The Psychedelic Podcast

Epizode

• Amazonian Tobacco Medicine: Dieta, Ceremony, and Lineage - Jason Grechanik 01.06.2026 59min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Jason Grechanik, master tabaquero and host of The Universe Within Podcast, for a deep exploration of sacred tobacco as Amazonian plant medicine. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-358/?ref=278  Sacred tobacco is usually understood in the West through the lens of cigarettes, addiction, and commercial misuse. But in Amazonian traditions, Nicotiana rustica is understood very differently: as a master plant, a protector, and a powerful medicine that requires lineage, discernment, and right relationship. Drawing from nearly a decade of Amazonian immersion and more than 1,000 people guided through plant ceremonies, Jason shares how tobacco is worked with in dieta, ayahuasca ceremony, energetic protection, and direct relationship with plant spirits. Paul and Jason also discuss cannabis, indigenous cosmologies, safety, and what tobacco's history can teach the modern psychedelic movement about power, humility, and proper containers. Jason Grechanik is a master tabaquero trained in the Mamankunawa tradition under curandero Don Ernesto Garcia Torres. With nearly a decade of Amazonian immersion and more than 1,000 people guided through plant ceremonies, Jason spent many years at the renowned Shipibo healing center Temple of the Way of Light. He is the host of The Universe Within Podcast, with 180+ episodes and 20K+ monthly listeners, co-founder of the Nicotiana Rustica project, and has been featured in DoubleBlind Magazine. Highlights: Jason's path into Amazonian tobacco medicine Tobacco beyond commercial cigarettes Why tobacco is considered a master plant Dieta as direct plant relationship Tobacco as portal and protector Ayahuasca, diagnosis, and plant doctors Safety, toxicity, and proper containers Jaguar and hummingbird tobacco archetypes Cannabis, dreams, and plant relationship Lessons for the psychedelic renaissance Episode Links: The Universe Within Podcast Nicotiana Rustica Project Jason on Instagram Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Ketamine for Couples: Transforming Relational Patterns - Chandra Estelle Khalifian, Ph.D 25.05.2026 55min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Chandra Estelle Khalifian, a clinical psychologist, relationship researcher, and co-founder of Enamory, about the intersection of attachment science, couples therapy, and psychedelic-assisted healing. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-357/?ref=278  Drawing from her work in ketamine-assisted couple therapy and MDMA research, Chandra explores how relationships are shaped by nervous system regulation, attachment wounds, and patterns developed long before adulthood. The conversation examines how ketamine and MDMA can help couples move through rigidity, betrayal, grief, and disconnection by creating greater emotional openness and flexibility. Paul and Chandra also dive into conscious uncoupling, relational growth, community, and the deeper distinction between love as a feeling versus love as a practice. Chandra Khalifian, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and educator specializing in psychedelic-assisted couple therapy. She co-founded Enamory, alongside Dr. Kayla Knopp, a private practice clinic, training institute, and research foundation based in San Diego, California. Their work focuses on ketamine-assisted couple therapy, including clinical data collection and therapist training programs designed to support practitioners integrating psychedelic-assisted couple therapy into their practices. Chandra's work bridges attachment science, nervous system regulation, relationship psychology, and psychedelic medicine. Highlights: How Attachment Shapes Adult Relationships Ketamine for Breaking Relational Rigidity Why Secure Attachment Feels Safe MDMA for Betrayal & Repair Conscious Uncoupling Without Hatred Why Love Alone Isn't Enough Healing Grief Through Psychedelic Therapy Couples Therapy as Nervous System Work Episode Links: Enamory Website Enamory Couples KAP Training Enamory on Instagram Dr. Chandra on Instagram Enamory's Ketamine-Assisted Couple Therapy Training Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Why Group Psychedelic Therapy Matters - Dr. Lauren Macdonald 18.05.2026 55min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Lauren Macdonald, a clinical trial physician and psychedelic therapist, about the evolving role of community in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-356/?ref=278  Lauren shares insights from her work at Imperial College London, where she contributed to research on psilocybin for anorexia and fibromyalgia, as well as DMT for treatment-resistant depression. She reflects on the limitations of purely individual therapeutic models and explores how group-based approaches can foster deeper healing through connection, shared experience, and what she describes as communitas. The conversation also touches on the