The Psychedelic Podcast

Third Wave
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The Psychedelic Podcast

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.

  1. Tracy Townsend, M.D. - Legal Psilocybin Frontlines: A Physician's Perspective

    2D AGO

    Tracy Townsend, M.D. - Legal Psilocybin Frontlines: A Physician's Perspective

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Tracy Townsend, a Harvard-trained physician who left orthopedic surgery to become a licensed psilocybin facilitator in Oregon. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-296/?ref=278 Dr. Townsend shares her journey from conventional medicine to psychedelic facilitation, describing how her own transformative experiences with plant medicines led her to question the limitations of Western healthcare. She discusses the Oregon psilocybin model, challenges within the current regulatory framework, and draws fascinating parallels between physical surgery and the "mind surgery" of psychedelic experiences. Dr. Townsend also explores emerging research on psychedelics for autoimmune conditions and shares her hopes for policy changes that could expand access to these powerful healing modalities. Dr. Tracy Townsend is a Harvard trained medical doctor, licensed psilocybin facilitator, and vitality coach. She has an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, as well as a medical degree, both from the University of Virginia. She completed orthopedic surgical training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Boston Children's Hospital of Harvard University. She is a graduate of the Innertrek Psilocybin Facilitator training program. After personally experiencing transformative healing with psychedelic medicines, Tracy went on to become the Co-Founder and CEO of Project Circle, a legal psilocybin service center and practice based in Portland, Oregon. Highlights: From surgeon to psychedelic facilitator: Tracy's journey The parallels between surgery and psychedelic "mind surgery" Navigating Oregon's legal psilocybin framework Addressing necessary regulatory improvements Psychedelics and psychiatric medications The mind-body connection in autoimmune healing Hope for psychedelic policy under new HHS leadership

    54 min
  2. Ava Johanna - Breathwork as Medicine: Building a Purpose-Driven Coaching Business

    MAR 17

    Ava Johanna - Breathwork as Medicine: Building a Purpose-Driven Coaching Business

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Ava Johanna, founder and CEO of The Academy of Breath. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-295/?ref=278 Ava shares her journey from corporate burnout and weekend escapism to discovering breathwork as a powerful, accessible tool for transformation. She discusses how breathwork provided the same ecstatic states she once sought through substances, but in a healing, sustainable way. Beyond the practice itself, Ava offers valuable insights for coaches and practitioners looking to build successful businesses in the wellness space, emphasizing the importance of creating "bulletproof offers," trauma-aware sales approaches, and exceptional client experiences. Ava Johanna is the author of upcoming book, Your Vision Board Life, set to be released in April 2025 and the founder and CEO of The Academy of Breath™ an online education brand for entrepreneurs and coaches bridging the gap between neuroscience and spirituality in the realm of breathwork and meditation. After working with brands like Yoga Journal, Mindbodygreen and Wanderlust, Ava built The Academy of Breath™ that has now certified over 700 students across the globe. Blending science, mysticism and business, The Academy of Breath™ is blazing a trail in the breathwork industry making the practices more accessible than ever before while providing teachers with the tools to be able to lead with integrity, make a global impact, and safely facilitate lasting transformation in their client's lives. Highlights: Corporate burnout to breathwork: Ava's transformational journey How breathwork creates substance-free ecstatic states Building a sustainable coaching business: from 0 to 100K Creating "bulletproof offers" that can't be commoditized Trauma-aware sales approaches for wellness practitioners The power of exceptional client experiences Transitioning from hourly sessions to value-based packages Breathwork as an accessible gateway to spiritual connection Trusting your intuition as an entrepreneur Episode Links:  Website Academy of Breath Ava on Instagram Icons with Ava Johanna Podcast Pre-order Ava Johanna's Book These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links. Episode Sponsor:  The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

    53 min

  3. MAR 11

    Austin Perlmutter, M.D. - Unsticking the Brain: Psychedelics, Inflammation, and Mental Health

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul welcomes Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, and researcher. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-294/?ref=278 Dr. Perlmutter shares his perspective on how psychedelics can help "unstick" the brain from harmful patterns, explores the relationship between inflammation and mental health, and discusses his current research on ayahuasca's effects on epigenetics and the microbiome. From understanding the biological basis of our mental states to finding balance in a modern world that often works against our wellbeing, this conversation offers valuable insights on integrating psychedelics with healthy lifestyle practices for optimal brain function and mental health. Dr. Austin Perlmutter is a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, published researcher and international educator. His mission is to help people improve their health by targeting the biological basis of "stuckness" in our brains and bodies. His writing, presentations, podcasts, and online educational programs have reached millions. Dr. Perlmutter has been featured on PBS, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, NPR and other media outlets. He is a co-producer of the Alzheimer's, the Science of Prevention series, and host of the Better Brain Blueprint series. Dr. Perlmutter currently serves as the managing director at Big Bold Health, a food-as-medicine company where he published a pioneering study on plant nutrients and human aging through epigenetics. He also consults with the Helfgott Research Institute, researching the effects of ayahuasca on epigenetics, metabolism, microbiome and immune function. Highlights: The biology of mental health and decision-making Inflammation's crucial role in brain function How psychedelics create perspective shifts Balancing psychedelic use with lifestyle practices Breaking the cycle of chronic inflammation Understanding the autonomic nervous system's response The microbiome's connection to brain health Research on ayahuasca's epigenetic effects The importance of post-psychedelic environments Moving beyond the "psychedelic as panacea" mindset Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

