Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

Sam Believ
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Podcast on everything related to Ayahuasca, Psychedelics and healing with Sam Believ. Interviews with experts in psychedelics and Ayahuasca. Success stories with Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca Podcast explores the transformative world of plant medicine, psychedelics, and mental health, with a special focus on Ayahuasca. Hosted by Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, this podcast dives deep into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, offering expert insights, personal stories, and conversations with thought leaders in the field of mental health, spirituality, and psychedelic therapy. Each episode covers topics such as Ayahuasca integration, mental health breakthroughs, ketamine-assisted therapy, trauma healing, and the intersection of science and spirituality. Whether you’re curious about Ayahuasca or an experienced practitioner, Ayahuasca Podcast delivers valuable knowledge and real-world experiences from the frontiers of psychedelic therapy. If you’re interested in plant medicine, mental health, and the latest in psychedelic research, Ayahuasca Podcast is your go-to resource. Learn how Ayahuasca and other psychedelics are helping people heal and transform their lives. Visit www.ayahuascapodcast.com Here are some of the podcast guests Oliver Glozik Rick de Villiers Doron Yitzhak Hamilton Souther JoQueta Handy Derek Dodds Mary Telliano Lily Eggers Simon Tennant Tracey Tee Tim Laurence Rachel Harris Danielle Nova Gabor Mate Sam Lipman Stern Lauren Sambataro Kyle Buller Joe Tafur Chase Hudson Ana Sa Joshua Sylvae Ian McCall Phoenix White Adrian Lozano Ayla Schafer Ryan Sprague Eric Kaufmann Vanessa Crites Cam Leids Ben Malcolm Salimeh Tabrizi Dave Rabin Mike J Rosenfeld Sebastian Hernandez Spring Washam Lauren Leiva Lauren Alderfer Maria Sophia Dimakos Jesse Harless Steve Thayer

  1. 12/30/2025

    Adeptus Psychonautica: The Dark & Light Side of Ayahuasca Retreats

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , the creator of the Adeptus Psychonautica YouTube channel. Rob is known for his grounded, humorous, and skeptical approach to altered states, sharing honest self-experiments, retreat reviews, and long-form reflections as “an ordinary person having extraordinary experiences.” We touch upon topics of: How an Aya retreat led Rob to start his YouTube channel (02:55–04:45) Good retreats vs badly run retreats and red flags to watch for (05:10–11:40) Spiritual ego, cult dynamics, and predatory facilitators (08:40–12:30) Separating the medicine experience from the retreat organization (10:00–11:50) Exploring different Aya traditions beyond Peru (13:10–15:20) What it means to be a psychonaut and inner exploration (16:00–19:40) Creativity, storytelling, and integration after difficult life periods (21:00–23:30) Healing family relationships through shared ceremonies (23:30–25:30) Consciousness exploration and daily practice vs ceremony work (26:00–29:20) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Rob and his work on YouTube at Adeptus Psychonautica.

    31 min

  2. 12/21/2025

    Medicine Song: Dr. Joe Tafur on Mysticism, Healing & the Future of Psychedelics

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , a Colombian-American family physician, curandero, and author who bridges Western medicine with Amazonian spiritual healing. Trained at UCLA and UCSD, Joe spent six years in the Peruvian Amazon studying Shipibo curanderismo and is the author of . We touch upon topics of: Joe’s journey as a doctor and curandero (01:16–02:22) Why he wrote Medicine Song and what it adds beyond his first book (03:39–05:14) Mystical experiences as a core part of healing (05:14–06:40) The Eagle and the Condor prophecy: science and spirit uniting (06:40–08:32) Measuring spiritual wellbeing and connectedness in research (09:03–11:42) Nature connection as a foundation for healing (13:54–17:56) The state of the psychedelic renaissance today (21:14–25:31) Traditional plant medicine and modern clinical therapies learning from each other (26:27–30:35) The limits of scaling retreats and ethical growth (31:20–44:25) Building a spiritual community and legal recognition in the U.S. (45:08–51:49) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Joe Tafur at www.drjoetafur.com and his work at www.modernspirit.org.

