Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

How Psychedelics Rewire the Brain | Dr. Richard Soutar on Neurofeedback & Consciousness

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Richard Soutar. Dr. Soutar is a neuroscience pioneer and the Chief Scientist at New Mind Technologies. With over 30 years of experience, he is a world-renowned expert in QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, dedicated to bridging the gap between modern technology and ancient spiritual practices. He has mentored groundbreaking research into the neurological effects of Ayahuasca and Wachuma, helping practitioners use neurofeedback to integrate and sustain profound shamanic shifts.
We touch upon topics of:
03:45 – Dr. Soutar’s early spiritual awakening and experiments with altered states in high school.
07:20 – The realization that psychedelic experiences mirror high-level meditation with added "sensory noise."
10:15 – Discovering neurofeedback as "electronic yoga" for inducing deep meditative states.
14:30 – How neurofeedback serves as a "crash course in reality" following psychedelic breakthroughs.
17:10 – The role of the default mode network as a portal between dimensions.
21:05 – Defining neurofeedback: Selective feedback loops and operant conditioning for brain exercise.
24:50 – Using topographic QEEG brain maps to identify areas of low or high electrical activity.
27:30 – Scientific findings: How Ayahuasca pushes the brain toward optimal statistical norms.
30:15 – The "drift" factor: Why psychedelic improvements often dissipate after three months without integration.
33:40 – The paradox of Ayahuasca: Upregulating or downregulating the same brain areas based on individual needs.
37:20 – Accessing "liminal states" between waking and sleep for trauma resolution.
41:10 – How psychedelics and meditation can alter DNA and RNA to heal transgenerational trauma.
45:00 – Shaking up the system: Using neurofeedback to sustain the neuroplasticity triggered by medicine.
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dr. Richard Soutar at www.newmindtechnologies.com

DMTX, Entities & Extended-State DMT with Daniel McQueen

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Daniel McQueen. Daniel is a psychedelic specialist, author, and pioneer who co-founded the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder, Colorado. With a master’s in transpersonal counseling psychology, he has spent over a decade at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance, notably developing cannabis-assisted psychedelic therapy and leading groundbreaking work in the field of extended-state DMT.
We touch upon topics of:
03:12 – The transition from Western mysticism to grounded psychotherapeutic practices.
05:45 – Balancing indigenous ceremonial traditions with modern clinical settings.
09:30 – Defining DMTX: The technology behind "stable state" extended DMT journeys.
11:15 – The unique ability to "turn off" or pause a psychedelic experience using infusion pumps.
13:50 – Safety, medical alternatives, and the duration of extended-state sessions.
16:20 – Encountering entities, spirits, and the "presence" in the DMT realm.
20:45 – Facilitating communication and gaining direct access to the creative brain.
23:10 – Descriptions of entity forms: From ancestors to geometric and insect-like beings.
25:30 – Reaching cosmic-centric states and universal bliss through increased dosage.
28:15 – How spirits "taught" the team to refine the DMTX medical protocol.
31:40 – Theories on the non-physical, higher-dimensional nature of the DMT reality.
35:00 – The potential for mapping the DMT realm and using AI to stabilize brainwave patterns.
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Daniel McQueen at www.medicinalmindfulness.org
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Ronan Levy on Psychedelics, Capitalism & Consciousness

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Ronan Levy. Ronan is a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founder and former Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health, author of The Ketamine Breakthrough, and host of the Ronan Levy Podcast. A former lawyer turned innovator in cannabis, biotech, and psychedelics, Ronan focuses on scaling mental health solutions and exploring how altered states can reshape human wellbeing and consciousness.
We touch upon topics of
00:00–01:35 Ronan’s background, cannabis, ketamine, and entering the psychedelic space
01:35–05:11 From lawyer to entrepreneur, cannabis clinics, and discovering plant medicine as real medicine
05:11–09:19 The psychedelic zeitgeist, investment boom, and why the hype cycle has cooled
09:19–12:53 Psychedelics becoming normalized vs pharmaceutical models and the future of adoption
12:53–16:15 Alcohol, cannabis, psychedelics, and personal freedom vs societal responsibility
16:15–19:09 Capitalism, conscious capitalism, and market dynamics in cannabis and psychedelics
19:09–22:13 Running a spiritual business, money, ethics, and balancing purpose with profitability
22:13–24:13 Entrepreneurship as a spiritual path, stress, and personal growth through business
24:13–29:17 Wealth, success, and why money doesn’t solve deeper emotional or spiritual problems
29:17–33:52 Life as a game, meaning, productivity, and embracing both struggle and fulfillment
33:52–35:47 Relationships, self-awareness, and recurring life lessons
35:47–38:22 Cannabis vs psychedelics, product vs service, and different use contexts
38:22–41:22 Responsible use, set and setting, and personal vs ceremonial psychedelic use
41:22–43:01 Longevity, mental health, and what actually creates a long and fulfilling life
43:01–45:24 Psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and unlocking creativity and new perspectives
45:24–47:25 The future of psychedelics, community-driven models, and resistance to corporate commodification
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Ronan Levy at ronanlevy.com, on Instagram @ronandlevy, LinkedIn, and through his new project Fun Loving Company (@wearefunloving on Instagram).

