Third Wave Podcast

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

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

Episode Sponsor: 

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Daniel Carcillo, former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion, about his remarkable journey from professional hockey to becoming a pioneer in psychedelic therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-289/?ref=278

Daniel shares his powerful story of using psilocybin to heal from multiple concussions and severe post-concussion syndrome, which led him to establish treatment centers helping others with similar conditions. He discusses the scientific basis for psilocybin's effectiveness in treating TBI, his current work running legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon, and his vision for expanding access to natural medicine healing modalities. The conversation explores the intersection of professional sports, brain health, and psychedelic medicine, while addressing the broader implications for healthcare and policy.

Daniel Carcillo is a former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. Known as "Car Bomb" during his professional hockey career, he has transformed his experience with multiple concussions and traumatic brain injury into pioneering work in psychedelic medicine. After spending years seeking conventional treatment for post-concussion syndrome, he discovered the healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms. Since his recovery, Daniel has become a leading advocate for natural medicine approaches to brain injury and mental health. He founded treatment centers focused on psilocybin therapy and is currently operating legal retreats in Oregon, specifically designed to help others suffering from TBI and related conditions. His work combines scientific research with practical therapeutic applications, aiming to transform treatment options for those affected by brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Highlights:

• Life as an NHL enforcer and winning Stanley Cups
• Early hockey career and development of "Car Bomb" persona 
• Journey through addiction and discovering meditation 
• Multiple concussions and struggles with traditional treatment 
• First encounter with psilocybin research
• Transformative healing experience with mushrooms
• Establishing legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon
• Protocol development and integration support
• Future vision for psychedelic therapy

Episode Link:

• Website

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Liz Chernett, a certified psychedelic integration coach and creative director.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-288/?ref=278

Drawing from her 17-year background in fashion and wellness brands, Liz shares her journey from corporate creative direction to psychedelic coaching, exploring how storytelling and creativity can enhance integration work. A graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute's Practitioner Certification Program, she discusses her innovative "Art for Essence" workshop, her new podcast "In Right Relationship," and the power of weaving together creative expression and psychedelic integration. Liz Chernett is a certified psychedelic integration coach and creative director based in Philadelphia. With seventeen years of experience working with fashion and wellness brands, she brings a unique perspective to psychedelic integration, combining creative direction with transformational coaching. A graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute's Practitioner Certification Program and trained in Inner Team Dialogue, Liz specializes in helping clients navigate psychedelic experiences through authentic storytelling and creative integration. Her approach draws from transpersonal psychology, shamanic frameworks, and Jungian archetypes, supporting clients in their journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Highlights:

• The power of being a generalist in creative and healing work 
• Early psychedelic experiences and their impact on grief processing 
• The mystical experience of childbirth during the pandemic 
• Understanding projection and storytelling in healing work 
• Art for Essence: A new approach to creative integration 
• Philadelphia's unique psychedelic community and culture 

Episode Links:

• Website
• Kaleidoscope Eye Coaching

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at the inaugural Eudaimonia summit in West Palm Beach. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-287/?ref=278 As the founder of the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and now the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, Dr. Carhart-Harris shares his research on how psychedelics affect the brain's default mode network. He explains the key differences between psychedelic therapy and traditional psychiatric medications, discusses his current studies examining the role of set and setting, and explores the unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT. The conversation weaves between detailed neuroscience, the challenges of integrating psychedelics into healthcare, and personal reflections on his 20-year commitment to advancing psychedelic research. Prof Carhart-Harris holds the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professorship in Neurology and Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he founded the Carhart-Harris Lab in 2023. His groundbreaking research includes human neuroimaging studies with LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT, along with clinical trials of psilocybin therapy for various disorders. He founded the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London in 2019. Named in TIME magazine's '100 Next' in 2021 and Vox Magazine's 'Future 50' in 2023, his current research at UCSF focuses on understanding the mechanisms of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy.