    1 hr
  4. Nick Musica - SEO to ESP: Psychedelics, Pattern Recognition & Animal Telepathy

    MAR 3

    Nick Musica - SEO to ESP: Psychedelics, Pattern Recognition & Animal Telepathy

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Nick Musica, founder and CEO of Optics In and psychic animal communicator. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-293/?ref=278 Nick shares his fascinating journey from SEO expert to animal communicator, bridging the worlds of technical analysis and spiritual connection. He discusses how plant medicine experiences and meditation opened channels of communication with animals, particularly through his relationship with his cat Chucky. The conversation explores the intersection of consciousness, communication, and how animals can serve as profound teachers in our lives. Nick also offers insights into the evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI, drawing parallels between pattern recognition in both digital and spiritual realms. Nick Musica is an SEO expert, plant medicine enthusiast & psychic animal communicator. He had his first psychic and psychedelic experiences in his early 20s, twenties, though it would take nearly 25 years for these experiences to resurface. In fact, much of his adult life was what most people would consider "normal". This changed when Nick began exploring consciousness through plant medicine and work with a spiritual teacher. The connection that opened continued to grow and evolve. After visiting a psychic medium who told him he would communicate with animals and that it would be easy, Nick discovered - following a few false starts - that she was right. Today, Nick communicates with other people's animals and helps individuals develop their own intuitive gifts. Highlights: The DMV.org Story: Building and Losing a Digital Empire From SEO Expert to Animal Whisperer: A Transformational Journey How San Pedro Medicine Opened New Channels of Perception Understanding Mixed Signals: Why Animals Mirror Our Energy The Profound Teacher-Student Dynamic with Cats Dolphins and Family Bonds: Insights from Cabo Practical Steps for Developing Animal Communication The Hidden Language: Reading Beyond Animal Behavior Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

    51 min
  5. Robert Edward Grant - Psilocybin Intelligence: A Polymath's Quantum Leap

    FEB 24

    Robert Edward Grant - Psilocybin Intelligence: A Polymath's Quantum Leap

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Robert Edward Grant, a polymath inventor, entrepreneur, mathematician, and philosopher. Grant shares his transformative journey from successful businessman to consciousness explorer, discussing how psychedelics enhanced his understanding of mathematics, sacred geometry, and universal truth. He explores the relationship between science and spirituality, the nature of reality, and his groundbreaking discoveries in ancient Egyptian archaeology. Grant offers profound insights into the role of unconditional love in personal evolution and how simplified approaches can solve complex modern problems. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-292/?ref=278 Sir Robert Edward Grant is a serial entrepreneur, polymath, prolific inventor, and thought leader in fields ranging from medical technology and cryptography to sacred geometry, mathematics, and music theory. With over 80 patents to his name, Grant is known for bridging the gap between science, spirituality, and innovation, applying his deep understanding of sacred geometry and universal mathematical principles to solve problems across diverse industries. Highlights: How Our Reality May Be an Illusion Mushrooms as a Gateway to Higher Intelligence Finding Hidden Pyramids in Plain Sight Your Brain as a Frequency Receiver The True Purpose of AI Creation Why Complexity Needs Simple Solutions Why Embracing Your Shadow Leads to Growth From Business Crisis to Spiritual Awakening Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

