The Third Wave

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

Dr. Remi Drozd and Paul F. Austin dive deep into ketamine therapy: telemedicine vs. in-person, the skill of surrender, and willing participation. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Dr. Remi Drozd, D.O. is the founder and executive director of Lucid Therapeutics. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 15 years of experience and a fellowship in wilderness medicine. Remi became dissatisfied with western medicine, realizing that many elements of primary health, particularly mental health, were being mismanaged in the existing system. In 2020, he learned about the healing potential of psilocybin during a workshop led by the Johns Hopkins scientist Bill Richards, and ultimately decided to dedicate his professional efforts to a different way of practicing medicine. He has completed training for Ketamine Therapy at the Psychedelic Coalition for Health and the MDMA Therapy Training Program through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). At Lucid Therapeutics

John Wood, founder of Rageheart, joins Paul F. Austin to explore the nature of somatic release in psychedelic experiences. John Wood is the founder of Rageheart, an edgy, new online school that teaches people how to navigate and integrate their psychedelic journeys without traditional tools like meditation, breathwork, or $49 Moleskin journals. Wood started the company when he noticed how many people struggled with psychedelics. Whether it was staying calm during the experience or integrating lessons afterwards, Wood wanted to give people better tools because, in his opinion, the classic tools everyone recommends are disappointing at best and downright dangerous at worst. Wood is an entrepreneur and long-term traveler, having lived, worked, and traveled through 20+ countries over the last 10 years. He’s currently based in the mountains of Peru, where he rides his motorbike, trains Jiu Jitsu, and eats way too many people-shaped rainbow donuts at his local café. Highlights: John’s motorcycling and “hikeadelic”

Jose Muñoz Aycart, Co-founder of Wondermed, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss revolutionizing mental health through at-home ketamine treatments. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. As Co-founder at Wonder Sciences, Wondermed’s parent company, Jose Muñoz Aycart combines his experience in international economics and astrophysics to build the Wondermed ecosystem, empowering people’s inner healer by providing affordable, personalized, evidence-based resources. Having previously built self-sustained desalination plants in underdeveloped countries, Jose has shifted his focus to healing mental-health disorders with the power of psychedelic medicine, helping raise the $5.6M seed round that made Wonder Sciences possible. His goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of our imagination through innovation. Highlights: How Jose applies his diverse background to psychedelics. Wondermed’s goal of “empowering the healer” through accessible, affordable treatment. The essential resources Wondermed offers its cli

Paul F. Austin hosts a panel discussion on advocacy for legalizing microdosing, and why it matters in the psychedelic movement. This episode is a re-broadcast from the Into The Multiverse Podcast and was recorded in July 2022 in Los Angeles, CA, at the launch party of the Microdosing Collective, a non-profit dedicated to advancing and protecting the right to microdose. In a special panel discussion hosted by Paul F. Austin, four passionate leaders in the world of psychedelics discuss topics such as the history of microdosing, sacred rituals, the legal landscape, and how to safely advocate for microdosing. This discussion is a rebroadcast and was originally released on the Into The Multiverse Podcast About the panelists: Alli Schaper Alli Schaper is an entrepreneur, community builder, speaker, mental-wellness advocate, and enthusiast for mushrooms and other psychedelic medicines. She is currently the CEO & Co-Founder of Into The Multiverse, an education-first ecosystem for all things fungi, whose mission i

Paul F. Austin is joined by BJ Miller, M.D., co-founder of Mettle Health, for a discussion on psychedelics and living and dying well. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. BJ Miller, M.D. is an established thought leader in the area of serious illness, end-of-life issues, and dying. He has been a physician for 19 years and has counseled over 1,000 patients and family members. This vast experience has led him to understand what people really need when dealing with difficult health situations. BJ has given over 100 talks, both nationally and internationally, on the themes of serious illness and dying, He has given over 100 media interviews, including podcasts, radio, and print. His TED Talk, What Really Matters at the End of Life has been viewed over 11 million times. He is co-author of the book, A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, published in 2019. Highlights: Powerful insights and perspectives from BJ’s work in palliative and end-of-life care. Fro

