strategies, and patient safety. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-313b/?ref=278 Dr. Dave Rabin—a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro—joins Paul F. Austin for a candid, protocol-driven conversation. Together, they unpack why combining SSRIs with psychedelics can be dangerous, how to safely taper with support tools like ketamine and CBDA, and how to prepare clients for deeper psychedelic work. If you’re a facilitator, therapist, or simply someone navigating antidepressants and interested in microdosing, this episode offers practical, medically-grounded insights. Highlights: How SSRIs blunt emotional range and alter awareness The neuroscience of serotonin and psychedelic receptors Serious risks of serotonin syndrome when mixing with SSRIs Ke

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Dan Engle—psychiatrist, neurologist, and integrative medicine pioneer—for a profound discussion on psychedelics, brain health, and healing. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-313/?ref=278 Dr. Dan shares his personal journey through traumatic brain injuries and recovery through both Western neurology and indigenous plant medicine traditions. They explore neuroplasticity vs. neurogenesis, ibogaine’s potential in brain injury recovery, and how belief, awe, and prayer shape healing outcomes. Dr. Dan also reflects on lessons psychiatry can learn from shamanic practice—highlighting the importance of service, community, and ceremony in catalyzing transformation. Dr. Dan Engle is a psychiatrist whose work bridges regenerative medicine, psychedelic research, integrative spirituality, and peak performance. He is founder of Full Spectrum Medicine, a psychedelic integration platform, and Thank You Life, a

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and microdosing policy advocate John Downs for a replay of a live event originally held on June 10th, Microdosing vs. SSRIs: What’s Happening in the Brain and Why It Matters. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312b/?ref=278 Together, they explore the scientific distinctions between SSRIs and psychedelics, focusing on neuroimaging, brain entropy, emotional processing, and the REBUS model. Dr. Carhart-Harris shares key insights from landmark studies on psilocybin therapy and discusses the evidence (and limitations) around microdosing. John Downs closes the conversation with an update on the Microdosing Collective’s efforts to shift policy and expand access. Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD is a neuropharmacologist, psychologist, and Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. He leads t

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes back J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS—a longtime friend, therapist, and psychedelic pioneer. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312/?ref=278 Ashley shares her journey from community activism to clinical work with ketamine and MDMA, and her new illustrated guide to IFS, Quieting the Storm Within. J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS has led the Southern California Psychedelic Society, served as MAPS trial coordinator for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy, co-founded a ketamine clinic, and offers IFS, Hakomi, integration, and harm reduction training. Her illustrated picture book introduces IFS concepts through visuals and metaphor. Highlights: Ashley’s 8‑year evolution from community to clinical work The origin and intent behind Quieting the Storm Within Clouds & sun: A visual metaphor for the internal landscape

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes anthropologist and author Dr. Manvir Singh to explore the enduring power of shamanism as a psychological and cultural technology. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-311/?ref=278 Singh discusses insights from his fieldwork with the Mentawai people and Amazonian Yopo shamans, explaining how ritual, performance, and belief help people manage uncertainty and catalyze healing. Together with Paul, he examines the contested history of ancient psychedelic use, the risks of neo-shamanic narratives, and the deep psychological roots of sacred ceremony. Dr. Manvir Singh is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, Davis. He holds a BA from Brown University and a PhD in human evolutionary biology from Harvard. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Wired, The Guardian, and top academic journals. His first book, Shamanism: The Timeless Religion, was published in 2025. Highlights:

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Natalie Baird-King, a board-certified attorney in marital and family law who discovered the transformative power of forgiveness through psychedelic experiences. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-310/?ref=278 Natalie shares her journey from childhood abuse and depression to spiritual healing catalyzed by ayahuasca. As the author of Forgiving Unforgivable, she explains her HOPE model (Harken back, Open your heart, Proclaim forgiveness, Experience freedom) and how forgiveness—particularly self-forgiveness—became the key to healing her trauma and stepping into her purpose. Natalie also discusses how her psychedelic experiences improved her professional approach as a mediator, bringing more compassion to her legal practice and inspiring her to share her story despite potential professional risks. Natalie Baird-King is an accomplished author, transformational coach, and TEDx speaker dedicated to helpin

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Rachel Pastor and Tiffany Hurd, leaders behind Golden Rule Mushrooms, a woman-led microdosing company pushing the boundaries of accessibility, education, and intention in the psychedelic space. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-309/?ref=278 From overcoming heroin addiction and corporate burnout to leading a values-driven microdosing brand, Rachel and Tiffany share their powerful personal journeys and the mission that fuels their work today. They dive into the evolving landscape of legal psychedelics, the challenges of running a public-facing microdosing company, and the line between recreational use and intentional wellness. This candid conversation explores how Golden Rule is reframing the perception of psychedelics by offering trustworthy, well-branded psilocybin and LSD microdoses paired with community support and education. Rachel Pastor is the co-founder of Golden Rule Mushrooms and a pas

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Victoria Lynn Carroll, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker who made an unconventional journey from actor to documentary filmmaker. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-308/?ref=278 Victoria shares how a vision during an ayahuasca ceremony inspired her to create her directorial debut, She Is a Shaman, which provides an intimate look into the personal life of a female ayahuasca shaman in the Peruvian Amazon. She discusses the challenges of filming in the jungle without electricity, the personal transformations that coincided with her creative process, and her decision to release the film for free on YouTube, where it has garnered over 350,000 views. Victoria explores the intersection of sacred storytelling, the role of women in shamanic traditions, and how creating art became a form of surrender for her. Episode Highlights: Receiving the documentary vision during ayahuasca ceremony Filming challenges without e