Highlights:

• Origins and evolution of psychedelic research in neuroscience
• The role of default mode network in consciousness
• How psychedelics differ from traditional SSRIs
• The relationship between serotonin discovery and LSD research 
• Challenges of integrating psychedelic therapy into healthcare 
• Current research projects at UCS
• The unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT
• Personal reflections on 20 years in psychedelic research 

Episode Link:

• Website

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Cassandra Vieten, Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and Clinical Psychology Director at the Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative at UCSD.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-286/?ref=278 Dr. Vieten shares insights on the relationship between imagination, psychedelics, and mental health, exploring how these elements intersect to create transformative experiences. She discusses groundbreaking research on psilocybin for phantom limb pain, the importance of both scientific rigor and therapeutic wisdom in psychedelic research, and how imagination can be cultivated as a vital skill for personal and societal transformation. Cassandra Vieten is Clinical Professor and Director of the Center for Mindfulness at the Centers for Integrative Health in the Department of Family Medicine at UC San Diego. She is also Director of Research at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and Clinical Psychology Director at the Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative at UCSD. She is Senior Advisor of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation where she served as Executive Director from 2019-2023, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, where she served as President from 2013-2019. Her research has focused on spirituality and health, transformative experiences and practices, the development of mindfulness-based interventions for emotional well-being, and development of media technologies to inspire awe. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and completed her research training in behavioral genetics at UC San Francisco. She has authored three books, published numerous articles in scientific journals, and is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and workshop leader.

Highlights:

• The mental health renaissance
• Exercise and mental wellness
• Origins of the Clarke Center
• Understanding noetic sciences
• Imagination and development
• Psilocybin for phantom limb pain
• Psychedelics vs opioids for pain
• Psychedelics with or without therapy
• Group vs individual treatment
• Imagination as transformation

Episode Links:

• Dr. Vieten’s Website
• Clark Center for Human Imagination Center for Mindfulness at UC San Diego
• Dr. Vieten’s TEDx Talk at TEDxSanDiego
• Institute of Noetic Sciences

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Tiffany Hurd, a microdosing coach and business leadership advisor who bridges the worlds of psychedelics and corporate culture. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-285/?ref=278 Drawing from her 15-year corporate background and extensive experience with psychedelic medicines, Tiffany shares insights on bringing microdosing into professional environments, discusses her personal journey from Division I athlete to corporate executive to psychedelic advocate, and explores how these powerful tools can transform workplace culture and leadership. Tiffany Hurd is a microdosing coach, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences. Drawing from her 15+ years in the corporate medical industry, where she held executive sales & business development roles at Fortune 500 companies, Tiffany helps organizations optimize their growth through customized microdosing protocols. Her expertise lies in teaching business leaders how to achieve professional and personal fulfillment using microdosing and emotional intelligence leadership skills. Her work focuses on helping companies retain talent, elevate team relationships, and cultivate emotional awareness while creating purpose-driven organizations at the intersection of business, leadership, and psychedelics.

Highlights:

• From challenging upbringing to Division I basketball player 
• Transition from corporate medical sales to psychedelic coaching
• Personal experience weaning off psychiatric medications through microdosing
• Discussion of microdosing protocols and safety considerations
• From productivity machine to conscious business
• Practical considerations for psychedelic workplace programs
• Vision for the future of psychedelics in business
• Integration of AI and psychedelics in business landscape

Episode Links:

• Website
• Tiffany on Instagram
• Tiffany on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Rick Strassman, pioneering psychedelic researcher and author of "DMT: The Spirit Molecule."  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-284/?ref=278 Dr. Strassman shares insights from his groundbreaking DMT research in the 1990s, discusses recent developments in extended-state DMT studies, and explores the complex relationship between psychedelics, spirituality, and organized religion. Drawing from his new memoir "My Altered States," he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal experience, clinical research, and spiritual growth in the psychedelic field.

