The Psychedelic Podcast

Paul F. Austin is joined by BJ Miller, M.D., co-founder of Mettle Health, for a discussion on psychedelics and living and dying well. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. BJ Miller, M.D. is an established thought leader in the area of serious illness, end-of-life issues, and dying. He has been a physician for 19 years and has counseled over 1,000 patients and family members. This vast experience has led him to understand what people really need when dealing with difficult health situations. BJ has given over 100 talks, both nationally and internationally, on the themes of serious illness and dying, He has given over 100 media interviews, including podcasts, radio, and print. His TED Talk, What Really Matters at the End of Life has been viewed over 11 million times. He is co-author of the book, A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, published in 2019. Highlights: Powerful insights and perspectives from BJ’s work in palliative and end-of-life care. From taboo to opportunity: examining attitudes towards death across cultures and history. How BJ became involved in the intersection of psychedelics and end-of-life. Looking at the data on psychedelic therapy for patients with end-of-life anxiety. “Anesthetics vs. Aesthetics”: BJ’s insights into a helpful set and setting for dying well. Embracing regret and fear at the end of life. The power of love—during life and at the time of death. Mettle Health, BJ’s service for patients and caregivers. Episode Links: Mettle Health Zen Hospice Project BJ Miller's TED Talk, "What really matters at the end of life" Ep. 136 - Jeremy Narby, Ph.D.: “More Than Molecules”: Plants as Living Teachers Presentation by Dr. BJ Miller & Dr. Justin Burke: "Exploring the Aesthetic Dimension of End-of-Life Care” Mettle Health on Youtube Mettle Health on Instagram Mettle Health on Twitter BJ Miller on Twitter This podcast is brought to you by Third Wave's Mushroom Grow Kit. Get the tools you need to grow mushrooms along with an in-depth guide to finding spores. This episode is brought to you by Apollo Neuro, the first scientifically validated wearable that actively improves your body’s resilience to stress. Apollo was developed by a friend of Third Wave, Dr. David Rabin M.D Ph.D., a neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for nearly 15 years. Third Wave listeners get 15% off—just use this link.

James Ravenhall of NewTerritory joins Paul F. Austin to discuss how design thinking can be used to bring innovation to psychedelics & vice versa. James Ravenhall is Creative Director of NewTerritory design studios. He talks about the studio’s visionary microdosing platform concept, “Human Nature,” and how products like it might shift cultural perceptions of psychedelics. Paul and James envision new approaches to psychedelic experiences through the lens of design thinking. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Originally a trained chef, James spent a number of years working in kitchens in London and Paris before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Product Design. Now, he has over thirteen years’ experience leading engagements in brand strategy, product, spatial, service, and digital for some of the world’s most impactful brands across the automotive, aviation, and space travel industries. James has an innate passion to work alongside people who see design not just as a tool, but as a platform to make a positive impact and effect real change for people, planet. and profit. Instagram - @newterritorydesign Website - www.newterritory.io Highlights: James shares about his human-centered approach to design and how psychedelics are influencing his work. The triple bottom line, “People-Planet-Profit,” and the guiding principles of James’s work. James unpacks his creative process and what inspires new projects in his studio. “Human Nature” — a tailored microdosing platform concept that aims to shift public perception and influence legislation. Using design thinking to envision how microdosing can be integrated into daily life. Applying James’s approach to rethinking high-dose psychedelic experiences and ways to personalize experiences. Gourmet dining in space and other projects James is working on. Episode Links: NewTerritory “Human Nature” — James’s microdosing product concept Transcendental Meditation THE WELL New York Article, “Could Psychedelics Help To Heal The Crisis of Disconnection?” by Sam Gandy, Rosalind Watts and Alex Evans Synthesis Institute Wavepaths 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. This episode is brought to you by Third Wave’s Coaching Certification Program. This is an opportunity for coaches with existing practices to be a part of a movement that will change lives. This episode is brought to you by Apollo Neuro, the first scientifically validated wearable that actively improves your body’s resilience to stress. Apollo was developed by a friend of Third Wave, Dr. David Rabin M.D Ph.D., a neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for nearly 15 years. Third Wave listeners get 15% off—just use this link.

Ryan Sprague, founder of Highly Optimized, shares insights on cultivating a positive relationship with cannabis. He discusses using cannabis to manage anxiety and the profound impact it had during his father's final days, shaping his mission to empower others. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional cannabis use for healing and personal growth, as well as the art of blending strains for better experiences. Sprague also explores unconventional consumption methods and their potential benefits, emphasizing education and mindfulness in cannabis practices.

Dr. Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, lead researcher in the world's first LSD microdosing clinical trial, discusses the unique design of his experiment, challenges faced, and potential benefits. They explore therapy in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, regulatory considerations, and the relationship between the Maori and plant medicines in New Zealand.

Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D., a world-renowned researcher in psychedelics, discusses his studies on psilocybin for smoking cessation and cancer distress treatment. He shares the initial findings of psilocybin vs. nicotine patch as smoking cessation treatments. The podcast also highlights the significance of funding therapeutic studies and the transformative power of psychedelic medicine in personal growth and evolution. The role of researchers and advisors in the psychedelic ecosystem, the concept of perennial philosophy, and the importance of finding qualified providers and integration in psychedelic research are also explored.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder of MAPS, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss the healing of humanity through legalized psychedelic medicine. This is another special interview from the 2022 Wonderland Conference in Miami, FL. Paul F. Austin is joined by MAPS founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., to discuss the healing of humanity through legalized psychedelic medicine. Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana. His Master’s thesis was a survey of oncologists on smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thirty-four year follow-up study to Timothy Leary’s Concord Prison Experiment. Rick studied with Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. He founded MAPS in 1986, and currently resides in Boston with his wife and puppy, with three empty rooms from his children who have all graduated college and begun their life journeys. Learn more about Rick by listening to his Origin Story and watching his TED Talk. Highlights: Rick Doblin’s life (in five minutes), the origin story of MAPS, and the latest progress of its FDA clinical trials. How MAPS has changed since Michael Pollan’s How To Change Your Mind Netflix documentary. What keeps Rick focused, grounded and motivated to continue his work. Why MAPS chose to work with MDMA for PTSD, and what its strategy will look like after FDA approval. The novel financing strategies MAPS is taking in response to the ‘failure of philanthropy’. Working towards mass mental health and a “global spiritualized humanity”. MAPS’ Fourth Psychedelic Science Conference — June 2023. How to “make a post-prohibition world work out” and empower people to deal with trauma, with and without substances. Episode Links: MAPS MAPS Public Benefit Michael Pollan’s How To Change Your Mind Netflix documentary Peter Jennings’ documentary, Ecstasy Rising ICPR Conference Maslow's hierarchy of needs Book, The Religion of Tomorrow by Ken Wilber Book, Island by Aldous Huxley Ep. 154: Deborah Mash. Healing Addiction With Ibogaine: What the Research Tells Us 162 Dr. Andrew Weil. Way of the Future: Healing Through Integrative Medicine & Psychedelics MAPS’ Fourth Psychedelic Science Conference Santo Daime Zendo Project Rick Doblin on Twitter Rick Doblin on Instagram 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. This episode is brought to you by MycroDrops™ Powerful Micro-Elixirs made from Adaptogen and nootropic herbs and mushrooms. Get MOTIVATED, FOCUSED & GROUNDED! Use code THIRDWAVE and take $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Visit www.mycrodrops.com. This episode is brought to you by Apollo Neuro, the first scientifically validated wearable that actively improves your body’s resilience to stress. Apollo was developed by a friend of Third Wave, Dr. David Rabin M.D Ph.D., a neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for nearly 15 years. Third Wave listeners get 15% off—just use this link.

This is an uncut interview recorded live at the 2022 Wonderland Conference in Miami, FL. Paul F. Austin is joined by renowned mycologist, author and researcher Paul Stamets, along with Pamela Kryskow, M.D., both co-founders of MycoMedica Life Sciences, PBC. They dive into all things microdosing, clinical trials, naturalistic science and patient-driven research, while exploring and honoring the wisdom of indigenous cultures around the world—and even martial arts. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Paul Stamets, speaker, author, mycologist, medical researcher and entrepreneur, is considered an intellectual and industry leader in fungi: habitat, medicinal use, and production. He lectures extensively to deepen the understanding and respect for the organisms that literally exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. Paul’s philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He sees the ancient Old Growth forests of the Pacific Northwest as a resource of incalculable value, especially in terms of its fungal genome. A dedicated hiker and explorer, his passion is to preserve and protect as many ancestral strains of mushrooms as possible from these pristine woodlands. His research is considered breakthrough by thought leaders for creating a paradigm shift for helping ecosystems worldwide. Paul is the author of six books (including Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World, Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms, and Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World). He has discovered and named several new species of psilocybin mushrooms. Dr. Pamela Kryskow is a medical doctor with a strong interest in psychedelic medicine, mental health and chronic pain. She is a founding board member of the Canadian Psychedelic Association. She is also a part of an expert team working to give Canadians access to psilocybin at end of life. Dr Kryskow is actively involved in research related to psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, mental wellness and neurogenesis. She is a co-investigator on the largest microdosing study, Microdose.me, which is ongoing with 14 000+ enrolled participants. A Clinical Instructor at University of British Columbia and Adjunct Professor at Vancouver Island University, Dr. Kryskow is also the medical lead on the Roots To Thrive Ketamine Assisted Therapy program, which treats healthcare providers with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. In real life, she loves foraging in the forest, ocean kayaking, growing kale and daydreaming in the hammock. Highlights: An introduction to Paul and Pam, and their work together in researching the benefits of microdosing psilocybin. Tracking the history of mushroom wisdom and knowledge, from indigenous traditions to scientific research. How the complexity of microdosing demands new research approaches and methodologies. Addressing the disconnect between policy and science. Paul Stamets’ vision of how psychedelics can be integrated in society, and how MycoMedica is working towards it. How new scientific findings on psilocybin and microdosing could influence future legislation. Closing remarks: psychedelics, kindness, and community Episode Links MycoMedica Life Sciences, PBC Microdose.me study Paul Stamets’ talk at the 2017 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference The roots of ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ mushroomreferences.com Quantified Citizen App Paul Stamets’ Website Paul Stamets on Instagram Pamela Kryskow, M.D. on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by MycroDrops™ Powerful Micro-Elixirs made from Adaptogen and nootropic herbs and mushrooms. Get MOTIVATED, FOCUSED & GROUNDED! Use code THIRDWAVE and take $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Visit www.mycrodrops.com. This episode is brought to you by Apollo Neuro, the first scientifically validated wearable that actively improves your body’s resilience to stress. Apollo was developed by a friend of Third Wave, Dr. David Rabin M.D Ph.D., a neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for nearly 15 years. Third Wave listeners get 15% off—just use this link.