contrast between clinical and ceremonial settings, the role of group dynamics in emotional processing, and the challenges of access and affordability as psychedelic therapy expands. Dr. Lauren Macdonald has a background in psychiatry, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and group retreat facilitation, working at the intersection of science, soul, and spirit. At the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, she has served as a clinical trial doctor and psychedelic therapist on studies exploring psilocybin for anorexia and fibromyalgia, and DMT for treatment-resistant depression. Highlights: Psilocybin therapy in clinical research Limits of individual therapy models Why group work deepens healing Communitas and shared experience Bridging science and spirituality Psychedelics in palliative care Relational safety in altered states Episode Links: Lauren Macdonald's Website The Reconnection: Women's Psilocybin and Somatic Retreats Bridging Worlds: 6-Month Training Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Psychedelics and Myth: Why Story Shapes Transformation - David Adam Burns 11.05.2026 54min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with David Adam Burns, a transformational coach, artist, and founder of The Mysteries, about what may be missing from today's psychedelic conversation. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-355/?ref=278  David challenges the emphasis on insight in psychedelic work, suggesting that deeper transformation comes through presence, healing, and embodied evolution. He outlines a framework for healing through integration, purification, and emotional "thawing," and explains why presence may be the most important skill for navigating psychedelic experiences. They also explore myth and storytelling as tools for collective growth, including David's work with The Mysteries and Earthsong, a retelling of the Persephone myth, and discuss the role of community, leadership, and stewardship in shaping the future of psychedelics. David Adam Burns is a transformational coach, artist, and facilitator devoted to helping human beings remember who they are. Since 2015, he has guided leaders through deep personal transformation in his one-on-one practice and co-founded The Mysteries, an artists' collective dedicated to expressing the ineffable through myth and performance. Highlights: Why insight is often overvalued Healing as integration, purification, and thawing Presence as the core psychedelic skill Story and myth as collective technologies The role of community in transformation Why leadership determines long-term outcomes Episode Links: David Adam Burns Website The Mysteries / Earthsong David on LinkedIn Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• IFS & Psychedelics: A Guide for Practitioners - Heather Smith 04.05.2026 54min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Heather Smith, founder of The Moxie School and a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about the intersection of parts work and psychedelic healing. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-354/?ref=278  Heather explains how IFS offers a practical framework for working with what arises during psychedelic experiences. She describes IFS as an approach that helps people stay present with different parts of themselves, especially when difficult or unexpected material comes up. The conversation explores how psychedelic experiences can bring awareness to underlying patterns and past experiences, and why that awareness on its own often doesn't lead to lasting change. They also discuss common misconceptions about combining IFS with psychedelics, the role of preparation and integration, and how working directly with parts supports more stable change over time. Highlights: Misconceptions about IFS in psychedelic work IFS as a mindset, not a method How psychedelics reveal internal parts Why insight alone isn't enough The unburdening process in healing Working with fear and difficult experiences Preparation and integration as core skills Practitioner integrity and embodied practice Heather Smith is a visionary in the field of psychedelic healing, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with expanded states of consciousness to catalyze deep transformation. A Certified IFS therapist, she has completed Levels 1–3 of training and served as a Program Assistant multiple times. She is the founder of The Moxie School®, where she trains psychedelic facilitators in IFS-informed approaches and supports both personal and professional development through immersive training and retreat experiences. Episode Links: The Moxie School How to Journey: An IFS Field Guide to Psychedelic Journeys Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Right to Try Psilocybin: Law, Death, and Dignity - Kathryn L. Tucker, J.D. 27.04.2026 56min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Kathryn L. Tucker, J.D., a leading civil rights attorney and advocate for end-of-life autonomy, about the legal effort to expand access to psilocybin-assisted therapy for patients facing serious illness. