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The Psychedelic Podcast

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Rating
★★★★★
4.7
from
319 reviews
This podcast has
379 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Third Wave
Explicit
Yes
Date created
2017/01/30
Latest episode
2026/10/20
Average duration
56 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

The Psychedelic Podcast connects you to the leaders and pioneers of the psychedelic renaissance. From deep healing to creativity, leadership to spirituality, business, health, human performance, relationships, sexuality, and even culture itself—every aspect of our world is being transformed by psychedelic medicines. Get an inspired, informed, balanced look into how these powerful medicines are already being safely and responsibly used to catalyze both personal and collective transformation. Whether you're just curious or a seasoned psychonaut, or somewhere in between, you'll get insightful, practical, cutting-edge conversations from the forefront of the psychedelic movement. Join us as we explore how psychedelics can be integrated into culture for the evolution of humanity.

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Check latest episodes from The Psychedelic Podcast podcast


Daily Low-Dose Ketamine: Why Repetition May Matter More Than Intensity - Eiad Asbahi
2026/10/20
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Eiad Asbahi, founder of Mindscape, a patient care coordination platform that connects people with licensed providers and pharmacies for low-dose ketamine care. Eiad spent 17 years running a hedge fund and reached the kind of success he had always dreamed about. Then his largest investment collapsed and his marriage ended, and he was forced to look inward. This epsiode is sponsored by Eiad Asbahi. Eiad describes the moment he realized he was the common denominator in his own failures. He talks about the core belief underneath it all, that he was "defective," and how Internal Family Systems therapy showed him there are no bad parts. He explains how building inner safety changed the way he parents his daughter, and why he uses ketamine to reconnect rather than to escape. Paul and Eiad also discuss the thinking behind Mindscape's daily low-dose model and the case for repetition over peak experiences. The conversation ends with a candid disagreement about dependence, personal agency, clinical oversight, and what responsible access to ketamine should look like. Eiad Asbahi is a founder and father. He spent 17 years running a hedge fund and reached the highest levels of professional success before a long professional collapse. Around the same time, a divorce sent him inward. He wanted to model a secure relationship for his daughter, so he began Internal Family Systems therapy and spent the next five years rebuilding his relationship with himself. Eiad founded Mindscape to make the kind of guided, medically supervised care that changed his life easier to find and navigate. Mindscape is a patient care coordination platform that connects people with independently licensed providers and pharmacies, and its approach is built on repetition over intensity. Today his work centers on what comes after healing: deliberately rebuilding identity, motivation, and meaning. Highlights: From hedge fund highs to a five-year professional collapse Realizing he was the common denominator in his failures The core belief beneath it all: feeling defective Internal Family Systems and the idea that there are no bad parts How repeated inner work builds inner safety Becoming the protector for his daughter that he never had How Mindscape's stripped-down model differs from other ketamine platforms Daily low-dose ketamine: repetition over intensity, connection over escape Eiad's self-care practices: movement, music, and red light Dependence, agency, and accountability: where Paul and Eiad disagree Episode Links: Mindscape: https://themindscape.com/ Mindscape on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindscape.official Eiad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eiadasbahi
Why 5-MeO-DMT Doesn't Have to Be Explosive - Mira Funk, LCSW
2026/10/05