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Richard Blake, a pioneering psychologist and breathwork researcher, to discuss the science and clinical application of Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB). Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-307/?ref=278 Dr. Blake shares key insights from his groundbreaking randomized controlled trial—the largest to date—on the effectiveness of CCB for reducing anxiety. The conversation explores the distinctions between breathwork modalities, how altered states are reached without substances, and why trauma-informed facilitation is essential for safe practice. Paul and Dr. Blake also dive into the pitfalls of mainstream psychotherapy, the overlooked power of lifestyle interventions, and how breathwork compares to both SSRIs and psychedelics in measurable outcomes. Dr. Richard Blake holds a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology and is a pioneering researcher in the field of breathwork, psychedelics, and holistic mental

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes back Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Founder and President of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), for a deeply personal and visionary conversation on the recent FDA rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-306/?ref=278 Rick opens up about the painful setbacks, internal missteps, and his own process of recovery and renewed hope. He explains why this isn’t the end—but a critical turning point for psychedelic medicine. Rick and Paul unpack the nuances of drug plus therapy, exploring why context, integration, and culture matter as much as pharmacology. They reflect on the future of MAPS, the psychedelic renaissance beyond FDA approval, and how business, politics, and spirituality intersect with healing. The episode also explores Rick’s enduring belief in public benefit models, global collaboration, and the potential of a spiritualized humanity. Rick Doblin, Ph.D

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Bryan Hubbard, a prominent advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly ibogaine in the treatment of opioid addiction and mental health disorders.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-305/?ref=278 Update (May 2025): Days before this episode's release, the Texas House approved a Senate-backed bill to fund ibogaine research through a public-private partnership aimed at securing FDA approval. This vote marks a major milestone in the movement Bryan describes throughout this conversation. Bryan shares his journey from leading Kentucky's Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to spearheading breakthrough ibogaine research initiatives in Texas. He articulates ibogaine's unique neurological properties, discussing how it can reset brain neurochemistry in 36 hours and potentially treat conditions from traumatic brain injury to Parkinson's disease. The conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Pedram Shojai, known as The Urban Monk, a former Taoist monk and doctor of Oriental medicine.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-304/?ref=278 Pedram shares his journey from intensive martial arts training under one of the last living descendants of a Daoist monastery to bringing ancient wisdom into modern life. He discusses the challenges of integrating monastic practices into householder living, the relationship between physical vitality and spiritual growth, and offers a balanced perspective on psychedelics. Dr. Shojai explores the importance of strengthening one's vessel before seeking peak experiences, the risks of "shortcut spirituality," and how ancient contemplative practices can help us live with greater presence in today's fast-paced world. Dr. Pedram Shojai is the founder and director of The Urban Monk Academy and the New York Times bestselling author of Rise and Shine, The Urban Monk,

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy. Dick shares how he discovered that psychedelics naturally facilitate access to what IFS calls "Self energy" - the compassionate core within everyone that can heal wounded parts. He explains how medicines like ketamine and MDMA help relax protective parts of our psyche, revealing both Self energy and exiled parts that need healing. Dick reveals his personal journey with psychedelics, including his work with ketamine-assisted IFS therapy, and discusses the relationship between psychedelic experiences and spiritual guides. He emphasizes how reframing "bad trips" as opportunities for exiled parts to be witnessed can transform challenging experiences into profound healing moments. Dick Schwartz began his career as a family therapist and academic at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There he discovered that family therapy alone did not achieve full symp

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Marlena Robbins, a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) nation and doctoral student at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Marlena shares her personal journey with psilocybin mushrooms and how they helped reconnect her with her heritage and family. Her research examines the cultural, social, and policy aspects of psilocybin use within Native communities, highlighting differences between urban and rural perspectives to inform educational frameworks, culturally-informed psychedelic assisted therapy models, and public health policy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-302/?ref=278 Marlena Robbins is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree at UC Berkeley. Her research examines the cultural, social, and policy aspects of psilocybin use within Native communities, highlighting differences between urban and rural perspectives to inform educational frameworks, culturally-informed psychedelic assisted therap

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Sam Mandel, co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA). Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-301-sam-mandel/?ref=278 Sam shares his journey co-founding KCLA with his father in 2014, pioneering ketamine infusion therapy when few were exploring its potential for mental health. From humble beginnings in a storage closet to becoming a leading mental health center with over 30,000 infusions administered, Sam discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a patient-centric practice. He explains the science behind ketamine's effectiveness compared to alternatives like Spravato, highlights the importance of individualized treatment, and offers a passionate critique of the current mental healthcare system while envisioning what meaningful reform could look like. Co-founder & CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), Sam Mandel has channeled his lifelong passion for healthcare advocacy

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist, ayahuasca researcher, and student of curanderismo. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-300/?ref=278 Simon shares his transformative journey from being a skeptical Western psychiatrist to embracing the spiritual dimensions of plant medicine after experiencing what he describes as an "ontological shock" during an ayahuasca ceremony. He discusses his ongoing apprenticeship with Shipibo curanderos in the Amazon, his research into ayahuasca's effects on mental health and epigenetics, and his work bridging indigenous wisdom with Western scientific understanding. Dr. Ruffell explores the differences between Western medical approaches and traditional healing practices, highlighting how the Shipibo focus on harmony and balance rather than fixing specific problems. Through his organization Onaya, he conducts reciprocal research with indigenous communities, studying how ayahuasc