Chief Change Officer #370 Paul Austin: Can Psychedelics Unlock Performance—Without Losing the Plot?
Paul Austin isn’t here to evangelize psychedelics. He’s here to demystify them.
As the founder and CEO of Third Wave, Paul has spent a decade educating the public on responsible psychedelic use—from microdosing protocols to full-dose journeys. In this episode, he shares how psychedelics are being used not just to treat mental health conditions, but to enhance leadership, decision-making, and personal clarity.
We explore the science of neuroplasticity, the legal gray zones, and the risks of skipping the prep work. For high-performers feeling stuck or burnt out, Paul outlines a roadmap grounded in safety, structure, and serious self-inquiry. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a guide—not a push—for what transformation can look like when approached with respect.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
Why He Started Third Wave—and Why His Dad Tried It Too
“My dad once told me he hadn’t been that disappointed since his brother died. Years later, I guided him through his first psilocybin journey.”
From Microdosing to Life Design
“Microdosing isn’t about escape—it’s about reprogramming. You still have to show up and do the hard stuff.”
Psychedelics as a Skill, Not a Fix
“Just like cooking or martial arts, this is a practice. You get better with time, feedback, and intention.”
When Leaders Feel Stuck, This Is the Pattern Breaker
“For many execs I work with, it’s not about trauma—it’s about lost clarity, emotional fog, or a 360 review that hit too close to home.”
Start Low, Go Slow: Why That Advice Matters More Than Ever
“You can always take more—you can’t take less. Begin with microdosing. Build awareness before diving deep.”
The Snow Globe and the Ski Slope: Two Metaphors That Explain It All
“Think of psychedelics as shaking up the snow globe. Or fresh powder on a slope—you’re no longer stuck in someone else’s ruts.”
Legal Doesn’t Mean Safe. Illegal Doesn’t Mean Dangerous.
“Psychedelics became illegal for political—not medical—reasons. But that doesn’t mean you can skip the legal risks.”
Where It’s Legal—And What to Do If It’s Not
“Colorado. Oregon. The Netherlands. Costa Rica. Go where it’s legal. Work with a guide. Respect the law.”
The Five Elements of a Safe Psychedelic Journey
“Assessment. Preparation. Facilitation. Integration. Microdosing. Miss one, and the whole thing can derail.”
Why No One Should Be Talked Into It
“Don’t do it for your friend, your spouse, or your coach. You have to want this for you.”
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Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Paul Austin
--Chief Change Officer--
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