Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

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

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Joe Moore, co-founder/CEO of Psychedelics Today. Joe is a longtime voice in psychedelic education and media (700+ interviews), a holotropic breathwork facilitator, and the creator of the Vital year-long training program focused on psychedelic-informed practice and harm reduction. • Origin story: books, Grof, breathwork, first aya, launching Psychedelics Today (01:13–04:17) • 700+ interviews, role split with Kyle (04:17–04:55) • Burnout/community dynamics during Denver decrim (04:59–06:00) • Harm reduction, safe supply, and intra-community conflict (05:46–07:27) • Indigenous exchange, access, climate & conservation takes (09:11–11:18) • Agroforestry & ayahuasca reforestation co-ops (11:18–11:59) • Drug war history, othering, and safe supply vs. prohibition (11:59–16:46) • Rebranding Colombia: coca vs. ayahuasca, fentanyl era (17:43–19:35) • Why psychedelic education matters; Vital’s inclusive scope (20:52–25:40) • What success looks like: humility, community, model-agnosticism (27:52–29:33) • Favorites: Team LSD, mushrooms, 2C-B; psychedelic minimalism (29:33–31:22) • How psychedelics heal: competing models + Grof’s container (33:17–36:39) • Breathwork for prep/integration; box breathing & long cycles (36:39–45:33) • Podcasting as decentralization; universities & free libraries (46:09–50:28) • Bitcoin/crypto & decentralizing money/power (50:28–52:06) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Joe Moore at psychedelicstoday.com and on Instagram: @jomo137.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Danielle Herrera, a California-based licensed psychotherapist and psychedelic-assisted therapy specialist. Danielle blends somatic and Jungian work with harm reduction, draws on Indigenous lineage and Sufi mysticism, and trains new facilitators with Beckley Academy. We explore how love, right-relationship, and spiritual technologies help people heal trauma and integrate psychedelic experiences into daily life. 00:01–01:22 — Intro and Danielle’s background 01:22–08:14 — Origin story: chaotic childhood, harm reduction path, ketamine/MDMA training, founding Tender Heart Healing Arts 08:41–12:48 — “Loving people for a living”: centering love in psychotherapy; Indigenous and Sufi lineages 13:14–17:11 — Trauma as absence of holding; parenting parallels; harm-reduction lens 17:12–22:03 — Why some grow from pain: “jet fuel,” ayahuasca discomfort, meaning-making 22:32–25:10 — Transmutation of pain; rites of passage and village containers 26:01–29:46 — Shamanism vs “psychosis”: the role of container (Crazywise reference) 29:46–36:30 — Sufism 101: Rumi, polishing the heart, spiritual technologies; resonance with ayahuasca/Icaros 37:32–42:43 — Mystical experiences in therapy; clinician competence and frameworks 42:43–47:02 — Spiritual emergence: signs, tenderness, intuition, “magic is real” 47:02–51:40 — Addiction: “don’t ask why the addiction—ask why the pain”; right-relationship with medicines 51:40–54:19 — Real integration: becoming better to those you’re responsible to love If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Danielle Herrera at tenderheart.us (yourtherapistlovesyou.com) and Instagram: @yourtherapistlovesyou

