The Third Wave

In this special bonus episode, we share highlights from a recent January webinar featuring Paul F. Austin in conversation with Chris Villar, a successful executive coach and graduate of the Psychedelic Coaching Institute.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-289b/?ref=278 Chris shares his transition from Goldman Sachs and founding a $125 million company to becoming an executive coach incorporating psychedelics into his practice. Together, Paul and Chris explore the business aspects of psychedelic coaching, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for building a successful practice. For more of Chris's personal and professional journey, check out his interview in Episode 268 of The Psychedelic Podcast. Chris Villar studied finance & accounting at Georgetown University and began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he led a $500 million investment portfolio in the home security industry. In 2007, he left Goldman and founded Frontpoint Security, an early disrup

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Daniel Carcillo, former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion, about his remarkable journey from professional hockey to becoming a pioneer in psychedelic therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-289/?ref=278 Daniel shares his powerful story of using psilocybin to heal from multiple concussions and severe post-concussion syndrome, which led him to establish treatment centers helping others with similar conditions. He discusses the scientific basis for psilocybin's effectiveness in treating TBI, his current work running legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon, and his vision for expanding access to natural medicine healing modalities. The conversation explores the intersection of professional sports, brain health, and psychedelic medicine, while addressing the broader implications for healthcare and policy. Daniel Carcillo is a former NHL player and two-time Sta

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Liz Chernett, a certified psychedelic integration coach and creative director. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-288/?ref=278 Drawing from her 17-year background in fashion and wellness brands, Liz shares her journey from corporate creative direction to psychedelic coaching, exploring how storytelling and creativity can enhance integration work. A graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute's Practitioner Certification Program, she discusses her innovative "Art for Essence" workshop, her new podcast "In Right Relationship," and the power of weaving together creative expression and psychedelic integration. Liz Chernett is a certified psychedelic integration coach and creative director based in Philadelphia. With seventeen years of experience working with fashion and wellness brands, she brings a unique perspective to psychedelic integration, combining creative direction with transformational coach

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at the inaugural Eudaimonia summit in West Palm Beach. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-287/?ref=278 As the founder of the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and now the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, Dr. Carhart-Harris shares his research on how psychedelics affect the brain's default mode network. He explains the key differences between psychedelic therapy and traditional psychiatric medications, discusses his current studies examining the role of set and setting, and explores the unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT. The conversation weaves between detailed neuroscience, the challenges of integrating psychedelics into healthcare, and personal reflections on his 20-year commitment to advancing psychedelic research. Prof Carhart-Harris holds the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professorship in Neurology and Psychiatry at Un

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Cassandra Vieten, Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and Clinical Psychology Director at the Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative at UCSD.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-286/?ref=278 Dr. Vieten shares insights on the relationship between imagination, psychedelics, and mental health, exploring how these elements intersect to create transformative experiences. She discusses groundbreaking research on psilocybin for phantom limb pain, the importance of both scientific rigor and therapeutic wisdom in psychedelic research, and how imagination can be cultivated as a vital skill for personal and societal transformation. Cassandra Vieten is Clinical Professor and Director of the Center for Mindfulness at the Centers for Integrative Health in the Department of Family Medicine at UC San Diego. She is also Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Cen

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Tiffany Hurd, a microdosing coach and business leadership advisor who bridges the worlds of psychedelics and corporate culture. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-285/?ref=278 Drawing from her 15-year corporate background and extensive experience with psychedelic medicines, Tiffany shares insights on bringing microdosing into professional environments, discusses her personal journey from Division I athlete to corporate executive to psychedelic advocate, and explores how these powerful tools can transform workplace culture and leadership. Tiffany Hurd is a microdosing coach, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences. Drawing from her 15+ years in the corporate medical industry, where she held executive sales & business development roles at Fortune 500 companies, Tiffany helps organizations optimize their growt

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Rick Strassman, pioneering psychedelic researcher and author of "DMT: The Spirit Molecule."  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-284/?ref=278 Dr. Strassman shares insights from his groundbreaking DMT research in the 1990s, discusses recent developments in extended-state DMT studies, and explores the complex relationship between psychedelics, spirituality, and organized religion. Drawing from his new memoir "My Altered States," he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal experience, clinical research, and spiritual growth in the psychedelic field. A native of Los Angeles, Rick Strassman obtained his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, general psychiatry training at UC Davis, and a clinical psychopharmacology research fellowship training at UC San Diego. Joining the f

