Chief Change Officer

#370 Paul Austin: Can Psychedelics Unlock Performance—Without Losing the Plot?


Listen Later

Paul Austin isn’t here to evangelize psychedelics. He’s here to demystify them.

As the founder and CEO of Third Wave, Paul has spent a decade educating the public on responsible psychedelic use—from microdosing protocols to full-dose journeys. In this episode, he shares how psychedelics are being used not just to treat mental health conditions, but to enhance leadership, decision-making, and personal clarity.

We explore the science of neuroplasticity, the legal gray zones, and the risks of skipping the prep work. For high-performers feeling stuck or burnt out, Paul outlines a roadmap grounded in safety, structure, and serious self-inquiry. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a guide—not a push—for what transformation can look like when approached with respect.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Why He Started Third Wave—and Why His Dad Tried It Too

“My dad once told me he hadn’t been that disappointed since his brother died. Years later, I guided him through his first psilocybin journey.”

From Microdosing to Life Design

“Microdosing isn’t about escape—it’s about reprogramming. You still have to show up and do the hard stuff.”

Psychedelics as a Skill, Not a Fix

“Just like cooking or martial arts, this is a practice. You get better with time, feedback, and intention.”

When Leaders Feel Stuck, This Is the Pattern Breaker

“For many execs I work with, it’s not about trauma—it’s about lost clarity, emotional fog, or a 360 review that hit too close to home.”

Start Low, Go Slow: Why That Advice Matters More Than Ever

“You can always take more—you can’t take less. Begin with microdosing. Build awareness before diving deep.”

The Snow Globe and the Ski Slope: Two Metaphors That Explain It All

“Think of psychedelics as shaking up the snow globe. Or fresh powder on a slope—you’re no longer stuck in someone else’s ruts.”

Legal Doesn’t Mean Safe. Illegal Doesn’t Mean Dangerous.

“Psychedelics became illegal for political—not medical—reasons. But that doesn’t mean you can skip the legal risks.”

Where It’s Legal—And What to Do If It’s Not

“Colorado. Oregon. The Netherlands. Costa Rica. Go where it’s legal. Work with a guide. Respect the law.”

The Five Elements of a Safe Psychedelic Journey

“Assessment. Preparation. Facilitation. Integration. Microdosing. Miss one, and the whole thing can derail.”

Why No One Should Be Talked Into It

“Don’t do it for your friend, your spouse, or your coach. You have to want this for you.”

_____________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Paul Austin

 

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Chief Change OfficerBy Vince Chan

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

41 ratings


More shows like Chief Change Officer

View all
The Ramsey Show by Ramsey Network

The Ramsey Show

38,671 Listeners

HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

183 Listeners

The $100 MBA Show by Omar Zenhom

The $100 MBA Show

1,115 Listeners

Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job by Mac Prichard

Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

613 Listeners

How to Be Awesome at Your Job by How to be Awesome at Your Job

How to Be Awesome at Your Job

1,040 Listeners

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing) by Hala Taha | Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing | YAP Media Network

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)

1,291 Listeners

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway by Vox Media Podcast Network

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

5,257 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,166 Listeners

3 Takeaways by Lynn Thoman

3 Takeaways

255 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

28,345 Listeners

Passion Struck with John R. Miles by John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

1,291 Listeners

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin by Money News Network

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

1,732 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,918 Listeners

HBR On Strategy by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Strategy

84 Listeners

The Jefferson Fisher Podcast by Civility Media

The Jefferson Fisher Podcast

7,741 Listeners