    1h 4m

  3. 12/12/2025

    Why integration matters more than the ceremony with Marc Aixala

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Marc Aixalà, a Barcelona-based psychologist, psychotherapist, and former engineer who has become a leading figure in psychedelic integration. Marc is trained in integrative and strategic therapy, is a certified holotropic breathwork facilitator, has worked on MDMA and psilocybin clinical trials, collaborates with ICEERS, and authored Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press). We touch upon topics of: Marc’s path from engineer to psychologist (01:01–02:57) How he defines integration & why definitions fall short (03:25–05:40) Marc’s metaphors for integration (puzzle pieces, astronaut, developing photos) (05:40–08:40) Sam’s grocery-shopping metaphor & Marc’s response (08:45–10:49) Two types of integration: crisis vs. growth (10:49–13:55) Seven categories of difficult experiences (13:55–17:10) Preventing harm through preparation & facilitation quality (17:10–18:46) Dose management and psycholytic vs. high-dose models (21:26–26:23) Self-inflicted overdosing & patient expectations (26:23–27:51) Positive/growth integration & the importance of immediate rest (27:51–30:33) Long-term integration: outer behavior vs. inner insight (30:33–32:13) Seven dimensions of integration (spiritual, cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral, social, time) (32:13–35:33) Avoiding extremes: materialism vs. magical thinking (35:33–36:52) Why people resist integration & who should be concerned (36:52–39:53) Overuse of psychedelics and the risks of “more is better” (45:01–48:33) Spiritual bypassing & misunderstanding ‘light only’ approaches (48:33–52:10) Indigenous approaches vs. Western integration culture (53:08–56:25) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Marc Aixalà at: Instagram: @marcaixala ICEERS Training & Integration Programs: https://www.iceers.org Book: Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press)

    1h 3m

  4. 12/04/2025

    Bia Labate - the global spread of Ayahuasca, women and plants

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Bia Labate, a Brazilian anthropologist, activist, and one of the most influential voices in the global psychedelic movement. She is the executive director of the Chacruna Institute, editor of 28 books, and a champion of Indigenous rights, equity, and cultural integrity in plant medicine spaces. We touch upon topics of: Bia’s early psychedelic explorations and road trip across the Americas (01:02) Her first Ayahuasca experiences and academic journey (02:41) Pre-Google era of plant medicine research and early stigma in Brazil (03:23) Ayahuasca’s paradoxical rise in the digital age (07:54) Loneliness, vulnerable connection, and the appeal of Ayahuasca (09:51) The evolution of Ayahuasca use in Brazil and globally (11:42) Comparing Ayahuasca traditions: Santo Daime, UDV, Shipibo, Huni Kuin (16:32) The limitations of comparing traditions and the food-culture metaphor (19:28) Why Bia has published 28 books and her methodology (21:49) Creating legitimacy for Ayahuasca as a field of study (24:38) The tension between spiritual practice and entrepreneurship (30:51) Ethical complexities of running an Ayahuasca retreat (32:16) Integration circles and her mixed feelings toward them (35:39) The founding, mission, and programs of Chacruna Institute (42:16) Indigenous Reciprocity and Psychedelic Justice initiatives (44:37) Chacruna’s conferences, education, and publications (47:01) Women and psychedelics, invisible labor, and cultural dynamics (50:58) Menstruation taboos in ceremony and cultural relativism (55:44) Ayahuasca’s origins and Colombia’s historical role (59:21) Ayahuasca's global spread to places like Hawaii and Australia (01:03:08) The cultural mission of Chacruna and decolonizing psychedelic narratives (01:09:02) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Bia Labate at www.bialabate.net or on Instagram @labatebia. Learn more about her organization at www.chacruna.net.

