Ayahuasca Podcast

Psychedelics and Magic with Julian Vayne

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Julian Vayne.
Julian is a British occultist, psychonaut, and author known for his work in chaos magic, entheogenic spirituality, and modern paganism. He’s the author of several books including Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony, and is co-organizer of the Breaking Convention conference in the UK.
We touch upon topics of:
Julian’s background and path to psychedelics and magic (00:50)
Magic as “the technology of the imagination” (05:06)
Aleister Crowley’s psychedelic rituals and Julian’s first LSD experience (05:59–09:48)
Navigating psychedelics using magical frameworks like Hermetic Kabbalah (07:27)
Language around drugs, medicines, and entheogens (08:23–09:19)
Placebo effect, imagination, and healing (29:57–30:27)
The Western magical tradition and its roots in Egypt (20:06–22:06)
Hermes Trismegistus and the Hermetic tradition (22:26–24:40)
Magic vs. religion and the self-experimentation of spiritual practice (24:40–25:39)
Using ayahuasca for spiritual gifts and personal transformation (26:45–29:27)
Spirit animals, ego inflation, and spiritual humility (33:43–34:29)
Do people have specific spiritual gifts or all of them? (35:27–38:17)
Spirits and animism explained through real-world analogies (39:36–44:22)
What shamans do and how they interact with spirits (44:22–47:42)
Lost European shamanic traditions and their traces today (47:42–52:38)
Saunas, altered states, and ancient European heat rituals (53:06–57:46)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Julian Vayne at www.julianvayne.com or on social media @julianvayne. Also check out the Breaking Convention conference and their YouTube channel for more of his work.

Psychedelics are for everyone with Matt Zemon

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Matt Zemon.
Matt is an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness, specializing in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. Holding a master's degree in psychology and neuroscience, he has authored several bestselling books, including Psychedelics for Everyone and The Veterans Guide to Psychedelics. His latest book, The Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelics, explores how to safely navigate the world of plant medicines.
We touch upon topics of:
Matt’s first psychedelic experience and its impact (00:57)
His journey exploring different psychedelics worldwide (01:22)
The role of Ayahuasca in veterans’ healing (03:01)
Why veterans respond well to Ayahuasca therapy (04:30)
The importance of multi-night Ayahuasca retreats (06:19)
Launching a nonprofit for veteran-only Ayahuasca retreats (08:17)
Potential challenges of veteran-exclusive Ayahuasca groups (09:14)
The idea of UFC athlete Ayahuasca retreats (11:28)
The connection between psychedelics, PTSD, and trauma healing (13:35)
Psychedelics as catalysts, not cures (18:11)
Integration: What to do after an Ayahuasca experience (19:14)
The power of community in sustaining psychedelic healing (20:35)
Bringing psychedelics into family settings (25:09)
The role of psychedelics in modern rites of passage (28:38)
Spirituality’s role in psychedelic healing (46:03)
The future of psychedelics and concerns about commercialization (49:14)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Matt Zemon at www.mattzemon.com or follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram. His new book The Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelics is available on Amazon.

Ego, enlightenment and integration with Daniel Shankin

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Daniel Shankin, a mindfulness coach and psychedelic integration specialist. Daniel is the founder of TAM Integration, which provides support, education, and integration circles for those working with psychedelics. He also leads the Mountain TAM Psychedelic Integration Coaching Program, training emerging facilitators in integration practices.
Topics Covered:
(00:34 - 02:21) Daniel’s early psychedelic experiences and how they shaped his path
(02:23 - 03:49) The evolution of integration and its growing importance in psychedelic use
(04:11 - 07:39) What psychedelic integration actually means and how it works in practice
(08:28 - 10:52) Defining enlightenment: is it real, and what does it look like?
(12:20 - 17:43) Relationships, marriage, and how psychedelics impact personal growth
(18:24 - 19:55) Couples using psychedelics together—how should they integrate their experiences?
(20:52 - 26:44) Working with difficult psychedelic experiences—when to seek clinical support
(27:10 - 29:08) PTSD, CPTSD, and the potential of psychedelics in healing trauma
(30:19 - 34:29) The importance of a supportive environment post-ceremony
(35:09 - 38:54) The thin line between spiritual experiences and psychological projections
(41:15 - 43:07) Shadow work—what it truly means and how to approach it
(43:12 - 46:48) Mindfulness and integration: how self-awareness helps psychedelic experiences land
(47:00 - 50:32) The ego and the default mode network—understanding the role of self-identity in psychedelic work
(52:19 - 55:32) The Mountain TAM Psychedelic Integration Coaching Program and how it trains integration coaches
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find out more about Daniel Shankin and his work at www.tamintegration.com or follow him on Instagram at @tamintegration.

