In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at the inaugural Eudaimonia summit in West Palm Beach. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-287/?ref=278 As the founder of the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and now the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, Dr. Carhart-Harris shares his research on how psychedelics affect the brain's default mode network. He explains the key differences between psychedelic therapy and traditional psychiatric medications, discusses his current studies examining the role of set and setting, and explores the unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT. The conversation weaves between detailed neuroscience, the challenges of integrating psychedelics into healthcare, and personal reflections on his 20-year commitment to advancing psychedelic research. Prof Carhart-Harris holds the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professorship in Neurology and Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he founded the Carhart-Harris Lab in 2023. His groundbreaking research includes human neuroimaging studies with LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT, along with clinical trials of psilocybin therapy for various disorders. He founded the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London in 2019. Named in TIME magazine's '100 Next' in 2021 and Vox Magazine's 'Future 50' in 2023, his current research at UCSF focuses on understanding the mechanisms of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy.

Highlights:

• Origins and evolution of psychedelic research in neuroscience
• The role of default mode network in consciousness
• How psychedelics differ from traditional SSRIs
• The relationship between serotonin discovery and LSD research 
• Challenges of integrating psychedelic therapy into healthcare 
• Current research projects at UCS
• The unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT
• Personal reflections on 20 years in psychedelic research 

Episode Link:

• Website

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Cassandra Vieten, Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and Clinical Psychology Director at the Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative at UCSD.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-286/?ref=278 Dr. Vieten shares insights on the relationship between imagination, psychedelics, and mental health, exploring how these elements intersect to create transformative experiences. She discusses groundbreaking research on psilocybin for phantom limb pain, the importance of both scientific rigor and therapeutic wisdom in psychedelic research, and how imagination can be cultivated as a vital skill for personal and societal transformation. Cassandra Vieten is Clinical Professor and Director of the Center for Mindfulness at the Centers for Integrative Health in the Department of Family Medicine at UC San Diego. She is also Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and Clinical Psychology Director at the Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative at UCSD. She is Senior Advisor of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation where she served as Executive Director from 2019-2023, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, where she served as President from 2013-2019. Her research has focused on spirituality and health, transformative experiences and practices, the development of mindfulness-based interventions for emotional well-being, and development of media technologies to inspire awe. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and completed her research training in behavioral genetics at UC San Francisco. She has authored three books, published numerous articles in scientific journals, and is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and workshop leader.

Highlights:

• The mental health renaissance
• Exercise and mental wellness
• Origins of the Clarke Center
• Understanding noetic sciences
• Imagination and development
• Psilocybin for phantom limb pain
• Psychedelics vs opioids for pain
• Psychedelics with or without therapy
• Group vs individual treatment
• Imagination as transformation

Episode Links:

• Dr. Vieten’s Website
• UC San Diego Center for Psychedelic Research
• Arthur C Clark Center for Human Imagination
• Dr. Vieten’s TEDx Talk at TEDxSanDiego
• Institute of Noetic Sciences

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Tiffany Hurd, a microdosing coach and business leadership advisor who bridges the worlds of psychedelics and corporate culture. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-285/?ref=278 Drawing from her 15-year corporate background and extensive experience with psychedelic medicines, Tiffany shares insights on bringing microdosing into professional environments, discusses her personal journey from Division I athlete to corporate executive to psychedelic advocate, and explores how these powerful tools can transform workplace culture and leadership. Tiffany Hurd is a microdosing coach, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences. Drawing from her 15+ years in the corporate medical industry, where she held executive sales & business development roles at Fortune 500 companies, Tiffany helps organizations optimize their growth through customized microdosing protocols. Her expertise lies in teaching business leaders how to achieve professional and personal fulfillment using microdosing and emotional intelligence leadership skills. Her work focuses on helping companies retain talent, elevate team relationships, and cultivate emotional awareness while creating purpose-driven organizations at the intersection of business, leadership, and psychedelics.

