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.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dave Schoof, a master certified coach and international leadership consultant.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-272?ref=278

Dave shares his journey from working in intelligence to becoming a leadership coach, and how he eventually incorporated psychedelics into his practice. He discusses the power of integral theory in organizational development, the importance of emergence and unfolding in leadership, and how psychedelics can catalyze personal growth and leadership transformation. Dave also reflects on his experience in the Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program, and offers insights on the future of leadership in our complex world.

Dave Schoof is an international leadership consultant specializing in helping leaders and teams build on their capabilities and move to the next level of performance and effectiveness. With over 25 years of experience across corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, Dave works with clients globally. He is a master-certified coach from the International Coach Federation and Integral Coaching Canada. Dave's background includes a 20-year career in the intelligence community. A long-time meditator, he enjoys finding practical ways to operationalize wisdom from various traditions into his work with leaders. Dave lives near Lausanne, Switzerland, where he enjoys hiking and photography.

Highlights:

• Dave's journey to Switzerland
• Dave's background in intelligence and transition to leadership coaching
• The development and impact of integral theory
• How psychedelics found Dave and their potential for leadership development
• The importance of nervous system regulation and safety in psychedelic experiences
• Dave's transformative experience at the Brave Earth retreat
• The evolving landscape of psychedelic acceptance in leadership circles
• The need for a new paradigm of leadership in the face of global challenges

Episode Links:

• Dave on LinkedIn
• The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program

In this special bonus episode, we’re sharing a replay of our recent live webinar, “Visionary Leadership: Revolutionizing Executive Coaching with Psychedelics.” Paul F. Austin is joined by two expert guests:

Dr. Amy Albright - An executive coach and intuitive who combines science-driven methodology with intuitive knowing. She has worked with companies valued from $10M to $3B and has a background in cognitive psychology and Chinese medicine.

Eric Kaufmann - An executive coach and author who blends business expertise with Zen wisdom. He mentors CEOs and executives through leadership challenges and is a Fellow at Harvard's Institute of Coaching.

The conversation explores how psychedelics and altered states of consciousness can enhance leadership development and executive coaching. Paul, Dr. Amy, and Eric dive into intersection of business, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. They also explore using neurofeedback and meditation to complement psychedelic experiences, integrating psychedelic insights into corporate environments, and much more. 

Highlights:

• Amy shares her background and experience with altered states of consciousness
• Amy’s approach to executive coaching
• Eric’s perspective on altered states vs. altered traits of consciousness
• Neurofeedback and meditation as complementary practices to psychedelics
• Insights on integrating psychedelic experiences into corporate environments
• Perspectives on bringing feminine energy into business leadership

Episode Sponsor:

• KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements. Get 10% off with code THIRDWAVE at checkout
• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Christi Myers, founder and CEO of Flow Integrative.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-270-christi-myers/?ref=278

Christi shares her journey from emergency medicine to pioneering ketamine-assisted therapy protocols. She discusses the science behind ketamine's effects on the brain, her work developing standards for ketamine therapy with Dr. Bronner's, and her vision for expanding access to this transformative treatment.

Christi offers insights on responsible implementation of ketamine therapy and how it can be integrated with other healing modalities.

Christi Myers, the visionary Founder and CEO of Flow Integrative, has charted an inspiring path of transformation. With nearly two decades of experience as a Paramedic, she has made significant contributions to renowned organizations including the Department of Defense, American Medical Response, Air Methods, San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff Department, and the Department of Justice.

Motivated by her firsthand experience with the mental health challenges that often plague first responders, and her own journey through PTSD, Myers founded Flow Integrative in 2020. The organization’s mission is to destigmatize and expand access to psychedelic therapies, offering tools for growth, symptom relief, and holistic well-being, with a particular focus on frontline workers dealing with complex trauma.

Highlights:

• Christi's background in emergency medicine and as an educator
• How ketamine works in the brain and impacts the default mode network
• Developing ketamine therapy protocols for Dr. Bronner's employees
• Combining ketamine with other healing modalities like PEMF and red light therapy
• Safety considerations and contraindications for ketamine therapy
• Christi's vision for empowering more practitioners to offer ketamine therapy

Episode Sponsor:

• KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements. Get 10% off with code THIRDWAVE at checkout
• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Joshua Kappel, a founding partner of Vicente LLP and co-author of Colorado's Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-269-joshua-kappel-esq/?ref=278 

Joshua shares his journey from cannabis law to psychedelic policy reform, detailing the groundbreaking aspects of Colorado's legislation.

He discusses the nuances of becoming a licensed psychedelic facilitator, regulations for healing centers, and the state's approach to manufacturing and cultivation.

Joshua also explores the broader landscape of psychedelic policy reform across the United States, offering insights into potential future developments and the challenges faced by the emerging industry.

Joshua Kappel is a founding partner of Vicente LLP with a passion for helping entrepreneurs and visionaries build human-centric and regenerative companies in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. Joshua co-authored Colorado's Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act, and served as chair of the campaign committee for Natural Medicine Colorado. He helped draft Colorado's Amendment 64, the first state measure to legalize cannabis for all adults. Joshua is a founding board member of the Microdosing Collective and serves as a founding member of the Psychedelic Bar Association. He is recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers in America for his work in cannabis law and was repeatedly named one of "Denver's Top Lawyers" by 5280 Magazine.