In this special bonus episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes renowned ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin for an intimate preview of the upcoming Costa Rica Intensive in February 2025. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283b/ Dr. Plotkin shares insights from his decades of work with indigenous communities in the Amazon, discusses the delicate balance between commercialization and preservation of sacred plant medicines, and explores the crucial distinctions between traditional shamanic practices and modern therapeutic approaches. As a special guest for the upcoming intensive, he offers valuable perspectives on integrating indigenous wisdom with contemporary psychedelic practices while emphasizing the importance of humility and continuous learning in working with these powerful medicines. Dr. Mark Plotkin is a renowned ethnobotanist who has studied traditional indigenous plant use with elder shamans of Central and South America for over 30 years. As Pres

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Michael Madera, psychologist, executive coach, and author of "Playing Tag on the Roof." He is also a graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283/?ref=278 Michael shares his journey of growing up in a narcissistic family environment, where his father became a con man and his mother a Buddhist nun. He discusses how psychedelics, Internal Family Systems therapy, and other modalities helped him heal from childhood trauma and informed his approach to coaching family businesses. Through his work and personal experience, Michael illuminates the complex interplay between family dynamics, leadership, and the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines. Michael D. Madera is a psychologist, author, and executive coach specializing in family business dynamics and innovative healing modalities. Trained at Harvard institutions, h

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Wendy Tucker, board chair of Shulgin Farm and owner of Transform Press. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-282-wendy-tucker/?ref=278 Wendy shares intimate stories about her stepfather Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and mother Ann, including their remarkable love story and groundbreaking work in psychedelic research. She discusses the historic significance of the Shulgin Farm, where Sasha's famous lab produced over 200 novel compounds, and details current efforts to preserve this important piece of psychedelic history. The conversation explores the Shulgins' legacy of open science, collaborative research, and their impact on the current psychedelic renaissance. Highlights: History of Shulgin Farm and its significance since 1935  The love story of Sasha and Ann Shulgin MDMA, 2-CB, and a litmus test of lovemaking The Shulgins’ legacy of bold research and open science The longterm vision of the Farm and Shul

In this solo cast episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin shares deep insights on why group work is essential for practitioners in the psychedelic space. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-281/?ref=278 Drawing from Richard Rohr's essay on liminality and his own transformative experiences at Synthesis, Paul explores how collective psychedelic experiences create powerful containers for growth and transformation. He emphasizes three core aspects of effective group work—embodiment, nature connectedness, and community—while making a compelling case for why practitioners must "walk the walk" through their own guided group experiences before supporting others. Highlights: Liminality and its relationship to psychedelic experiences Personal story of group experience at Synthesis retreat  The importance of "walking the walk" as practitioners  Three core aspects of retreat work: embodiment, nature connectedness, and community The significance of choosing the right co

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes food and nature writer Eugenia Bone to discuss her new book, "Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience." Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-280?ref=278 Drawing from extensive research, personal experimentation, and interviews, Eugenia shares insights into the world of psilocybin mushrooms, from cultivation to ceremonial use. She explores the intersection of citizen science and clinical research, the role of indigenous wisdom, and offers a balanced perspective on the current psychedelic renaissance. Eugenia Bone is food and nature writer whose work has appeared in many anthologies, magazines, and newspapers, including The New York Times, The National Lampoon, Saveur, Gourmet, BBC Science, and The Wall Street Journal, where she is a frequent book reviewer. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and former president of the New York Mycological Society. She is facu

In Part 2 of this profound conversation, Paul Chek delves deep into the relationship between psychedelics, personal mythology, and spiritual development. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-279-paul-chek/?ref=278  He explores how plant medicines can help unveil our individual myths while emphasizing the critical importance of proper preparation and sacred intention. Drawing from decades of experience as both a therapist and medicine carrier, Paul discusses the delicate balance between therapeutic potential and risk, sharing insights about the nature of God, consciousness, and responsible engagement with powerful medicines. He offers wisdom about the differences between recreational and ceremonial use, while exploring how our relationship with power, mind, love, and money influences our medicine experiences. Use code THIRDWAVE15 for 15% off any membership at Spirit Gym at myspiritgym.com Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in the fields of corrective and high-performan

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Paul Chek, a world-renowned expert in holistic wellness, kinesiology, and spiritual development. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-278-paul-chek/ Paul Chek shares his extensive experience working with plant medicines and helping people integrate challenging psychedelic experiences. He discusses his early spiritual development through the Self-Realization Fellowship and his journey developing remarkable abilities in remote viewing and energy work. Drawing from his unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual wisdom, he explores the importance of proper preparation, screening, and container-building for ceremonies, including his use of art therapy and Tarot in pre-ceremony screening. Part 1 emphasizes the critical need for reverence and responsibility in working with plant medicines, while sharing practical insights for practitioners supporting others through these experi

