Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

Sam Believ
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Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ The #1 resource for Ayahuasca, Psychedelics, and Mental Health. Explore the transformative world of plant medicine and psychedelic therapy with Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat. This podcast dives deep into the healing power of Ayahuasca, offering expert clinical insights, indigenous wisdom, and raw success stories of trauma recovery and spiritual awakening. What you’ll learn: Expert Interviews: Conversations with world-renowned scientists, doctors, and shamans. Healing Stories: Real-life accounts of overcoming PTSD, depression, and addiction through Ayahuasca. Integration & Safety: Practical advice on Ayahuasca integration, preparation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Frontiers of Science: Latest research on Ayahuasca, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and the intersection of science and spirituality. Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced practitioner, join us as we bridge Western medicine with ancient Amazonian traditions to help you heal and transform your life. Visit our home: www.ayahuascapodcast.com Retreat with us: www.lawayra.com Top Featured Guests International Public Figures Gabor Maté (World-renowned expert on trauma and addiction) Dennis McKenna (Legendary ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer) Wade Davis (National Geographic Explorer, world-famous anthropologist) Paul Austin (Founder of The Third Wave, major figure in microdosing) Ian McCall (Former UFC fighter and psychedelic advocate) Bill Richards (Psilocybin research pioneer at Johns Hopkins) Troy Casey (The "Certified Health Nut," major social media presence) Hamilton Souther (Well-known shaman and founder of Blue Morpho) Influential Thought Leaders & Authors Dave Rabin (Neuroscientist/Psychiatrist, Apollo Neuro founder) Lauren Taus (Leading psychedelic-assisted therapist) Bia Labate (Executive Director of Chacruna Institute) Norman Ohler (Author of the NYT bestseller Blitzed) Spring Washam (Prominent meditation teacher and author) Joe Tafur (Author of The Fellowship of the River) Alex Beiner (Author and executive director of Rebel Wisdom) Jesse Harless (Expert on recovery and heart-centered leadership) Tracey Tee (Founder of Moms on Mushrooms) Kyle Buller (Co-founder of Psychedelics Today) Industry Experts & Specialized Practitioners Marc Aixala Rick Barnett Steve Thayer Rotem Petranker Salimeh Tabrizi Ayla Schafer Lex Pelger Daniel Shankin Natasia Pelgrom Nick Courtright Matt Zemon Shawn Wells

  1. Weed Addiction and Bad Trips with Tom Camposano

    26 APR

    Weed Addiction and Bad Trips with Tom Camposano

    In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of Lawayra) sits down with Tom Camposano, the creator behind the globally recognized YouTube channel Your Mate Tom. Tom is an Australian filmmaker who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of psychedelics, psychology, and grounded spirituality for a community of millions. Tom shares his raw evolution from a rebellious teenager battling addiction to a prominent voice in the psychedelic movement, offering a masterclass on how to navigate the "dark side" of the ego and the "light side" of spiritual awakening. Key Discussion Points 02:15 – Tom’s first mushroom trip and the sudden realization that "time doesn't exist." 05:40 – The call to Peru: How a rock-bottom moment in Thailand led to his first life-changing Ayahuasca journey. 09:50 – Comparing the "Grandmother" (Ayahuasca) to the "Grandfather" (San Pedro/Huachuma): Feminine chaos vs. masculine grounding. 14:20 – Sam’s experiment of mixing mushrooms into an Ayahuasca ceremony and how the "plant family" interacts. 18:45 – The "Sandal" of the Mother: What happens when Ayahuasca punishes you for coming back without doing your integration homework. 22:30 – Surviving an "11/10" bad trip: A harrowing story of a psychotic break and the collective suffering of humanity. 27:10 – The "Slippery Slope" of Cannabis: Tom’s 20-year struggle with weed addiction and the intensity of modern high-THC withdrawals. 33:15 – Why modern cannabis (30-40% THC) acts more like "cocaine from cocoa leaves" than the gentle plant of the past. 38:50 – Grounded Spirituality: Learning to stop taking the shamanic path so seriously and allowing space for joy and laughter. The Spectrum of Teachers Tom and Sam discuss how different plant medicines serve different functions in a person's life: Ayahuasca: Often described as a "spiritual surgeon." It is tough, purging, and can be terrifyingly honest about your shadows. San Pedro (Huachuma): A heart-opening, 10–12 hour "mountain hike" for the soul. It provides the endurance to process things in a grounded way. Mushrooms: The "Jolly Teacher." While deep at high doses, they often provide a more playful and organic connection to the earth. On Cannabis and "The Fog" A major takeaway from the episode is the impact of heavy cannabis use on the psychedelic experience. Tom explains that for many, weed creates a "creative feeling without the execution," and Sam notes that frequent smokers often have a much harder time "breaking through" in an Ayahuasca ceremony because of the mental fog it leaves behind. Follow Tom Camposano (Your Mate Tom): YouTube: Your Mate Tom Instagram: @yourmatetom Experience Ayahuasca in Colombia: If you are looking for a safe, authentic, and grounded environment to explore these medicines, visit: ayahuascaincolombia.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review!