A native of Los Angeles, Rick Strassman obtained his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, general psychiatry training at UC Davis, and a clinical psychopharmacology research fellowship training at UC San Diego. Joining the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1984, his clinical research on melatonin discovered its first known function in humans.

Between 1990-1995 he performed the first new US clinical research with psychedelic drugs—DMT and psilocybin—in a generation. From 1995-2008 he practiced general psychiatry in community mental health and the private sector. He has authored or co-authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed papers, has served as guest editor and reviewer for numerous scientific journals, and consulted to various government, non-profit, and for-profit entities. His best-selling book DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2001) has been translated into 13 languages and is the basis of a successful independent documentary that he co-produced. 

In 2008, he co-authored Inner Paths to Outer Space. His interest in Hebrew biblical prophecy and psychedelia resulted in his 2014 book DMT and the Soul of prophecy. His first novel, Joseph Levy Escapes Death, was published in 2019. The Psychedelic Handbook appeared in 2022, and My Altered States, an illustrated collection of personal narratives, will appear in December 2024.

Highlights:

• Origins of DMT research at University of New Mexico and initial melatonin studies 
• The relationship between DMT and the pineal gland, discussing recent scientific findings
• Exploration of DMT's role in modulating our sense of reality 
• Discussion of entity encounters in DMT experiences 
• Extended-state DMT research and therapeutic applications 
• Personal journey with psychedelics and Buddhist practice 
• Challenges between psychedelics and organized religion 

Episode links: 

• Dr. Strassman’s new book, My Altered States
• Dr. Strassman’s website
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule (book) 
• (podcast) Navigating Complexity: Psychedelics, AI, & Extended-State DMT - Alexander Beiner
• (podcast) Beyond the Mainstream: Insights from Psychedelic Chemistry, Culture, & Consciousness - Hamilton Morris

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this special bonus episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes renowned ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin for an intimate preview of the upcoming Costa Rica Intensive in February 2025.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283b/

Dr. Plotkin shares insights from his decades of work with indigenous communities in the Amazon, discusses the delicate balance between commercialization and preservation of sacred plant medicines, and explores the crucial distinctions between traditional shamanic practices and modern therapeutic approaches. As a special guest for the upcoming intensive, he offers valuable perspectives on integrating indigenous wisdom with contemporary psychedelic practices while emphasizing the importance of humility and continuous learning in working with these powerful medicines.

Dr. Mark Plotkin is a renowned ethnobotanist who has studied traditional indigenous plant use with elder shamans of Central and South America for over 30 years. As President of the Amazon Conservation Team, which he co-founded in 1996, Dr. Plotkin works to protect biological and cultural diversity in the Amazon rainforest. Time Magazine named him an environmental "Hero for the Planet," and his TED Talk on protecting uncontacted tribes has garnered over a million views. His work combines rigorous scientific research with deep respect for indigenous wisdom and traditional healing practices.

* Join Dr. Plotkin and Paul F. Austin this February 2025 at the Costa Rica  Psychedelic Intensive, featuring three guided psilocybin experiences and exclusive workshops exploring the intersection of indigenous wisdom and modern healing practices. *

Highlights:

• Dr. Plotkin’s current work and the new Center for Protection of the Guardians of Ancestral Wisdom
• Updates on protecting uncontacted tribes and conservation efforts
• Perspectives on psychedelics' role in environmental connection
• Indigenous approaches to healing and community
• Historical context of mushroom use in Oaxaca  
• Cautionary insights about commercialization of sacred medicines

Episode Links:

• Amazon Conservation Team
• Plants of the Gods Podcast
• Upcoming book by Paul Stamets: "Psilocybin Mushrooms in their Native Habitat"
• Christopher Hobbs' "Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide"
• Fantastic Fungi documentary
• Third Wave’s Psychedelic Intensive, Feb 8-15, 2025 in Costa Rica

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.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Michael Madera, psychologist, executive coach, and author of "Playing Tag on the Roof." He is also a graduate of The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-283/?ref=278

Michael shares his journey of growing up in a narcissistic family environment, where his father became a con man and his mother a Buddhist nun. He discusses how psychedelics, Internal Family Systems therapy, and other modalities helped him heal from childhood trauma and informed his approach to coaching family businesses. Through his work and personal experience, Michael illuminates the complex interplay between family dynamics, leadership, and the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines.

