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. 2D AGO

    Third Wave of Psychedelics with Paul. F Austin

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Paul F. Austin. Paul is a leading pioneer in the modern psychedelic movement, founder of Third Wave, author of Mastering Microdosing, host of The Psychedelic Podcast, and head of the Psychedelic Coaching Institute. He focuses on psychedelic education, microdosing protocols, and training practitioners to help scale the responsible use of these medicines in the modern world. We touch upon topics of 00:01–00:44 Introduction to Paul F. Austin and his work 00:44–03:14 Paul’s early LSD experiences and conservative upbringing 03:14–04:17 First microdosing protocol and founding Third Wave 04:18–07:08 Convincing his parents and guiding his dad through a mushroom journey 07:09–10:01 Parent–child healing and psychedelic experiences together 10:02–13:29 The “third wave” of psychedelics explained (indigenous → LSD era → today) 13:30–15:45 Microdosing as the safest path to legalization and cultural acceptance 15:46–17:29 Stepwise dosing and retreat philosophies 17:30–20:16 Why different psychedelics require different approaches 20:17–22:09 Psilocybin tolerance and retreat spacing strategies 22:10–27:29 Microdosing LSD vs psilocybin vs wachuma 27:30–30:48 Vine-only microdosing and adaptogenic effects 30:49–35:34 Psychedelics vs SSRIs and the “crutch” metaphor 35:35–41:39 Importance of psychedelic education and practitioner training 41:40–45:38 Addiction, cannabis dependence, and integration 45:39–49:15 “CEO medicine” and psychedelics for conscious leadership 49:16–52:27 What Paul is excited about in 2026 and the future of psychedelics If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Paul F. Austin at thethirdwave.co and follow him on social media at @PaulAustin3W

    57 min
  2. 12 MMA fighters drink Ayahuasca together

    6D AGO

    12 MMA fighters drink Ayahuasca together

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with a group of MMA fighters, veterans, and researchers from the Athletes Journey Home Foundation. The episode features Ian McCall, Mark “The Shark” Irwin, Luke Jensen, and several fighters including Matthew Morton, Clinton Foshee, Faith Phillips, Jared Fekete, and Fernando Marrero, sharing their stories of trauma, traumatic brain injuries, addiction, military service, and how ayahuasca may support healing and recovery. We touch upon topics of 00:01–04:20 Vision of fighters drinking ayahuasca and creation of the MMA retreat 04:20–08:30 Ian McCall, Athletes Journey Home, and the purpose of the retreat 08:30–14:50 Mark Irwin’s psychedelic journey and fighting career 14:50–20:30 Ian’s experience with ayahuasca, ibogaine, and fighter healing 20:30–27:40 Group dynamics of fighters in ceremony and shared vulnerability 27:40–34:30 Luke Jensen’s neuroscience research and QEEG findings 34:30–44:10 Matthew Morton's addiction, trauma, and ayahuasca experience 44:10–52:30 Clinton Foshee’s traumatic brain injury and cognitive improvements 52:30–01:04:00 Faith’s military PTSD, feminine energy, and ayahuasca healing 01:04:00–01:14:20 Jared’s veteran journey, relationships, and inner transformation 01:14:20–01:27:30 Fernando Marrero’s life story, fighting career, and TBI recovery If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Athletes Journey Home at athletesjourneyhome.org and follow Ian McCall on social media.

    1h 34m

  3. FEB 4

    Wade Davis, one river, Amazon and pharmacological mystery of Ayahuasca

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Wade Davis. Wade is a world-renowned ethnobotanist, anthropologist, and explorer; former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence; and author of One River, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Wayfinders, and Magdalena. Together, they explore Wade’s early journey into Colombia, Richard Evans Schultes, the roots of Yahé/ayahuasca knowledge, ayahuasca tourism, and Wade’s mission to liberate coca from the shadow of cocaine. We touch upon topics of 00:01–00:52 Wade Davis intro and why this conversation matters 00:55–09:38 Wade’s first arrival in Colombia, “destiny,” and meeting Schultes (plus Schultes’ advice to try ayahuasca) 09:38–22:55 Did Schultes go deep with entheogens? Set & setting, pioneers, and the psychedelic era context 22:55–25:28 Yahé vs ayahuasca in Colombia: pharmacology, MAOIs, admixture plants, and early research 25:28–36:02 Why Peru became the ayahuasca “center” and how access shaped tourism (and why Colombia being overlooked helped) 36:02–41:10 Colombia, violence, and the “peace dividend” of a more intact Amazon 41:10–01:01:38 Coca: benefits, racism behind demonization, nutrition, WHO/UN policies, and why it matters for Colombia 01:01:38–01:14:23 Wade’s travels, National Geographic mission, and the McKenna brothers story (Dennis vs Terence) 01:14:23–01:27:16 Ayahuasca vs other entheogens: frequency, respect, terrifying vs ecstatic experiences, San Pedro comparisons 01:27:16–01:33:04 Sam’s “third S” (skill): preparation, dosage, integration, and how modern retreats can work well 01:33:04–01:36:31 Wade’s closing lesson: “Take your side and get on with it” 01:36:31–01:37:59 Where to start with Wade’s books + invitation to visit LaWayra If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Wade Davis at www.daviswade.com

