The Psychedelic Podcast

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at the inaugural Eudaimonia summit in West Palm Beach. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-287/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-287/?ref=278] As the founder of the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and now the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, Dr. Carhart-Harris shares his research on how psychedelics affect the brain's default mode network. He explains the key differences between psychedelic therapy and traditional psychiatric medications, discusses his current studies examining the role of set and setting, and explores the unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT. The conversation weaves between detailed neuroscience, the challenges of integrating psychedelics into healthcare, and personal reflections on his 20-year commitment to advancing psychedelic research. Prof Carhart-Harris holds the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professorship in Neurology and Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he founded the Carhart-Harris Lab in 2023. His groundbreaking research includes human neuroimaging studies with LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT, along with clinical trials of psilocybin therapy for various disorders. He founded the world's first Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London in 2019. Named in TIME magazine's '100 Next' in 2021 and Vox Magazine's 'Future 50' in 2023, his current research at UCSF focuses on understanding the mechanisms of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy. Highlights: * Origins and evolution of psychedelic research in neuroscience * The role of default mode network in consciousness * How psychedelics differ from traditional SSRIs * The relationship between serotonin discovery and LSD research  * Challenges of integrating psychedelic therapy into healthcare  * Current research projects at UCS * The unique properties of 5-MeO-DMT * Personal reflections on 20 years in psychedelic research  Episode Link: * Website [https://www.carhartharrislab.com/] Episode Sponsor: * The Practitioner Certification Program [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/practitioner-certification-program/?ref=12&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

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 [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 [https://cassandravieten.com/] * UC San Diego Center for Psychedelic Research [https://cpr.ucsd.edu/] * Arthur C Clark Center for Human Imagination [https://imagination.ucsd.edu/] * Dr. Vieten’s TEDx Talk at TEDxSanDiego [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6_-1ewy410] * Institute of Noetic Sciences [https://noetic.org/] Episode Sponsor: * The Practitioner Certification Program [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/practitioner-certification-program/?ref=12&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Tiffany Hurd, a microdosing coach and business leadership advisor who bridges the worlds of psychedelics and corporate culture. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-285/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-285/?ref=278] Drawing from her 15-year corporate background and extensive experience with psychedelic medicines, Tiffany shares insights on bringing microdosing into professional environments, discusses her personal journey from Division I athlete to corporate executive to psychedelic advocate, and explores how these powerful tools can transform workplace culture and leadership. Tiffany Hurd is a microdosing coach, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences. Drawing from her 15+ years in the corporate medical industry, where she held executive sales & business development roles at Fortune 500 companies, Tiffany helps organizations optimize their growth through customized microdosing protocols. Her expertise lies in teaching business leaders how to achieve professional and personal fulfillment using microdosing and emotional intelligence leadership skills. Her work focuses on helping companies retain talent, elevate team relationships, and cultivate emotional awareness while creating purpose-driven organizations at the intersection of business, leadership, and psychedelics. Highlights: * From challenging upbringing to Division I basketball player  * Transition from corporate medical sales to psychedelic coaching * Personal experience weaning off psychiatric medications through microdosing * Discussion of microdosing protocols and safety considerations * From productivity machine to conscious business * Practical considerations for psychedelic workplace programs * Vision for the future of psychedelics in business * Integration of AI and psychedelics in business landscape Episode Links: * Website [https://tiffanyhurd.com] * Tiffany on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamtiffanyhurd/] * Tiffany on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-hurd-47994548/] Episode Sponsor: * The Practitioner Certification Program [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/practitioner-certification-program/?ref=12&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

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 [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 [https://amzn.to/3DAGTZV] * Dr. Strassman’s website [https://rickstrassman.com/] * DMT: The Spirit Molecule (book)  [https://amzn.to/41N8zox] * (podcast) Navigating Complexity: Psychedelics, AI, & Extended-State DMT - Alexander Beiner [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-244-alexander-beiner/?ref=250] * (podcast) Beyond the Mainstream: Insights from Psychedelic Chemistry, Culture, & Consciousness - Hamilton Morris [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-226/?ref=250] Episode Sponsor: * The Practitioner Certification Program [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/practitioner-certification-program/?ref=12&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] 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/ [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 [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/psychedelic-intensive/?ref=12], 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 [https://www.amazonteam.org/] * Plants of the Gods Podcast [https://markplotkin.com/podcast/] * Upcoming book by Paul Stamets: "Psilocybin Mushrooms in their Native Habitat" [https://amzn.to/4gPfilV] * Christopher Hobbs' "Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide" [https://amzn.to/3Dr5FvA] * Fantastic Fungi documentary [https://watch.fantasticfungi.com/] * Third Wave’s Psychedelic Intensive, Feb 8-15, 2025 in Costa Rica [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/psychedelic-intensive/?ref=12] 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.