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-353/?ref=278  Kathryn shares how decades of work in right-to-die litigation led her to recognize a critical gap in palliative care, addressing psychological and existential suffering at the end of life. Drawing from emerging clinical research, she explains why psilocybin may offer meaningful relief for anxiety, depression, and distress in terminal patients. The conversation explores the legal pathways being pursued to make this treatment accessible, including Right to Try laws, federal litigation with the DEA, and efforts to reschedule psilocybin. Kathryn also reflects on the broader cultural and ethical implications of allowing individuals greater choice in how they approach death. Kathryn L. Tucker, JD, is a nationally recognized leader in advancing improved care for seriously ill and dying patients. She has held leadership roles across multiple nonprofit organizations, including the National Psychedelics Association, the End of Life Liberty Project, and Compassion & Choices. Tucker has litigated landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Washington v. Glucksberg and Vacco v. Quill, and has played a key role in both end-of-life litigation and psychedelic policy advocacy. Highlights: Right to Try laws explained Psilocybin as investigational medicine DEA barriers to patient access Litigation strategies for psychedelic access Rescheduling psilocybin efforts Palliative care gaps in mental suffering Legal vs underground psychedelic Episode Links: National Psychedelics Association Kathryn's LinkedIn  Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Healing Before Leading: Psychedelics and Political Integrity - Laura Dunn 20.04.2026 55min

  Healing Before Leading: Psychedelics and Political Integrity In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Laura Dunn, civil rights attorney and congressional candidate, about trauma, leadership, and the role of psychedelic healing. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-352/?ref=278  Laura shares how her work advocating for survivors led her to confront the deeper limitations of legal and institutional systems. While policy change can create meaningful protections, it often fails to address the underlying trauma individuals carry. They explore how psychedelic experiences became part of her personal healing journey, and how that informs her approach to leadership, public service, and political integrity. Laura Dunn is an award-winning civil rights attorney, former public school teacher, and congressional candidate in New York's 12th District. She helped shape Title IX protections, contributed to the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, and founded SurvJustice, a nonprofit supporting survivors of sexual violence. Her work bridges advocacy, policy, and trauma-informed leadership. Highlights: From survivor advocacy to policy reform Limits of legal systems in trauma healing Why leadership requires inner work Psychedelics as tools for self-awareness Breaking stigma in political leadership Bipartisan support for reform Veterans and policy momentum Trauma and leadership integrity A vision for conscious governance Episode Links: Laura Dunn (Congress campaign Instagram) SurvJustice (founded by Laura Dunn) Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.  
• Western Philosophy on Drugs: Consciousness, Dreams, and Reality - Justin Smith-Ruiu 13.04.2026 1h 2min

  Western Philosophy on Drugs: Consciousness, Dreams, and Reality In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Justin Smith-Ruiu about how psychedelic experiences challenge long-standing assumptions about consciousness, perception, and reality. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-351/?ref=278  Justin explains how Western philosophy has historically privileged rational, sober, and waking states of mind, often dismissing dreams and altered states as unreliable. He explores how psychedelic experiences push against these assumptions, raising deeper questions about knowledge, language, and what counts as real. The conversation also examines the tension between therapeutic and existential uses of psychedelics, and how medicalization may shape the cultural role these substances play moving forward. Justin Smith-Ruiu is a professor of history and philosophy of science at the Université Paris Cité and author of On Drugs: Psychedelics, Philosophy, and the Nature of Reality. His work explores intellectual history, consciousness, and the limits of rational thought, and he writes regularly for Harper's, WIRED, and The New York Times. Highlights: How philosophy excludes altered states Why dreams are dismissed as unreliable Psychedelics and limits of rationality Language and ineffability of experience Therapeutic vs existential frameworks Medicalization and cultural impact Philosophy beyond sober cognition Episode Links: Justin Smith-Ruiu's website Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.  