Psychedelics vs Capitalism: Can Ayahuasca Really Change Society?

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Alexander Beiner. Alexander is an author, cultural commentator, co-founder of Rebel Wisdom, Executive Director of Breaking Convention, and author of The Bigger Picture. His work explores psychedelics, sensemaking, culture, and how transformative experiences and cognitive science can help us navigate the social and political challenges of the modern world.
We touch upon topics of
00:00–02:42 Alexander’s early psychedelic experiences, Psychonautica, and the online psychonaut forums before the current renaissance
02:42–07:10 The current psychedelic renaissance vs the previous one, psychedelic capitalism, and the risk of psychedelics being captured by late-stage capitalism
07:10–12:07 Can psychedelics still transform society if they go mainstream? The “psychedelic Walmart” question and the importance of containers
12:07–17:20 The argument from The Bigger Picture: psychedelics teach us a way of being, not just new ideas
17:20–19:23 Pain, truth, and the transformative power of going directly into what hurts
19:23–23:02 Culture as “people like us do things like this” and why changing systems is harder than changing individuals
23:02–24:17 Why society feels sick, and whether psychedelics can help us change fast enough
24:17–28:04 AI, abundance, Star Trek, space exploration, and why exploration may be humanity’s next frontier
28:04–33:45 The Imperial College DMT study, intravenous DMT, hyperspace, entity encounters, and the sense of entering a real ecosystem
33:45–36:17 Are DMT entities “real”? Consciousness, idealism, and synchronicities
36:17–39:26 Synchronicity, writing, manifestation, and how inner state affects what shows up in life
39:26–42:45 Responsibility, control, grief, and balancing personal agency with surrender to larger systems
42:45–46:07 Consciousness, truth, and how psychedelics shift Alexander’s worldview
46:07–49:32 Healing vs purpose, what we are healing for, and how to avoid spiritual bypassing
49:32–50:26 Where to find Alexander, his book, and his current work through Kainos
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Alexander Beiner through his book The Bigger Picture, his platform Kainos on Substack, and on Instagram under Alexander Beiner.

From Obsession with Performance to Flow States through Ayahuasca with Cory Firth

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Cory Firth. Cory is a psychedelic coach and consultant, former Executive Director of the Psychedelic Association of Canada, and a leading voice in mental health policy reform and flow state neuroscience. After overcoming a 20-year battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, Cory now helps others bridge ancient wisdom and modern science to unlock human potential and live more integrated, purpose-driven lives.
We touch upon topics of
00:00–02:30 Cory’s childhood, early depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
02:30–07:00 Entrepreneurship, burnout, health struggles, and searching for healing
07:00–11:30 Discovering ayahuasca and the first life-changing ceremony
11:30–15:30 Integration challenges and leaving his marketing agency
15:30–20:00 Founding work in the Psychedelic Association of Canada and policy reform
20:00–24:30 Psychedelic advocacy, MDMA and psilocybin access in Canada
24:30–31:00 Trauma-driven performance and learning to channel ambition differently
31:00–36:30 Flow states, effortless action, and the neuroscience of optimal performance
36:30–43:00 The relationship between psychedelics and accessing flow
43:00–48:30 Parenting, morning routines, and finding balance with young children
48:30–54:00 Psychedelics and fatherhood, relationships, and emotional growth
54:00–58:00 Postpartum challenges, resilience, and healing through psychedelics
58:00–01:03:00 The future of psychedelic access, culture, and policy change
01:03:00–01:06:00 Integrating psychedelic philosophy into everyday life and society
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Cory Firth at coryf.com and follow his writing and updates on LinkedIn. You can also watch his banned TED-style talk on YouTube where he shares more of his personal story.