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Mira Funk, LCSW, a Harvard-educated psychotherapist and the founder of Unjourneying, a private practice built around 5-MeO-DMT, N,N-DMT, and salvia divinorum. This episode is sponsored by Mira Funk. Mira traces her path from fourteen years of Zen meditation into psychedelic work, and explains how a severe reaction to a common nootropic supplement unexpectedly reoriented her entire practice toward presence rather than dramatic, otherworldly trips. She and Paul go deep on the extended-release routes she has pioneered, including subcutaneous, rectal, and vaginal 5-MeO-DMT, and the titrated e-mesh method she uses for salvia divinorum. Throughout the conversation, Mira is candid about the real risks of self-administration, the role of chronic illness in shaping her gentle approach, and why she believes structure matters most for those newest to this work. Mira Funk, LCSW (she/her), is a Harvard-educated queer, nonbinary psychotherapist and psychedelic guide specialized in 5-MeO-DMT, N,N-DMT (including analog ayahuasca), and salvia divinorum. Based in Oregon, she is the founder of Unjourneying, a private therapy practice blending somatic, nondual, and neuroscience-informed methods to optimize psychedelic healing and insight. Unjourneying draws its name from Neem Karoli Baba's reported non-response to LSD; observing this same effect in herself and long-term clients, Mira embraced the radically vivid here and now as her lodestar, rather than some mystical elsewhere. Having battled neurological Lyme disease for over three decades, Mira brings a gentle, trauma-informed approach to clients with physical and emotional challenges. She is the inventor of The Hourglass, a lung-friendly 5-MeO-DMT vaporization system with zero liquid carriers and two-stage cooling, and offers multiple extended-release routes of 5-MeO-DMT, including subcutaneous, rectal, and vaginal preparations for sexual trauma and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is currently the only psychedelic therapist in the field offering titrated dosing of pure salvinorin-A in an e-mesh format. Highlights: Fourteen years of Zen before mushrooms filled the gap Why structure helps most early in psychedelic work A supplement reaction that reshaped her entire practice 5-MeO-DMT as explosion versus something you can surf Building The Hourglass: her own zero-liquid vaporizer Subcutaneous, rectal & vaginal routes for 5-MeO-DMT A rectal 5-MeO-DMT session and healing pelvic trauma Real risks of DIY dosing and sourcing injectables safely Titrating salvia to a whisper with a custom e-mesh device Episode Links:  Unjourneying (Mira's website): https://www.unjourneying.com/ Mira on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unjourneying YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unjourneying Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/unjourneying/membership This episode is also sponsored by: SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Why Medicalizing Psychedelics Is a Mistake - Dave Asprey
2026/09/25
Paul talks with biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey about medicalization, microdosing, consciousness, and Dave's new BEYOND Wonderland psychedelics conference in Austin. In this bonus episode, Paul welcomes back Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof Coffee and creator of the biohacking movement, to talk about BEYOND Wonderland, the psychedelics conference Dave has revamped for October 12-14 in Austin. They also get into medicalization, the CIA's documented role in psychedelic history, what responsible microdosing regulation could look like, and why Dave is as focused on unlocking latent human ability as he is on fixing what's broken. Want to attend BEYOND Wonderland? Get 10% off your ticket with code THIRDWAVE at wonderlandconference.com (Code expires October 10). Episode links: BEYOND Wonderland – Use code THIRDWAVE for 10% off: https://wonderlandconference.com/ Dave Asprey's website: https://daveasprey.com/  Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. We receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use the coupon code. Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Psychedelics, AI, and the Right to Think - Ramez Naam
2026/09/23
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with computer scientist, climate investor, and Nexus author Ramez Naam about psychedelics, AI, neurotechnology, and cognitive liberty. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-374/?ref=278 Ramez shares how psychedelic experiences sparked his interest in neuroscience, inspired his books, and helped redirect his work toward climate and clean energy. He and Paul explore what brain-computer interfaces can do today, the future of psychedelic mental healthcare, and how to protect freedom of thought as AI becomes a more personal tool. Ramez Naam is a computer scientist, mission-focused investor, climate activist, and award-winning author of science fiction and nonfiction. His Nexus trilogy explores the possibilities of mind-to-mind communication technology, while his nonfiction examines human augmentation, neuroscience, climate, and clean energy. He serves as Co-Chair for Energy and Environment at Singularity University and invests through Planetary VC in companies working on clean energy, climate technology, and beneficial uses of AI. Highlights: How psychedelics inspired Ramez's interest in neuroscience and his five books What today's brain-computer interfaces can and cannot do Psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and the future of mental healthcare Medicalization, decriminalization, and psychedelic access The LSD experience that helped shape Ramez's climate work Clean energy progress and the challenges that remain AI privacy, cognitive liberty, and the freedom to think Episode Links: Ramez Naam's website: rameznaam.com Ramez Naam on X: x.com/ramez Ramez Naam on Instagram: instagram.com/rameznaam Episode Sponsors: SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Psychedelic Therapy Needs More Than Good Intentions - Kylea Taylor, M.S., LMFT
