The Third Wave

Dr. Evan Cole Lewis, VP of Psychedelic Neurology at Numinus, joins The Psychedelic Podcast to delve into the world of psychedelic neurology and its potential to revolutionize medicine. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-203-evan-cole-lewis-md/ Dr. Lewis & Paul F. Austin take us deeper into the underlying mechanisms of psychedelics and their impact on neurological networks. The conversation explores how psychedelics like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD can manipulate and reorganize those networks, leading to tailored treatment approaches for people with neurological conditions. From Dr. Lewis’s perspective, precision psychedelic medicine is poised to provide breakthrough treatments for traumatic brain injuries, concussions, functional seizures, cluster headaches, migraines, and mental illnesses. With cautious optimism, Dr. Lewis and Paul envision a future where psychedelics offer transformative solutions for today’s most challenging conditions. Eva

Scott Omelianuk, Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Business Media, joins the Psychedelic Podcast to examine the intersection of entrepreneurship, mental health, and psychedelics. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-202-scott-omelianuk/ Scott and Paul F. Austin emphasize the importance of supporting founders' mental well-being and how psychedelics can play a role in reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness. Scott openly shares his personal struggles, revealing the profound impact of psychedelic therapy that surpassed years of talk therapy. By embracing mental health challenges, Scott believes leaders can overcome pressures, uncertainties, and isolation, enabling them to become their best selves. The conversation envisions psychedelics as tools to foster human connection and long-term thinking, ultimately cultivating a more conscious and compassionate mindset among entrepreneurs. Scott Omelianuk: Scott Omelianuk is the Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Business Media. He has b

Professor Russell A. Berman joins the Psychedelic Podcast to explore the captivating life and works of controversial German writer Ernst Jünger. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-201-russell-a-berman-phd/ Jünger’s initial career as a German officer shaped his early books examining war and politics. After the war, Jünger continued writing prolifically, exploring genres like science fiction and nature. He remained a contentious figure due to his conservative and military background. However, in his later years, Jünger became interested in drugs and altered states of consciousness. His book “Approaches,” later edited by Professor Berman, serves as an autobiography through the lens of his experiences with mind-expanding substances. As the episode unfolds, Professor Berman and Paul F. Austin unpack the book “Approaches” and Jünger's psychedelic perspectives. Russell A. Berman is the Walter A. Haas Professor in the Humanities at Stanford and Senior Fellow at

In this episode of the Psychedelic Podcast, clinical counselor Salimeh Tabrizi, M.A. and Paul F. Austin examine ayahuasca, cannabis, and the concept of non-duality. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-200-salimeh-tabrizi Salimeh shares her wisdom on the importance of reverence, consciousness, and compassionate witnessing when working with powerful plant medicines. She delves into different ayahuasca lineages and traditions, uncovering valuable insights into their transformative potential. She also explores the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies, the importance of holistic healing, and the significance of self-care in cultivating Buddha nature. This conversation invites listeners to explore non-dual tools for integrating plant medicine teachings into life’s spiritual journey. Salimeh Tabrizi, M.A. is a clinical counselor, intuitive energy worker, and plant medicine facilitator, educator and advocate. She supports individuals before, du

Cory and Jay Fiset, a married couple with extensive entrepreneurial experience, join Paul F. Austin to share their psychedelic path to marriage reinvention.  Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-199-cory-jay-fiset/ The Fisets believe intentional psychedelic use fostered a deep connection that reignited their passion and commitment after years of drifting apart. Psilocybin and MDMA journeys allowed them to be witnessed and heard as their true selves in profoundly healing ways. By letting go of blame and taking personal accountability, the Fisets experienced a shift from co-dependency to self-realization. Cory and Jay now help couples discover self-expression and devotion through their “Connection Experience” psychedelic couples retreats. Cory & Jay Fiset: Cory and Jay Fiset are a husband-and-wife team who have been in relationship for 37 years. After 25 years of marriage, they reinvented themselves and their relationship through intentional use of psyche