Why grandma's should smoke weed. Psychedelic storytelling with Lex Pelger

Podcast Bio – Ayahuasca Podcast: Sam Believ with Lex Pelger
In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Lex Pelger.
Lex Pelger is a science communicator, writer, and educator specializing in psychedelics, cannabis, and human consciousness. With a background in biochemistry and molecular biology, he bridges complex scientific research with the public. Lex has authored graphic novels about cannabis, led storytelling events on psychedelics, and currently publishes Cannabinoids and the People, a newsletter covering the latest cannabinoid science.
We touch upon topics of:
(00:48 - 02:42) Lex’s journey into psychedelics and plant medicine
(02:56 - 04:50) Science, mysticism, and the study of the "supernormal"
(05:28 - 07:13) What it means to be a "drug writer" and bridging the knowledge gap
(07:44 - 10:08) Cannabis and grandmothers: why older adults should consider cannabinoids
(10:51 - 12:46) Social and cultural impact of cannabis in families
(13:52 - 18:55) The power of storytelling vs. clinical studies in changing perceptions
(19:30 - 20:55) Psychedelics as a cultural tool: structured rites of passage in society
(21:12 - 23:36) Challenges in visually depicting psychedelic experiences in media
(24:49 - 27:41) Lex’s personal Ayahuasca experience in New York
(28:43 - 29:54) Traditional vs. modern Ayahuasca ceremonies
(30:45 - 33:37) "We are drugs" – the role of endogenous psychedelics in human experience
(34:30 - 38:48) Understanding the Endocannabinoid System and its role in homeostasis
(38:53 - 44:24) Lex’s favorite cannabinoids and their unique properties
(44:53 - 50:39) The benefits and science of CBD: anxiety, pain, neuroprotection & sleep
(50:48 - 53:40) Cannabis, autism, and groundbreaking cases of psychedelic therapy
(53:51 - 55:39) Lex’s work, books, and research contributions
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Lex Pelger at www.lexpelger.com and his Substack newsletter, Cannabinoids and the People. You can also follow his cannabinoid science updates at CVResearch.info.

From addiction to awakening with Austin West. Ayahuasca Podcast

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Austin West.
Austin West is a certified psychedelic medicine practitioner, microdosing philosopher, and founder of Entheo Holistics. He specializes in helping men forge a life of purpose, power, and authenticity through psychedelic healing and intentional microdosing.
We touch upon topics such as:
Austin’s story of addiction and transformation (01:06 - 05:48)
The impact of microdosing on his healing journey (04:55 - 05:48)
How trauma, especially father wounds, can lead to addiction (10:18 - 13:41)
Porn addiction, erectile dysfunction, and healing from it (14:47 - 22:42)
Synchronicities and the ‘creator mindset’ (26:07 - 31:57)
Ayahuasca revealing his suppressed grief and a life-changing message (36:56 - 42:38)
The fear of change and trusting the medicine process (42:38 - 47:22)
His microdosing company and its impact on mental health (47:32 - 52:22)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Austin West and his work at IamAustinWest.com.

Interview with a Shaman at LaWayra. Taita Fernando, Nico and Crystal.

Very unique format podcast where one of the LaWayra Ayahuasca retreat guests is interviewing a shaman (Taita) Fernando. And one of the facilitators Nico is translating.
This should give you a good insight into the Shamans mind.

Sexual path to psychedelic states with Dr. Jenny Martin

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Jenny Martin.
Dr. Jenny Martin is a researcher and expert in the science of consciousness, biofields, and energy medicine. Her work explores the intersection of physics, ancient wisdom, and modern science, particularly focusing on torsion fields, the pineal gland, and how human consciousness interacts with unseen forces.
We touch upon topics of:
Torsion fields and their discovery by Russian scientists
Isaac Newton’s alchemical studies and search for an intelligent force
Mainstream science’s dismissal of torsion field physics
How accepting torsion fields would change modern medicine
The role of the biofield and energy medicine in healing
Dark matter, dark energy, and the balance of yin and yang
The CIA’s remote viewing program and its research into consciousness
Disinformation campaigns in media (e.g., Men Who Stare at Goats)
Claude Swanson’s work on life force energy and ancient Chinese Chi studies
Russia’s long-standing scientific research into energy fields
The pineal gland’s function as a transducer of external signals
How the pineal gland interacts with life force energy (Chi, Prana, Mana, etc.)
Ancient indigenous knowledge of the "invisible web" connecting life
Princeton University’s research on consciousness and global energy fields
The impact of collective human emotions on the energy field (e.g., 9/11 study)
How psychedelics like DMT amplify the biofield and alter perception
The "synchronized universe model" and dimensions existing in parallel
The pineal gland’s photoreceptors and their role in altered states of consciousness
How altered brainwave states (e.g., gamma) enable interdimensional perception
Why mainstream science resists studying the science of consciousness
The connection between sexual energy, life force energy, and psychedelic experiences
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Dr. Jenny Martin at www.drjennymartin.com.

