Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Richard Soutar. Dr. Soutar is a neuroscience pioneer and the Chief Scientist at New Mind Technologies. With over 30 years of experience, he is a world-renowned expert in QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, dedicated to bridging the gap between modern technology and ancient spiritual practices. He has mentored groundbreaking research into the neurological effects of Ayahuasca and Wachuma, helping practitioners use neurofeedback to integrate and sustain profound shamanic shifts. We touch upon topics of: 03:45 – Dr. Soutar’s early spiritual awakening and experiments with altered states in high school. 07:20 – The realization that psychedelic experiences mirror high-level meditation with added "sensory noise." 10:15 – Discovering neurofeedback as "electronic yoga" for inducing deep meditative states. 14:30 – How neurofeedback serves as a "crash course in reality" following psychedelic breakthroughs. 17:10 – The role of the default mode network as a portal between dimensions. 21:05 – Defining neurofeedback: Selective feedback loops and operant conditioning for brain exercise. 24:50 – Using topographic QEEG brain maps to identify areas of low or high electrical activity. 27:30 – Scientific findings: How Ayahuasca pushes the brain toward optimal statistical norms. 30:15 – The "drift" factor: Why psychedelic improvements often dissipate after three months without integration. 33:40 – The paradox of Ayahuasca: Upregulating or downregulating the same brain areas based on individual needs. 37:20 – Accessing "liminal states" between waking and sleep for trauma resolution. 41:10 – How psychedelics and meditation can alter DNA and RNA to heal transgenerational trauma. 45:00 – Shaking up the system: Using neurofeedback to sustain the neuroplasticity triggered by medicine. If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Richard Soutar at www.newmindtechnologies.com

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Daniel McQueen. Daniel is a psychedelic specialist, author, and pioneer who co-founded the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder, Colorado. With a master’s in transpersonal counseling psychology, he has spent over a decade at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance, notably developing cannabis-assisted psychedelic therapy and leading groundbreaking work in the field of extended-state DMT. We touch upon topics of: 03:12 – The transition from Western mysticism to grounded psychotherapeutic practices. 05:45 – Balancing indigenous ceremonial traditions with modern clinical settings. 09:30 – Defining DMTX: The technology behind "stable state" extended DMT journeys. 11:15 – The unique ability to "turn off" or pause a psychedelic experience using infusion pumps. 13:50 – Safety, medical alternatives, and the duration of extended-state sessions. 16:20 – Encountering entities, spirits, and the "presence" in the DMT realm. 20:45 – Facilitating communication and gaining direct access to the creative brain. 23:10 – Descriptions of entity forms: From ancestors to geometric and insect-like beings. 25:30 – Reaching cosmic-centric states and universal bliss through increased dosage. 28:15 – How spirits "taught" the team to refine the DMTX medical protocol. 31:40 – Theories on the non-physical, higher-dimensional nature of the DMT reality. 35:00 – The potential for mapping the DMT realm and using AI to stabilize brainwave patterns. If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Daniel McQueen at www.medicinalmindfulness.org Would you like me to generate a catchy title or some promotional social media posts for this episode?

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Ronan Levy. Ronan is a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founder and former Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health, author of The Ketamine Breakthrough, and host of the Ronan Levy Podcast. A former lawyer turned innovator in cannabis, biotech, and psychedelics, Ronan focuses on scaling mental health solutions and exploring how altered states can reshape human wellbeing and consciousness. We touch upon topics of 00:00–01:35 Ronan’s background, cannabis, ketamine, and entering the psychedelic space 01:35–05:11 From lawyer to entrepreneur, cannabis clinics, and discovering plant medicine as real medicine 05:11–09:19 The psychedelic zeitgeist, investment boom, and why the hype cycle has cooled 09:19–12:53 Psychedelics becoming normalized vs pharmaceutical models and the future of adoption 12:53–16:15 Alcohol, cannabis, psychedelics, and personal freedom vs societal responsibility 16:15–19:09 Capitalism, conscious capitalism, and market dynamics in cannabis and psychedelics 19:09–22:13 Running a spiritual business, money, ethics, and balancing purpose with profitability 22:13–24:13 Entrepreneurship as a spiritual path, stress, and personal growth through business 24:13–29:17 Wealth, success, and why money doesn’t solve deeper emotional or spiritual problems 29:17–33:52 Life as a game, meaning, productivity, and embracing both struggle and fulfillment 33:52–35:47 Relationships, self-awareness, and recurring life lessons 35:47–38:22 Cannabis vs psychedelics, product vs service, and different use contexts 38:22–41:22 Responsible use, set and setting, and personal vs ceremonial psychedelic use 41:22–43:01 Longevity, mental health, and what actually creates a long and fulfilling life 43:01–45:24 Psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and unlocking creativity and new perspectives 45:24–47:25 The future of psychedelics, community-driven models, and resistance to corporate commodification If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Ronan Levy at ronanlevy.com, on Instagram @ronandlevy, LinkedIn, and through his new project Fun Loving Company (@wearefunloving on Instagram).