Highlights:

• Joshua's background in cannabis law and transition to psychedelic policy
• Key components of Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act
• Details on becoming a licensed psychedelic facilitator in Colorado
• Regulations for psychedelic healing centers and service locations
• Manufacturing and cultivation licenses for psychedelic products
• Outlook on psychedelic policy reform in other states

Links:

• Vicente LLP
• Microdosing Collective

Episode Sponsors:

• KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements. Get 10% off with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Chris Villar, a successful entrepreneur turned executive coach.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-268-chris-villar/?ref=278

Chris shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to founding Frontpoint Security, a company he grew to $125 million in revenue before selling in 2020. He discusses his transition into psychedelic-assisted coaching, exploring how these experiences have shaped his approach to personal growth and professional development. Chris offers valuable insights on balancing high achievement with mental wellbeing, the importance of emotional processing, and how psychedelics can be integrated into a holistic approach to peak performance and self-discovery.

Chris Villar studied finance & accounting at Georgetown University and began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he led a $500 million investment portfolio in the home security industry. In 2007, he left Goldman and founded Frontpoint Security, an early disruptor for self-installed alarm systems and smart home technology.

Chris served as CEO from inception to over $125-million in revenue as the company grew to nearly 800 employees and received frequent recognition for both customer and employee satisfaction. After selling the company in 2020, Chris founded VILLAR Coaching, a boutique coaching practice focused on helping founders (and other high achievers) scale their companies while cultivating skills in peak performance and fundamental wellbeing.

Chris has done extensive work to overcome a lifetime of stress, anxiety, and burnout and to detach from the lifelong grip of achievement; and now enjoys helping others do the same. He lives in Washington, DC with his husband and their 10-year old beagle and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and traveling.

Highlights:

• Chris's journey from Goldman Sachs to founding Frontpoint Security
• Key lessons learned as a founder and entrepreneur
• Chris's introduction to psychedelics and their impact on his life
• The role of psychedelics in emotional processing and creativity
• Insights from "The Path of Least Resistance" by Robert Fritz
• Chris's unique perspective as an executive coach with founder experience

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Alli Schaper, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperMush & The Microdosing Collective.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-267-alli-schaper/?ref=278

Alli shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a leader in the functional and psychedelic mushroom space. They discuss the importance of microdosing, the challenges of psychedelic policy reform, and the mission of the Microdosing Collective. Alli emphasizes the potential of microdosing to enhance mental health, increase empathy, and create positive societal change. The conversation covers personal experiences, the need for consumer protection in the underground market, and the vision for making microdosing legally accessible.

Alli Schaper is the CEO and co-founder of SuperMush, an LA-based mental wellness lifestyle brand. She is a speaker, entrepreneur, podcast host, educator, and community builder. She has been featured in Forbes 30 under 30, National Geographic, YPO, Summit Series, Well+Good, Rolling Stone, Goop, Bloomberg and more.

Alli is a sought after thought leader on topics like mental health, functional mushrooms, microdosing, psychedelic policy, and building a better relationship with death.

Alli's mission is to help make the world more colorful and fun and help wake people up by getting their brains and bodies off pharmaceuticals, and back into balance through the power of fungi. SuperMush has been called “The Redbull of Mushrooms”, and in just 2 years has grown into a multi-million dollar empire, built a viral 400k following across social channels, hosted 75+ IRL events across the U.S., and is backed by founders of Thrive Market, Netflix, Hu, Zumba, and more.

She is also the host of SuperMush's popular mental health podcast, Into The Multiverse. Guests are globally-acclaimed artists, creatives, doctors, therapists, and leaders across wellness, mental health, consciousness, and psychedelics (previous guests: Rick Doblin, Gabby Reece, Charlotte McKinney, Devon Levesque, Noah Cyrus).

Her passion for public policy and bringing microdosing psychedelics mainstream led her to co-found Microdosing Collective, the first nonprofit in the US focused on legal advocacy for microdosing.

Highlights:

• Mushrooms and death
• Alli's journey from corporate America to psychedelic advocacy
• SuperMush and Into the Multiverse
• Microdosing Collective
• Challenges and experiences in psychedelic policy reform
• Vision for legal microdosing access and its potential societal impact
• The power of personal stories in advancing psychedelic policy
• How to get involved and support the Microdosing Collective

Episode Sponsors:

• KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements. Get 10% off with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Rachelle Sampson, an executive coach, professor of business at the University of Maryland, and board member at the USONA Institute.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-266-rachelle-sampson-llb-phd/?ref=278

Dr. Sampson shares insights from the Connected Leadership Project, a groundbreaking study exploring how psychedelic experiences with psilocybin impact decision-making and leadership in business executives.

Dr. Rachelle Sampson is a distinguished researcher and executive coach. She is Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, and Senior Research Fellow at the ESG Institute, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sampson also serves on the Board of Directors for the Usona Institute, a non-profit conducting clinical trials for psilocybin and 5-MEO-DMT.

Dr. Sampson co-leads a pioneering research project on the impact of psychedelics on leadership creativity and decision-making, driven by her curiosity about the role of business organizations in catalyzing systems change.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Dr. Rachelle Sampson and her background in business research and leadership
• Initial interest in psychedelics’ impact on leaders
• The genesis of the Connected Leadership Project
• Key findings from the pilot study with business leaders
• Observations on transformative experiences and their impact on leadership
• On the longevity of psychedelic effects in leadership contexts
• Exploration of narcissism concerns in leadership and psychedelics
• The potential for psychedelics to catalyze systems change

Episode Links:

• Connected Leadership Study
• Dr. Sampson on LinkedIn
• Dr. Sampson’s coaching practice
• The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Certification Program

Episode Sponsors:

• KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements. Get 10% off with code THIRDWAVE at checkout
• Apollo Neuro - Third Wave listeners get 15% off.