Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

Holding the mystery. Somatics, TRE and integration with Simon Tennant

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Simon Tennant—a New Zealand psychotherapist, integration coach, and longtime friend of LaWayra. Simon supports guests through complex processes (including repressed trauma), drawing on meditation, IFS lenses, somatic work, and a growing interest in philosophy and Christian mysticism alongside Buddhism. He’s served on LaWayra’s facilitation team and consults post-retreat, emphasizing patience, embodiment, and community as pillars of lasting change.
• 00:00–00:03 — Reunion, Simon’s role with LaWayra and integration work• 00:03–00:06 — Recent ceremonies: body-based learning, “great mystery,” non-ordinary states• 00:06–00:09 — How ayahuasca deepened meditation; greater capacity with difficult client work• 00:09–00:12 — Shamanic flavor across traditions; curiosity over fixed identities• 00:12–00:17 — From Buddhist lens to Christian mysticism; using “God” without recoil• 00:17–00:20 — Multiple lenses metaphor; flexibility vs. rigidity in belief systems• 00:20–00:23 — Losing self/other to return more whole; holding paradox and conflict• 00:22–00:24 — Containers, boundaries, and why safe ceremony space matters• 00:24–00:29 — What volunteering at LaWayra teaches therapists vs. online courses• 00:29–00:32 — Building a practical facilitator training: “cookbook” + kitchen analogy• 00:32–00:35 — Post-retreat integration: practices, community, and resisting distractions• 00:36–00:39 — Working with childhood/sexual-abuse material: patience and not-knowing• 00:39–00:43 — Somatic integration: TRE, SE, body as a safe place• 00:40–00:41 — Ayahuasca as a shadow medicine; opening and purgation• 00:44–00:48 — Shadow, DMN, neuroplasticity, and the ego/DMN connection• 00:48–00:50 — Three-hour maloca meditation: embodied attention and capacity
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Simon Tennant at csimon.nz (C-Simon, spelled c-s-i-m-o-n.nz).

Bridging western science with indigenous knowledge with Dr. Simon Ruffel

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Simon Ruffell — psychiatrist, researcher, and co-founder of Onaya Sciences. Simon is known for bridging Western psychiatry and traditional Amazonian plant medicine, completing a PhD on the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca and training in Shipibo curanderismo in Peru.
We touch upon topics of:
(00:47) Simon’s journey from psychiatry to the Amazon
(08:33) How ayahuasca heals: neuroplasticity, epigenetics & spirit work
(13:18) Indigenous perspectives on balance and illness
(16:11) Designing research with shamans & translating indigenous knowledge
(22:11) Safety concerns in Western psychedelic use without shamans
(31:05) 80% PTSD remission and other research findings
(35:23) Synchronicities and destiny on the healing path
(44:18) Ego traps: rushing to become a shaman
(50:36) Rethinking psychedelic education and training models
(58:52) The story and spirit of Agua Florida & evolving traditions
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Dr. Simon Ruffell and Onaya Sciences at www.onaya.science and on Instagram @drsimonruffell.

Nazis on Drugs, CIA LSD & The Psychedelic Liberation — with Norman Ohler

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Norman Ohler, investigative author and storyteller known for his bestselling books Blitzed and Tripped. Norman’s work explores the hidden influence of drugs in history — from methamphetamine use in Nazi Germany to the political suppression of psychedelics — and challenges how we think about drugs and society.
We touch upon topics of:
00:36 – Norman’s personal journey into investigating drugs and hidden histories
01:28 – Nazi Germany’s use of methamphetamine and Hitler’s daily drug injections
07:30 – Could Hitler on ayahuasca have changed history?
09:36 – The untold origins of LSD and Nazi/CIA “truth drug” experiments
18:17 – Norman’s book Tripped, dementia research, and microdosing LSD with his parents
22:01 – Brain mapping studies with ayahuasca and early results from Sam’s retreat
25:08 – Capitalism, government control, and why psychedelics remain illegal
29:01 – Vision for an egalitarian, borderless, AI-supported global society
36:21 – Capitalism vs. spirituality and building new economic models with blockchain/AI
42:01 – How psychedelics foster empathy, healing, and potential planetary change
49:18 – Norman’s political vision and plan to run for German Chancellor
53:39 – Ancient ritual use of psychoactive plants and why prohibition is anti-human
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Norman Ohler at substack
https://stonedsapiens.substack.com/
And check out his books Blitzed and Tripped.

