
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
David Jay Brown - The Telepathic Future: DMT, Dreams & Digital Consciousness
David Jay Brown, an accomplished author and consciousness researcher, delves deep into the intersections of psychedelics, lucid dreaming, and technology. He discusses his early work with MAPS and the revival of psychedelic research. Brown explores how psychedelics might enhance awareness as we approach the technological singularity. He shares practical techniques for inducing lucid dreams and emphasizes the transformative potential of DMT experiences, questioning the very nature of reality and consciousness.

Feb 7, 2025 • 56min
Paul F. Austin & Chris Villar - The Business of Transformation: Inside a Successful Psychedelic Coaching Practice
Chris Villar, an accomplished executive coach and former Goldman Sachs finance leader, shares his fascinating transition into psychedelic coaching. He discusses the burgeoning psychedelics industry and its projected growth, emphasizing the ethical landscape and practical strategies for success. Villar highlights the pivotal role of self-awareness and well-being in coaching, exploring how psychedelics can unlock personal transformation. Insightful tips on scaling a coaching practice and the importance of community engagement further enrich the conversation.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 3min
Daniel Carcillo - Brain Injury & Psychedelic Medicine: An NHL Champion's Mission
Daniel Carcillo, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and former NHL player, shares his transformative journey from professional hockey enforcer to psychedelic therapy advocate. He reveals how psilocybin helped him heal from traumatic brain injuries and severe post-concussion syndrome. The discussion touches on the scientific potential of psychedelics in addressing TBI, the establishment of treatment centers, and new frameworks for integrating these therapies in sports. Carcillo emphasizes the importance of community support and ongoing research in this pioneering field.

7 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 58min
Liz Chernett - Weaving Webs: A Creative's Guide to Psychedelic Integration
Liz Chernett, a certified psychedelic integration coach and creative director, shares her journey from the corporate world to helping clients navigate psychedelic experiences. She discusses the concept of 'being in right relationship' and how interconnectedness parallels creativity. Liz highlights her innovative 'Art for Essence' workshop, emphasizing the transformational power of storytelling in integration. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and the role of psychedelics in redefining personal identity and success.

25 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D. - The Brain on Psychedelics: Mapping the Science of Consciousness
Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, is a leading voice in psychedelic research. He discusses the brain's default mode network and its significance in consciousness. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics compared to traditional medications, the complexities of therapeutic applications, and the need for a supportive framework during psychedelic experiences. He also shares insights into his groundbreaking studies on 5-MeO-DMT and the challenges in integrating psychedelics into modern healthcare.

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D. - Beyond the Mind's Eye: Imagination as Medicine
Cassandra Vieten, a Clinical Professor and Director at UC San Diego, explores the transformative power of imagination in mental health. She dives into groundbreaking psilocybin research for phantom limb pain and discusses the broader implications of psychedelics on well-being. Insights on the 'overview effect' and how childhood influences shaped her views reveal the importance of creativity and mindfulness. Vieten emphasizes the need for a balance between scientific rigor and therapeutic wisdom in harnessing the mind's potential for personal and societal change.

Jan 6, 2025 • 56min
Tiffany Hurd - Microdosing Meets Management: A New Era of Business Leadership
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.

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 1min
Rick Strassman, M.D. - The Spirit Molecule Returns: New Frontiers in DMT Research
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.

Dec 25, 2024 • 29min
Mark J. Plotkin, Ph.D. - Protecting Plant Wisdom: Lessons from the Amazon's Elder Healers
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.

Dec 23, 2024 • 58min
Michael D. Madera, Psy.D. - Breaking Free: Healing Narcissistic Family Wounds Through Psychedelics
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.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.