    1hr 5min

  2. 14 APR

    The code of reality, Matrix, DMT and Lasers with Danny Goler

    In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ talks with Denny Goler, an entrepreneur and researcher who has gained viral attention as the "DMT Laser Guy." Denny is the founder of Code of Reality, an organization that investigates simulation theory and the computational substrate of existence through experimental methods. By projecting a diffracted laser while in a DMT-induced state, Denny claims that anyone can observe what appears to be a "self-executing code"—a highly specific, non-random linguistic structure that suggests our physical world is a computationally rendered simulation. Key Discussion Points 04:15 – Denny’s early start with psychedelics (age 11) and how mushrooms eventually cured his debilitating OCD. 08:30 – The "Frog Dude" encounter: The hyper-realistic experience that convinced Denny the DMT realm wasn't just "in his head." 12:10 – The First Principles of the Laser Experiment: Why light and geometry are the keys to testing the reality of the space. 15:45 – Describing the "Self-Executing Code": Why it feels like looking through a microscope at an operating system rather than a typical "trip." 18:20 – Replicating the results: Shamanic experiments with Ayahuasca and the "8K resolution" version seen on 5-MeO-DMT. 21:30 – The DIY setup: How to safely use a 5-milliwatt diffracted laser to see the underlying substrate of reality. 25:00 – Challenging the Null Hypothesis: Why Denny assumes the phenomenon is real and invites science to prove him wrong. 29:15 – The Specificity of the Code: Why the characters resemble Asian languages (Chinese/Japanese) more than random brain-generated patterns. 33:40 – Perturbing the Observation: Code of Reality's mission to use magnets and high-res video to find a scientific "handle" on the code. 38:10 – Defining Simulation Theory: The world as a computationally rendered space that doesn't negate spirituality or God. 42:45 – The "Nested Dolls" of Reality: Communication with higher-dimensional species tending to different layers of our "game." The DMT Laser Experiment: A Summary The core of Denny's work involves the use of diffraction, which splits a single laser beam into a complex "speckle pattern." In ordinary consciousness, this looks like static. Under the influence of DMT (or other tryptamines like Ayahuasca), the brain appears to use this pattern as a scaffolding to perceive a stable, moving, and intricate "code." Understanding the Computational Substrate Denny argues that behind the laws of physics lies computation. If reality is a simulation, the "physical" world is simply the output of an underlying operating system. This perspective aligns with the "multiverse" theory, suggesting we are one sliver of a larger computational space. Learn more about Denny Goler and his research: Website: codeofreality.com Instagram: @code_of_reality Ready for your own exploration? Visit lawayra.com to learn about our Ayahuasca retreats in Colombia. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