Michael D. Madera is a psychologist, author, and executive coach specializing in family business dynamics and innovative healing modalities. Trained at Harvard institutions, he combines traditional psychology with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and breathwork facilitation. His recently released book "Playing Tag on the Roof" explores recovery from narcissistic family dynamics through psychedelics and love. Michael's articles in Family Business press are frequently among the most downloaded in the field. He leads transformative plant medicine retreats in Costa Rica and maintains an active coaching practice helping individuals and family businesses thrive. Beyond his professional work, Michael leads a Boston-based dance band and enjoys sports. He lives near Boston with his wife and two college-age sons.

Highlights:

• Growing up between Toronto and Boston 
• Journey to becoming a psychologist 
• Understanding narcissistic personalities
• Growing up with narcissistic parents 
• Healing through psychotherapy and meditation 
• The three circles of family business
• Psychedelics' role in healing trauma
• IFS and psychedelic integration 
• Ancestral patterns in family businesses

Episode Links:

• Resounding Circles
• Madera Partners Consulting
• Dr. Madera’s new book, “Playing Tag on the Roof: Recovering from a narcissistic family through love and psychedelics”

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Wendy Tucker, board chair of Shulgin Farm and owner of Transform Press.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-282-wendy-tucker/?ref=278

Wendy shares intimate stories about her stepfather Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and mother Ann, including their remarkable love story and groundbreaking work in psychedelic research. She discusses the historic significance of the Shulgin Farm, where Sasha's famous lab produced over 200 novel compounds, and details current efforts to preserve this important piece of psychedelic history. The conversation explores the Shulgins' legacy of open science, collaborative research, and their impact on the current psychedelic renaissance.

Highlights:

• History of Shulgin Farm and its significance since 1935 
• The love story of Sasha and Ann Shulgin
• MDMA, 2-CB, and a litmus test of lovemaking
• The Shulgins’ legacy of bold research and open science
• The longterm vision of the Farm and Shulgin Foundation
• Wendy's initial impressions of Sasha
• Sasha's methodical approach to creating and testing new compounds
• The 1994 DEA raid and its impact
• Transform Press and the story of PiHKAL & TiHKAL
• Current preservation efforts and fundraising goals

Links:

• Shulgin Farm
• Transform Press
• Instagram: @shulginfoundation

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this solo cast episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin shares deep insights on why group work is essential for practitioners in the psychedelic space.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-281/?ref=278

Drawing from Richard Rohr's essay on liminality and his own transformative experiences at Synthesis, Paul explores how collective psychedelic experiences create powerful containers for growth and transformation. He emphasizes three core aspects of effective group work—embodiment, nature connectedness, and community—while making a compelling case for why practitioners must "walk the walk" through their own guided group experiences before supporting others.

Highlights:

• Liminality and its relationship to psychedelic experiences
• Personal story of group experience at Synthesis retreat 
• The importance of "walking the walk" as practitioners 
• Three core aspects of retreat work: embodiment, nature connectedness, and community
• The significance of choosing the right community for growth 
• Guidance for practitioners considering group experiences 

Episode Links:

• Third Wave’s Psychedelic Intensive in Costa Rica
• The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program
• ‘Between Two Worlds’ by Richard Rohr

Paul F. Austin is one of the most prominent voices in the world of psychedelics, and is the author of Mastering Microdosing: How to Use Sub-Perceptual Psychedelics to Heal Trauma, Improve Performance, and Transform Your Life.

As the founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, he has educated millions on the importance of safe and effective psychedelic experiences. A pioneer at the intersection of microdosing, personal transformation, and professional success, he has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and the BBC’s Worklife.

