Synopsis
The Third Wave podcast takes a fresh look at the world of psychedelics, hearing the stories of people both in the psychedelic fringe and in mainstream society. We want to share how psychedelics are transforming the lives of people everywhere, both inside and outside of the psychedelic community.By revealing and unraveling the vast range of personal psychedelic experiences, we hope to change the cultural stigma surrounding psychedelic use. Our conversations will focus on the use of psychedelics within two main frameworks: as tools for creativity and as medicine for mental health issues.
Episodes
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The Peptide Paradigm: Biology, Regeneration & Evolutionary Health – Jay Campbell
20/10/2025 Duration: 58minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jay Campbell, five-time bestselling author, men’s physique champion, and founder of BioLongevity Labs. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-326/?ref=278 Together they explore how peptides, hormones, and energy form a new model of regenerative health. Jay explains how these signaling molecules work at the cellular level and why coherence and self-awareness are essential to sustainable vitality. The discussion bridges scientific rigor with personal transformation—redefining what it means to be “optimized.” Jay Campbell is a bestselling author, athlete, and co-founder of BioLongevity Labs. Recognized for his expertise in hormone and peptide science, he blends decades of physical training experience with a deep understanding of consciousness and energetic alignment. Highlights: Peptides as a bridge between biology and consciousness Why emotional regulation supports physical health The “God Stack” for d
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Kevin Cannella - Psychedelic Therapy for Everyone: Breaking Cost Barriers to Healing
13/10/2025 Duration: 44minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Kevin Cannella, co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a nonprofit removing financial barriers to psychedelic therapy. Kevin shares his path from early mystical experiences and time at a Peruvian retreat center to becoming a licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained therapist, then building a pay-it-forward fund that partners with clinics nationwide. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-325/?ref=278 Kevin explains how Thank You Life works with 120+ ketamine clinics, why group programs matter for cost and connection, and what’s realistic about insurance coverage today. He also explores integration support, community pods, and how state partnerships could expand access for veterans, first responders, and more. Kevin Cannella is the co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a 501(c)(3) psychedelic therapy access fund. A licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained psych
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Fleet Maull, Ph.D. - Radical Embodiment: Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness & Psychedelics
06/10/2025 Duration: 01h01minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with meditation teacher and social entrepreneur Dr. Fleet Maull to explore how Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM) intersects with psychedelic therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-324/?ref=278 Fleet shares his journey from a 14-year federal prison sentence—where he founded the first prison hospice program and led daily meditation groups—to developing NSM, a radically embodied, neuroscience- and trauma-informed approach to practice. He explains how NSM trains five key brain networks, why embodiment quiets a noisy mind more reliably than “thinking about” the breath, and how pairing NSM with ketamine or psilocybin can help shift insights from state to trait. The conversation offers a grounded roadmap for practitioners and seekers who want deeper stability, safety, and integration in expanded-state work. Fleet Maull, PhD, CMT-P is an author, meditation teacher, mindset coach, and social entrepreneur
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Lena Franklin - From Loss to Liberation: Grief, Psilocybin, and Spiritual Growth
29/09/2025 Duration: 51minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with medicine woman and transpersonal psychotherapist Lena Franklin to explore grief as a doorway to the sacred, bridging clinical training with embodied spirituality, and the ethics of honoring indigenous lineages in modern practice. Find full show notes and links here: http://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-323?ref=278 Lena shares “The Method,” a 90-day psilocybin-supported program (three ceremonies + twelve sessions), and reflects on lessons learned from founding and composting EAST Institute. She also previews a new global initiative for advanced, root-cause healing centers and closes with an embodied playbook for leaders. Lena Franklin is a Medicine Woman, Transpersonal Psychotherapist, and transformational speaker bridging ancient medicine and modern technology for global healing. Raised in a Buddhist/Christian home, she integrates Eastern philosophy with Western neuroscience across meditation, energy medicine, longevity, human optimi
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Sterling Cooley - Xenon as Medicine: Exploring the Psychedelic Noble Gas