Psychedelic scientist Manesh Girn joins Paul F. Austin to reveal the impact of psychedelics on the brain as a whole. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Manesh Girn is in the latter stages of obtaining his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at McGill University and has been the lead or co-author on over a dozen scientific publications and book chapters on topics including psychedelics and the default mode network.  He is currently researching the brain mechanisms underlying psychedelic drugs in collaboration with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and other leaders in psychedelic science. As a postdoctoral psychedelic neuroscientist, he will join Dr. Carhart-Harris at UCSF in August 2023. Manesh is also Chief Research Officer at the Canadian psychedelic bioscience company EntheoTech Bioscience. He runs a YouTube channel and Instagram page called The Psychedelic Scientist, where he discusses the latest research in an easy-to-understand but non-superficial form. Girn advocates for a personalized approach to psychedelic

Jeffrey Stevens, co-founder and CEO of Psyched Wellness, joins The Psychedelic Podcast to discuss Calm, the world’s first legal supplement derived from Amanita muscaria. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Amanita muscaria mushrooms’ red-and-white speckled caps are emoji-level iconic. But most people don’t know that consuming low dosages can reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and offer a restful sleep without next-day grogginess. Amanita extracts also possess anti-inflammatory properties that could significantly relieve pain. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, according to Stevens. As the episode unfolds, Stevens imagines the future of Amanita research for mental health, addiction, and insomnia, while revealing his life-changing experience as a Psyched Wellness guinea pig. Jeffrey Stevens has 20+ years of capital markets’ experience and has been an officer and director with several public companies. He has taken three companies public via reverse takeover, built teams, and str

Graham Pechenik, founder and patent attorney at Calyx Law, joins The Psychedelic Podcast to delve into the complex world of patents and their impact on the psychedelic landscape.  Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Pechenik raises thought-provoking questions about the patent system's role in fostering innovation while also potentially hindering research and restricting use. He suggests that the patent system, intertwined with regulatory and healthcare structures, often determines whether groundbreaking substances like psilocybin gain FDA approval. Pechenik also explores concerns surrounding excessive psychedelic patents, comparing the unique approaches of COMPASS Pathways, MAPS, and Paul Stamets.  As the episode unfolds, Graham and Paul contemplate the delicate balance between patent protection and freedom of use in the burgeoning psychedelics industry. Graham Pechenik is a registered patent attorney and the founder of Calyx Law, a law firm specializing in cannabis and psychedelics-related inte

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Dr. Daniel Stickler and Paul F. Austin explore the cutting-edge field of longevity and precision-performance medicine. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. After over a decade as a general surgeon, Dr. Stickler abandoned modern medicine’s reductionist approach and forged a new path toward holistic health and optimization. He believes that addressing deficiency mindsets and focusing on purpose, love, and community can help people move beyond simply existing and truly thrive. Through his work, Dr. Stickler has discovered ways to reverse biological aging and help people achieve enhanced states of being. Dr. Stickler shares his insights on how humans can live a life of excellence, the revolutionary field of gene-editing technology, and his transformative psychedelic experiences. Dr. Daniel L. Stickler is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Apeiron ZOH Inc. He is the pioneer behind systems-based, precision-performance medicine, a new paradigm that re

Payton Nyquvest, Founder of Numinus ketamine clinics, joins The Psychedelic Podcast to discuss psychedelic industry missteps, opportunities, & the future of communal healing. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Embracing disruptions and learning from failures are essential in the trailblazing space of psychedelics. Encouraging industry resiliency, Payton Nyquvest, Founder, Chair, & CEO of Numinus, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss how to conquer setbacks on the path to revolutionizing mental health. Payton believes successful psychedelic leaders must adapt to real-world needs, embrace challenges, and gain conscious insights from direct experiences. Only then can innovators and practitioners create a lasting impact on the world. Payton Nyquvest is the Founder, Chair, & Chief Executive Officer of Numinus, which empowers people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based, psychedelic-assisted therapies. He ha

