The Third Wave

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Paije Alexandra West, founder of ETÉREO, about iboga, ibogaine, and Bwiti initiation. Drawing on Paul's recent retreat experience at ETÉREO in Baja, they examine what can be lost when iboga is reduced to a clinical alkaloid and how traditional ceremony can coexist with rigorous medical screening. Paije explains the differences between iboga root bark and total alkaloid extract, the role of Bwiti music, and why discomfort, community, and long-term integration are central to working responsibly with this demanding medicine. Paije Alexandra West is the founder and lead iboga provider at ETÉREO | Center for Truth, an iboga retreat center outside Todos Santos, Baja California Sur. A twice-initiated Bwiti practitioner, she began on the clinical side, supporting guests through detox and aftercare at ibogaine clinics. Her commitment deepened after losing her brother to a fentanyl overdose. Paije trained in Gabon with the Missoko Bwiti, completed