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

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.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Carlos Tanner, founder and director of the Ayahuasca Foundation in Iquitos, Peru.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-277-carlos-tanner/?ref=278 

Carlos shares his transformative journey from addiction to becoming an apprentice of master shaman Don Juan Tangoa Paima, leading to the creation of the Ayahuasca Foundation in 2009. He discusses the integration of Western educational approaches with ancestral healing traditions, the foundation's groundbreaking research on ayahuasca's effects on PTSD, and his vision for bridging indigenous wisdom with modern psychedelic therapy.

Carlos Tanner has been studying ayahuasca and plant medicine in the Amazon Rainforest since 2003. As the director of the Ayahuasca Foundation, which he founded in 2009 in Iquitos, Peru, Carlos organizes healing retreats and educational courses led by indigenous curanderos. These programs help people heal from conditions ranging from depression to cancer or learn about Amazonian ancestral healing traditions.

Since 2017, the Ayahuasca Foundation has partnered with Onaya Science to research the ayahuasca tradition’s effects on depression, anxiety, and trauma. The research has led to over a dozen published articles showing significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, along with improvements in PTSD, chronic pain, and other health issues.

Highlights:

• Journey from depression and addiction to discovering ayahuasca in Peru
• The transformative experience of his first ayahuasca ceremonies
• Background on Don Juan Tangoa Paima and his unique multicultural lineage
• Development of structured educational programs for ayahuasca training
• Discussion of the art form approach to plant medicine
• Evolution of the Ayahuasca Foundation over 15 years
• The importance of spirit relationships in healing work
• Research on ayahuasca and PTSD
• Ayahuasca's potential effects on PTSD and childhood trauma

Episode Sponsor:

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

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist and founding advisor of Beyond Consulting.

Find full show notes and links here:  https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-276-stephanie-karzon-abrams

With her unique background spanning clinical pharmacology, corporate healthcare, and the music industry, Stephanie shares insights on the intersection of psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and community building. She discusses the transformative potential of psychedelics from a neuropharmacological perspective, her work supporting ketamine clinics and plant medicine brands, as well as her journey from traditional healthcare to pioneering innovative approaches in the psychedelic space.

Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist with a Masters of Science in Clinical Pharmacology, is the founding advisor of Beyond Consulting, providing science, research, operations, and strategy solutions to organizations in the natural product, plant medicine, and psychedelic sectors. Her career spans from clinical research and Johnson & Johnson to pioneering innovative healthcare approaches.

Beyond her scientific work, she co-creates community initiatives including Public Secret music label and Mt. Mushmore educational dinner series. As a prescriber for MDMA and psilocybin therapy through Canada's Special Access Program and scientific advisor for the Microdosing Collective, she champions the integration of cutting-edge therapeutic approaches with traditional healthcare. Her work focuses on bridging scientific expertise with strategic thinking to advance innovative healthcare solutions.

Highlights:

• Origins of Public Secret record label and global groove music collective
• Rich cultural background and journey from Montreal to California
• Stephanie breaks down clinical psychopharmacology
• Mount Mushmore
• Transition from J&J to psychedelic medicine consulting
• Stephanie's firm, Beyond Consulting
• Supporting ketamine clinics and integrative medicine centers
• Deep dive into neuropharmacology of psychedelics vs traditional medications
• Microdosing applications for ADHD and anxiety
• Importance of lifestyle changes alongside psychedelic protocols
• Managing work-life balance in the psychedelic industry

Links:

• Beyond Consulting
• Public Secret Music Label
• Microdosing Collective

Episode Sponsors:

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

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Paul Karasik, a pioneering figure in both corporate leadership and psychedelic spaces.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-275-paul-karasik/?ref=278

Karasik shares his remarkable journey from co-founding Thompson's Ranch commune in Joshua Tree to becoming one of America's leading sales consultants. He discusses his recent book "Getting High on Leadership" and explores how psychedelics can transform leadership through heart-centered approaches. The conversation weaves through themes of community building, conscious business practices, and the vital intersection of higher consciousness with modern leadership principles.

Paul Karasik brings decades of experience in the world of psychedelics. He was a member of the early psychedelic community in New York and California, which included such luminaries as Timothy Leary and Ram Dass.