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Carlos Tanner, founder and director of the Ayahuasca Foundation in Iquitos, Peru. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-277-carlos-tanner/?ref=278  Carlos shares his transformative journey from addiction to becoming an apprentice of master shaman Don Juan Tangoa Paima, leading to the creation of the Ayahuasca Foundation in 2009. He discusses the integration of Western educational approaches with ancestral healing traditions, the foundation's groundbreaking research on ayahuasca's effects on PTSD, and his vision for bridging indigenous wisdom with modern psychedelic therapy. Carlos Tanner has been studying ayahuasca and plant medicine in the Amazon Rainforest since 2003. As the director of the Ayahuasca Foundation, which he founded in 2009 in Iquitos, Peru, Carlos organizes healing retreats and educational courses led by indigenous curanderos. These programs help people heal from conditions ranging from d

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist and founding advisor of Beyond Consulting. Find full show notes and links here:  https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-276-stephanie-karzon-abrams With her unique background spanning clinical pharmacology, corporate healthcare, and the music industry, Stephanie shares insights on the intersection of psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and community building. She discusses the transformative potential of psychedelics from a neuropharmacological perspective, her work supporting ketamine clinics and plant medicine brands, as well as her journey from traditional healthcare to pioneering innovative approaches in the psychedelic space. Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist with a Masters of Science in Clinical Pharmacology, is the founding advisor of Beyond Consulting, providing science, research, operations, and strategy solutions to organizations in the natural product, plant medici

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Paul Karasik, a pioneering figure in both corporate leadership and psychedelic spaces. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-275-paul-karasik/?ref=278 Karasik shares his remarkable journey from co-founding Thompson's Ranch commune in Joshua Tree to becoming one of America's leading sales consultants. He discusses his recent book "Getting High on Leadership" and explores how psychedelics can transform leadership through heart-centered approaches. The conversation weaves through themes of community building, conscious business practices, and the vital intersection of higher consciousness with modern leadership principles. Paul Karasik brings decades of experience in the world of psychedelics. He was a member of the early psychedelic community in New York and California, which included such luminaries as Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. Paul co-founded Thompson's Ranch, one of the first alternative communities i

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Kat Courtney, a plant medicine pioneer with over 15 years of experience as a psychedelic integration coach. Kat shares her journey from struggling with mental health issues to finding healing through ayahuasca. She discusses the complementary relationship between ayahuasca and huachuma (San Pedro), the practice of master plant dietas, and her approach to psychedelic integration. Kat emphasizes the importance of intention, slowing down, and developing a daily spiritual practice for integrating ayahuasca experiences. Tina “Kat” Courtney is a Plant Medicine pioneer with 2 decades of professional psychedelic experience. She’s the author of Plant Medicine Mystery School Vol 1: The Superhero Healing Powers of Psychotropic Plants, and she’s a traditionally trained Ayahuasquera and Huachumera. Kat’s also been working as a Psychedelic Integration Coach for 15 years, and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Plant Medicine People. Her entire life is devoted to

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Susannah Rose Stokes, co-founder of Metamorphosis Ventures. Click here for full show notes, links, & summary: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-273?ref=278  Susannah shares her remarkable journey from Marine Corps officer to embodied priestess and psychedelic guide. She discusses her transformative experiences with plant medicines, the importance of integration, and her mission to create supportive containers for psychedelic healing. Susannah explores the concept of metamorphosis, balancing microdosing and macrodosing protocols, and her approach to guiding others through profound personal change. After serving in two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps Officer, Susannah experienced a spiritual awakening that changed her life forever. Since then, she’s dedicated her life as an Energy Priestess and Embodied Consciousness Guide. She’s served dozens of people in 1:1 and group ceremonies, guiding them in their own spiritual aw

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dave Schoof, a master certified coach and international leadership consultant. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-272?ref=278 Dave shares his journey from working in intelligence to becoming a leadership coach, and how he eventually incorporated psychedelics into his practice. He discusses the power of integral theory in organizational development, the importance of emergence and unfolding in leadership, and how psychedelics can catalyze personal growth and leadership transformation. Dave also reflects on his experience in the Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program, and offers insights on the future of leadership in our complex world. Dave Schoof is an international leadership consultant specializing in helping leaders and teams build on their capabilities and move to the next level of performance and effectiveness. With over 25 years of experience across corporate, non-profit