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Alexander Beiner. Alexander is an author, cultural commentator, co-founder of Rebel Wisdom, Executive Director of Breaking Convention, and author of The Bigger Picture. His work explores psychedelics, sensemaking, culture, and how transformative experiences and cognitive science can help us navigate the social and political challenges of the modern world. We touch upon topics of 00:00–02:42 Alexander’s early psychedelic experiences, Psychonautica, and the online psychonaut forums before the current renaissance 02:42–07:10 The current psychedelic renaissance vs the previous one, psychedelic capitalism, and the risk of psychedelics being captured by late-stage capitalism 07:10–12:07 Can psychedelics still transform society if they go mainstream? The “psychedelic Walmart” question and the importance of containers 12:07–17:20 The argument from The Bigger Picture: psychedelics teach us a way of being, not just new ideas 17:20–19:23 Pain, truth, and the transformative power of going directly into what hurts 19:23–23:02 Culture as “people like us do things like this” and why changing systems is harder than changing individuals 23:02–24:17 Why society feels sick, and whether psychedelics can help us change fast enough 24:17–28:04 AI, abundance, Star Trek, space exploration, and why exploration may be humanity’s next frontier 28:04–33:45 The Imperial College DMT study, intravenous DMT, hyperspace, entity encounters, and the sense of entering a real ecosystem 33:45–36:17 Are DMT entities “real”? Consciousness, idealism, and synchronicities 36:17–39:26 Synchronicity, writing, manifestation, and how inner state affects what shows up in life 39:26–42:45 Responsibility, control, grief, and balancing personal agency with surrender to larger systems 42:45–46:07 Consciousness, truth, and how psychedelics shift Alexander’s worldview 46:07–49:32 Healing vs purpose, what we are healing for, and how to avoid spiritual bypassing 49:32–50:26 Where to find Alexander, his book, and his current work through Kainos If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Alexander Beiner through his book The Bigger Picture, his platform Kainos on Substack, and on Instagram under Alexander Beiner.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Cory Firth. Cory is a psychedelic coach and consultant, former Executive Director of the Psychedelic Association of Canada, and a leading voice in mental health policy reform and flow state neuroscience. After overcoming a 20-year battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, Cory now helps others bridge ancient wisdom and modern science to unlock human potential and live more integrated, purpose-driven lives. We touch upon topics of 00:00–02:30 Cory’s childhood, early depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation 02:30–07:00 Entrepreneurship, burnout, health struggles, and searching for healing 07:00–11:30 Discovering ayahuasca and the first life-changing ceremony 11:30–15:30 Integration challenges and leaving his marketing agency 15:30–20:00 Founding work in the Psychedelic Association of Canada and policy reform 20:00–24:30 Psychedelic advocacy, MDMA and psilocybin access in Canada 24:30–31:00 Trauma-driven performance and learning to channel ambition differently 31:00–36:30 Flow states, effortless action, and the neuroscience of optimal performance 36:30–43:00 The relationship between psychedelics and accessing flow 43:00–48:30 Parenting, morning routines, and finding balance with young children 48:30–54:00 Psychedelics and fatherhood, relationships, and emotional growth 54:00–58:00 Postpartum challenges, resilience, and healing through psychedelics 58:00–01:03:00 The future of psychedelic access, culture, and policy change 01:03:00–01:06:00 Integrating psychedelic philosophy into everyday life and society If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Cory Firth at coryf.com and follow his writing and updates on LinkedIn. You can also watch his banned TED-style talk on YouTube where he shares more of his personal story.