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Simon Tennant—a New Zealand psychotherapist, integration coach, and longtime friend of LaWayra. Simon supports guests through complex processes (including repressed trauma), drawing on meditation, IFS lenses, somatic work, and a growing interest in philosophy and Christian mysticism alongside Buddhism. He’s served on LaWayra’s facilitation team and consults post-retreat, emphasizing patience, embodiment, and community as pillars of lasting change. • 00:00–00:03 — Reunion, Simon’s role with LaWayra and integration work • 00:03–00:06 — Recent ceremonies: body-based learning, “great mystery,” non-ordinary states • 00:06–00:09 — How ayahuasca deepened meditation; greater capacity with difficult client work • 00:09–00:12 — Shamanic flavor across traditions; curiosity over fixed identities • 00:12–00:17 — From Buddhist lens to Christian mysticism; using “God” without recoil • 00:17–00:20 — Multiple lenses metaphor; flexibility vs. rigidity in belief systems • 00:20–00:23 — Losing self/other to return more whole; holding paradox and conflict • 00:22–00:24 — Containers, boundaries, and why safe ceremony space matters • 00:24–00:29 — What volunteering at LaWayra teaches therapists vs. online courses • 00:29–00:32 — Building a practical facilitator training: “cookbook” + kitchen analogy • 00:32–00:35 — Post-retreat integration: practices, community, and resisting distractions • 00:36–00:39 — Working with childhood/sexual-abuse material: patience and not-knowing • 00:39–00:43 — Somatic integration: TRE, SE, body as a safe place • 00:40–00:41 — Ayahuasca as a shadow medicine; opening and purgation • 00:44–00:48 — Shadow, DMN, neuroplasticity, and the ego/DMN connection • 00:48–00:50 — Three-hour maloca meditation: embodied attention and capacity If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Simon Tennant at csimon.nz (C-Simon, spelled c-s-i-m-o-n.nz).

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Simon Ruffell — psychiatrist, researcher, and co-founder of Onaya Sciences. Simon is known for bridging Western psychiatry and traditional Amazonian plant medicine, completing a PhD on the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca and training in Shipibo curanderismo in Peru. We touch upon topics of: (00:47) Simon’s journey from psychiatry to the Amazon (08:33) How ayahuasca heals: neuroplasticity, epigenetics & spirit work (13:18) Indigenous perspectives on balance and illness (16:11) Designing research with shamans & translating indigenous knowledge (22:11) Safety concerns in Western psychedelic use without shamans (31:05) 80% PTSD remission and other research findings (35:23) Synchronicities and destiny on the healing path (44:18) Ego traps: rushing to become a shaman (50:36) Rethinking psychedelic education and training models (58:52) The story and spirit of Agua Florida & evolving traditions If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com. Find more about Dr. Simon Ruffell and Onaya Sciences at www.onaya.science and on Instagram @drsimonruffell.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Norman Ohler, investigative author and storyteller known for his bestselling books Blitzed and Tripped. Norman’s work explores the hidden influence of drugs in history — from methamphetamine use in Nazi Germany to the political suppression of psychedelics — and challenges how we think about drugs and society. We touch upon topics of: 00:36 – Norman’s personal journey into investigating drugs and hidden histories 01:28 – Nazi Germany’s use of methamphetamine and Hitler’s daily drug injections 07:30 – Could Hitler on ayahuasca have changed history? 