Dr. Sam Zand, Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer of Better U, joins Paul F. Austin for a rich conversation on at-home ketamine-assisted therapy. As a practicing psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer of Better U, Dr. Sam Zand utilizes his expertise in neuroplasticity to help patients address the root cause of their problems and establish new ways of thinking. After initial psychedelic medicine research at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Zand began treating patients clinically with ketamine in 2019. He now teaches psychedelic medicine rotations to psychiatry residents and medical students and is an advocate and spokesperson for the FDA-approved esketamine, Spravato. He is trained in general psychiatry, addiction recovery, and psychotherapy, and has a passion for psychedelic therapy, crisis intervention, relationship counseling, and integrated spiritual therapy. In addition to being a co-founder of Better U, Dr. Zand is also the owner and CEO of a national telepsychiatry service, Anywhere Clinic. He has merged his passions for lifestyle medicine, performance coaching, and entrepreneurship to establish platforms that build leaders and medical healers. He assisted in Crisis Intervention Training for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, helped create mental skills departments for professional sports teams and corporations, and has worked with industry leaders, corporate executives, and pro athletes. Dr. Zand is passionate about increasing education to end the stigma that surrounds mental health topics, advancing the integration of psychiatry and spirituality, and making clinically proven, innovative new therapies more accessible for all. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Highlights: Understanding the differences between Spravato and generic ketamine, and the role each might play in the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy. ‘The Skill of Psychedelics’ - looking at medicines like ketamine in the bigger picture of healing, growth, and transformation. Dr. Zand’s Four phases of healing: Heal, Grow, Love, Transcend What differentiates Better U from other telemedicine psychedelic-assisted therapy services Dr. Zand on effective dosing, intention-setting, and utilization of psychotherapy. Exploring the correlation between dissociative experience and positive transformation How ego actualization and ego dissolution fit into the greater path of healing and transformation. Transcending pathology and the disease-care model of mental healthcare to embrace the biopsychosocial-spiritual model. The ‘Powered by Better U’ Model of collaboration to bring beneficial ketamine treatments beyond the clinic. Closing Episode Links: Better U Better Universe Foundation Dr. Zand on LinkedIn Recent clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of at-home ketamine treatments Third Wave’s Guide to Ketamine MAPS This podcast is brought to you by Third Wave’s Mushroom Grow Kit. The biggest problem for anyone starting to explore the magical world of mushrooms is consistent access from reputable sources. That’s why we’ve been working on a simple, elegant (and legal!) solution for the past several months. Third Wave's Mushroom Grow Kit and Course has the tools you need to grow mushrooms along with an in-depth guide to finding spores. This episode is also brought to you by Apollo Neuro, the first scientifically validated wearable that actively improves your body’s resilience to stress. Apollo engages with your sense of touch to deliver soothing vibrations that signal safety to the brain. Clinically proven to improve heart rate variability, it can actually enhance the outcomes of your other efforts like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and plant medicine. Apollo was developed by a friend of Third Wave, Dr. David Rabin M.D Ph.D., a neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for nearly 15 years. Third Wave listeners get 15% off—just use this link.