    1hr 19min

  3. 9 APR

    Steve DeAngelo: Cannabis, Plant Medicine & the Fight to End the Drug War

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Steve DeAngelo. Steve DeAngelo is a world-renowned activist, author, and entrepreneur often recognized as the "Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry." He co-founded Harborside Health Center and the Last Prisoner Project, a non-profit dedicated to freeing those incarcerated for cannabis. With over four decades of activism, Steve has been a central figure in transforming cannabis from a prohibited substance into a respected plant medicine and a global industry. We touch upon topics of: 04:10 – Steve’s first spiritual experience with cannabis at age 13 in a neighborhood park. 06:30 – The racist origins of cannabis criminalization and its use as a tool of oppression. 09:15 – The devastating toll of the "War on Drugs" and mass incarceration on families. 11:50 – How targeting cannabis ships in the 1980s inadvertently sparked the cocaine surge. 16:40 – The counterproductive nature of drug prohibition and the rise of fentanyl. 20:25 – The mission of the Last Prisoner Project: Seeking justice for those still serving time. 24:10 – Cannabis as Mother Nature’s "kindest and most gentle plant teacher." 26:50 – Archeological evidence of shamanic cannabis use dating back 12,500 years. 29:30 – The historical spread of cannabis from Central Asia through India, Africa, and Europe. 32:15 – Cannabis in ancient religion: Its presence in Egyptian mythology and the holy anointing oil of Jesus. 36:45 – The industrial versatility of hemp: From Levi’s jeans to construction materials like "Hempcrete." 41:20 – The "Decriminalize Nature" movement and the rise of mushroom churches in Oakland. 45:00 – Resisting corporate colonization: The importance of community-centric psychedelic access. 48:30 – The fusion of traditions: Rastafari communities integrating Ayahuasca and Iboga into their practice. 52:15 – Exploring the feminine spirit of cannabis and its role in a world needing more cooperation. If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Steve DeAngelo at www.stevedeangelo.com and www.lastprisonerproject.org

    52 min

  4. 31 MAR

    How Psychedelics Rewire the Brain | Dr. Richard Soutar on Neurofeedback & Consciousness

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Richard Soutar. Dr. Soutar is a neuroscience pioneer and the Chief Scientist at New Mind Technologies. With over 30 years of experience, he is a world-renowned expert in QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, dedicated to bridging the gap between modern technology and ancient spiritual practices. He has mentored groundbreaking research into the neurological effects of Ayahuasca and Wachuma, helping practitioners use neurofeedback to integrate and sustain profound shamanic shifts. We touch upon topics of: 03:45 – Dr. Soutar’s early spiritual awakening and experiments with altered states in high school. 07:20 – The realization that psychedelic experiences mirror high-level meditation with added "sensory noise." 10:15 – Discovering neurofeedback as "electronic yoga" for inducing deep meditative states. 14:30 – How neurofeedback serves as a "crash course in reality" following psychedelic breakthroughs. 17:10 – The role of the default mode network as a portal between dimensions. 21:05 – Defining neurofeedback: Selective feedback loops and operant conditioning for brain exercise. 24:50 – Using topographic QEEG brain maps to identify areas of low or high electrical activity. 27:30 – Scientific findings: How Ayahuasca pushes the brain toward optimal statistical norms. 30:15 – The "drift" factor: Why psychedelic improvements often dissipate after three months without integration. 33:40 – The paradox of Ayahuasca: Upregulating or downregulating the same brain areas based on individual needs. 37:20 – Accessing "liminal states" between waking and sleep for trauma resolution. 41:10 – How psychedelics and meditation can alter DNA and RNA to heal transgenerational trauma. 45:00 – Shaking up the system: Using neurofeedback to sustain the neuroplasticity triggered by medicine. If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Richard Soutar at www.newmindtechnologies.com

    1hr 23min

  5. 25 MAR

    DMTX, Entities & Extended-State DMT with Daniel McQueen

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Daniel McQueen. Daniel is a psychedelic specialist, author, and pioneer who co-founded the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder, Colorado. With a master’s in transpersonal counseling psychology, he has spent over a decade at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance, notably developing cannabis-assisted psychedelic therapy and leading groundbreaking work in the field of extended-state DMT. We touch upon topics of: 03:12 – The transition from Western mysticism to grounded psychotherapeutic practices. 05:45 – Balancing indigenous ceremonial traditions with modern clinical settings. 09:30 – Defining DMTX: The technology behind "stable state" extended DMT journeys. 11:15 – The unique ability to "turn off" or pause a psychedelic experience using infusion pumps. 13:50 – Safety, medical alternatives, and the duration of extended-state sessions. 16:20 – Encountering entities, spirits, and the "presence" in the DMT realm. 20:45 – Facilitating communication and gaining direct access to the creative brain. 23:10 – Descriptions of entity forms: From ancestors to geometric and insect-like beings. 25:30 – Reaching cosmic-centric states and universal bliss through increased dosage. 28:15 – How spirits "taught" the team to refine the DMTX medical protocol. 31:40 – Theories on the non-physical, higher-dimensional nature of the DMT reality. 35:00 – The potential for mapping the DMT realm and using AI to stabilize brainwave patterns. If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Daniel McQueen at www.medicinalmindfulness.org Would you like me to generate a catchy title or some promotional social media posts for this episode?