22/09/2025 Duration: 56minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes researcher and entrepreneur Sterling Cooley to explore xenon—the noble gas with surprising psychedelic-like effects. Sterling shares how his own health crisis led him from nitrous oxide to xenon, and why he believes gaseous anesthetics open a unique window into consciousness. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-322/?ref=278 Sterling connects xenon to microtubule research (Orch OR), contrasts it with ketamine and nitrous, and discusses harm-reduction considerations, trip reports, and integration. The discussion bridges Sterling’s personal journey with emerging scientific theories, offering a thoughtful look at xenon’s potential role in consciousness and healing. Guest Bio Sterling Cooley is a researcher and biotech entrepreneur working in ultrasound neuromodulation and noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation. Over the past decade, he has collaborated with Dr. Stuart Hameroff on microtubules, quantum conscio
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Lana Pribic - Getting to the Root: Iboga, Kanna, and Africa’s Primordial Medicines
15/09/2025 Duration: 54minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Lana Pribic, ICF Professional Coach, co-founder of Kanna Wellness, and host of the Modern Psychedelics Podcast. Lana shares her deep reverence for African medicines—iboga and kanna—and why she resists quick-fix narratives in psychedelic culture. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-321/?ref=278 She opens up about her ceremonies in Baja, the long arc of iboga integration, and the role of preparation, intention, and patience in this work. The conversation also explores kanna as a gentle daily ally and the cultural roots of both medicines. Lana Pribic, M.Sc., is an ICF Professional Coach, co-founder of Kanna Wellness, and producer & host of the Modern Psychedelics Podcast. With over 230 hours of professional training and four coaching certifications, Lana specializes in psychedelically-informed coaching, guiding individuals through profound inner transformation. Based in Ontario, she merges the powe
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Jonny Miller - Nervous System Mastery: Preparing the Body for Psychedelic Work
08/09/2025 Duration: 55minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jonny Miller, founder of Nervous System Mastery and host of the Curious Humans podcast. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-320/?ref=278 Jonny shares how the loss of his fiancée led him into grief work, psychedelics, and the study of stress physiology. Their conversation explores the three pillars of nervous system mastery—interoception, capacity, and emotional fluidity—and how these skills can prepare and support deeper psychedelic experiences. Jonny also reflects on the risks of hypoarousal and dissociation in psychedelic and breathwork practices, the role of relational health in nervous system regulation, and how high performers can shift from burnout-driven “dirty fuel” toward cleaner sources of creativity and joy. Jonny Miller is the founder of Nervous System Mastery, a five-week experiential training that helps high performers cultivate calm, resilience, and embodied aliveness. His approach b
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Brian Tierney, Ph.D. - Visionary Somatics: Psychedelics, Trauma & the Dreaming Body
01/09/2025 Duration: 53minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Brian Tierney, a licensed somatic psychologist and professor of neuroscience. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-319/?ref=278 Dr. Tierney unpacks the emerging paradigm of network neuroscience and how our brain’s default mode, salience, and task networks interact with trauma, attention, and healing. Dr. Tierney is a somatic psychologist, neuroscience and psychopharmacology professor, and psychotherapist with a passion for integrative healing. Specializing in trauma resolution, couples therapy, and somatic experiencing, he blends cutting-edge science with ancient practices to create transformative healing experiences. He is the host of the Boundless Body podcast and the author of the upcoming book Visionary Somatics. Highlights: What is network neuroscience? How trauma disrupts brain network coordination Understanding the salience, default mode, and task networks Why somatic healing involves co
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James Fadiman, Ph.D. & Jordan Gruber, J.D. - The Power of Less: Microdosing for Mood, Energy, and Clarity
25/08/2025 Duration: 01h11minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin is joined by James Fadiman, PhD, and Jordan Gruber, JD, co-authors of the new book Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-318/?ref=278 Widely recognized as the father of modern microdosing, Jim returns alongside Jordan to challenge outdated pharmaceutical paradigms and share what a decade of real-world microdosing reports reveals about physical health, emotional wellbeing, and performance enhancement. James Fadiman, PhD, is a leading voice in psychedelic research, widely known as the “father of microdosing.” With a career spanning over 60 years, Jim has explored psychedelics’ effects on creativity, mental health, and human potential. His landmark book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, remains a foundational text in the field. In recent years, he’s spearheaded citizen science efforts on microdosing, gathering thousands of real-world reports to better under
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Mariah Gannessa - Reclaiming Reverence: Hapé, Healing, and the Ethics of Plant Medicine
18/08/2025 Duration: 55minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Mariah Gannessa, founder of Four Visions, a plant medicine platform rooted in sacred reciprocity and indigenous partnership. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-317/?ref=278 Mariah shares her decade-long apprenticeship with the Inga people of Colombia and her journey creating Four Visions as a reverent bridge between Amazonian healing traditions and modern seekers. The conversation explores the Four Visions of the Yahé tradition, the nuances of cultural appropriation vs. cultural exchange, and the responsibilities of Western entrepreneurs engaging with indigenous medicines. Mariah also discusses how Four Visions reinvests in indigenous communities and why the concept of sacred reciprocity is central to her mission. Join Paul F. Austin and Mariah Gannessa on August 21st at 10am PT / 1pm ET for Hapé 101 for Practitioners, Coaches & Guides, a free live webinar hosted through the Psychedelic Coachi