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) sits down with Adam Butler — psychedelic philosopher, researcher, and author of Butler’s DMT Field Guide. Adam shares his transformation from addiction, depression, and a suicidal breaking point into a life built around self-knowledge, meditation, and consciousness exploration. We cover the differences between ayahuasca and smoked DMT, safety/containment, “midlife crisis” vs depression, entity/spiritual protection, and how to integrate extreme experiences into real-world change — plus a lighter look at creativity, leadership, and relationships. Timestamps / Topics 00:01 – 00:50 Intro: Adam Butler, Butler’s DMT Field Guide, “DMT-saturated perspective” 00:55 – 03:27 Adam’s background: alcohol removal, depression, suicidal ideation, life “on paper” vs inner collapse; mushrooms as the start 03:28 – 06:12 The DMT “last resort” moment and first breakthrough: perspective shift, present-moment relief, not a magic pill but a turning point 06:12 – 07:55 Oliver update (LaWayra GM story) + Sam’s question: am I in a midlife crisis? 08:06 – 12:34 Midlife crisis vs depression: “indicator lights,” pressure buildup, avoiding explosion, alignment vs masking with work/alcohol/pills 12:34 – 17:11 What heals? neuroplasticity vs spiritual process, “instruction manual” feelings, vibration/hum, expanded senses, getting out of your own way 17:11 – 24:00 Smoked DMT vs ayahuasca: duration (~7–8 minutes), intensity, “no hangover,” multiple sessions in one sitting, pros/cons of each modality 24:00 – 30:41 Safety + spiritual protection: why containers matter, sitter/space-holding, intention/reverence, entity risks, disclaimers around solo use 30:41 – 36:48 Sam’s position: no gatekeeping, but sequence matters; risks of DIY ayahuasca; responsibility to prevent backlash in the “renaissance” 36:48 – 40:44 Adam agrees: cautious approach, book as conversation starter, recent entity-heavy session = why first-timers shouldn’t go alone 40:44 – 46:33 Fun/esoteric side: “recognition” of DMT, jester/entities, body “diagnostic,” future-self feeling, being “moved” to another space 46:33 – 52:08 Integration: inner compass + accountability, practices that sustain alignment, psychedelics not for everyone, nature retreats as medicine too 52:08 – 55:00 Beyond therapy: creativity, science, politics/leadership, relationships + intimacy (with care), enjoying being human 55:00 – 56:36 Where to find Adam: socials + free PDF offer; closing   If you got value from this conversation with Adam Butler, please share it with one person who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t already, subscribe / follow the show so you don’t miss the next episode. Where to find the guest (Adam Butler) Instagram / social handle: @booksbyadambutler (this is his main handle across most platforms) Email (for a free PDF copy of his book): booksbyadambutler@gmail.com Book: Butler’s DMT Field Guide (Adam also shares access directly via email)

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Paul F. Austin. Paul is a leading pioneer in the modern psychedelic movement, founder of Third Wave, author of Mastering Microdosing, host of The Psychedelic Podcast, and head of the Psychedelic Coaching Institute. He focuses on psychedelic education, microdosing protocols, and training practitioners to help scale the responsible use of these medicines in the modern world. We touch upon topics of 00:01–00:44 Introduction to Paul F. Austin and his work 00:44–03:14 Paul’s early LSD experiences and conservative upbringing 03:14–04:17 First microdosing protocol and founding Third Wave 04:18–07:08 Convincing his parents and guiding his dad through a mushroom journey 07:09–10:01 Parent–child healing and psychedelic experiences together 10:02–13:29 The “third wave” of psychedelics explained (indigenous → LSD era → today) 13:30–15:45 Microdosing as the safest path to legalization and cultural acceptance 15:46–17:29 Stepwise dosing and retreat philosophies 17:30–20:16 Why different psychedelics require different approaches 20:17–22:09 Psilocybin tolerance and retreat spacing strategies 22:10–27:29 Microdosing LSD vs psilocybin vs wachuma 27:30–30:48 Vine-only microdosing and adaptogenic effects 30:49–35:34 Psychedelics vs SSRIs and the “crutch” metaphor 35:35–41:39 Importance of psychedelic education and practitioner training 41:40–45:38 Addiction, cannabis dependence, and integration 45:39–49:15 “CEO medicine” and psychedelics for conscious leadership 49:16–52:27 What Paul is excited about in 2026 and the future of psychedelics If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Paul F. Austin at thethirdwave.co and follow him on social media at @PaulAustin3W

