Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

Sam Believ
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

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. 2d ago

    Sauna Ceremony: Una Meistare on Latvian Sauna ceremony and plant medicine

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) speaks with Una Meistare. Una is a prominent Latvian cultural journalist, art critic, and co-founder/editor-in-chief of Artterritory and Spirit Territory. Having spent over two decades exploring fashion and design, she now researches alternative states of consciousness, ethnobotanical healing, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. 00:00 - 02:00: Overview of Latvia's mental health statistics, high suicide rates, and Una's background in art journalism 02:01 - 04:30: Una's initial introduction to Ayahuasca through an interview with Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto 04:31 - 07:15: First secret ceremonies with the Huni Kuin tribe and attending the World Ayahuasca Conference in Girona 07:16 - 10:15: High rates of treatment-resistant depression in Latvia, suicide statistics, and organizing therapeutic psychedelic conferences 10:16 - 13:30: Traditional plant harvesting protocols, asking permission from nature, and overcoming cultural stigma 13:31 - 16:30: Integration challenges, psilocybin's potential in Latvia, and local mushroom-foraging culture 16:31 - 22:30: Deep dive into the traditional Latvian pirts (sauna) ceremony as an ancient method for altered states of consciousness 22:31 - 26:30: The energetic qualities of trees (oak and linden) and cross-cultural parallels in heat-based healing 26:31 - 32:00: Seasonal dynamics in Latvia, extreme light/dark cycles, and reconnecting with nature 32:01 - 36:15: Sauna rituals as a healthy alternative to heavy alcohol consumption 36:16 - 41:10: The surge of Ayahuasca tourism in Latvia, interpreting symbolic messages, and Rick Strassman’s perspectives on ego amplification 41:11 - 46:40: The intersection of psychedelics, art, emotional intelligence, and Una's exhibition on six universal emotions 46:41 - 50:10: Final thoughts on inner healing, self-reflection, and where to find Una's work If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com. Find more about Una Meistare at www.artterritory.com and www.spiritterritory.com.

  2. Sep 14

    The Dark Side of the Ayahuasca Space with Kat Courtney

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Kat Courtney. Kat is a traditionally trained ayahuasquera, huachumera, pioneering integration coach, and dedicated death doula. After completing a decade-long apprenticeship in the Amazon within the Shipibo-Conibo lineage, she founded Plant Medicine People to help seekers safely navigate the world of psychedelics. 00:00 - 02:00: Kat’s background, healing journey with Ayahuasca, and the natural multidimensional state of consciousness 02:01 - 05:15: Transitioning from corporate game production at Disney to traditional shamanic plant medicine 05:16 - 07:40: Overcoming bipolar diagnosis, bulimia, alcoholism, and finding hope through Ayahuasca 07:41 - 11:05: Navigating grief and the transition of loved ones through death doula perspectives and the Ho'oponopono prayer 11:06 - 14:48: Exploring Ayahuasca as the "vine of the dead," ego deaths, and psychedelic birth/grief portals 14:49 - 18:20: Addressing abuse in the plant medicine space, teacher falls from grace, and accountability for the ego 18:21 - 20:00: Shadow work, Carl Jung, and discovering the "golden shadow" and hidden superpowers 20:01 - 22:15: Ayahuasca's impact on dysregulated nervous systems and the importance of gentle titration 22:16 - 25:00: The reality of sitting in over 1,000 ceremonies as an apprentice and facilitator 25:01 - 29:00: Kat's legal battles with Homeland Security, federal charges, and navigating systemic hypocrisy around DMT 29:01 - 34:40: The dangers of fast-tracked facilitators, energetic safety, and physical/emotional risks 34:41 - 37:00: How Ayahuasca learns and evolves alongside human consciousness 37:01 - 40:25: Handling projections, pedestals, and participant trauma as a facilitator 40:26 - 44:50: Practical integration, avoiding the "ceremony slump," and connecting with nature 44:51 - 49:10: Daily self-check-ins, holding hope for collective consciousness, and closing thoughts If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com. Find more about Kat Courtney at www.plantmedicinepeople.com.