• Can Ketamine Help Benzodiazepine Withdrawal? - Melissa Bond & Dr. Amy de la Garza 06.04.2026 1h 8min

  Can Ketamine Help Benzodiazepine Withdrawal? - Melissa Bond & Dr. Amy de la Garza In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Melissa Bond and Dr. Amy de la Garza about the hidden risks of benzodiazepines, the reality of dependency, and what recovery can require. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-350/?ref=278  Melissa shares her experience of becoming dependent on prescribed medication, and the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal. Dr. de la Garza brings a clinical perspective, explaining how benzodiazepines affect the nervous system and why withdrawal can be prolonged and destabilizing. The conversation also looks at where conventional care often falls short, and how more integrative approaches are beginning to emerge. This includes the use of low-dose ketamine as a potential tool to support the nervous system during withdrawal, particularly in more complex or prolonged cases. Melissa Bond is a narrative journalist and poet. Her memoir Blood Orange Night, which chronicles her experience with benzodiazepine dependency, was published by Simon & Schuster and recognized by The New York Times as one of the best audiobooks of 2022. Her work has appeared on PBS, The New York Times Podcast, RadioWest, and TEDx. Dr. Amy de la Garza is a board-certified physician in Family and Addiction Medicine, a certified Functional Medicine practitioner, and co-founder of Nosis Health, a virtual outpatient addiction medicine platform. Her work integrates functional, lifestyle, and emerging therapies, including ketamine-assisted treatment, to support recovery. Highlights: Melissa Bond's experience with benzodiazepine dependency and withdrawal How prescribed use can gradually lead to physical dependence Why benzodiazepine withdrawal can be prolonged and destabilizing The neurological effects of benzodiazepines on the nervous system Gaps in conventional approaches to anxiety and addiction treatment The role of functional and lifestyle medicine in recovery How low-dose ketamine is being explored to support withdrawal What a more integrative, whole-person model of care can look like Episode Links: Melissa's memoir, "Blood Orange Night" Dr. Amy de la Garza's Website Nosis.health Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Bioengineering Psychedelics: Rethinking Sourcing and Scale - Jeffrey E. Gerst, Ph.D. 30.03.2026 1h

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with a molecular geneticist exploring what it could look like to rethink how psychedelic medicines are sourced at a fundamental level. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-349/?ref=278  Jeffrey Gerst explains how his work in RNA biology and gene expression has led him to explore bioengineering as a way to produce psychedelic compounds without relying on wild harvesting or traditional chemical synthesis. The conversation looks at how cells organize and communicate, and how those same biological principles could be used to create more sustainable and scalable systems for medicine production. Paul and Jeff also reflect on the broader implications of this shift, from environmental stewardship to the long-term integrity of the psychedelic ecosystem. Professor Jeffrey Gerst is a molecular geneticist and Full Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where he studies how cells regulate gene expression through RNA trafficking and localized protein synthesis. His research has advanced understanding of how mRNA moves within and between cells, revealing new forms of cellular communication and potential applications in therapeutic delivery. More recently, his work has expanded into the bioengineering of psychedelic compounds, with a focus on developing sustainable, scalable, and ethical methods of production. Highlights: Why sourcing is becoming a central challenge in psychedelics Bioengineering as a scalable alternative to wild harvesting How RNA biology informs new approaches to medicine production The limits of "natural" when demand increases Environmental risks of large-scale psychedelic use How yeast and cells can produce psychedelic compounds Balancing biotechnology with traditional practices What sustainable access could look like in the future The evolving relationship between science and psychedelics Episode Links: Prof. Jeffrey Gerst - Academic Profile (Weizmann Institute) Prof. Jeffrey Gerst - Metaformity (Project / Initiative) Episode Sponsors: Psychedelic Coacing Institute's Intensive for Psychedelic Professionals in Costa Rica - a transformative retreat for personal and professional growth. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.  