Highlights:

• From challenging upbringing to Division I basketball player 
• Transition from corporate medical sales to psychedelic coaching
• Personal experience weaning off psychiatric medications through microdosing
• Discussion of microdosing protocols and safety considerations
• From productivity machine to conscious business
• Practical considerations for psychedelic workplace programs
• Vision for the future of psychedelics in business
• Integration of AI and psychedelics in business landscape

Episode Links:

• Website
• Tiffany on Instagram
• Tiffany on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Rick Strassman, pioneering psychedelic researcher and author of "DMT: The Spirit Molecule."  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-284/?ref=278 Dr. Strassman shares insights from his groundbreaking DMT research in the 1990s, discusses recent developments in extended-state DMT studies, and explores the complex relationship between psychedelics, spirituality, and organized religion. Drawing from his new memoir "My Altered States," he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal experience, clinical research, and spiritual growth in the psychedelic field.

A native of Los Angeles, Rick Strassman obtained his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, general psychiatry training at UC Davis, and a clinical psychopharmacology research fellowship training at UC San Diego. Joining the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1984, his clinical research on melatonin discovered its first known function in humans.

Between 1990-1995 he performed the first new US clinical research with psychedelic drugs—DMT and psilocybin—in a generation. From 1995-2008 he practiced general psychiatry in community mental health and the private sector. He has authored or co-authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed papers, has served as guest editor and reviewer for numerous scientific journals, and consulted to various government, non-profit, and for-profit entities. His best-selling book DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2001) has been translated into 13 languages and is the basis of a successful independent documentary that he co-produced. 

In 2008, he co-authored Inner Paths to Outer Space. His interest in Hebrew biblical prophecy and psychedelia resulted in his 2014 book DMT and the Soul of prophecy. His first novel, Joseph Levy Escapes Death, was published in 2019. The Psychedelic Handbook appeared in 2022, and My Altered States, an illustrated collection of personal narratives, will appear in December 2024.

Highlights:

• Origins of DMT research at University of New Mexico and initial melatonin studies 
• The relationship between DMT and the pineal gland, discussing recent scientific findings
• Exploration of DMT's role in modulating our sense of reality 
• Discussion of entity encounters in DMT experiences 
• Extended-state DMT research and therapeutic applications 
• Personal journey with psychedelics and Buddhist practice 
• Challenges between psychedelics and organized religion 

Episode links: 

• Dr. Strassman’s new book, My Altered States
• Dr. Strassman’s website
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule (book) 
• (podcast) Navigating Complexity: Psychedelics, AI, & Extended-State DMT - Alexander Beiner
• (podcast) Beyond the Mainstream: Insights from Psychedelic Chemistry, Culture, & Consciousness - Hamilton Morris

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this special bonus episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes renowned ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin for an intimate preview of the upcoming Costa Rica Intensive in February 2025.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283b/

Dr. Plotkin shares insights from his decades of work with indigenous communities in the Amazon, discusses the delicate balance between commercialization and preservation of sacred plant medicines, and explores the crucial distinctions between traditional shamanic practices and modern therapeutic approaches. As a special guest for the upcoming intensive, he offers valuable perspectives on integrating indigenous wisdom with contemporary psychedelic practices while emphasizing the importance of humility and continuous learning in working with these powerful medicines.

Dr. Mark Plotkin is a renowned ethnobotanist who has studied traditional indigenous plant use with elder shamans of Central and South America for over 30 years. As President of the Amazon Conservation Team, which he co-founded in 1996, Dr. Plotkin works to protect biological and cultural diversity in the Amazon rainforest. Time Magazine named him an environmental "Hero for the Planet," and his TED Talk on protecting uncontacted tribes has garnered over a million views. His work combines rigorous scientific research with deep respect for indigenous wisdom and traditional healing practices.