Dr. Reid Robison, Chief Clinical Officer at Numinus, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss psychedelic research, legislation, & complementary modalities. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Dr. Robison shares the challenges and innovations in psychedelic therapy, drawing from his own clinical research and current projects at Numinus, a mental health company that brings safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies to people in need. Explore topics such as the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, the pros and cons of psychedelic patents, and the need for multimodal approaches to mental health care. Dr. Reid Robison is a board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Clinical Officer at Numinus, where he oversees clinical services, including teaching and training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, for the company's clinics across the US and Canada. He has led over 200 clinical trials in neuropsychiatry and previously served as coordinating investigator for the MAPS-sponsored MDMA-assisted psyc

Dr. Anja Loizaga-Velder, Co-Founder of Nierika, joins Paul F. Austin to explore the therapeutic nature of Ayahuasca & other plant medicines. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. This intimate in-person interview was recorded at Dr. Anja’s plant medicine retreat center in Mexico, just after Paul concluded his own 6-day Ayahuasca experience. Topics covered include: mental health from an indigenous perspective, Dr. Anja’s journey bridging Western medicine with traditional healing practices, and the current environmental and political struggles of indigenous healers in Mexico. Dr. Anja Loizaga-Velder received her master’s degree in psychology (Dipl.-Psych.) from Koblenz-Landau University, Germany, and her doctorate in medical psychology (Dr.sc.hum.) from Heidelberg University, Germany. She is a psychotherapist specializing in humanistic and transpersonal psychology, the study of consciousness, music therapy, and ethnopsychotherapy. Anja wrote both her master’s thesis and her doctoral thesis on th

Paul F. Austin is joined by writer/historian/philosopher Jules Evans to explore the need for ecstatic literacy in the third wave of psychedelics. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Through sharing research, philosophy, and his own work, Jules invites a thoughtful examination of both sides of psychedelics—the light and the shadow. He points to the need for more awareness and research of challenging psychedelic experiences and offers a roadmap to improved ecstatic literacy in today’s culture. Jules Evans is the director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project, the author of three books (Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations; The Art of Losing Control; Holiday from the Self) and the co-editor of Breaking Open: Finding a Way Through Spiritual Emergency. He is an honorary research fellow at the Centre for the History of the Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London. Highlights: The need for a balance between stoicism and ecstatic experience. Inspirations from Aldous Huxle

Jonathan Lu & Shauheen Etminan, founders of Magi Ancestral Supplements, join Paul F. Austin to discuss the rich world of beta-Carbolines. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Jonathan & Shauheen are the co-founders of VCENNA, a drug discovery company that creates mental wellness solutions from psychoactive plants used ceremonially in Ancestral Eastern traditions. In this enchanting conversation, they share about their research and experimentation into Syrian rue and other near-forgotten plants, unpacking their rich historical and anthropological contexts. They explain the unique neurobiological and subjective effects of beta-Carbolines, including when combined with tryptamine-containing substances such as in an Ayahuasca brew. Paul F. Austin shares his own experiences with their formulation, Stard Deep Meditation Supplement. Visit ancestralmagi.com to learn more, and use code PAUL10 at checkout for 10% off their unique products. Highlights: Jonathan & Shauheen’s ventures, VCENNA an

Paul F. Austin sits down with Dr. Alexander Shester to discuss his new book, Visionary Healing: Psychedelic Medicine & Shamanism. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. In this intimate, in-person conversation, Alex humbly shares his wisdom and perspective from decades of experience as a psychiatrist and visionary psychedelic explorer. He sheds light on the intersection of shamanism, psychedelics, and mental health, and recalls captivating stories from his time being mentored by the late psychologist and psychedelic researcher Ralph Metzner. Alexander Shester, M.D. is a medical doctor, board-certified psychiatrist, and Jungian Analyst. He has over thirty years of experience studying and participating in guided Vision Quests using shamanic principles in nature settings. His recently-published book, Visionary Healing: Psychedelic Medicine and Shamanism, is his personal first-hand memoir of using entheogens including ayahuasca, jurema, psilocybin, San Pedro cactus, peyote, iboga, toad, and more,