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with a group of MMA fighters, veterans, and researchers from the Athletes Journey Home Foundation. The episode features Ian McCall, Mark “The Shark” Irwin, Luke Jensen, and several fighters including Matthew Morton, Clinton Foshee, Faith Phillips, Jared Fekete, and Fernando Marrero, sharing their stories of trauma, traumatic brain injuries, addiction, military service, and how ayahuasca may support healing and recovery. We touch upon topics of 00:01–04:20 Vision of fighters drinking ayahuasca and creation of the MMA retreat 04:20–08:30 Ian McCall, Athletes Journey Home, and the purpose of the retreat 08:30–14:50 Mark Irwin’s psychedelic journey and fighting career 14:50–20:30 Ian’s experience with ayahuasca, ibogaine, and fighter healing 20:30–27:40 Group dynamics of fighters in ceremony and shared vulnerability 27:40–34:30 Luke Jensen’s neuroscience research and QEEG findings 34:30–44:10 Matthew Morton's addiction, trauma, and ayahuasca experience 44:10–52:30 Clinton Foshee’s traumatic brain injury and cognitive improvements 52:30–01:04:00 Faith’s military PTSD, feminine energy, and ayahuasca healing 01:04:00–01:14:20 Jared’s veteran journey, relationships, and inner transformation 01:14:20–01:27:30 Fernando Marrero’s life story, fighting career, and TBI recovery If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Athletes Journey Home at athletesjourneyhome.org and follow Ian McCall on social media.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Wade Davis. Wade is a world-renowned ethnobotanist, anthropologist, and explorer; former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence; and author of One River, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Wayfinders, and Magdalena. Together, they explore Wade’s early journey into Colombia, Richard Evans Schultes, the roots of Yahé/ayahuasca knowledge, ayahuasca tourism, and Wade’s mission to liberate coca from the shadow of cocaine. We touch upon topics of 00:01–00:52 Wade Davis intro and why this conversation matters 00:55–09:38 Wade’s first arrival in Colombia, “destiny,” and meeting Schultes (plus Schultes’ advice to try ayahuasca) 09:38–22:55 Did Schultes go deep with entheogens? Set & setting, pioneers, and the psychedelic era context 22:55–25:28 Yahé vs ayahuasca in Colombia: pharmacology, MAOIs, admixture plants, and early research 25:28–36:02 Why Peru became the ayahuasca “center” and how access shaped tourism (and why Colombia being overlooked helped) 36:02–41:10 Colombia, violence, and the “peace dividend” of a more intact Amazon 41:10–01:01:38 Coca: benefits, racism behind demonization, nutrition, WHO/UN policies, and why it matters for Colombia 01:01:38–01:14:23 Wade’s travels, National Geographic mission, and the McKenna brothers story (Dennis vs Terence) 01:14:23–01:27:16 Ayahuasca vs other entheogens: frequency, respect, terrifying vs ecstatic experiences, San Pedro comparisons 01:27:16–01:33:04 Sam’s “third S” (skill): preparation, dosage, integration, and how modern retreats can work well 01:33:04–01:36:31 Wade’s closing lesson: “Take your side and get on with it” 01:36:31–01:37:59 Where to start with Wade’s books + invitation to visit LaWayra If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Wade Davis at www.daviswade.com

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , an Australian multi-instrumentalist, ceremonialist, and trauma-informed facilitator best known for his work in Spiritus Breathwork, somatic healing, and sound-based transformation. With over a decade of experience, Tim blends breath, movement, energy work, and music to guide deep healing and integration. We touch upon topics of: Tim’s journey from elite Muay Thai fighter to healer after a life-altering injury (00:41–02:16) First Aya experiences, shamanic awakening, and long-term integration (02:16–03:46) Apprenticeship in the jungle and the origins of Spiritus Breathwork (04:16–06:41) Breathwork vs Aya: similarities, differences, and altered states (11:56–17:59) Trauma, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing (16:32–29:56) Dangers of spiritual bypassing and over-doing the work (30:05–34:01) Breathwork inside ceremony: grounding vs amplifying (34:15–38:47) Sound, music, and vibration as healing technologies (58:19–62:33) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Tim Morrison on Instagram at @timmorrison__ or contact him at info@tim-morrison.com.