    1h 3m
  6. Jeff Krasno - Good Stress: The Power of Purposeful Discomfort

    FEB 17

    Jeff Krasno - Good Stress: The Power of Purposeful Discomfort

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Jeff Krasno, entrepreneur, author, and wellness pioneer.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-291/?ref=278 Jeff shares his transformative journey from leading Wanderlust to confronting his own health crisis, which led to profound insights about stress, healing, and human potential. He discusses his new book "Good Stress," exploring how embracing evolutionary-aligned challenges can enhance our wellbeing. Jeff offers a unique perspective on rewilding our lives, the intersection of physical and spiritual health, and finding freedom from the fear of death through understanding our deep connection to nature and the cosmos. Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being and co-creator of Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. His latest venture expands Jeff’s personal story and protocols into a book, "Good Stress: The Benefits of Doing Hard Things" (Hay House, March 2025). The book dives deeper into the concepts from the course, distilling insights from over 400 podcast conversations Jeff has conducted, along with his personal experiences applying these ideas to transform his own health. It explores deliberate, self-imposed behaviors that promote social, psychological, and physical well-being, offering both a philosophical exploration of true wellness and practical steps to achieve it. Highlights: Jeff's personal health crisis and transformation from Wanderlust CEO to wellness advocate The concept of "good stress" and its role in human evolution and adaptation Understanding rewilding as a path to physical and psychological health The intersection of physical practices and spiritual development How modern comfort may be undermining our natural resilience The importance of reconnecting with ancestral movement patterns Reframing our relationship with death and mortality The unity of physical and metaphysical in human experience Episode Links: Website Jeff’s Book, “Good Stress” OneCommune Episode Sponsor: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

    1h 18m
  7. David Jay Brown - The Telepathic Future: DMT, Dreams & Digital Consciousness

    FEB 10

    David Jay Brown - The Telepathic Future: DMT, Dreams & Digital Consciousness

    In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes David Jay Brown, accomplished author and researcher in consciousness studies. https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-290-david-jay-brown/?ref=278 David shares insights from his extensive work exploring the intersections of psychedelics, lucid dreaming, and technological evolution. From his early days writing for MAPS to his current work documenting DMT entities, David offers fascinating perspectives on how these altered states of consciousness might help humanity navigate the approaching technological singularity. David Jay Brown is an accomplished author with expertise spanning psychedelics, consciousness studies, and futurism. He holds a master's degree in psychobiology from NYU and has written extensively about the intersection of psychedelics, consciousness, and technology. As the author of groundbreaking works including The Illustrated Field Guide to DMT Entities and Psychedelics and the Coming Singularity, Brown brings decades of experience interviewing leading figures in psychedelic research and consciousness exploration. His work has appeared in Scientific American, Wired, and Discover, and he served as Senior Editor for MAPS Bulletin from 2007-2012. Highlights: Early work with MAPS and witnessing the psychedelic renaissance The technological singularity and its relationship to psychedelics Connections between psychedelic states and lucid dreaming Practical techniques for inducing lucid dreams The role of intention in both dreaming and psychedelic experiences Indigenous perspectives on dreaming and plant medicine DMT entities and alien contact experiences The mystery of consciousness and interdimensional experience Episode Links: David’s website The Illustrated Field Guide to DMT Entities Episode Sponsor: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute. These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

    1h 5m
  8. Paul F. Austin & Chris Villar - The Business of Transformation: Inside a Successful Psychedelic Coaching Practice

    FEB 7

    Paul F. Austin & Chris Villar - The Business of Transformation: Inside a Successful Psychedelic Coaching Practice

    In this special bonus episode, we share highlights from a recent January webinar featuring Paul F. Austin in conversation with Chris Villar, a successful executive coach and graduate of the Psychedelic Coaching Institute.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-289b/?ref=278 Chris shares his transition from Goldman Sachs and founding a $125 million company to becoming an executive coach incorporating psychedelics into his practice. Together, Paul and Chris explore the business aspects of psychedelic coaching, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for building a successful practice. For more of Chris's personal and professional journey, check out his interview in Episode 268 of The Psychedelic Podcast. Chris Villar studied finance & accounting at Georgetown University and began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he led a $500 million investment portfolio in the home security industry. In 2007, he left Goldman and founded Frontpoint Security, an early disruptor for self-installed alarm systems and smart home technology.  Chris served as CEO from inception to over $125-million in revenue as the company grew to nearly 800 employees and received frequent recognition for both customer and employee satisfaction. After selling the company in 2020, Chris founded VILLAR Coaching, a boutique coaching practice focused on helping founders (and other high achievers) scale their companies while cultivating skills in peak performance and fundamental wellbeing.  Chris has done extensive work to overcome a lifetime of stress, anxiety, and burnout and to detach from the lifelong grip of achievement; and now enjoys helping others do the same. He lives in Washington, DC with his husband and their 10-year old beagle and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and traveling. Highlights: Chris's background: From Goldman Sachs to founding a $125M company The journey to becoming a psychedelic integration coach  Key skills Chris learned through professional training  Structuring client engagements and coaching containers Incorporating ketamine therapy through legal providers  Revenue generation and pricing strategies in psychedelic coaching  Group retreats and scaling a coaching practice Essential advice for aspiring coaches Episode Links: Chris’s website  The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program

    56 min
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    4.7
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    About

    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.

    Information

    • Creator
      Third Wave
    • Years Active
      2017 - 2025
    • Episodes
      297
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © 2025 3W Wellness
    • Show Website
      The Psychedelic Podcast

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