  3. Aug 25

    The Purple Lady & The Multiverse: Shane Mauss on DMT Entitiesand Mind-Bending Trips

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Shane Mauss. Shane is an award-winning stand-up comedian, science communicator, and host of the long-running podcast Here We Are. Known for blending evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and comedy, he is also the creator of the documentary Psychonautics and the immersive two-part comedy special Trips, filmed at Meow Wolf. 0:00 - 02:40: Shane’s background, rebel youth, and blending science, comedy, and psychedelics 02:41 - 08:52: The origin of Trips and creating immersive visual comedy experiences 08:53 - 11:45: Conventional education vs. self-directed learning and humor as an educational tool 11:46 - 24:32: The famous "Purple Lady" DMT entity story and shared trip experiences 24:33 - 36:58: Exploring the reality of trip visions, brain architecture, and Jungian archetypes 36:59 - 42:33: Navigating dogmatic spiritual views, ego-centrism, and mania in psychedelic spaces 42:34 - 55:46: Shane’s dark side of psychedelics: Reckless use, manic psychosis, and Psychonautics 55:47 - 58:20: Grounding fail-safes in traditional Ayahuasca use vs. unguided tripping 58:21 - 1:03:52: Performing stand-up comedy while under the influence of LSD and mushrooms 1:03:53 - 1:05:48: The challenges of accidental microdosing and trying to function in normal life 1:05:49 - 1:09:00: Details on Shane's Trips special, Meow Wolf, and future projects If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com. Find more about Shane Mauss at www.shanemauss.com.

  4. Aug 13

    Secrets to Living to 87: Dr. Richard Louis Miller on Microdosing, Exercise, and Beating Terminal Diagnoses

    In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ speaks with Dr. Richard Louis Miller, a clinical psychologist with over 60 years of experience in humanistic psychology and addiction recovery. Dr. Miller is a former faculty member at Stanford University and the University of Michigan, an advisor to the President's Commission on Mental Health, founder of the Wilbur Hot Springs Health Sanctuary and the Cokenders program, and author of Psychedelic Medicine. Dr. Miller shares his journey through the early psychedelic movement, the historical and political factors behind drug prohibition, and his personal protocols for longevity and health. Key Episode Highlights & Timestamps First Psychedelic Experiences & The 1960s Renaissance (01:36 - 08:31) Dr. Miller recounts his first experiences with DMT, Sandoz LSD at the Esalen Institute in 1967, and ingesting Morning Glory seeds after reading Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert's work. He discusses how the subsequent 50-year government shutdown affected early research. Pioneering Holistic Addiction Treatment (04:38 - 06:19) Establishing the Wilbur Hot Springs sanctuary and the first holistic health chemical dependence program, integrating meditation, exercise, nutrition, and acupuncture to safely detox over 1,500 individuals. Societal Structures, Politics, and Psychedelics (12:53 - 25:11) Dr. Miller and Sam explore how psychedelics dissolve boundaries and foster a sense of planetary unity. They discuss why governments have historically restricted these substances, the pitfalls of societal division, and alternative models of social care and taxation. Longevity Protocols at 87 (32:25 - 41:42) Dr. Miller shares his personal maintenance routine for longevity: weightlifting, daily aerobic conditioning, strict nutrition, drinking half his body weight in ounces of water daily, and maintaining active social connections in line with Blue Zone principles. Overcoming Terminal Health Diagnoses & Microdosing (43:15 - 47:58) How Dr. Miller reversed terminal heart failure and survived nodular melanoma, highlighting the role of double aerobic exercise, a strong immune system, and disciplined LSD microdosing in his recovery. LSD, Creativity, and Innovation (47:58 - 52:16) The historical impact of LSD on scientific discoveries and technology (such as DNA sequencing and Silicon Valley innovation), and the lost potential caused by ongoing restrictions. Mentioned Books by Dr. Richard Louis Miller Psychedelic Medicine Master Your Mind The Adverse Effects and Therapeutic Benefits of Psychedelic Medicine (Upcoming) Connect & Learn More Ayahuasca Retreats: Visit www.lawayra.com Dr. Richard Louis Miller: Learn more at wilburhotsprings.com or find his books and content on Amazon and social media platforms.