James Ravenhall of NewTerritory joins Paul F. Austin to discuss how design thinking can be used to bring innovation to psychedelics & vice versa. James Ravenhall is Creative Director of NewTerritory design studios. He talks about the studio’s visionary microdosing platform concept, “Human Nature,” and how products like it might shift cultural perceptions of psychedelics. Paul and James envision new approaches to psychedelic experiences through the lens of design thinking. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Originally a trained chef, James spent a number of years working in kitchens in London and Paris before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Product Design. Now, he has over thirteen years’ experience leading engagements in brand strategy, product, spatial, service, and digital for some of the world’s most impactful brands across the automotive, aviation, and space travel industries. James has an innate passion to work alongside people who see design not just as a tool, but as a pl

Paul F. Austin welcomes Ryan Sprague, founder of Highly Optimized, who shares how to cultivate a positive relationship with cannabis & more. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Ryan is the founder and co-owner of Highly Optimized, a company dedicated to helping its clients transform and become the conscious leaders the world is patiently awaiting. He is also the host of the “Highly Optimized” Podcast, the “This One Time On Psychedelics” Podcast and is the creator of the “Connect With Cannabis” program & the “Grow With Cannabis” course. Ryan’s mission in life is helping his fellow brothers and sisters become empowered in their experience of being alive through one-on-one men’s coaching, plant medicine integration coaching and retreat experiences. In this episode, Ryan shares powerful life-learned wisdom and insights for developing a healthy relationship with cannabis, and goes deep into the science behind different cannabis strains, compounds and routes of administration. Connect with Ry

Paul Austin is joined by Dr. Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, lead researcher in the world's first LSD microdosing clinical trial. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. This is another special interview recorded on location at the 2022 Wonderland Conference in Miami, FL. Dr. Muthukumaraswamy shares the unique design of his LSD microdose trial, plans for future research, and how these studies might be received in New Zealand and around the globe. Suresh completed his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Auckland in 2005 after which he joined the newly established Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre as a postdoctoral fellow. In 2014, Suresh received a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship and has returned to Auckland where he works in The School of Pharmacy (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences). Suresh’s main research interests are in understanding how therapies alter brain activity and in developing methodologies to measure these changes in both healthy individuals and patient groups - part

Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D. joins Paul F. Austin to share his studies of psilocybin for smoking cessation, cancer distress treatment, and more In this episode, we feature another special interview recorded at the 2022 Wonderland conference in Miami, FL. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D. is the Susan Hill Ward Endowed Professor of Psychedelics and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins. Working with psychedelics since 2004, he is one of the world’s most widely published experts in the field. He has published research on psychedelics and mystical experience, personality change, tobacco smoking cessation, cancer distress treatment, and depression treatment. In 2021, as principal investigator, he received the first grant in 50 years from the US government for a treatment study with a classic psychedelic, specifically psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. He is also known for his expertise in behavioral economics, addiction, sexual risk behavior, and research w

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder of MAPS, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss the healing of humanity through legalized psychedelic medicine. This is another special interview from the 2022 Wonderland Conference in Miami, FL. Paul F. Austin is joined by MAPS founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., to discuss the healing of humanity through legalized psychedelic medicine. Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana. His Master’s thesis was a survey of oncologists on smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thir

This is an uncut interview recorded live at the 2022 Wonderland Conference in Miami, FL. Paul F. Austin is joined by renowned mycologist, author and researcher Paul Stamets, along with Pamela Kryskow, M.D., both co-founders of MycoMedica Life Sciences, PBC. They dive into all things microdosing, clinical trials, naturalistic science and patient-driven research, while exploring and honoring the wisdom of indigenous cultures around the world—and even martial arts. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Paul Stamets, speaker, author, mycologist, medical researcher and entrepreneur, is considered an intellectual and industry leader in fungi: habitat, medicinal use, and production. He lectures extensively to deepen the understanding and respect for the organisms that literally exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. Paul’s philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He sees the ancient Old Growth forests of the Pacific Northwest as a resource of incalculable value, especially in t