    1 hr

  6. 19 MAR

    Ronan Levy on Psychedelics, Capitalism & Consciousness

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Ronan Levy. Ronan is a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founder and former Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health, author of The Ketamine Breakthrough, and host of the Ronan Levy Podcast. A former lawyer turned innovator in cannabis, biotech, and psychedelics, Ronan focuses on scaling mental health solutions and exploring how altered states can reshape human wellbeing and consciousness. We touch upon topics of 00:00–01:35 Ronan’s background, cannabis, ketamine, and entering the psychedelic space 01:35–05:11 From lawyer to entrepreneur, cannabis clinics, and discovering plant medicine as real medicine 05:11–09:19 The psychedelic zeitgeist, investment boom, and why the hype cycle has cooled 09:19–12:53 Psychedelics becoming normalized vs pharmaceutical models and the future of adoption 12:53–16:15 Alcohol, cannabis, psychedelics, and personal freedom vs societal responsibility 16:15–19:09 Capitalism, conscious capitalism, and market dynamics in cannabis and psychedelics 19:09–22:13 Running a spiritual business, money, ethics, and balancing purpose with profitability 22:13–24:13 Entrepreneurship as a spiritual path, stress, and personal growth through business 24:13–29:17 Wealth, success, and why money doesn’t solve deeper emotional or spiritual problems 29:17–33:52 Life as a game, meaning, productivity, and embracing both struggle and fulfillment 33:52–35:47 Relationships, self-awareness, and recurring life lessons 35:47–38:22 Cannabis vs psychedelics, product vs service, and different use contexts 38:22–41:22 Responsible use, set and setting, and personal vs ceremonial psychedelic use 41:22–43:01 Longevity, mental health, and what actually creates a long and fulfilling life 43:01–45:24 Psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and unlocking creativity and new perspectives 45:24–47:25 The future of psychedelics, community-driven models, and resistance to corporate commodification If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Ronan Levy at ronanlevy.com, on Instagram @ronandlevy, LinkedIn, and through his new project Fun Loving Company (@wearefunloving on Instagram).

    52 min

  7. 10 MAR

    Psychedelics vs Capitalism: Can Ayahuasca Really Change Society?

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Alexander Beiner. Alexander is an author, cultural commentator, co-founder of Rebel Wisdom, Executive Director of Breaking Convention, and author of The Bigger Picture. His work explores psychedelics, sensemaking, culture, and how transformative experiences and cognitive science can help us navigate the social and political challenges of the modern world. We touch upon topics of 00:00–02:42 Alexander’s early psychedelic experiences, Psychonautica, and the online psychonaut forums before the current renaissance 02:42–07:10 The current psychedelic renaissance vs the previous one, psychedelic capitalism, and the risk of psychedelics being captured by late-stage capitalism 07:10–12:07 Can psychedelics still transform society if they go mainstream? The “psychedelic Walmart” question and the importance of containers 12:07–17:20 The argument from The Bigger Picture: psychedelics teach us a way of being, not just new ideas 17:20–19:23 Pain, truth, and the transformative power of going directly into what hurts 19:23–23:02 Culture as “people like us do things like this” and why changing systems is harder than changing individuals 23:02–24:17 Why society feels sick, and whether psychedelics can help us change fast enough 24:17–28:04 AI, abundance, Star Trek, space exploration, and why exploration may be humanity’s next frontier 28:04–33:45 The Imperial College DMT study, intravenous DMT, hyperspace, entity encounters, and the sense of entering a real ecosystem 33:45–36:17 Are DMT entities “real”? Consciousness, idealism, and synchronicities 36:17–39:26 Synchronicity, writing, manifestation, and how inner state affects what shows up in life 39:26–42:45 Responsibility, control, grief, and balancing personal agency with surrender to larger systems 42:45–46:07 Consciousness, truth, and how psychedelics shift Alexander’s worldview 46:07–49:32 Healing vs purpose, what we are healing for, and how to avoid spiritual bypassing 49:32–50:26 Where to find Alexander, his book, and his current work through Kainos If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Alexander Beiner through his book The Bigger Picture, his platform Kainos on Substack, and on Instagram under Alexander Beiner.