    1h 16m

  5. 11/24/2025

    Psychedelics in China, Chinese medicine, ayahuasca's effect on genes with Waifung Tsang

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Waifung Tsang. Waifung is a clinical psychologist, researcher and co-founder of Onaya Sciences, bridging Western psychology with indigenous Amazonian plant medicine, Chinese medicine and sound-based therapies. He also advises Heroic Hearts UK and is a TEDx speaker exploring the intersection of trauma, psychedelics and traditional wisdom. We touch upon topics of: (00:55–04:38) Waifung’s journey from music and disillusionment in clinical psychology to ayahuasca research in Peru and co-founding Onaya Sciences (06:34–11:38) Why ayahuasca is almost invisible in China: censorship, historical suppression of spirituality and underground ceremonies (11:38–13:58) Dragons, the Monkey King and how Chinese mythology, Taoism and Buddhism resonate with psychedelic experiences (13:58–19:22) Tai Chi, qigong and Chinese medicine as tools for working with plant diets, chi and ceremony (19:22–24:19) Parallels between Chinese medicine and Latin American folk wisdom: hot/cold foods, grandmothers’ knowledge and collectivist spirituality (24:19–29:20) Emerging ayahuasca circles in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan — encrypted forums, harsh penalties and why many seekers are business people (29:23–34:57) From NHS burnout to the jungle: what Waifung learned from indigenous doctors who treat “whoever comes” with plants, ritual and Icaros (35:13–39:19) Onaya’s research with Heroic Hearts: veterans, PTSD, traumatic brain injury and early multi-modal findings (39:19–43:18) Multi-site collaborations with retreat centers, indigenous advisory boards and studying Icaros, dreams and plant spirits (45:04–47:28) Epigenetics 101: how ayahuasca may influence gene expression and “straighten ancestral lines” — and why much larger samples are needed (52:50–59:29) Medicine music, energy in ceremony, “bad DJs” vs surgical Icaros, and a new EEG study recording shamans’ songs and brain activity (01:01:18–01:04:18) How ayahuasca heals on bio-psycho-social-spiritual levels and why community and integration matter as much as the visions If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Waifung Tsang and Onaya Sciences at www.onaya.io, www.onaya.science and on Instagram @onaya.io

    1h 11m

  6. 11/13/2025

    Dr. Ido Cohen on integration, shadow work and Jungian archetypes

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Ido Cohen, a clinical psychologist specializing in Jungian and relational depth psychology. He is the founder of The Integration Circle, focusing on psychedelic integration, shadow work, and turning peak experiences into lasting transformation. • 00:56 Early experiences in India and discovery of integration • 03:08 Why integration is hard & cultural context • 09:00 The illusion of quick transformation • 12:18 Balancing work, business, and integration • 14:40 Integration for busy modern lives • 19:35 Why self-care feels like work • 22:12 Ceremony continues after the ceremony • 25:07 Archetypal & transpersonal dimensions • 29:42 Common archetypes and possessions • 34:52 Soul, religion & invisible forces • 48:02 What is the shadow and shadow work • 52:20 Shadow encounter vs. shadow work • 56:32 Turning darkness into growth If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Ido Cohen at theintegrationcircle.com or on Instagram at @theintegrationcircle

    1h 2m

  7. 11/02/2025

    Joe Moore - Safe Access, breath work and building a psychedelic informed world

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Joe Moore, co-founder/CEO of Psychedelics Today. Joe is a longtime voice in psychedelic education and media (700+ interviews), a holotropic breathwork facilitator, and the creator of the Vital year-long training program focused on psychedelic-informed practice and harm reduction. • Origin story: books, Grof, breathwork, first aya, launching Psychedelics Today (01:13–04:17) • 700+ interviews, role split with Kyle (04:17–04:55) • Burnout/community dynamics during Denver decrim (04:59–06:00) • Harm reduction, safe supply, and intra-community conflict (05:46–07:27) • Indigenous exchange, access, climate & conservation takes (09:11–11:18) • Agroforestry & ayahuasca reforestation co-ops (11:18–11:59) • Drug war history, othering, and safe supply vs. prohibition (11:59–16:46) • Rebranding Colombia: coca vs. ayahuasca, fentanyl era (17:43–19:35) • Why psychedelic education matters; Vital’s inclusive scope (20:52–25:40) • What success looks like: humility, community, model-agnosticism (27:52–29:33) • Favorites: Team LSD, mushrooms, 2C-B; psychedelic minimalism (29:33–31:22) • How psychedelics heal: competing models + Grof’s container (33:17–36:39) • Breathwork for prep/integration; box breathing & long cycles (36:39–45:33) • Podcasting as decentralization; universities & free libraries (46:09–50:28) • Bitcoin/crypto & decentralizing money/power (50:28–52:06) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Joe Moore at psychedelicstoday.com and on Instagram: @jomo137.