2026/09/14
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with therapist and InnerEthics® founder Kylea Taylor about why responsible psychedelic therapy requires more than good intentions. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-373/?ref=278 Kylea explains why non-ordinary states can amplify intimacy, vulnerability, countertransference, and practitioner blind spots. She presents ethics as an ongoing practice of self-inquiry, restraint, and right relationship rather than a set of rules consulted only after something goes wrong. Paul and Kylea also examine personal experience as preparation for facilitation, the complexities of touch and consent, the meaning of inner healing intelligence, and why compassionate peer consultation is essential for anyone holding space in psychedelic work. Kylea Taylor, M.S., LMFT, is a California licensed therapist and the founder of InnerEthics®, a self-reflective approach to relational ethics taught in breathwork and psychedelic practitioner trainings. A certified Holotropic Breathwork® facilitator, she served as a senior trainer with Dr. Stanislav Grof throughout the 1990s. Kylea is the author of The Ethics of Caring and Peer Consultation Groups & Ethical Awareness Tools for Psychedelic Practitioners. She also co-founded SoulCollage®, helping train more than 6,000 facilitators across 63 countries. Highlights: Why non-ordinary states amplify ethical challenges Self-awareness and the practitioner's blind spots Whether facilitators need personal experience with altered states Touch, consent, and client autonomy in psychedelic therapy Supporting inner healing intelligence without over-intervening Recognizing transference and countertransference Right relationship as a practical ethical compass Peer consultation and compassionate accountability Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CmLVfgTpgrc Connect with Kylea: InnerEthics®: https://innerethics.com  KyleaTaylor.com: https://kyleataylor.com  Kylea Taylor's books: https://hanfordmead.com/product-category/authors/kylea-taylor/  InnerEthics® on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerethics/ Kylea Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleataylor/  Episode Sponsors: SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Iboga Initiation and the Wisdom of Discomfort - Paije Alexandra West
2026/09/07
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 the Nyembe rites in 2022, and was initiated with the Fong in 2025. Her work combines traditional Bwiti ceremony with EKGs, pharmacist reviews, licensed therapists, and IFS-informed integration. She runs ETÉREO with her husband and co-founder, Fletcher Burdick, and co-founded the Stone West Foundation. Highlights: How iboga differs from isolated ibogaine treatment What medicalized approaches can lose when culture and ceremony are removed Combining Bwiti tradition with clinical screening and emergency preparation Why responsible providers must be willing to say no Iboga root bark versus total alkaloid extract How Bwiti music shapes the ceremonial experience Discomfort, community, and the limits of modern convenience Why iboga requires long-term integration rather than a quick-fix mindset Episode Links: ETÉREO Stone West Foundation ETÉREO on Instagram @etereo__baja Paije on Instagram: @paijealexandrawest Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-372/?ref=278 Episode Sponsors: SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
SSRI Tapering and Psychedelic Readiness - Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring
2026/08/31
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with psychiatrist and TaperClinic founder Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring about antidepressant withdrawal, psychiatric deprescribing, and psychedelic readiness. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-371/?ref=278 Josef explains what he learned reviewing drug safety at the FDA, why withdrawal can be mistaken for relapse, and how tapering often becomes more difficult at lower doses. They also explore the lifestyle foundations of mental health, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and why psychedelic clinics may need far more sophisticated support as increasingly medicated patients seek psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ketamine. Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, MD, is a psychiatrist renowned for his expertise in drug tapering and withdrawal management. With years of experience in clinical psychiatry, he has developed a particular interest and specialization in assisting patients with the safe and effective tapering of psychiatric medications. His approach is patient-centered, focusing on individualized plans that prioritize patient well-being and functioning. He is the founder and medical director of TaperClinic. Highlights: What antidepressant research leaves unanswered Why withdrawal can resemble relapse How lower doses change tapering Five foundations before optimization hacks Benzodiazepines in psychiatric deprescribing Psychedelics versus conventional drug models Insurance pressure on psychedelic clinics Preparing for heavily medicated patients TaperClinic: https://taperclinic.com/ TaperClinic Free Guide: https://taperclinic.com/free-guide/ SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin: https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/ssri-deprescribing-and-psychedelic-readiness-certification/?ref=12 Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
SSRIs, Psychedelics, & Rethinking Mental Health Treatment - Robert Whitaker
2026/08/24
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with investigative journalist Robert Whitaker about the evidence behind psychiatric prescribing, SSRI withdrawal, and what psychedelic medicine can learn from that history. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-370/?ref=278 Whitaker revisits the chemical imbalance theory, long-term antidepressant outcomes, and how psychiatric drugs evolved from short-term interventions toward chronic use. He also explores the social and environmental dimensions of mental health before turning to psychedelic medicine and the risks of recreating a drug-centered model of care. Robert Whitaker is the author of five books, three examining the history of psychiatry. His 2010 book, Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness, won the U.S. Investigative Reporters and Editors award for best investigative journalism. He is president of the Mad in America Foundation and founder of MadinAmerica.com, which features research news and perspectives from an international group of writers interested in rethinking psychiatry. Highlights: How the chemical imbalance story took hold What long-term psychiatric outcomes reveal How antidepressants became long-term treatment SSRI withdrawal versus recurring depression When SSRIs help, and at what cost Mental health beyond individual brain chemistry Psychedelic medicalization and personal agency Community, ritual, and psychedelic experience Episode Links: Mad in America Robert Whitaker Books SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training with Dr. Dave Rabin Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Ketamine, SSRIs & the Future of Psychedelic Therapy - Dr. Remi Drozd
2026/08/17
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Remi Drozd back to explore ketamine, SSRIs, and the changing landscape of psychedelic mental health care. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-369/?ref=278 Since Remi first appeared on the podcast in Episode 182, Lucid Therapeutics has grown from a small ketamine practice into a ten-room interventional mental health clinic offering ketamine treatments, Spravato, TMS, therapy, integration support, and other approaches. Paul and Remi examine one of the less-discussed challenges facing psychedelic medicine: many prospective patients are already taking antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. Remi explains why SSRI tapering needs to be individualized, how ketamine may support some patients through treatment transitions, and what clinicians may need to consider as psilocybin and other psychedelic therapies move closer to mainstream clinical use. Dr. Remi Drozd is a board-certified physician and founder of Lucid Therapeutics in Santa Barbara. After 15 years practicing emergency medicine, he shifted toward more integrative approaches to mental health care. He has trained in ketamine therapy and MDMA-assisted therapy through MAPS. His work focuses on individualized care, expanding access, and preparing for how emerging psychedelic treatments may fit into the existing mental healthcare system. Highlights: The growth of Lucid Therapeutics Expanding access through insurance-based care Navigating ketamine alongside SSRIs Why SSRI tapering must be individualized Withdrawal versus the return of depression Preparing patients for future psilocybin therapy The infrastructure required for psychedelic treatment Bringing longer psychedelic sessions into existing clinics Episode Links: SSRI Deprescribing & Psychedelic Readiness Training: https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/ssri-deprescribing-and-psychedelic-readiness-certification/?ref=8 Lucid Therapeutics: https://www.thelucid.life/ Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Psychedelic Medicine's Biggest Blind Spots - Dr. Richard Louis Miller