• Herbal Ecstasy & The Billion Dollar Smart Drug Boom - Shaahin Cheyene 23.03.2026 1h 12min

  Herbal Ecstasy & The Billion Dollar Smart Drug Boom In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with entrepreneur Shaahin Cheyene, creator of the controversial 1990s supplement "Herbal Ecstasy," which helped launch the legal smart-drug movement. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-348/?ref=278 Shaahin shares how he built a multimillion-dollar business at just fifteen by creating a legal herbal alternative to MDMA during a shortage in the rave scene. The conversation explores 1990s rave culture, the ethics of prohibition, and how natural supplements intersect with psychedelics, entrepreneurship, and personal freedom. They also discuss his later ventures in Amazon commerce, podcast media, and YouTube. Shaahin Cheyene is the creator of Herbal Ecstasy, a supplement that helped spark the legal smart-drug movement in the 1990s. He built the business as a teenager into a multimillion-dollar company. Over the past three decades, Shaahin has become an award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon expert, inventor, author, and filmmaker whose ventures have generated over a billion dollars in revenue. He is the founder of PodcastCola and Viral Mirage. Through his businesses, Shaahin continues to mentor entrepreneurs and develop health and wellness products focused on optimizing human performance. Highlights: Creating Herbal Ecstasy at age fifteen The MDMA shortage that created opportunity Rave culture and the 1990s club scene Natural supplements as legal alternatives Freedom, regulation, and drug policy debates Health and wellness entrepreneurship Building product brands in emerging markets Podcasting and YouTube as influence platforms Episode Links: Shaahin's website PodcastCola Billion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cult – Shaahin Cheyene Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Ibogaine for the Injured Brain: A New Model for Treatment - Jonathan Dickinson 16.03.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jonathan Dickinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences, about the evolving role of ibogaine in psychedelic medicine. Listen to the full episode: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-347/?ref=278 Jonathan shares his path from leading the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance to helping build one of the field's most prominent ibogaine treatment organizations. Together they explore ibogaine's expanding therapeutic potential for traumatic brain injury, addiction, and neurological conditions, along with the clinical realities of delivering this powerful medicine safely. They also discuss the challenges of scaling ibogaine treatment, the importance of preparation and integration, and how traditional Bwiti knowledge from Gabon continues to shape ethical and culturally grounded approaches to this work. Jonathan Dickinson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences and a leading expert on ibogaine therapy. With more than 15 years of experience in psychedelic research, clinical care, and traditional practice, he has helped shape global safety standards for ibogaine treatment. A Mexico-licensed psychologist and former Executive Director of the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, Jonathan has published research on ibogaine's therapeutic potential for trauma, traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. He has also been initiated into the Bwiti traditions of Gabon and holds a Nagoya-compliant export license for Tabernanthe iboga root. Highlights: Jonathan Dickinson's path from the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance to Ambio Life Sciences How ibogaine treatment expanded beyond opioid detox The growing use of ibogaine for traumatic brain injury and veterans' recovery Why ibogaine treatment requires extensive medical screening and preparation The importance of integration and community support after treatment What Bwiti traditions in Gabon teach about working with iboga The challenges of scaling ibogaine treatment safely Why ibogaine may create a longer window for lasting change
• Salvia Divinorum: A Somatic Approach to Healing - Christopher Solomon 09.03.2026 59min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Christopher Solomon, founder of Salvia Healings, about how Salvia divinorum can be approached as a therapeutic and introspective tool when used with preparation and somatic awareness. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-346/?ref=278  They discuss dosage, harm reduction, and the importance of building a supportive container for working with intense altered states. The conversation explores how somatic awareness, breath, and pacing can help transform the Salvia experience into an opportunity for meditation, trauma processing, and self guided healing. Christopher Solomon is a somatic Salvia guide and educator focused on helping people approach Salvia with safety, structure, and intention. Drawing from his training in somatic psychotherapy, he teaches how to work with this powerful plant in ways that support introspection and personal growth. Highlights: Reframing Salvia's cultural reputation Set and setting with Salvia Somatic awareness during altered states Microdosing vs threshold experiences Harm reduction and preparation Episode Links: Christopher's website Somatic Salvia Network Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."