Anna Yusim, M.D., author of Fulfilled, joins Paul F. Austin for a conversation on the intersection of science, spirituality, and psychedelics. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Dr. Anna Yusim is a Board-Certified, Stanford- and Yale-educated Psychiatrist & Executive Coach with a private practice in New York City and Connecticut.  She is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life.  On the clinical faculty at Yale Medical School, Dr. Yusim is presently creating a Spirituality & Mental Health Center there.  With clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities, Dr. Anna Yusim has helped over 2,000 people in 60 countries achieve greater impact, purpose, and joy in their life and work. As a highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Yusim gives keynotes for physicians and professionals worldwide on topics related to mental health and

Paul F. Austin is joined by Alex Atwood, Founder & CEO of GravyWork to talk plant medicine, transformational coaching, & more. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Alex Atwood is a multifaceted, purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur who helmed four startups in the hospitality and staffing space. He’s also a coach in the emerging psychedelics field, with a focus on optimizing human potential. Alex is a podcaster, public speaker, angel investor in firms that help build a better world, and philanthropist with a soft spot for owners and operators of family businesses. Alex is working towards an ICF certification in organizational well-being. He has been a coach for Landmark Worldwide, a personal and professional development company, and elevation leader for 1heart. He has led workshops on integrity and self-actualization with the goal of helping attendees realize their own potential and find greater self-esteem, fulfillment, creativity, and produ

Tracey Tee, founder of Moms on Mushrooms, joins Paul F. Austin to talk about safe, intentional psychedelic use for mothers. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Tracey Tee has been actively involved in the momosphere for over 10 years, first co-creating and starring in the nationally touring cult-hit comedy show for moms, The Pump and Dump Show. She simultaneously co-produced the Band of Mothers Podcast and served as co-founder and CEO of The Pump and Dump Show’s umbrella brand, Band of Mothers Media. During her own journey with psilocybin amidst the pandemic, Tracey began to feel called to support moms in a deeper and more meaningful way. In 2022, she launched an online microdosing course created exclusively for moms called M.O.M. — “Moms on Mushrooms.” Tracey’s goal is to bring moms together through the sacred use of plant medicine for a shared journey of personal growth and healing. She is dedicated to crafting a supportive container for mothers that embodies the Sacred Feminine, gives reveren

Matt Zemon joins Paul F. Austin for a thoughtful conversation on the inspiration behind his new book, Psychedelics for Everyone. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Matt Zemon is the author of Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to These Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness. Since 2019, Matt has evolved from someone who had never taken any drugs to doing a deep dive into the study of human consciousness, aided by psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and more. Matt is now CEO and Co-Founder of HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company specializing in psychedelic-assisted oral ketamine therapy, as well as digital therapeutics that promote transformational outcomes. Previously, Matt was the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Psychable, an online community connecting people interested in the healing power of psychedelics with a network of practitioners and psychedelic-based treatments. He was also the co-founder of Ta

Justin and Leigh recently released GOLDEN: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise. Published by HarperCollins in the US and Penguin in the UK, it is appearing in 14 languages globally. Together, Leigh and Justin founded Astrea Strategies, a consultancy that bridges deep visioning with impactful communications and action. Justin has served as both a meditation teacher and a senior policymaker in the US Congress. He is a Harvard-and-Oxford-trained specialist in the economics and psychology of wellbeing, who has written for The Atlantic, Washington Post, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, Foreign Policy, Wired, Time, CNN, and others. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife and three children. Leigh is a leadership and collaboration consultant with organizations including Harvard, Google, and IKEA. She has led a multi-year program teaching experimental mindsets to multigenerational teams at NASA. Leigh is also a longtime student of pioneering researchers and practitioners of the ritualized use of ps