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Mike Jay - Free Radicals: How Nitrous Oxide Galvanized Psychedelic Science
11/08/2025 Duration: 01h02minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes cultural historian and acclaimed author Mike Jay. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-316/?ref=278 Together they explore the untold history of nitrous oxide, psychedelic experimentation in the Romantic era, and the deeper cultural and philosophical roots of psychedelic science. Mike shares insights from his latest book, Free Radicals, highlighting how figures like Humphry Davy and William James helped shape psychedelic thought long before the 1960s. The conversation weaves through ancient San Pedro rituals, colonial attempts to suppress peyote use, and the divergent paths of modern psychedelic medicine. From poetic self-experimentation to medicalized models, Mike unpacks the historical tensions between grassroots healing and institutional control—and what this means for the future of psychedelic culture. Mike Jay is a British author and cultural historian who has written widely on the history of d
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Brian Robertson - The Church With No Doctrine: Rethinking Power in Psychedelic Spaces
04/08/2025 Duration: 58minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes Brian Robertson—creator of Holacracy and founder of Ledgeway Sangha—for a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of organizational design, spiritual community, and psychedelic practice. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-315/?ref=278 Best known for reimagining how companies structure authority through Holacracy, Brian now brings his systems-level insight into the realm of psychedelic spirituality. He shares the origin and mission of Ledgeway Sangha, a legal psychedelic church rooted in peer-to-peer healing, communal practice, and non-dogmatic love. Together, Paul and Brian explore how this innovative model bypasses conventional hierarchy, integrates softer entheogens like 2C-B and 6-APB, and builds a path toward legal protection for churches operating outside mainstream psychedelic frameworks. Brian Robertson is best known for creating Holacracy, the most comprehensive framework in th
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Vassily Eliopoulos, M.D. - The Healing Future: Stem Cells, Psychedelics & Regenerative Therapies
28/07/2025 Duration: 55minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Vass Eliopoulos, co-founder of Longevity Health and a pioneer at the intersection of regenerative medicine, longevity science, and psychedelics. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-314/?ref=278 Dr. Vass shares his journey from emergency medicine to a proactive, prevention-based approach to health optimization for high performers. Dr. Vass shares why today’s healthcare system fails to address the root causes of disease, the synergistic potential of psychedelics, stem cells, peptides, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and how chronic stress and inflammation underlie many modern conditions. He also outlines why psychedelics may be essential in reversing chronic inflammation and treating neurodegenerative diseases—and how prevention, not pathology, should guide the future of medicine. Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos (Dr. Vass) is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Longevity Health, a cutting-edge regen
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Dave Rabin M.D., Ph.D. - Microdosing on SSRIs? A Psychiatrist’s Take
25/07/2025 Duration: 54minFollowing our recent conversation with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris on the neuroscience of SSRIs and psychedelics, this bonus episode takes the next step—focusing on clinical realities, tapering strategies, and patient safety. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-313b/?ref=278 Dr. Dave Rabin—a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro—joins Paul F. Austin for a candid, protocol-driven conversation. Together, they unpack why combining SSRIs with psychedelics can be dangerous, how to safely taper with support tools like ketamine and CBDA, and how to prepare clients for deeper psychedelic work. If you’re a facilitator, therapist, or simply someone navigating antidepressants and interested in microdosing, this episode offers practical, medically-grounded insights. Highlights: How SSRIs blunt emotional range and alter awareness The neuroscience of serotonin and psychedelic receptors Serious risks of serotonin syndrome when mixing with SSRIs Ke
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Dr. Dan Engle - Neuroplasticity Explained: How Psychedelics Heal the Brain
21/07/2025 Duration: 58minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Dan Engle—psychiatrist, neurologist, and integrative medicine pioneer—for a profound discussion on psychedelics, brain health, and healing. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-313/?ref=278 Dr. Dan shares his personal journey through traumatic brain injuries and recovery through both Western neurology and indigenous plant medicine traditions. They explore neuroplasticity vs. neurogenesis, ibogaine’s potential in brain injury recovery, and how belief, awe, and prayer shape healing outcomes. Dr. Dan also reflects on lessons psychiatry can learn from shamanic practice—highlighting the importance of service, community, and ceremony in catalyzing transformation. Dr. Dan Engle is a psychiatrist whose work bridges regenerative medicine, psychedelic research, integrative spirituality, and peak performance. He is founder of Full Spectrum Medicine, a psychedelic integration platform, and Thank You Life, a
