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 UC San Diego Center for Psychedelic Research Arthur C Clark Center for Human Imagination Dr. Vieten’s TEDx Talk at TEDxSanDiego Institute of Noetic Sciences Episode Sponsor: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

Tiffany Hurd, a microdosing coach and business leadership advisor, combines her 15+ years in corporate medical sales with psychedelic advocacy. She discusses how microdosing can enhance workplace culture, improve mental health, and foster emotional intelligence in leadership. Tiffany shares her personal transformation from a challenging childhood to a corporate executive, emphasizing the potential of psychedelics in navigating professional fulfillment. She also explores the intersection of AI and psychedelics, advocating for intentional practices in modern business.

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.

Wendy Tucker, board chair of Shulgin Farm and owner of Transform Press, shares her deeply personal connection to the groundbreaking psychedelic pioneers, Sasha and Ann Shulgin. She recounts their enchanting love story and the historic significance of the Shulgin Farm, where over 200 psychedelic compounds were synthesized. Wendy discusses current preservation efforts for this crucial piece of psychedelic history and the legacy of open science fostered by the Shulgins. Their impact on today's psychedelic renaissance is highlighted throughout the conversation.

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 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.

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Paul Chek, a world-renowned expert in holistic wellness, kinesiology, and spiritual development. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-278-paul-chek/ Paul Chek shares his extensive experience working with plant medicines and helping people integrate challenging psychedelic experiences. He discusses his early spiritual development through the Self-Realization Fellowship and his journey developing remarkable abilities in remote viewing and energy work. Drawing from his unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual wisdom, he explores the importance of proper preparation, screening, and container-building for ceremonies, including his use of art therapy and Tarot in pre-ceremony screening. Part 1 emphasizes the critical need for reverence and responsibility in working with plant medicines, while sharing practical insights for practitioners supporting others through these 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's early spiritual development and experiences with Self-Realization Fellowship Family background and influence of meditation at age 12 Development of remote viewing abilities and validation through CIA program The importance of soul recovery in plant medicine work Critical screening and preparation protocols before ceremonies Using art therapy and mandalas for pre-ceremony assessment The role of Tarot in ceremony preparation and guidance Links: 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.