DMT Saved My Life - Midlife Crisis, DMT vs Ayahuasca with Adam Butler

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) sits down with Adam Butler — psychedelic philosopher, researcher, and author of Butler’s DMT Field Guide. Adam shares his transformation from addiction, depression, and a suicidal breaking point into a life built around self-knowledge, meditation, and consciousness exploration. We cover the differences between ayahuasca and smoked DMT, safety/containment, “midlife crisis” vs depression, entity/spiritual protection, and how to integrate extreme experiences into real-world change — plus a lighter look at creativity, leadership, and relationships.
Timestamps / Topics
00:01 – 00:50 Intro: Adam Butler, Butler’s DMT Field Guide, “DMT-saturated perspective”
00:55 – 03:27 Adam’s background: alcohol removal, depression, suicidal ideation, life “on paper” vs inner collapse; mushrooms as the start
03:28 – 06:12 The DMT “last resort” moment and first breakthrough: perspective shift, present-moment relief, not a magic pill but a turning point
06:12 – 07:55 Oliver update (LaWayra GM story) + Sam’s question: am I in a midlife crisis?
08:06 – 12:34 Midlife crisis vs depression: “indicator lights,” pressure buildup, avoiding explosion, alignment vs masking with work/alcohol/pills
12:34 – 17:11 What heals? neuroplasticity vs spiritual process, “instruction manual” feelings, vibration/hum, expanded senses, getting out of your own way
17:11 – 24:00 Smoked DMT vs ayahuasca: duration (~7–8 minutes), intensity, “no hangover,” multiple sessions in one sitting, pros/cons of each modality
24:00 – 30:41 Safety + spiritual protection: why containers matter, sitter/space-holding, intention/reverence, entity risks, disclaimers around solo use
30:41 – 36:48 Sam’s position: no gatekeeping, but sequence matters; risks of DIY ayahuasca; responsibility to prevent backlash in the “renaissance”
36:48 – 40:44 Adam agrees: cautious approach, book as conversation starter, recent entity-heavy session = why first-timers shouldn’t go alone
40:44 – 46:33 Fun/esoteric side: “recognition” of DMT, jester/entities, body “diagnostic,” future-self feeling, being “moved” to another space
46:33 – 52:08 Integration: inner compass + accountability, practices that sustain alignment, psychedelics not for everyone, nature retreats as medicine too
52:08 – 55:00 Beyond therapy: creativity, science, politics/leadership, relationships + intimacy (with care), enjoying being human
55:00 – 56:36 Where to find Adam: socials + free PDF offer; closing
 
If you got value from this conversation with Adam Butler, please share it with one person who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t already, subscribe / follow the show so you don’t miss the next episode.
Where to find the guest (Adam Butler)
Instagram / social handle: @booksbyadambutler (this is his main handle across most platforms)
Email (for a free PDF copy of his book): booksbyadambutler@gmail.com
Book: Butler’s DMT Field Guide (Adam also shares access directly via email)

Third Wave of Psychedelics with Paul. F Austin

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Paul F. Austin. Paul is a leading pioneer in the modern psychedelic movement, founder of Third Wave, author of Mastering Microdosing, host of The Psychedelic Podcast, and head of the Psychedelic Coaching Institute. He focuses on psychedelic education, microdosing protocols, and training practitioners to help scale the responsible use of these medicines in the modern world.
We touch upon topics of
00:01–00:44 Introduction to Paul F. Austin and his work
00:44–03:14 Paul’s early LSD experiences and conservative upbringing
03:14–04:17 First microdosing protocol and founding Third Wave
04:18–07:08 Convincing his parents and guiding his dad through a mushroom journey
07:09–10:01 Parent–child healing and psychedelic experiences together
10:02–13:29 The “third wave” of psychedelics explained (indigenous → LSD era → today)
13:30–15:45 Microdosing as the safest path to legalization and cultural acceptance
15:46–17:29 Stepwise dosing and retreat philosophies
17:30–20:16 Why different psychedelics require different approaches
20:17–22:09 Psilocybin tolerance and retreat spacing strategies
22:10–27:29 Microdosing LSD vs psilocybin vs wachuma
27:30–30:48 Vine-only microdosing and adaptogenic effects
30:49–35:34 Psychedelics vs SSRIs and the “crutch” metaphor
35:35–41:39 Importance of psychedelic education and practitioner training
41:40–45:38 Addiction, cannabis dependence, and integration
45:39–49:15 “CEO medicine” and psychedelics for conscious leadership
49:16–52:27 What Paul is excited about in 2026 and the future of psychedelics
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Paul F. Austin at thethirdwave.co and follow him on social media at @PaulAustin3W