2026/08/10
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Richard Louis Miller about what psychedelic medicine must get right as it moves toward broader acceptance. Richard explains why transparent reporting of adverse effects is essential to informed choice, where research still leaves important gaps, and how commercialization could shape access and treatment. They examine 5-MeO-DMT, group therapy, and the limits of one-to-one care. Richard also shares his approach to aging through exercise, real food, rest, and human connection. Dr. Richard Louis Miller is a clinical psychologist, author, and broadcaster with over 65 years of clinical experience in mind-body health. At 87, he continues to practice, teach, and share the tools that have helped thousands of people master anxiety, overthinking, and negative self-talk. He founded the Cokenders Alcohol and Drug Program, which detoxified over 1,500 people without medication, and created the Health Sanctuary at Wilbur Hot Springs, which he directed for 48 years. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, NBC News, and CBS News. He has also served as a consultant to the President's Commission on Mental Health and the U.S. Department of Justice. Episode Highlights: Why psychedelic science needs full transparency Balancing potential benefits against real risks Who psychedelic research frequently leaves out Illegality as an overlooked adverse effect 5-MeO-DMT and the pharmaceutical model Making psychedelic care more accessible Aging as a practice of maintenance Real connection over longevity trends Episode Links: Dr. Richard Louis Miller's website Mind Body Health & Politics Dr. Miller's book, The Adverse Effects & Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Medicines Instagram: @drrichardlouismiller Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-368/?ref=278 Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes." Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Inside the World of Dark Retreats - Ian Gardner
2026/08/04
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Ian Gardner, founder and CEO of The Acraya, about dark retreats as an ancient contemplative practice now entering Western culture. This episode is sponsored by The Acraya. Listeners of The Psychedelic Podcast can receive 5% off an Acraya retreat. Visit https://acraya.global/thirdwave and use discount code 3WAVE when booking. Ian explains what happens when external stimulation disappears, why boredom and difficult inner material can become central parts of the experience, and how dark retreats compare with psychedelics and extended meditation. He also discusses screening, facilitator training, post-retreat integration, and his vision for technologically supported retreat centers in Costa Rica, Nepal, Bali, and beyond. Episode Highlights: Ancient roots of dark retreat practice What remains when sensory anchors disappear Psychedelics versus gradual inner awakening Boredom as a gateway to deeper material Preparing for several days in darkness Why facilitators need embodied experience Screening for psychological contraindications Technology designed to support retreat safety Integrating before returning to ordinary life Scaling dark retreat centers worldwide Ian Gardner is the founder and CEO of The Acraya, a network of dark meditation retreat sanctuaries. A seasoned entrepreneur, he has founded and exited five companies across biotechnology, renewable energy, and electric vehicles in private and public markets. While earning his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles, Ian was introduced to yoga and meditation. He later explored Transcendental Meditation, Self-Realization Fellowship, Eckankar, Mudrashram, and the Bridge Path. In 2001, he traveled to Allahabad, India, for the Maha Kumbh Mela before entering a year of seclusion, during which he meditated for up to eight hours daily. Ian has written six books related to esoteric teachings and spent two years working at the Esalen Institute. In 2023, he founded the Church of the Acraya to support the development of dark meditation retreat centers worldwide. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife and children and maintains a daily meditation practice. Epoisode Links: Explore The Acraya and receive 5% off with code 3WAVE Additional Episode Sponsors: The Psychedelic Practitioner Certification by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-367/?ref=278 Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes." Disclaimer: This episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice. Any views, experiences, or claims expressed by the guest are his own and do not necessarily represent those of Third Wave or The Psychedelic Podcast.