• Designing Flow States: Creativity and Psychedelics - Jodi Lomask 03.03.2026 53min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jodi Lomask, an artist, choreographer, and creative guide whose work bridges art, science, embodiment, and psychedelic experience. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-345/?ref=278  They explore how psychedelic experiences can be approached as acts of creative design shaped by context and environment. Jodi shares insights from decades of immersive performance work and discusses flow, embodied intelligence, psychological safety in groups, and the differences between microdosing and vision quests. Jodi Lomask is an artist and founder of Capacitor, a performance company exploring the intersection of dance, science, and consciousness. Through Creative Journey, she supports individuals and teams in cultivating creative flow and embodied insight. Highlights: Designing psychedelic experiences intentionally Embodiment and integration Flow states and healing Psychological safety in group work Microdosing versus vision quests Episode Links: Creative Journey Jodi's website   Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• A Christian Lens on Psychedelics: Faith Meets Altered States - Hunt Priest 23.02.2026 59min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Hunt Priest, founder of Ligare, about Christianity, mysticism, and the ethical integration of psychedelic experience within spiritual life. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-344/?ref=278  They discuss Hunt's participation in a 2016 Johns Hopkins psilocybin study for clergy, Christianity's long history of mystical experience, and how non-ordinary states can be held within ethical and communal containers. The conversation also explores legality versus ethics, justice and institutional risk, and how psychedelics relate to prayer, meditation, and service within a broader spiritual life. Hunt Priest is a Christian minister and founder of Ligare, a nonprofit exploring the relationship between Christianity and psychedelics. Formerly an Episcopal priest, he works at the intersection of spiritual formation, ethics, and community-based integration of mystical experience. Highlights: Johns Hopkins clergy study Christian mysticism and non-ordinary states Psychedelics as catalysts for spiritual practice Legal versus ethical tensions Institutional risk and grace Episode Links: Ligare Hunt on Substack Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Kava, Kratom & the Future of Drinking Culture - Justin Wolf 16.02.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Justin Wolf, co-founder and CEO of New Brew, about plant-based alternatives to alcohol and how social drinking culture may be shifting. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-343/?ref=278  Justin shares how exploring kava and kratom traditions in Mexico shaped New Brew's approach to formulation, emphasizing reliable dosing, transparency, and harm reduction. Together, they discuss why alcohol became the default social drug, the limits of most "functional beverages," and the nuance behind terms like "Cali sober." The conversation also explores dependency risk, intention, moderation, and why plant-based alternatives are not positioned for those pursuing full abstinence. At its core, this episode is about expanding optionality and building new social rituals responsibly. Justin Wolf is the co-founder and CEO of New Brew, a plant-powered social tonic designed as an alternative to alcohol. Prior to launching New Brew, Justin spent five years leading Global Partnerships at Google and helped launch DripDrop, an electrolyte hydration brand now sold nationwide. Inspired by kava and kratom traditions he encountered in Mexico, he founded New Brew with a focus on transparency, education, and harm reduction. He is also an early investor and advisor in the psychedelic medicine Highlights: Why alcohol became the default social drug The limits of "functional" beverages Discovering kava and kratom in Mexico Harm reduction through formulation and dosing Intention over abstinence or excess The nuance behind "Cali sober" Building new social rituals responsibly Episode Link: New Brew (use code: THIRDWAVE) Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Psychedelics as Sacraments: Beyond the Medical Model - Paul Ryder, Ph.D. 09.02.2026 1h 3min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Paul Ryder, founding minister of the Congregation for Sacred Practices, about an alternative framework for psychedelic work rooted in spirituality, ritual, and community rather than medicine alone. Paul Ryder shares how his own experiences led him to treat psychedelics as sacraments, and why he believes the medical model, while valuable, represents only an early phase of the psychedelic renaissance. Together, they explore how CSP operates as both a church and a seminary, training licensed ministers to hold ceremonies ethically, safely, and within a religious legal framework. The conversation also examines the role of community in long-term transformation, the distinction between therapists and ministers, and why practices like breathwork, meditation, and integration circles are central to spiritual development. Throughout, Ryder offers a grounded perspective on how psychedelics can support not just healing, but maturation, responsibility, and a deeper sense of purpose. You can find the full episode summary and related resources here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-342/?ref=278 Episode Links The Congregation for Sacred Practices Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