12 MMA fighters drink Ayahuasca together

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with a group of MMA fighters, veterans, and researchers from the Athletes Journey Home Foundation. The episode features Ian McCall, Mark “The Shark” Irwin, Luke Jensen, and several fighters including Matthew Morton, Clinton Foshee, Faith Phillips, Jared Fekete, and Fernando Marrero, sharing their stories of trauma, traumatic brain injuries, addiction, military service, and how ayahuasca may support healing and recovery.
We touch upon topics of
00:01–04:20 Vision of fighters drinking ayahuasca and creation of the MMA retreat
04:20–08:30 Ian McCall, Athletes Journey Home, and the purpose of the retreat
08:30–14:50 Mark Irwin’s psychedelic journey and fighting career
14:50–20:30 Ian’s experience with ayahuasca, ibogaine, and fighter healing
20:30–27:40 Group dynamics of fighters in ceremony and shared vulnerability
27:40–34:30 Luke Jensen’s neuroscience research and QEEG findings
34:30–44:10 Matthew Morton's addiction, trauma, and ayahuasca experience
44:10–52:30 Clinton Foshee’s traumatic brain injury and cognitive improvements
52:30–01:04:00 Faith’s military PTSD, feminine energy, and ayahuasca healing
01:04:00–01:14:20 Jared’s veteran journey, relationships, and inner transformation
01:14:20–01:27:30 Fernando Marrero’s life story, fighting career, and TBI recovery
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Athletes Journey Home at athletesjourneyhome.org and follow Ian McCall on social media.

Wade Davis, one river, Amazon and pharmacological mystery of Ayahuasca

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Wade Davis. Wade is a world-renowned ethnobotanist, anthropologist, and explorer; former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence; and author of One River, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Wayfinders, and Magdalena. Together, they explore Wade’s early journey into Colombia, Richard Evans Schultes, the roots of Yahé/ayahuasca knowledge, ayahuasca tourism, and Wade’s mission to liberate coca from the shadow of cocaine.
We touch upon topics of
00:01–00:52 Wade Davis intro and why this conversation matters
00:55–09:38 Wade’s first arrival in Colombia, “destiny,” and meeting Schultes (plus Schultes’ advice to try ayahuasca)
09:38–22:55 Did Schultes go deep with entheogens? Set & setting, pioneers, and the psychedelic era context
22:55–25:28 Yahé vs ayahuasca in Colombia: pharmacology, MAOIs, admixture plants, and early research
25:28–36:02 Why Peru became the ayahuasca “center” and how access shaped tourism (and why Colombia being overlooked helped)
36:02–41:10 Colombia, violence, and the “peace dividend” of a more intact Amazon
41:10–01:01:38 Coca: benefits, racism behind demonization, nutrition, WHO/UN policies, and why it matters for Colombia
01:01:38–01:14:23 Wade’s travels, National Geographic mission, and the McKenna brothers story (Dennis vs Terence)
01:14:23–01:27:16 Ayahuasca vs other entheogens: frequency, respect, terrifying vs ecstatic experiences, San Pedro comparisons
01:27:16–01:33:04 Sam’s “third S” (skill): preparation, dosage, integration, and how modern retreats can work well
01:33:04–01:36:31 Wade’s closing lesson: “Take your side and get on with it”
01:36:31–01:37:59 Where to start with Wade’s books + invitation to visit LaWayra
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Wade Davis at www.daviswade.com

From Ayahuasca to Breathwork: Trauma, Healing, and Integration

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , an Australian multi-instrumentalist, ceremonialist, and trauma-informed facilitator best known for his work in Spiritus Breathwork, somatic healing, and sound-based transformation. With over a decade of experience, Tim blends breath, movement, energy work, and music to guide deep healing and integration.
We touch upon topics of:
Tim’s journey from elite Muay Thai fighter to healer after a life-altering injury (00:41–02:16)
First Aya experiences, shamanic awakening, and long-term integration (02:16–03:46)
Apprenticeship in the jungle and the origins of Spiritus Breathwork (04:16–06:41)
Breathwork vs Aya: similarities, differences, and altered states (11:56–17:59)
Trauma, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing (16:32–29:56)
Dangers of spiritual bypassing and over-doing the work (30:05–34:01)
Breathwork inside ceremony: grounding vs amplifying (34:15–38:47)
Sound, music, and vibration as healing technologies (58:19–62:33)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Tim Morrison on Instagram at @timmorrison__ or contact him at info@tim-morrison.com.