Brandon Evans. From Tech CEO to running Ayahuasca retreats.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Brendan Evans.
Brendan is the CEO and co-founder of One Heart, an organization dedicated to guiding leaders through transformative experiences that foster personal growth and elevate consciousness. Before founding One Heart, Brendan built two successful tech companies in New York but found that conventional success did not bring the fulfillment he anticipated, leading him to discover Ayahuasca and embark on a deeper path of self-discovery.
We touch upon topics such as:
Brendan’s journey from tech entrepreneur to Ayahuasca facilitator (00:43 - 03:45)
Challenges of misalignment and burnout in high-achievers (04:51 - 06:47)
How Ayahuasca helps leaders align with their true purpose (07:17 - 09:50)
The importance of integration and community in plant medicine work (11:16 - 13:42)
Choosing the right retreat and facilitators for a safe experience (14:24 - 17:13)
Common misconceptions about Ayahuasca, such as purging and major life changes (45:57 - 49:14)
Brendan’s thoughts on spirituality, karma, and what happens after death (38:44 - 41:29)
Running an Ayahuasca retreat: challenges and rewards (20:29 - 25:41)
Advice for aspiring retreat facilitators (21:01 - 22:57)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Brendan Evans at oneheart.com and on Instagram at @oneheartjourneys and @brandonevans.

Lauren Taus - Emotional eating and Ayahuasca

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Lauren Taus, a licensed clinical therapist specializing in addiction and trauma treatment. Lauren is licensed in both New York and California and integrates alternative treatment modalities such as trauma-sensitive yoga and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into her practice. She is the founder of Embodied Life, a platform offering psychotherapy, psychedelic training, and retreats aimed at supporting personal transformation.
We touch upon topics such as:
Lauren’s journey into psychedelics and healing (00:40 - 03:40)
The importance of knowing the source of Ayahuasca (05:43 - 07:10)
Healing eating disorders with Ayahuasca (08:06 - 09:29)
The role of integration in psychedelic work (12:12 - 13:37)
Morning routines and their impact on mental health (15:07 - 16:39)
Ayahuasca and grief processing (16:52 - 19:45)
Navigating intergenerational trauma with Ayahuasca (28:20 - 29:47)
The balance between Western medicine and plant medicine (39:02 - 42:51)
Facilitator responsibilities and Ayahuasca retreat safety (30:22 - 34:43)
The importance of community in healing (50:41 - 53:57)
Internal Family Systems therapy and psychedelics (54:22 - 57:29)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Lauren Taus at www.embodiedlife.com, on Instagram at @lauren.taus or @embodiedlifetherapy.

Rebecca Hayden. From Iboga to Ayahuasca. Hypnosis and integration. Ayahuasca Podcast

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Rebecca Hayden. Rebecca is a hypnosis practitioner specializing in personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. She is the host of Ayahuasca Talks Podcast, where she explores the transformative power of Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, emphasizing self-love, authenticity, and integration.
We touch upon topics such as:
Rebecca’s journey from documentary filmmaking to shamanism and energy healing (00:47-03:00)
Her first encounters with plant medicines like Iboga and Ayahuasca (03:00-12:12)
How Rebecca used supplements to transition off antidepressants and empower herself (05:13-09:03)
The role of hypnosis in deepening integration and re-experiencing Ayahuasca’s lessons (17:28-20:55)
Integration lessons, including learning self-love and breaking unhealthy patterns (24:38-32:37)
Insights into Ayahuasca’s non-linear lessons and group healing dynamics (42:30-48:47)
Key elements for creating a meaningful documentary on Ayahuasca (52:25-56:27).
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Rebecca Hayden at www.rebeccahayden.com or connect via her podcast, Ayahuasca Talks.