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Metta Beshay, a filmmaker, musician, and creator known for his citizen-scientist approach to ethnobotany and plant traditions. Metta explores misunderstood substances, Indigenous cultures, and the realities behind modern plant-medicine tourism with humor, skepticism, and deep curiosity. We touch upon topics of: Metta’s path from viral videos to ethnobotany storytelling (03:30–05:00) The realities of the Amazon jungle vs romanticized ideas (34:00–36:30) Indigenous cultures, tribal politics, and modern monetization (07:30–09:30) Comparing Aya experiences with other altered states (26:00–28:00) Music, icaros, and sound as a healing tool (19:00–24:00) Spirituality vs skepticism and cultural context (38:00–41:30) Ethics of retreat culture and shaman training (43:30–45:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Metta Beshay on YouTube and Instagram at @MettaBeshay

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , founder of . Based in Colombia, Danielle has spent over a decade working closely with Indigenous communities to produce ethically sourced, high-quality ceremonial cacao. Her work bridges traditional knowledge, sustainability, and modern processing while supporting local farmers and regenerative practices. We touch upon topics of: Danielle’s first Aya experiences and how they led her to cacao (02:00–05:30) Building Origin Cacao with Indigenous communities in Colombia (06:00–11:00) Cacao as a daily connection practice vs ceremonial use (13:00–20:30) Cacao as an integration tool after Aya ceremonies (21:00–26:30) Ethics, sourcing, and avoiding exploitative cacao industries (29:00–32:30) Fermentation, roasting, and why “raw cacao” is a myth (55:00–58:30) Replacing coca crops with cacao and Colombia’s agricultural future (38:30–44:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Danielle de Kisere and her work at origencacao.com and on Instagram @origencacao.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , also known as Mycopreneur. Dennis is the creator of Mycopreneur, often called the “Onion of the psychedelic space,” a leading media platform exploring the business, culture, and future of mushrooms through sharp satire, journalism, and long-form interviews with founders, scientists, and visionaries. We touch upon topics of: Dennis’ early fascination with mushrooms and altered states (01:30–04:30) Humor and satire as tools for integration and cultural critique (05:00–10:00) Trustafarians, influencer culture, and spiritual ego (07:20–12:00) Ethical concerns, wild-west dynamics, and retreat culture (12:20–16:30) Visionary exploration vs healing journeys over time (16:30–20:30) The role of the jester archetype in psychedelic culture (22:00–24:30) Meme culture, media, and modern communication (51:00–55:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dennis Walker at mycopreneur.com, on Instagram @mycopreneur, and through the Mycopreneur newsletter and podcast.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , a clinical psychologist, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and co-founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont. With decades of experience in addiction, anxiety, and depression treatment, Rick bridges traditional recovery models with modern psychedelic-assisted therapy, drawing from both personal recovery and clinical practice. We touch upon topics of: Rick’s early addiction and path into recovery (00:50–05:30) Addiction, youth, and the challenge of getting sober early (03:50–06:00) Replacing addiction with meaning, purpose, and spirituality (07:48–11:00) Psychedelics, sobriety, and common fears around relapse (12:14–16:05) Therapy vs retreat models and why multiple paths can work (17:02–19:30) Integration, spiritual bypassing, and real long-term change (21:08–26:00) AA, community, and where recovery models succeed or fail (33:05–36:40) How psychedelics disrupt addictive patterns and cravings (37:46–40:37) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Rick Barnett at vermontpsychedelic.org, on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrRickBarnett, and through the Solquinox conference in Vermont.