Natasja Pelgrom & Alexander Beiner, creators of the Regenerative Stewardship retreat, join Paul F. Austin to discuss their approach to healing. Natasja Pelgrom is a visionary leader, mystical mentor and the founder of Awaken The Medicine Within retreats and programs, supporting people with psycho-spiritual approaches since 2017. Natasja is a highly intuitive guide and has held training, assisting and facilitation roles in over 800 psychedelic ceremonies. Natasja was also a founding member of the Synthesis Institute, and the director of the psilocybin-assisted Wellness retreats. As a key curator of the retreat programs, she oversaw the retreat team development and training. She currently advises and supervises executives in the (psychedelic) wellness industry. Natasja is also a mentor to leaders, coaches, therapists, and space holders, where she focuses on mind and heart coherence to help them prosper in their services. Natasja’s multifaceted mentorship approach is paired with 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience.  Alexander Beiner is an author and facilitator. He's one of the founders of the media and events platform, Rebel Wisdom, and an executive director of Breaking Convention, Europe's longest-running conference on psychedelic medicine and culture. His upcoming book, The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World (Hay House, 2023) explores how psychedelics could transform culture and society. Trained as a counselor and meditation teacher, Alexander also runs retreats centered on combining practices drawn from cognitive science, wisdom traditions and psychedelic philosophy to create powerful group experiences. He has a particular interest in the phenomenology of the psychedelic experience and how we can combine ritual, practice and collective intelligence to expand consciousness in new ways. Highlights: How Natasja and Alexander’s paths crossed, leading to their co-creation of a psychedelic retreat. Rebel Wisdom — Alexander’s background and approach. Regenerative Stewardship — the ethos behind their retreat. Thinking beyond the “Hero’s Journey” and beyond “self-care” to a wider, more balanced vision. Looking to indigenous wisdom and psychedelics for a new cosmology and way of being. Why Natasja & Alexander chose psilocybin as the central medicine for the Regenerative Stewardship retreat. The wisdom of being flexible in one's approach to preparation, experience, and integration. Episode Links: AWAKEN THE MEDICINE WITHIN “Regenerative Stewardship” Psilocybin Retreat AMW’s Instagram Rebel Wisdom Alexander's book, The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World The concept of the Hero’s Journey Book, Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, by Tyson Yunkaporta Peter Kingsley Natasja on Ep. 109: 5-MeO-DMT, Integration, and Connecting With the Divine Alexander's interview with Charlotte Du Cann 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. This episode is brought to you by MycroDrops™ Powerful Micro-Elixirs made from Adaptogen and nootropic herbs and mushrooms. Get MOTIVATED, FOCUSED & GROUNDED! Use code THIRDWAVE and take $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Visit www.mycrodrops.com.  

Paul F. Austin jumps into the guest seat on the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast with Josh Trent to share life-learned lessons of transformation. Recently, Third Wave founder/CEO Paul F. Austin joined the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast with Josh Trent. This is a special rebroadcast of that episode. Josh and Paul discuss psychedelics at length, from how to create a safe and effective microdosing protocol, to exploring the psychological, physiological, and spiritual effects of psychedelics. Now in the guest’s chair, Paul shares his personal philosophy on psychedelics and transformation, along with his own life-changing experiences and insights from working with medicines, and his outlook on the industry and where it’s headed. About Josh Trent and The Wellness + Wisdom Podcast: Josh Trent is the Founder of Wellness Force Media, host of the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast and the creator of the BREATHE: Breath & Wellness Program. Josh has spent the past 19+ years as a trainer, researcher, and facilitator discovering the physical and emotional intelligence for humans to thrive in our modern world. The Wellness Force Media Mission is to help humans heal mental, emotional and physical health through podcasts, programs, and a global community that believes in optimizing our potential to live life well. Josh's life is dedicated to supporting humanity coming together as one. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here. Highlights: The potential of the third wave of psychedelics. Practical ways to ensure safe, effective experiences. How to craft a microdosing protocol. Transcending the fear of death and addressing “existential malaise” through psychedelics. How Paul F. Austin used plant medicine to heal and integrate his own shadow. Paul’s view on the current state of the psychedelic industry, and how to live a fulfilling life. Episode Links: Wellness Force Media Wellness + Wisdom Podcast RUNGA Tao Te Ching: A New English Version Book, Food of the Gods by Terence McKenna Book, Iron John: by Robert Bly What If Money Was No Object? – Alan Watts Synthesis 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. This episode is brought to you by MycroDrops™ Powerful Micro-Elixirs made from Adaptogen and nootropic herbs and mushrooms. Get MOTIVATED, FOCUSED & GROUNDED! Use code THIRDWAVE and take $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Visit www.mycrodrops.com.