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Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D. - SSRIs vs. Psychedelics: From Blunting to Rebooting
18/07/2025 Duration: 58minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and microdosing policy advocate John Downs for a replay of a live event originally held on June 10th, Microdosing vs. SSRIs: What’s Happening in the Brain and Why It Matters. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312b/?ref=278 Together, they explore the scientific distinctions between SSRIs and psychedelics, focusing on neuroimaging, brain entropy, emotional processing, and the REBUS model. Dr. Carhart-Harris shares key insights from landmark studies on psilocybin therapy and discusses the evidence (and limitations) around microdosing. John Downs closes the conversation with an update on the Microdosing Collective’s efforts to shift policy and expand access. Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD is a neuropharmacologist, psychologist, and Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. He leads t
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J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS - The Anatomy of Inner Safety: IFS, Psychedelics & Trauma-Informed Healing
14/07/2025 Duration: 50minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes back J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS—a longtime friend, therapist, and psychedelic pioneer. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312/?ref=278 Ashley shares her journey from community activism to clinical work with ketamine and MDMA, and her new illustrated guide to IFS, Quieting the Storm Within. J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS has led the Southern California Psychedelic Society, served as MAPS trial coordinator for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy, co-founded a ketamine clinic, and offers IFS, Hakomi, integration, and harm reduction training. Her illustrated picture book introduces IFS concepts through visuals and metaphor. Highlights: Ashley’s 8‑year evolution from community to clinical work The origin and intent behind Quieting the Storm Within Clouds & sun: A visual metaphor for the internal landscape
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Manvir Singh - Decoding Shamanism: Psychedelics, Power, and the Architecture of Ritual
07/07/2025 Duration: 01h12minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes anthropologist and author Dr. Manvir Singh to explore the enduring power of shamanism as a psychological and cultural technology. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-311/?ref=278 Singh discusses insights from his fieldwork with the Mentawai people and Amazonian Yopo shamans, explaining how ritual, performance, and belief help people manage uncertainty and catalyze healing. Together with Paul, he examines the contested history of ancient psychedelic use, the risks of neo-shamanic narratives, and the deep psychological roots of sacred ceremony. Dr. Manvir Singh is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, Davis. He holds a BA from Brown University and a PhD in human evolutionary biology from Harvard. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Wired, The Guardian, and top academic journals. His first book, Shamanism: The Timeless Religion, was published in 2025. Highlights:
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Natalie Baird-King - Facing the Unforgivable: Ayahuasca, Childhood Trauma & Self-Compassion
30/06/2025 Duration: 49minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Natalie Baird-King, a board-certified attorney in marital and family law who discovered the transformative power of forgiveness through psychedelic experiences. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-310/?ref=278 Natalie shares her journey from childhood abuse and depression to spiritual healing catalyzed by ayahuasca. As the author of Forgiving Unforgivable, she explains her HOPE model (Harken back, Open your heart, Proclaim forgiveness, Experience freedom) and how forgiveness—particularly self-forgiveness—became the key to healing her trauma and stepping into her purpose. Natalie also discusses how her psychedelic experiences improved her professional approach as a mediator, bringing more compassion to her legal practice and inspiring her to share her story despite potential professional risks. Natalie Baird-King is an accomplished author, transformational coach, and TEDx speaker dedicated to helpin
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Rachel Pastor & Tiffany Hurd - Microdosing for Real Life: Parenting, PTSD, and Professional Growth
24/06/2025 Duration: 59minIn this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Rachel Pastor and Tiffany Hurd, leaders behind Golden Rule Mushrooms, a woman-led microdosing company pushing the boundaries of accessibility, education, and intention in the psychedelic space. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-309/?ref=278 From overcoming heroin addiction and corporate burnout to leading a values-driven microdosing brand, Rachel and Tiffany share their powerful personal journeys and the mission that fuels their work today. They dive into the evolving landscape of legal psychedelics, the challenges of running a public-facing microdosing company, and the line between recreational use and intentional wellness. This candid conversation explores how Golden Rule is reframing the perception of psychedelics by offering trustworthy, well-branded psilocybin and LSD microdoses paired with community support and education. Rachel Pastor is the co-founder of Golden Rule Mushrooms and a pas