09:36 – The untold origins of LSD and Nazi/CIA “truth drug” experiments 18:17 – Norman’s book Tripped, dementia research, and microdosing LSD with his parents 22:01 – Brain mapping studies with ayahuasca and early results from Sam’s retreat 25:08 – Capitalism, government control, and why psychedelics remain illegal 29:01 – Vision for an egalitarian, borderless, AI-supported global society 36:21 – Capitalism vs. spirituality and building new economic models with blockchain/AI 42:01 – How psychedelics foster empathy, healing, and potential planetary change 49:18 – Norman’s political vision and plan to run for German Chancellor 53:39 – Ancient ritual use of psychoactive plants and why prohibition is anti-human If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com. Find more about Norman Ohler at substack https://stonedsapiens.substack.com/ And check out his books Blitzed and Tripped.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Richard Grossman, PhD. Richard is a healer, author, and visionary blending Eastern medicine, Amazonian shamanism, and sound healing. With over 30 years of experience, he has guided thousands through transformational plant medicine journeys, focusing on forgiveness, integration, and heart-centered living. He is the author of Trust and Forgive: The Medicine of Your Life and founder of Heart Feather, a space for healing and awakening. We touch upon topics of: Richard’s first connection to plants and childhood calling (01:08) Early experiences with Ayahuasca and trauma healing (02:59) Healing as miracle and mystery (06:28) Visions, trust, and forgiveness in ceremony (09:00) Ayahuasca “claiming” him in the jungle (12:19) Importance (and limits) of visions in Ayahuasca (19:40) Poetry in ceremonies and its healing role (26:16) The lifelong process of healing and “how good can it get?” (33:53) Responsible path to serving medicine and training protocols (43:44) Minimum number of ceremonies before serving (51:24) Acupuncture in ceremony and bridging healing traditions (54:16) Five elements in Chinese medicine and plant medicine synergy (58:22) Richard’s book Trust and Forgive and upcoming novel (65:03) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Richard Grossman at heartfeather.com or his book Trust and Forgive: The Medicine of Your Life available on Amazon.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Clara —German medical doctor and LaWayra’s Head of Facilitation for the past 10 months. Former hospital physician turned plant-medicine facilitator, Clara arrived as a guest, stayed as a volunteer, and now leads ceremony care and integration. She shares data from 689 patients and ~3,400 cups, lessons from bridging Western and ancestral medicine, and her own deep healing journey. • [00:00] Role at LaWayra, patient stats, path from guest → facilitator • [00:02] First psilocybin, travels, finding “Ayahuasca in Colombia,” joining LaWayra • [00:04] “Das Vira”: German order vs. psychedelic flow; surrender & patience • [00:07] Western vs. Amazonian medicine—where each excels; building a bridge • [00:12] Mind–body link, prevention, and healthcare cost realities • [00:16] Origins of disease: emotions, tools the medicine teaches • [00:17] Clara’s healing: self-love, depression, reconnection • [00:19–00:22] Uncovering childhood sexual abuse; facing big traumas safely • [00:24] Intergenerational trauma and family ripple effects • [00:26] Psyche in ceremony: “feline/tiger” processes; jaguar lore • [00:28] Transformations: addictions, lifestyle changes post-ceremony • [00:29–00:31] Common challenge: “not connecting” vs subtle connection • [00:32–00:33] Spiritual openings; choosing healer path vs. shaman role • [00:34–00:36] What a Head of Facilitation actually does (safety, team, container) • [00:37–00:41] Integration philosophy: community, practice, therapy, percentages • [00:43–00:45] Self-care routines for facilitators (yoga, meditation, breathwork, journaling) • [00:47–00:50] National trauma, peace, and why Germany needs Aya; presidents drink free If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to  www.lawayra.com  