* Join Dr. Plotkin and Paul F. Austin this February 2025 at the Costa Rica  Psychedelic Intensive, featuring three guided psilocybin experiences and exclusive workshops exploring the intersection of indigenous wisdom and modern healing practices. *

Highlights:

• Dr. Plotkin’s current work and the new Center for Protection of the Guardians of Ancestral Wisdom
• Updates on protecting uncontacted tribes and conservation efforts
• Perspectives on psychedelics' role in environmental connection
• Indigenous approaches to healing and community
• Historical context of mushroom use in Oaxaca  
• Cautionary insights about commercialization of sacred medicines

Episode Links:

• Amazon Conservation Team
• Plants of the Gods Podcast
• Upcoming book by Paul Stamets: "Psilocybin Mushrooms in their Native Habitat"
• Christopher Hobbs' "Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide"
• Fantastic Fungi documentary
• Third Wave’s Psychedelic Intensive, Feb 8-15, 2025 in Costa Rica

These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Michael Madera, psychologist, executive coach, and author of "Playing Tag on the Roof." He is also a graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283/?ref=278

Michael shares his journey of growing up in a narcissistic family environment, where his father became a con man and his mother a Buddhist nun. He discusses how psychedelics, Internal Family Systems therapy, and other modalities helped him heal from childhood trauma and informed his approach to coaching family businesses. Through his work and personal experience, Michael illuminates the complex interplay between family dynamics, leadership, and the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines.

Michael D. Madera is a psychologist, author, and executive coach specializing in family business dynamics and innovative healing modalities. Trained at Harvard institutions, he combines traditional psychology with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and breathwork facilitation. His recently released book "Playing Tag on the Roof" explores recovery from narcissistic family dynamics through psychedelics and love. Michael's articles in Family Business press are frequently among the most downloaded in the field. He leads transformative plant medicine retreats in Costa Rica and maintains an active coaching practice helping individuals and family businesses thrive. Beyond his professional work, Michael leads a Boston-based dance band and enjoys sports. He lives near Boston with his wife and two college-age sons.

Highlights:

• Growing up between Toronto and Boston 
• Journey to becoming a psychologist 
• Understanding narcissistic personalities
• Growing up with narcissistic parents 
• Healing through psychotherapy and meditation 
• The three circles of family business
• Psychedelics' role in healing trauma
• IFS and psychedelic integration 
• Ancestral patterns in family businesses

Episode Links:

• Resounding Circles
• Madera Partners Consulting
• Dr. Madera’s new book, “Playing Tag on the Roof: Recovering from a narcissistic family through love and psychedelics”

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Wendy Tucker, board chair of Shulgin Farm and owner of Transform Press.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-282-wendy-tucker/?ref=278

Wendy shares intimate stories about her stepfather Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and mother Ann, including their remarkable love story and groundbreaking work in psychedelic research. She discusses the historic significance of the Shulgin Farm, where Sasha's famous lab produced over 200 novel compounds, and details current efforts to preserve this important piece of psychedelic history. The conversation explores the Shulgins' legacy of open science, collaborative research, and their impact on the current psychedelic renaissance.

Highlights:

• History of Shulgin Farm and its significance since 1935 
• The love story of Sasha and Ann Shulgin
• MDMA, 2-CB, and a litmus test of lovemaking
• The Shulgins’ legacy of bold research and open science
• The longterm vision of the Farm and Shulgin Foundation
• Wendy's initial impressions of Sasha
• Sasha's methodical approach to creating and testing new compounds
• The 1994 DEA raid and its impact
• Transform Press and the story of PiHKAL & TiHKAL
• Current preservation efforts and fundraising goals

Links:

• Shulgin Farm
• Transform Press
• Instagram: @shulginfoundation

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this solo cast episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin shares deep insights on why group work is essential for practitioners in the psychedelic space.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-281/?ref=278

Drawing from Richard Rohr's essay on liminality and his own transformative experiences at Synthesis, Paul explores how collective psychedelic experiences create powerful containers for growth and transformation. He emphasizes three core aspects of effective group work—embodiment, nature connectedness, and community—while making a compelling case for why practitioners must "walk the walk" through their own guided group experiences before supporting others.

Highlights:

• Liminality and its relationship to psychedelic experiences
• Personal story of group experience at Synthesis retreat 
• The importance of "walking the walk" as practitioners 
• Three core aspects of retreat work: embodiment, nature connectedness, and community
• The significance of choosing the right community for growth 
• Guidance for practitioners considering group experiences 

Episode Links:

• Third Wave’s Psychedelic Intensive in Costa Rica
• The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program

Paul F. Austin is one of the most prominent voices in the world of psychedelics, and is the author of Mastering Microdosing: How to Use Sub-Perceptual Psychedelics to Heal Trauma, Improve Performance, and Transform Your Life.