  5. Aug 5

    Beth Weinstein on escaping the Corporate & Starving Healers

    In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of Lawayra) sits down with Beth Weinstein—a spiritual business coach, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the psychedelic integration space. Beth is the host of the Medicine for These Times Podcast and creator of the annual Psychedelics, Sacred Medicines, Purpose, and Business Summit. Blending her background in NYC fashion startups, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and extensive plant medicine work, Beth shares insights on bridging the gap between deep mystical experiences and practical, soul-aligned business success. Key Episode Highlights & Timestamps Childhood Activations & Early Experiences (01:02 - 03:09) Beth reflects on early childhood experiences in California contemplating existence, mortality, and her first unexpected acid trip at age 14 that opened her eyes to the vast potential of the human mind. Discovering Ayahuasca & Transitioning from Corporate Life (03:09 - 09:09) How major life changes and a strong spiritual foundation led her to sit with an Ayahuasca master from Peru. She discusses leaving behind the corporate/tech-startup world to answer the call of entrepreneurship. Ego, Illusions, and Discerning True Visions (09:09 - 15:29) Beth and Sam dive into how plant medicine illuminates your true self, but warn against the trap of ego inflation—such as quitting your job on a whim to become a facilitator after a single retreat. She shares methods for integrating visions thoughtfully over time. Avoiding the "Starving Healer" Archetype (15:29 - 21:16) Practical advice for transitioning out of standard careers into the psychedelic or coaching space without operating from financial desperation or chasing social media illusions. The Reality of Running Retreat Centers & Sacred Reciprocity (21:16 - 31:20) Sam and Beth pull back the curtain on the massive, hidden operational costs and physical labor required to sustainably source plants, run retreats, and support teams. They unpack the misconceptions around pricing, undercharging, and sacred reciprocity. Stepping Out of the "Psychedelic Closet" (42:43 - 51:34) Addressing the stigma surrounding psychedelic use in professional environments, the importance of non-judgmental integration support, and why normalizing these experiences is crucial for societal growth. Aligning with Your Soul's Purpose (51:57 - 57:40) Reframing "soul purpose" not as a rigid career endpoint, but as making space for what makes you feel alive—whether that's art, music, or business—and combating midlife burnout. Connect & Learn More Ayahuasca Retreats: Visit www.lawayra.com Beth Weinstein: Learn more at bethweinstein.com, listen to the Medicine for These Times Podcast, or follow her on Instagram @bethweinstein.

  6. Jul 28

    Ayahuasca for Veterans with Jesse Gould of Heroic Hearts project

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Jesse Gould. Jesse is a former US Army Ranger and the founder of the Heroic Hearts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping military veterans overcome PTSD and trauma through psychedelic-assisted therapies. We touch upon topics of: Jesse's military background and his personal struggle with PTSD and alcohol (02:50 - 05:00) Seeking help through the VA and avoiding lifelong pharmaceutical reliance (04:38 - 06:20) Discovering Ayahuasca and traveling to Peru for his first ceremony (06:20 - 09:59) Navigating challenging Ayahuasca ceremonies, physical purging, and healing MTBI (12:35 - 18:30) Parallel between military bonding and group dynamics in psychedelic retreats (22:00 - 25:15) Founding the Heroic Hearts Project to support veterans and their families (28:00 - 33:00) Standard and ethical considerations when choosing retreat centers for veterans (33:50 - 37:10) Research findings on brainwaves, PTSD reduction, and integration (38:30 - 42:30) Addressing common stigmas and skepticism among military veterans (52:00 - 56:20) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Jesse Gould at heroicheartsproject.org or on Instagram @heroicheartsproject.