    55 min

  8. 3 MAR

    From Obsession with Performance to Flow States through Ayahuasca with Cory Firth

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Cory Firth. Cory is a psychedelic coach and consultant, former Executive Director of the Psychedelic Association of Canada, and a leading voice in mental health policy reform and flow state neuroscience. After overcoming a 20-year battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, Cory now helps others bridge ancient wisdom and modern science to unlock human potential and live more integrated, purpose-driven lives. We touch upon topics of 00:00–02:30 Cory’s childhood, early depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation 02:30–07:00 Entrepreneurship, burnout, health struggles, and searching for healing 07:00–11:30 Discovering ayahuasca and the first life-changing ceremony 11:30–15:30 Integration challenges and leaving his marketing agency 15:30–20:00 Founding work in the Psychedelic Association of Canada and policy reform 20:00–24:30 Psychedelic advocacy, MDMA and psilocybin access in Canada 24:30–31:00 Trauma-driven performance and learning to channel ambition differently 31:00–36:30 Flow states, effortless action, and the neuroscience of optimal performance 36:30–43:00 The relationship between psychedelics and accessing flow 43:00–48:30 Parenting, morning routines, and finding balance with young children 48:30–54:00 Psychedelics and fatherhood, relationships, and emotional growth 54:00–58:00 Postpartum challenges, resilience, and healing through psychedelics 58:00–01:03:00 The future of psychedelic access, culture, and policy change 01:03:00–01:06:00 Integrating psychedelic philosophy into everyday life and society If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Cory Firth at coryf.com and follow his writing and updates on LinkedIn. You can also watch his banned TED-style talk on YouTube where he shares more of his personal story.

    58 min
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Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ The #1 resource for Ayahuasca, Psychedelics, and Mental Health. Explore the transformative world of plant medicine and psychedelic therapy with Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat. This podcast dives deep into the healing power of Ayahuasca, offering expert clinical insights, indigenous wisdom, and raw success stories of trauma recovery and spiritual awakening. What you’ll learn: Expert Interviews: Conversations with world-renowned scientists, doctors, and shamans. Healing Stories: Real-life accounts of overcoming PTSD, depression, and addiction through Ayahuasca. Integration & Safety: Practical advice on Ayahuasca integration, preparation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Frontiers of Science: Latest research on Ayahuasca, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and the intersection of science and spirituality. Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced practitioner, join us as we bridge Western medicine with ancient Amazonian traditions to help you heal and transform your life. Visit our home: www.ayahuascapodcast.com Retreat with us: www.lawayra.com Top Featured Guests International Public Figures Gabor Maté (World-renowned expert on trauma and addiction) Dennis McKenna (Legendary ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer) Wade Davis (National Geographic Explorer, world-famous anthropologist) Paul Austin (Founder of The Third Wave, major figure in microdosing) Ian McCall (Former UFC fighter and psychedelic advocate) Bill Richards (Psilocybin research pioneer at Johns Hopkins) Troy Casey (The "Certified Health Nut," major social media presence) Hamilton Souther (Well-known shaman and founder of Blue Morpho) Influential Thought Leaders & Authors Dave Rabin (Neuroscientist/Psychiatrist, Apollo Neuro founder) Lauren Taus (Leading psychedelic-assisted therapist) Bia Labate (Executive Director of Chacruna Institute) Norman Ohler (Author of the NYT bestseller Blitzed) Spring Washam (Prominent meditation teacher and author) Joe Tafur (Author of The Fellowship of the River) Alex Beiner (Author and executive director of Rebel Wisdom) Jesse Harless (Expert on recovery and heart-centered leadership) Tracey Tee (Founder of Moms on Mushrooms) Kyle Buller (Co-founder of Psychedelics Today) Industry Experts & Specialized Practitioners Marc Aixala Rick Barnett Steve Thayer Rotem Petranker Salimeh Tabrizi Ayla Schafer Lex Pelger Daniel Shankin Natasia Pelgrom Nick Courtright Matt Zemon Shawn Wells

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