Healing the Need to Prove: Psychedelics and Enoughness - Blake Mycoskie
2026/07/28
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie for an honest conversation about depression, psychedelics, recovery, and the lifelong need to prove his worth. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-366/?ref=278 Blake explains how an early ayahuasca experience gave him the sense that he had already done enough, even though he had not yet learned to feel that he was enough. He shares what followed after selling TOMS, including a profound depression, a psychiatric diagnosis he later came to question, four medications, and a carefully supported nine-month taper. Paul and Blake also discuss the daily meditation practice that helped reshape his relationship with self-worth, the return of his entrepreneurial energy, his $100 million commitment to psychedelic research and access, and why the future of psychedelic care will require scalable integration, group support, and careful use of emerging AI tools. Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS and creator of the One for One movement, which provided more than 100 million pairs of shoes to children in need. After selling TOMS and navigating a profound depression, he founded WE ARE ENOUGH, a movement supporting mental health organizations and challenging the belief that worth depends on achievement. Blake is also the host of the No Magic Pill podcast and has pledged $100 million to psychedelic research and access. Today, he brings his renewed entrepreneurial energy to ventures including Morning Water and Moovlab. Highlights: Building TOMS through the One for One model Ayahuasca and the feeling of having done enough Depression, misdiagnosis, and psychiatric medication tapering Reworking the belief of never being enough Entrepreneurship and purpose after recovery Funding psychedelic research and access Scaling integration through group support AI therapy and psychedelic integration Episode Links: Blake's Website: https://blakemycoskie.com/ We Are Enough: https://weareenough.co/ No Magic Pill: https://nomagicpill.com/ Morning Water: https://morningwater.co/ Episode Sponsors: The Psychedelic Practitioner Certification by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes. Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Inside the God Molecule: An Honest Look at 5-MeO-DMT
2026/07/22
In this solo episode, Paul F. Austin offers a candid introduction to 5-MeO-DMT, one of the shortest and most intense psychedelic experiences. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-365/?ref=278 Paul distinguishes synthetic 5-MeO-DMT from Bufo, compares it with N,N-DMT and psilocybin, and examines the risks that social media narratives often leave out. He also explores low-dose versus breakthrough work, nervous system readiness, medication interactions, facilitator screening, reactivations, ecological responsibility, and why integration may matter far more than the experience itself. Paul F. Austin is an entrepreneur, educator, and pioneer in the psychedelic field. He is the founder of Third Wave, a leading platform dedicated to psychedelic education, and the Psychedelic Coaching Institute, which trains coaches and practitioners to responsibly support psychedelic experiences and integration. As host of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul has interviewed hundreds of researchers, clinicians, Indigenous wisdom keepers, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators. His work focuses on psychedelics, leadership, personal development, mental health, and cultural transformation. Highlights: 5-MeO-DMT beyond the social media hype Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT versus Bufo How 5-MeO differs from N,N-DMT Low-dose work versus complete ego dissolution Why nervous system readiness matters Medication interactions and physical safety How to evaluate a 5-MeO facilitator Why integration outlasts the experience Episode Links: The Psychedelic Practitioner Certification by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Third Wave's Ultimate Guide to 5-MeO-DMT Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
Posting About Psychedelics in the Age of AI - Victoria J. Cvitanovic
2026/07/13
In this special replay of a past Psychedelic Coaching Institute webinar, Paul F. Austin is joined by Victoria J. Cvitanovic, attorney and leader of the Psychedelic Medicine and AI Governance practices at Rudick Law Group, for a practical conversation on how AI is reshaping psychedelic practice. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-364/?ref=278 Together, Paul and Victoria explore why psychedelic content can get flagged online, how automated moderation systems are changing what practitioners can safely post, and why educational content may still be misread by platforms like Meta. They also discuss payment processor risk, account freezes, client data privacy, AI note-taking tools, website compliance, and the legal nuance practitioners need to understand before building or growing their work online. Victoria J. Cvitanovic is a psychedelic medicine, cannabis, wellness, and tech attorney. In addition to her law degree, Victoria holds CIPP-US and AIGP certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. She leads the Psychedelic Medicine and AI Governance practices at Rudick Law Group, where she also serves as the firm's Data Privacy Officer. Her work covers cybersecurity, data privacy, AI governance, regulatory compliance, corporate formation, licensing, and healthcare integration. Highlights: AI moderation and psychedelic content Why psychedelic posts get flagged online Posting about psychedelics responsibly Payment processors and risk reviews What to do when funds freeze Data privacy in client work AI tools and practitioner liability Website compliance basics Episode Links:  Rudick Law Group Psychedelic Coaching Institute Episode Sponsors:    The Practitioner Certification Program by The Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."