• Andean Wisdom and the Path of Huachuma - Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta 02.02.2026 1h 5min

  In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta, a traditional Andean curandero from Cusco, Peru, about lineage, ceremony, and responsibility within Indigenous wisdom traditions. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-341/?ref=278  They explore Andean cosmology as a living worldview and reframe master plant work as a form of deep education rather than clinical healing. The conversation emphasizes mentorship, initiation through lived experience, and healing as a relational process rooted in land, ancestors, and community. Maestro Jhaimy Alvarez Acosta has walked the path of Andean wisdom for over thirty years, guiding ceremonies and pilgrimages throughout the Andes and internationally. His work emphasizes humility, relationship, and long-term commitment to lineage-based traditions. Highlights: Fear as a guide rather than an obstacle Initiation through lived experience Huachuma in Andean tradition Roles within Indigenous healing lineages Master plants as teachers, not tools Healing as acceptance and relationship Andean cosmology in the modern world Mentorship and community-based learning Episode Links: Children of the Seven Rays Heart of the Condor Podcast Jhaimy's Instagram Microdosing San Pedro for Nervous System Regulation | Traditional vs Modern Protocols Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."
• Can Europe Legalize Psychedelic Therapy? - Théo Giubilei 26.01.2026 55min

  Can Europe Legalize Psychedelic Therapy? In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Théo Giubilei, founder of PsychedeliCare, about how psychedelic therapy could become a public health issue at the European Union level. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-340/?ref=278  They discuss how EU policymaking works, why stigma and political risk continue to shape reform, and the challenges of coordinating psychedelic care across multiple healthcare systems. The conversation also explores why patient testimony and citizen-led advocacy may be essential to shifting public health policy in Europe. Théo Giubilei is a Brussels-based mental health advocate and founder of the PsychedeliCare European Citizens' Initiative. A graduate in European Politics and Public Affairs from Sciences Po Strasbourg, he previously worked in European public affairs before dedicating himself full-time to psychedelic policy reform. Since 2022, Théo has led a grassroots coalition across all 27 EU member states working to advance safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelic therapies as a public health issue. Highlights: European Citizens' Initiative explained Political and cultural barriers to reform Patient testimony in policy debates U.S. vs EU access models Public funding and coordination Episode Links: PsychedeliCare Initiative PsychedeliCare on Instagram Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."  
• African Psychoactive Plants: Dreams, Ancestors, and Healing - Jean-Francois Sobiecki 19.01.2026 53min

  African Psychoactive Plants: Dreams, Ancestors, and Healing In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jean-Francois Sobiecki, a South African ethnobotanist, clinical nutritionist, and healer whose work challenges the assumption that Africa lacks psychoactive plant traditions. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-339/?ref=278  Drawing from over two decades of research and a 15-year apprenticeship with a Northern Sotho healer, Jean-Francois explores dream-enhancing medicines like Ubulawu, ancestral healing systems, and cross-cultural parallels with Amazonian plant traditions. The conversation also examines conservation, initiation, and the role of African psychoactive plants in global mental health. Jean-Francois Sobiecki is a South African ethnobotanist, clinical nutritionist, and healer with over two decades of experience researching African psychoactive plant traditions. A research associate at the University of Johannesburg and founder of Phytoalchemy, he has documented more than 300 psychoactive plant species and completed a 15-year apprenticeship under Northern Sotho healer Leti Maponya. He is the author of African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy. Highlights: Challenging myths about African visionary plants Ubulawu and dream-based healing Psychoactive vs psychedelic distinctions African and Amazonian initiation parallels Archaeological evidence of psilocybin in Africa Conservation and healing gardens Episode Links: Jean-Francois Sobiecki's Website Jean-Francois book, African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links. Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."