    59 min

  8. 10/25/2025

    Love as medicine, mysticism, sufism and psychedelics with Danielle Herrera

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Danielle Herrera, a California-based licensed psychotherapist and psychedelic-assisted therapy specialist. Danielle blends somatic and Jungian work with harm reduction, draws on Indigenous lineage and Sufi mysticism, and trains new facilitators with Beckley Academy. We explore how love, right-relationship, and spiritual technologies help people heal trauma and integrate psychedelic experiences into daily life. 00:01–01:22 — Intro and Danielle’s background 01:22–08:14 — Origin story: chaotic childhood, harm reduction path, ketamine/MDMA training, founding Tender Heart Healing Arts 08:41–12:48 — “Loving people for a living”: centering love in psychotherapy; Indigenous and Sufi lineages 13:14–17:11 — Trauma as absence of holding; parenting parallels; harm-reduction lens 17:12–22:03 — Why some grow from pain: “jet fuel,” ayahuasca discomfort, meaning-making 22:32–25:10 — Transmutation of pain; rites of passage and village containers 26:01–29:46 — Shamanism vs “psychosis”: the role of container (Crazywise reference) 29:46–36:30 — Sufism 101: Rumi, polishing the heart, spiritual technologies; resonance with ayahuasca/Icaros 37:32–42:43 — Mystical experiences in therapy; clinician competence and frameworks 42:43–47:02 — Spiritual emergence: signs, tenderness, intuition, “magic is real” 47:02–51:40 — Addiction: “don’t ask why the addiction—ask why the pain”; right-relationship with medicines 51:40–54:19 — Real integration: becoming better to those you’re responsible to love If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Danielle Herrera at tenderheart.us (yourtherapistlovesyou.com) and Instagram: @yourtherapistlovesyou

    1h 1m
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About

Podcast on everything related to Ayahuasca, Psychedelics and healing with Sam Believ. Interviews with experts in psychedelics and Ayahuasca. Success stories with Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca Podcast explores the transformative world of plant medicine, psychedelics, and mental health, with a special focus on Ayahuasca. Hosted by Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat, this podcast dives deep into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, offering expert insights, personal stories, and conversations with thought leaders in the field of mental health, spirituality, and psychedelic therapy. Each episode covers topics such as Ayahuasca integration, mental health breakthroughs, ketamine-assisted therapy, trauma healing, and the intersection of science and spirituality. Whether you’re curious about Ayahuasca or an experienced practitioner, Ayahuasca Podcast delivers valuable knowledge and real-world experiences from the frontiers of psychedelic therapy. If you’re interested in plant medicine, mental health, and the latest in psychedelic research, Ayahuasca Podcast is your go-to resource. Learn how Ayahuasca and other psychedelics are helping people heal and transform their lives. Visit www.ayahuascapodcast.com Here are some of the podcast guests Oliver Glozik Rick de Villiers Doron Yitzhak Hamilton Souther JoQueta Handy Derek Dodds Mary Telliano Lily Eggers Simon Tennant Tracey Tee Tim Laurence Rachel Harris Danielle Nova Gabor Mate Sam Lipman Stern Lauren Sambataro Kyle Buller Joe Tafur Chase Hudson Ana Sa Joshua Sylvae Ian McCall Phoenix White Adrian Lozano Ayla Schafer Ryan Sprague Eric Kaufmann Vanessa Crites Cam Leids Ben Malcolm Salimeh Tabrizi Dave Rabin Mike J Rosenfeld Sebastian Hernandez Spring Washam Lauren Leiva Lauren Alderfer Maria Sophia Dimakos Jesse Harless Steve Thayer

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