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , the creator of the Adeptus Psychonautica YouTube channel. Rob is known for his grounded, humorous, and skeptical approach to altered states, sharing honest self-experiments, retreat reviews, and long-form reflections as “an ordinary person having extraordinary experiences.” We touch upon topics of: How an Aya retreat led Rob to start his YouTube channel (02:55–04:45) Good retreats vs badly run retreats and red flags to watch for (05:10–11:40) Spiritual ego, cult dynamics, and predatory facilitators (08:40–12:30) Separating the medicine experience from the retreat organization (10:00–11:50) Exploring different Aya traditions beyond Peru (13:10–15:20) What it means to be a psychonaut and inner exploration (16:00–19:40) Creativity, storytelling, and integration after difficult life periods (21:00–23:30) Healing family relationships through shared ceremonies (23:30–25:30) Consciousness exploration and daily practice vs ceremony work (26:00–29:20) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Rob and his work on YouTube at Adeptus Psychonautica.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , a Colombian-American family physician, curandero, and author who bridges Western medicine with Amazonian spiritual healing. Trained at UCLA and UCSD, Joe spent six years in the Peruvian Amazon studying Shipibo curanderismo and is the author of . We touch upon topics of: Joe’s journey as a doctor and curandero (01:16–02:22) Why he wrote Medicine Song and what it adds beyond his first book (03:39–05:14) Mystical experiences as a core part of healing (05:14–06:40) The Eagle and the Condor prophecy: science and spirit uniting (06:40–08:32) Measuring spiritual wellbeing and connectedness in research (09:03–11:42) Nature connection as a foundation for healing (13:54–17:56) The state of the psychedelic renaissance today (21:14–25:31) Traditional plant medicine and modern clinical therapies learning from each other (26:27–30:35) The limits of scaling retreats and ethical growth (31:20–44:25) Building a spiritual community and legal recognition in the U.S. (45:08–51:49) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Joe Tafur at www.drjoetafur.com and his work at www.modernspirit.org.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Marc Aixalà, a Barcelona-based psychologist, psychotherapist, and former engineer who has become a leading figure in psychedelic integration. Marc is trained in integrative and strategic therapy, is a certified holotropic breathwork facilitator, has worked on MDMA and psilocybin clinical trials, collaborates with ICEERS, and authored Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press). We touch upon topics of: Marc’s path from engineer to psychologist (01:01–02:57) How he defines integration & why definitions fall short (03:25–05:40) Marc’s metaphors for integration (puzzle pieces, astronaut, developing photos) (05:40–08:40) Sam’s grocery-shopping metaphor & Marc’s response (08:45–10:49) Two types of integration: crisis vs. growth (10:49–13:55) Seven categories of difficult experiences (13:55–17:10) Preventing harm through preparation & facilitation quality (17:10–18:46) Dose management and psycholytic vs. high-dose models (21:26–26:23) Self-inflicted overdosing & patient expectations (26:23–27:51) Positive/growth integration & the importance of immediate rest (27:51–30:33) Long-term integration: outer behavior vs. inner insight (30:33–32:13) Seven dimensions of integration (spiritual, cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral, social, time) (32:13–35:33) Avoiding extremes: materialism vs. magical thinking (35:33–36:52) Why people resist integration & who should be concerned (36:52–39:53) Overuse of psychedelics and the risks of “more is better” (45:01–48:33) Spiritual bypassing & misunderstanding ‘light only’ approaches (48:33–52:10) Indigenous approaches vs. Western integration culture (53:08–56:25) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Marc Aixalà at: Instagram: @marcaixala ICEERS Training & Integration Programs: https://www.iceers.org Book: Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press)

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Bia Labate, a Brazilian anthropologist, activist, and one of the most influential voices in the global psychedelic movement. She is the executive director of the Chacruna Institute, editor of 28 books, and a champion of Indigenous rights, equity, and cultural integrity in plant medicine spaces. We touch upon topics of: Bia’s early psychedelic explorations and road trip across the Americas (01:02) Her first Ayahuasca experiences and academic journey (02:41) Pre-Google era of plant medicine research and early stigma in Brazil (03:23) Ayahuasca’s paradoxical rise in the digital age (07:54) Loneliness, vulnerable connection, and the appeal of Ayahuasca (09:51) The evolution of