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Jessica DiRuzza, a depth psychotherapist, astrologer, and educator. Jessica is the co-founder of Trust Psyche, where she integrates depth psychology and archetypal astrology to guide transformation. With 15+ years of experience, she teaches internationally, hosts the Trust Psyche podcast, and mentors students blending soul-centered insight with practical healing. We touch upon topics of: Jessica’s journey from psychedelics to astrology (00:55) Archetypal astrology vs. mainstream astrology (05:25) Jessica reads Sam’s chart live (06:33) Fate vs free will in astrology (19:22) Astrology as a tool for psychedelic integration (24:03) World transits and the psychedelic renaissance (27:34) Shadow work and astrology (31:04) Astrology, trauma, and karma (32:18) Using astrology as a diagnostic tool (35:14) Relationships, compatibility, and spiritual bypassing (37:10) Neurodivergence and astrology (41:39) Astrology, mysticism, and ancient knowledge (45:07) Sam’s nodal return and soul’s evolutionary path (47:44) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Jessica at trustpsyche.com, on YouTube at Trust Psyche, and on Instagram at @trust.psyche

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Rotem Petranker, Associate Director of the Psychedelic Studies Research Program at the University of Toronto, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science, and a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University. His work focuses on microdosing, attention, emotional regulation, and open science. We touch upon topics of: [00:01:00] Rotem’s background and early path into psychedelic research [00:02:00] Why microdosing research began and early challenges [00:03:00] Perspectives on drug policy, legalization, and mental health [00:05:00] Design of Rotem’s psilocybin microdosing clinical trial [00:07:00] Study outcomes, placebo response, and limitations of once-a-week dosing [00:11:00] Diversity of participants and feasibility for future research [00:12:00] The role of set, setting, and the “social matrix” in healing [00:14:00] Group dynamics, contact high, and integration at retreats [00:16:00] The challenge of reductionist science versus indigenous traditions [00:21:00] Replication crisis in psychology and the need for open science [00:23:00] Pre-registration, open data, and transparency in psychedelic research [00:35:00] Different epistemologies: indigenous wisdom vs. neuroscience [00:37:00] Comparing LSD and psilocybin microdosing (duration, variability, safety) [00:39:00] Benefits and drawbacks of microdosing—mood, anxiety, sleep [00:42:00] Microdosing vs. antidepressants and side effect profiles [00:45:00] Bro-science explanation of SSRIs vs. psilocybin and how little we know [00:47:00] Why open science matters and how to evaluate credible research If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Rotem Petranker at @rpetranker and through the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) speaks with Taron Fletcher, a biochemist and research specialist at Hardy Nutritionals, known for science-led mental health supplements. We explore: [00:01:00] Taron’s journey into nutritional research and the origins of Hardy Nutritionals [00:05:00] Lessons from animal nutrition applied to human mental health [00:07:00] Key factors in creating effective supplements: completeness, balance, ratios, chelation, and research-backed efficacy [00:12:00] How supplements can support safe tapering from SSRIs and other psychiatric medications [00:20:00] Typical taper timelines and indicators for dose reduction [00:24:00] Specific nutrients and adjuncts for mood, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms [00:42:00] Challenges of tapering from different drug classes, including SNRIs and benzodiazepines [00:50:00] Understanding RDA, upper limits, and why higher balanced doses can be beneficial [00:53:00] Nutritional deficiencies and the impact of processed diets on mental health [01:00:00] Cost, support, and process for starting Hardy Nutritionals’ program If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Taron Fletcher at www.hardynutritionals.com

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Chandra Khalifian, a clinical psychologist, researcher, and educator based in San Diego. Chandra is a pioneer in psychedelic-assisted couple therapy and co-founder of ENA, a clinic and research center focused on healing relationships through ketamine and MDMA-assisted therapy. We touch upon topics of: Ketamine-assisted couple therapy and its origins [00:02:00] Intimacy development and trust violations in relationships [00:06:00] PTSD in couples and how MDMA therapy helps [00:10:00] Why "it’s never about the dishes" – deeper relational wounds [00:14:00] How psychedelics like Ayahuasca can shift ego and improve relationships [00:16:00] The challenge of integrating solo psychedelic work in a couple dynamic [00:18:00] The idea of conscious uncoupling with psychedelics [00:20:00] Ketamine’s safety, addictive potential, and dosing differences [00:25:00] The published framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy [00:28:00] Attachment styles, co-dependency, and emotional regulation in couples [00:31:00] Teaching couples to validate each other’s emotional experiences [00:34:00] Integration tools and the need for more research on psychedelic couple therapy [00:38:00] A powerful story of forgiveness during a ketamine-assisted session [00:42:00] If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Chandra Khalifian at www.enamarie.org or contact her directly at chandra@enamarie.org.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Ashley Glowiak, a licensed marriage and family therapist, PhD candidate in transformative studies, birth and postpartum doula, yoga teacher, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trainee with MAPS. Ashley specializes in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for families, with a deep focus on maternal health and intergenerational trauma. We touch upon topics of: Ashley’s healing journey and entry into psychedelics and family systems therapy (00:02:00) Parenting with consciousness and the concept of “family ecology” (00:06:00) Intergenerational trauma and Family Constellation work (00:08:00) Spiritual and epigenetic layers of ancestral healing (00:12:00) Using Ayahuasca and psilocybin to address family trauma (00:14:00) A practical framework for healing cycles and trauma with plant medicine (00:17:00) Somatic integration and neurogenesis post-ceremony (00:20:00) Breaking relationship and behavior cycles consciously (00:23:00) How to identify what is truly your authentic self (00:26:00) Postpartum depression and the healing role of microdosing (00:33:00) The importance of natural birth, rite of passage, and community support (00:41:00) The “village mindset” and raising children in community (00:50:00) Birth as a psychedelic experience and the hormonal reality of labor (00:47:00) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Ashley Glowiak at www.ashleyglowiak.com and follow her private membership community for support on microdosing, family-centered retreats, and integration work.