As the founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, he has educated millions on the importance of safe and effective psychedelic experiences. A pioneer at the intersection of microdosing, personal transformation, and professional success, he has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and the BBC’s Worklife.

Paul helps others use microdosing as a tool for professional development and increased self-awareness by treating the use of psychedelics as a skill refined through mentorship and courageous exploration.

Learning how to master this skill will be crucial in the story of humanity’s present-future evolution.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes food and nature writer Eugenia Bone to discuss her new book, "Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience."

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-280?ref=278

Drawing from extensive research, personal experimentation, and interviews, Eugenia shares insights into the world of psilocybin mushrooms, from cultivation to ceremonial use. She explores the intersection of citizen science and clinical research, the role of indigenous wisdom, and offers a balanced perspective on the current psychedelic renaissance.

Eugenia Bone is food and nature writer whose work has appeared in many anthologies, magazines, and newspapers, including The New York Times, The National Lampoon, Saveur, Gourmet, BBC Science, and The Wall Street Journal, where she is a frequent book reviewer. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and former president of the New York Mycological Society. She is faculty at the New York Botanical Garden where she teaches classes on psychedelic mushrooms and mycophagy. She is the author or co-author of nine books on food and biology, and has won or been nominated for a variety of awards, including the Nautilus Award, the Colorado Book Award and the James Beard Award. Eugenia has been featured on many dozens of radio shows and podcasts, lectured widely in diverse venues like The New York Public Library, the Denver Botanical Garden and The telluride Mushroom Festival where she is a regular presenter. She is featured in the documentary directed by Louie Schwartzberg, Fantastic Fungi (2019), and in the Netflix children’s show about food, Waffles + Mochi (the mushroom episode) produced by Michele Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Eugenia's new book and her approach to writing about psychedelics 
• The process of researching and writing "Have a Good Trip"
• The "Noccers" of Seattle: Urban mushroom cultivation activists
• Experience with indigenous ceremonies and curanderas
• Personal journey with mushroom cultivation
• The role of citizen science in psychedelic research
• Insights from microdosing experiences
• Final wisdom about having a good trip

Episode Links:

• Eugenia’s website
• Eugenia's book, Have a Good Trip
• Instagram: @EugeniaGBone
• Eugenia's Substack

These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In Part 2 of this profound conversation, Paul Chek delves deep into the relationship between psychedelics, personal mythology, and spiritual development.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-279-paul-chek/?ref=278 

He explores how plant medicines can help unveil our individual myths while emphasizing the critical importance of proper preparation and sacred intention. Drawing from decades of experience as both a therapist and medicine carrier, Paul discusses the delicate balance between therapeutic potential and risk, sharing insights about the nature of God, consciousness, and responsible engagement with powerful medicines. He offers wisdom about the differences between recreational and ceremonial use, while exploring how our relationship with power, mind, love, and money influences our medicine experiences.

Use code THIRDWAVE15 for 15% off any membership at Spirit Gym at myspiritgym.com

Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in the fields of corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, holistic wellness and integrative lifestyle management. For over forty years, Paul’s unique, integrated approach to coaching and education has changed the lives of many of his clients, his students and their clients. By treating the body as a integrated system of systems and finding the root cause of a problem, Paul has been successful where traditional approaches have consistently failed. Author of numerous books, videos and professional development courses, he is the creator of Spirit Gym, founder of the CHEK Institute, and the host of the popular Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast.

Highlights:

• Paul explains his vaporized tobacco blend
• Understanding myth and its role in psychedelic experiences
• Importance of preparation and screening for ceremonies
• Four key areas of life to examine before ceremony: power, mental energy, love, & money
• Managing power and responsibility with plant medicines
• Distinctions between sacred use and recreational consumption
• Spirit Gym and Paul's comprehensive teaching approach

Links:

• Part 1 of this 2-part conversation with Paul Chek
• Chek Institute
• Spirit Gym (use code THIRDWAVE15 for 15% off any membership)
• paulchek.com
• Paul’s YouTube Channel

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.