Why Psychedelic Therapy Needs to Be Relational - Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
2026/07/06
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, creator of Relational Frame Theory, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Full Show Notes: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-363/?ref=278 Hayes reflects on his early experiences in the Summer of Love, why psychedelics were never meant to be treated as a party, and how those formative explorations helped shape his lifelong work on psychological flexibility. Paul and Steven explore what psychedelics can reveal about the nature of self, the role of preparation and context in safe outcomes, and why psychedelic therapy must not be reduced to a patented, "script and go" biomedical model. Their conversation also examines ACT, trauma, attachment, group experience, spiritual community, and the importance of honoring each person's unique path rather than forcing transformation into averages, labels, or protocols. Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., is a Nevada Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno and President of the Institute for Better Health, a 45-year-old charitable organization that promotes quality in mental and behavioral health services. He is the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, creator of Relational Frame Theory, and a co-developer of Process-Based Therapy. Hayes has authored nearly 750 scientific articles and 48 books, including Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and A Liberated Mind. His methods are distributed worldwide by the World Health Organization and other major scientific agencies, and are commonly used in psychedelic-assisted therapy. His TEDx talks and blogs have been viewed or read by more than five million people, and he is among the most cited psychologists in the world. Highlights: Psychedelics as tools of the mind The Summer of Love's unfinished lessons Self as context and spiritual awareness Why good trips feel like coming home ACT as psychological flexibility Preparation, safety, and lasting change The danger of "script and go" psychedelics Group ceremony and relational healing Particularity, averages, and human uniqueness Psychedelics beyond the therapy frame Episode Links: Steven's Website Steven on Medium Steven Instagram Steven on Linkedin Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes."

Podcast reviews

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4.7 out of 5
319 reviews
★★★★★
212centimeters 2026/07/13
Thoughtful, insightful, and great content
I've been listening to this podcast for a little over a year now and it consistently delivers content that is useful, insightful, and starts great con...
★★★★☆
Joestak 2025/05/21
Wonderful insights
I have only recently listened to one episode. The ketamine therapy insight was what brought me here to listen. I am possibly going to have a session w...
★★★★★
Darthneeks 2025/01/03
Love it
This podcast hosts a range of guests who are knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated to expanding consciousness. Love it!
★★★★★
Tgracer8 2024/03/24
Comprehensive
This podcast never disappoints. What I like about it so much is how it’s very multidisciplinary and talks about ‘the third wave’ from so many angles.
★★☆☆☆
T_Cook12 2023/11/14
Infomercial Junk
Supplement store.
★★★★★
Shakti Mata 2023/03/31
Great forum on the context of healing, growth and the promise of psychedelics- thank you!
What a treasure for anyone interested or experienced in the “betterment of well people” as we move forward in this 3rd wave. Thank you for the support...
★★★★★
DrGabbyPelicci 2023/03/28
Best podcast on psychedelics!
I love listening to these episodes. I learn so much.
★★★☆☆
Holla1010 2023/02/09
Unprofessional and disorganized
Although I am very interested in this topic, I find this podcast difficult to get through. It is long and often rambling in a disorganized way and no...
★★★★★
Elena_Aguilar 2022/12/18
Informative and compelling
A great range of content and topics. Always informative and compelling.
★★★★★
UzLurkin 2022/05/03
Best interviewer
Out of all the podcasters covering this topic.
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