Paul helps others use microdosing as a tool for professional development and increased self-awareness by treating the use of psychedelics as a skill refined through mentorship and courageous exploration.

Learning how to master this skill will be crucial in the story of humanity’s present-future evolution.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes food and nature writer Eugenia Bone to discuss her new book, "Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience."

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-280?ref=278

Drawing from extensive research, personal experimentation, and interviews, Eugenia shares insights into the world of psilocybin mushrooms, from cultivation to ceremonial use. She explores the intersection of citizen science and clinical research, the role of indigenous wisdom, and offers a balanced perspective on the current psychedelic renaissance.

Eugenia Bone is food and nature writer whose work has appeared in many anthologies, magazines, and newspapers, including The New York Times, The National Lampoon, Saveur, Gourmet, BBC Science, and The Wall Street Journal, where she is a frequent book reviewer. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and former president of the New York Mycological Society. She is faculty at the New York Botanical Garden where she teaches classes on psychedelic mushrooms and mycophagy. She is the author or co-author of nine books on food and biology, and has won or been nominated for a variety of awards, including the Nautilus Award, the Colorado Book Award and the James Beard Award. Eugenia has been featured on many dozens of radio shows and podcasts, lectured widely in diverse venues like The New York Public Library, the Denver Botanical Garden and The telluride Mushroom Festival where she is a regular presenter. She is featured in the documentary directed by Louie Schwartzberg, Fantastic Fungi (2019), and in the Netflix children’s show about food, Waffles + Mochi (the mushroom episode) produced by Michele Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Eugenia's new book and her approach to writing about psychedelics 
• The process of researching and writing "Have a Good Trip"
• The "Noccers" of Seattle: Urban mushroom cultivation activists
• Experience with indigenous ceremonies and curanderas
• Personal journey with mushroom cultivation
• The role of citizen science in psychedelic research
• Insights from microdosing experiences
• Final wisdom about having a good trip

Episode Links:

• Eugenia’s website
• Eugenia's book, Have a Good Trip
• Instagram: @EugeniaGBone
• Eugenia's Substack

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.

In Part 2 of this profound conversation, Paul Chek delves deep into the relationship between psychedelics, personal mythology, and spiritual development.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-279-paul-chek/?ref=278 

He explores how plant medicines can help unveil our individual myths while emphasizing the critical importance of proper preparation and sacred intention. Drawing from decades of experience as both a therapist and medicine carrier, Paul discusses the delicate balance between therapeutic potential and risk, sharing insights about the nature of God, consciousness, and responsible engagement with powerful medicines. He offers wisdom about the differences between recreational and ceremonial use, while exploring how our relationship with power, mind, love, and money influences our medicine experiences.

Use code THIRDWAVE15 for 15% off any membership at Spirit Gym at myspiritgym.com

Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in the fields of corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, holistic wellness and integrative lifestyle management. For over forty years, Paul’s unique, integrated approach to coaching and education has changed the lives of many of his clients, his students and their clients. By treating the body as a integrated system of systems and finding the root cause of a problem, Paul has been successful where traditional approaches have consistently failed. Author of numerous books, videos and professional development courses, he is the creator of Spirit Gym, founder of the CHEK Institute, and the host of the popular Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast.

Highlights:

• Paul explains his vaporized tobacco blend
• Understanding myth and its role in psychedelic experiences
• Importance of preparation and screening for ceremonies
• Four key areas of life to examine before ceremony: power, mental energy, love, & money
• Managing power and responsibility with plant medicines
• Distinctions between sacred use and recreational consumption
• Spirit Gym and Paul's comprehensive teaching approach

Links:

• Part 1 of this 2-part conversation with Paul Chek
• Chek Institute
• Spirit Gym (use code THIRDWAVE15 for 15% off any membership)
• paulchek.com
• Paul’s YouTube Channel

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.