Paul co-founded Thompson's Ranch, one of the first alternative communities in Joshua Tree, CA. His ninth and most recent book, published in 2024 is "Getting High on Leadership: The Leader’s Guide to Higher Consciousness". Paul and the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles are dedicated to making information and safe access available to anyone and everyone who is seeking to awaken their consciousness.

Highlights:

• Founding Thompson's Ranch: From Haight-Ashbury to Joshua Tree
• Why the 60s missed the healing potential of psychedelics
• Health crisis catalyzes spiritual transformation in Brazil
• Creating with intention
• How compassionate leadership drives business success
• Building psychedelic community
• Collaborating with Cypress Hill's B-Real for Awakening 2024

Episode Sponsor:

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

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Kat Courtney, a plant medicine pioneer with over 15 years of experience as a psychedelic integration coach. Kat shares her journey from struggling with mental health issues to finding healing through ayahuasca. She discusses the complementary relationship between ayahuasca and huachuma (San Pedro), the practice of master plant dietas, and her approach to psychedelic integration. Kat emphasizes the importance of intention, slowing down, and developing a daily spiritual practice for integrating ayahuasca experiences.

Tina “Kat” Courtney is a Plant Medicine pioneer with 2 decades of professional psychedelic experience. She’s the author of Plant Medicine Mystery School Vol 1: The Superhero Healing Powers of Psychotropic Plants, and she’s a traditionally trained Ayahuasquera and Huachumera. Kat’s also been working as a Psychedelic Integration Coach for 15 years, and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Plant Medicine People. Her entire life is devoted to helping humans discover the power of being in relationship with plant spirits.

Highlights:

• Kat's personal transformation through ayahuasca
• Ayahuasca and huachuma: divine feminine and masculine
• Master plant dietas: isolated vs. social approaches
• Intention and reverence in plant medicine work
• Essential practices for ayahuasca integration
• Overview of Kat's themed retreat offerings

Episode Links:

• Plant Medicine People: https://plantmedicinepeople.com
• Kat's personal website: https://afterlife.coach
• Third Wave’s Microdosing Experience: https://thethirdwave.co/sp/microdosing-experience/?ref=250  
• Third Wave's directory: https://thethirdwave.co/directory/?ref=250

Episode Sponsors:

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

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Susannah Rose Stokes, co-founder of Metamorphosis Ventures.

Click here for full show notes, links, & summary: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-273?ref=278 

Susannah shares her remarkable journey from Marine Corps officer to embodied priestess and psychedelic guide. She discusses her transformative experiences with plant medicines, the importance of integration, and her mission to create supportive containers for psychedelic healing.

Susannah explores the concept of metamorphosis, balancing microdosing and macrodosing protocols, and her approach to guiding others through profound personal change.

After serving in two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps Officer, Susannah experienced a spiritual awakening that changed her life forever.

Since then, she’s dedicated her life as an Energy Priestess and Embodied Consciousness Guide. She’s served dozens of people in 1:1 and group ceremonies, guiding them in their own spiritual awakening process.

She co-founded House of Embodied Metamorphosis, a 508c1a Faith- Based Organization that utilizes The Metamorphosis Method and their proprietary strain of psilocybin to facilitate powerful personal transformations through retreats and coaching programs. She authored Entheogenerated, a comprehensive research study on existing research of psychedelics and their capacity to create individual and collective change.

She holds a Master's in Transformative Social Change, is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and speaks Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, all in service to creating more peace and connection.

As a changemaker, Susannah weaves ancient and modern techniques, paving a path for fellow leaders to create transformation toward a world full of trust, co-creation and abundance for all.

Highlights:

• Susannah's journey from the Marine Corps to plant medicine facilitation
• The transformative power of San Pedro ceremonies
• Shifting from warrior for war to warrior for peace
• The meaning and challenges of personal metamorphosis
• Balancing microdosing and macrodosing protocols
• The concept of the embodied priestess
• Founding Metamorphosis Ventures and The Metamorphosis Method

Episode Links:

• Metamorphosis Ventures
• Susannah on Instagram

Episode Sponsors:

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