  7. Jul 20

    DMT: Spirit Molecule with Dr. Rick Strassman. On study that launched the Psychedelic Renaissance

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Rick Strassman, the landmark psychiatrist and researcher who single-handedly broke the decades-long freeze on human psychedelic research. As a clinical associate professor at the University of New Mexico, Dr. Strassman conducted the pioneering 1990s clinical trials into DMT and authored the bestselling book DMT: The Spirit Molecule. He is a leading pioneer exploring the profound intersection between psychopharmacology, biology, human consciousness, and mystical experiences. We touch upon topics of: His background in chemistry, meditation, and early interest in Eastern religions (01:13 - 03:09) Lessons from Zen monks and the connection between LSD and Western Buddhism (03:09 - 05:31) Personal meditation experiences and processing repressed trauma (05:31 - 11:00) Endogenous DMT production in the pineal gland, cortex, and near-death experiences (11:00 - 14:14) The DMT neurotransmitter system hypothesis and reality modulation (16:57 - 19:32) Stress, childbirth, and naturally occurring DMT (19:32 - 22:43) Dr. Strassman's early personal psychedelic experiences and meeting Terence McKenna (23:16 - 26:16) Navigating regulations and launching the landmark 1990s DMT study (26:16 - 34:30) Clinical trial settings versus traditional spiritual and shamanic frameworks (34:30 - 42:06) Endogenous DMT, Biblical prophecy, and Hebrew scripture (42:06 - 47:09) Critiquing the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and life integration (48:27 - 52:06) Comparing smoked DMT, Ayahuasca, and LSD (58:27 - 01:00:37) The nature of psychedelic entities, simulation theory, and shared visions (01:00:37 - 01:08:26) Key books and practical safety advice for psychedelic explorers (01:08:50 - 01:12:15) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Rick Strassman at rickstrassman.com or on Substack at Rick Strassman.

  8. Jul 17

    Beyond the Ego: Dr. Manesh Girn on the Neural Mechanisms of the Psychedelic State

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Manesh Girn, a neuroscientist, psychedelic researcher, and co-founder and CEO of Five Discovery, a psychedelic biotechnology company developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, Dr. Girn completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco working with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying psychedelic experiences. He has authored over two dozen peer-reviewed publications on brain networks, psychedelics, and cognition. We touch upon topics of: His personal introduction and background in Eastern spirituality (03:00 - 04:00) Parallels between meditation and psychedelic altered states (04:00 - 05:10) The scientific concepts of ego dissolution and ego inflation (05:10 - 10:00) How psychedelics work in the brain and neuroplasticity (10:00 - 13:00) The brain as an interconnected ecosystem (13:00 - 15:10) Why disruption and temporary chaos lead to healing and recalibration (15:10 - 17:00) Coherence, transient states, and capturing brain dynamics (17:00 - 19:10) Myths and realities of the Default Mode Network (DMN) (19:10 - 21:40) Other brain networks affected by psychedelics and their therapeutic roles (21:40 - 24:00) Psychedelics for creativity, professional breakthrough insights, and non-hallucinogenic therapeutics (24:00 - 27:00) Using complexity science and system-level approaches in mental health (29:45 - 32:45) Why individuals experience highly variable, context-dependent psychedelic effects (32:45 - 34:50) Precision psychiatry and personalized dosing (34:50 - 37:10) Placebo-controlled research on microdosing vs. high-dose applications (37:10 - 41:40) The difficulty of studying the neuroscience of bad trips (41:40 - 44:00) The value of first-person psychedelic experience for scientific researchers (44:00 - 46:15) How the brain is hardwired to experience deep love, gratitude, and connection (46:15 - 49:10) The challenges of measuring endogenous DMT and theories of post-retreat reactivations (49:10 - 54:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Manesh Girn on Instagram or YouTube @thepsychedelicscientist, his personal website maneshgirn.com, or learn about his biotechnology company at fivediscovery.com.

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About

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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