Ayahuasca use in Brazil and globally (11:42) Comparing Ayahuasca traditions: Santo Daime, UDV, Shipibo, Huni Kuin (16:32) The limitations of comparing traditions and the food-culture metaphor (19:28) Why Bia has published 28 books and her methodology (21:49) Creating legitimacy for Ayahuasca as a field of study (24:38) The tension between spiritual practice and entrepreneurship (30:51) Ethical complexities of running an Ayahuasca retreat (32:16) Integration circles and her mixed feelings toward them (35:39) The founding, mission, and programs of Chacruna Institute (42:16) Indigenous Reciprocity and Psychedelic Justice initiatives (44:37) Chacruna’s conferences, education, and publications (47:01) Women and psychedelics, invisible labor, and cultural dynamics (50:58) Menstruation taboos in ceremony and cultural relativism (55:44) Ayahuasca’s origins and Colombia’s historical role (59:21) Ayahuasca's global spread to places like Hawaii and Australia (01:03:08) The cultural mission of Chacruna and decolonizing psychedelic narratives (01:09:02) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Bia Labate at www.bialabate.net or on Instagram @labatebia. Learn more about her organization at www.chacruna.net.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Waifung Tsang. Waifung is a clinical psychologist, researcher and co-founder of Onaya Sciences, bridging Western psychology with indigenous Amazonian plant medicine, Chinese medicine and sound-based therapies. He also advises Heroic Hearts UK and is a TEDx speaker exploring the intersection of trauma, psychedelics and traditional wisdom. We touch upon topics of: (00:55–04:38) Waifung’s journey from music and disillusionment in clinical psychology to ayahuasca research in Peru and co-founding Onaya Sciences (06:34–11:38) Why ayahuasca is almost invisible in China: censorship, historical suppression of spirituality and underground ceremonies (11:38–13:58) Dragons, the Monkey King and how Chinese mythology, Taoism and Buddhism resonate with psychedelic experiences (13:58–19:22) Tai Chi, qigong and Chinese medicine as tools for working with plant diets, chi and ceremony (19:22–24:19) Parallels between Chinese medicine and Latin American folk wisdom: hot/cold foods, grandmothers’ knowledge and collectivist spirituality (24:19–29:20) Emerging ayahuasca circles in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan — encrypted forums, harsh penalties and why many seekers are business people (29:23–34:57) From NHS burnout to the jungle: what Waifung learned from indigenous doctors who treat “whoever comes” with plants, ritual and Icaros (35:13–39:19) Onaya’s research with Heroic Hearts: veterans, PTSD, traumatic brain injury and early multi-modal findings (39:19–43:18) Multi-site collaborations with retreat centers, indigenous advisory boards and studying Icaros, dreams and plant spirits (45:04–47:28) Epigenetics 101: how ayahuasca may influence gene expression and “straighten ancestral lines” — and why much larger samples are needed (52:50–59:29) Medicine music, energy in ceremony, “bad DJs” vs surgical Icaros, and a new EEG study recording shamans’ songs and brain activity (01:01:18–01:04:18) How ayahuasca heals on bio-psycho-social-spiritual levels and why community and integration matter as much as the visions If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Waifung Tsang and Onaya Sciences at www.onaya.io, www.onaya.science and on Instagram @onaya.io

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Ido Cohen, a clinical psychologist specializing in Jungian and relational depth psychology. He is the founder of The Integration Circle, focusing on psychedelic integration, shadow work, and turning peak experiences into lasting transformation. • 00:56 Early experiences in India and discovery of integration • 03:08 Why integration is hard & cultural context • 09:00 The illusion of quick transformation • 12:18 Balancing work, business, and integration • 14:40 Integration for busy modern lives • 19:35 Why self-care feels like work • 22:12 Ceremony continues after the ceremony • 25:07 Archetypal & transpersonal dimensions • 29:42 Common archetypes and possessions • 34:52 Soul, religion & invisible forces • 48:02 What is the shadow and shadow work • 52:20 Shadow encounter vs. shadow work • 56:32 Turning darkness into growth If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Ido Cohen at theintegrationcircle.com or on Instagram at @theintegrationcircle