    1h 42m

  4. JAN 28

    From Ayahuasca to Breathwork: Trauma, Healing, and Integration

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , an Australian multi-instrumentalist, ceremonialist, and trauma-informed facilitator best known for his work in Spiritus Breathwork, somatic healing, and sound-based transformation. With over a decade of experience, Tim blends breath, movement, energy work, and music to guide deep healing and integration. We touch upon topics of: Tim’s journey from elite Muay Thai fighter to healer after a life-altering injury (00:41–02:16) First Aya experiences, shamanic awakening, and long-term integration (02:16–03:46) Apprenticeship in the jungle and the origins of Spiritus Breathwork (04:16–06:41) Breathwork vs Aya: similarities, differences, and altered states (11:56–17:59) Trauma, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing (16:32–29:56) Dangers of spiritual bypassing and over-doing the work (30:05–34:01) Breathwork inside ceremony: grounding vs amplifying (34:15–38:47) Sound, music, and vibration as healing technologies (58:19–62:33) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Tim Morrison on Instagram at @timmorrison__ or contact him at info@tim-morrison.com.

    1h 8m

  5. JAN 20

    Metta Beshay, citizen science in Amazon, Gringo experiences, Icaros and Ayahuasca tourism.

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Metta Beshay, a filmmaker, musician, and creator known for his citizen-scientist approach to ethnobotany and plant traditions. Metta explores misunderstood substances, Indigenous cultures, and the realities behind modern plant-medicine tourism with humor, skepticism, and deep curiosity. We touch upon topics of: Metta’s path from viral videos to ethnobotany storytelling (03:30–05:00) The realities of the Amazon jungle vs romanticized ideas (34:00–36:30) Indigenous cultures, tribal politics, and modern monetization (07:30–09:30) Comparing Aya experiences with other altered states (26:00–28:00) Music, icaros, and sound as a healing tool (19:00–24:00) Spirituality vs skepticism and cultural context (38:00–41:30) Ethics of retreat culture and shaman training (43:30–45:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Metta Beshay on YouTube and Instagram at @MettaBeshay

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 14

    Ceremonial Cacao, Connection & Integration with Danielle de Kisere

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , founder of . Based in Colombia, Danielle has spent over a decade working closely with Indigenous communities to produce ethically sourced, high-quality ceremonial cacao. Her work bridges traditional knowledge, sustainability, and modern processing while supporting local farmers and regenerative practices. We touch upon topics of: Danielle’s first Aya experiences and how they led her to cacao (02:00–05:30) Building Origin Cacao with Indigenous communities in Colombia (06:00–11:00) Cacao as a daily connection practice vs ceremonial use (13:00–20:30) Cacao as an integration tool after Aya ceremonies (21:00–26:30) Ethics, sourcing, and avoiding exploitative cacao industries (29:00–32:30) Fermentation, roasting, and why “raw cacao” is a myth (55:00–58:30) Replacing coca crops with cacao and Colombia’s agricultural future (38:30–44:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Danielle de Kisere and her work at origencacao.com and on Instagram @origencacao.

    1h 3m

  7. JAN 9

    Laughing at the Psychedelic Space Without Losing the Message

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , also known as Mycopreneur. Dennis is the creator of Mycopreneur, often called the “Onion of the psychedelic space,” a leading media platform exploring the business, culture, and future of mushrooms through sharp satire, journalism, and long-form interviews with founders, scientists, and visionaries. We touch upon topics of: Dennis’ early fascination with mushrooms and altered states (01:30–04:30) Humor and satire as tools for integration and cultural critique (05:00–10:00) Trustafarians, influencer culture, and spiritual ego (07:20–12:00) Ethical concerns, wild-west dynamics, and retreat culture (12:20–16:30) Visionary exploration vs healing journeys over time (16:30–20:30) The role of the jester archetype in psychedelic culture (22:00–24:30) Meme culture, media, and modern communication (51:00–55:30) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dennis Walker at mycopreneur.com, on Instagram @mycopreneur, and through the Mycopreneur newsletter and podcast.

    1h 8m

  8. JAN 6

    Psychedelics, Addiction, and Recovery with Rick Barnett

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , a clinical psychologist, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and co-founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont. With decades of experience in addiction, anxiety, and depression treatment, Rick bridges traditional recovery models with modern psychedelic-assisted therapy, drawing from both personal recovery and clinical practice. We touch upon topics of: Rick’s early addiction and path into recovery (00:50–05:30) Addiction, youth, and the challenge of getting sober early (03:50–06:00) Replacing addiction with meaning, purpose, and spirituality (07:48–11:00) Psychedelics, sobriety, and common fears around relapse (12:14–16:05) Therapy vs retreat models and why multiple paths can work (17:02–19:30) Integration, spiritual bypassing, and real long-term change (21:08–26:00) AA, community, and where recovery models succeed or fail (33:05–36:40) How psychedelics disrupt addictive patterns and cravings (37:46–40:37) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Rick Barnett at vermontpsychedelic.org, on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrRickBarnett, and through the Solquinox conference in Vermont.

    59 min
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5
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10 Ratings

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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