Bridging east and Amazon. Poetry, acupuncture and shamanism with Richard Grossman.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Richard Grossman, PhD. Richard is a healer, author, and visionary blending Eastern medicine, Amazonian shamanism, and sound healing. With over 30 years of experience, he has guided thousands through transformational plant medicine journeys, focusing on forgiveness, integration, and heart-centered living. He is the author of Trust and Forgive: The Medicine of Your Life and founder of Heart Feather, a space for healing and awakening.
We touch upon topics of:
Richard’s first connection to plants and childhood calling (01:08)
Early experiences with Ayahuasca and trauma healing (02:59)
Healing as miracle and mystery (06:28)
Visions, trust, and forgiveness in ceremony (09:00)
Ayahuasca “claiming” him in the jungle (12:19)
Importance (and limits) of visions in Ayahuasca (19:40)
Poetry in ceremonies and its healing role (26:16)
The lifelong process of healing and “how good can it get?” (33:53)
Responsible path to serving medicine and training protocols (43:44)
Minimum number of ceremonies before serving (51:24)
Acupuncture in ceremony and bridging healing traditions (54:16)
Five elements in Chinese medicine and plant medicine synergy (58:22)
Richard’s book Trust and Forgive and upcoming novel (65:03)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dr. Richard Grossman at heartfeather.com or his book Trust and Forgive: The Medicine of Your Life available on Amazon.

Clara Porwoll - Western medicine vs amazonian medicine. Lessons after 3400 cups served.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Clara Porwoll—German medical doctor and LaWayra’s Head of Facilitation for the past 10 months. Former hospital physician turned plant-medicine facilitator, Clara arrived as a guest, stayed as a volunteer, and now leads ceremony care and integration. She shares data from 689 patients and ~3,400 cups, lessons from bridging Western and ancestral medicine, and her own deep healing journey.
• [00:00] Role at LaWayra, patient stats, path from guest → facilitator• [00:02] First psilocybin, travels, finding “Ayahuasca in Colombia,” joining LaWayra• [00:04] “Das Vira”: German order vs. psychedelic flow; surrender & patience• [00:07] Western vs. Amazonian medicine—where each excels; building a bridge• [00:12] Mind–body link, prevention, and healthcare cost realities• [00:16] Origins of disease: emotions, tools the medicine teaches• [00:17] Clara’s healing: self-love, depression, reconnection• [00:19–00:22] Uncovering childhood sexual abuse; facing big traumas safely• [00:24] Intergenerational trauma and family ripple effects• [00:26] Psyche in ceremony: “feline/tiger” processes; jaguar lore• [00:28] Transformations: addictions, lifestyle changes post-ceremony• [00:29–00:31] Common challenge: “not connecting” vs subtle connection• [00:32–00:33] Spiritual openings; choosing healer path vs. shaman role• [00:34–00:36] What a Head of Facilitation actually does (safety, team, container)• [00:37–00:41] Integration philosophy: community, practice, therapy, percentages• [00:43–00:45] Self-care routines for facilitators (yoga, meditation, breathwork, journaling)• [00:47–00:50] National trauma, peace, and why Germany needs Aya; presidents drink free
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to  www.lawayra.com
 

Psychedelics and astrology, archetypes, karma and shadow work with Jessica DiRuzza

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Jessica DiRuzza, a depth psychotherapist, astrologer, and educator. Jessica is the co-founder of Trust Psyche, where she integrates depth psychology and archetypal astrology to guide transformation. With 15+ years of experience, she teaches internationally, hosts the Trust Psyche podcast, and mentors students blending soul-centered insight with practical healing.
We touch upon topics of:
Jessica’s journey from psychedelics to astrology (00:55)
Archetypal astrology vs. mainstream astrology (05:25)
Jessica reads Sam’s chart live (06:33)
Fate vs free will in astrology (19:22)
Astrology as a tool for psychedelic integration (24:03)
World transits and the psychedelic renaissance (27:34)
Shadow work and astrology (31:04)
Astrology, trauma, and karma (32:18)
Using astrology as a diagnostic tool (35:14)
Relationships, compatibility, and spiritual bypassing (37:10)
Neurodivergence and astrology (41:39)
Astrology, mysticism, and ancient knowledge (45:07)
Sam’s nodal return and soul’s evolutionary path (47:44)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Jessica at trustpsyche.com, on YouTube at Trust Psyche, and on Instagram at @trust.psyche

Placebo, open science and microdosing with Rotem Petranker

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Rotem Petranker, Associate Director of the Psychedelic Studies Research Program at the University of Toronto, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science, and a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University. His work focuses on microdosing, attention, emotional regulation, and open science.
We touch upon topics of:
[00:01:00] Rotem’s background and early path into psychedelic research
[00:02:00] Why microdosing research began and early challenges
[00:03:00] Perspectives on drug policy, legalization, and mental health
[00:05:00] Design of Rotem’s psilocybin microdosing clinical trial
[00:07:00] Study outcomes, placebo response, and limitations of once-a-week dosing
[00:11:00] Diversity of participants and feasibility for future research
[00:12:00] The role of set, setting, and the “social matrix” in healing
[00:14:00] Group dynamics, contact high, and integration at retreats
[00:16:00] The challenge of reductionist science versus indigenous traditions
[00:21:00] Replication crisis in psychology and the need for open science
[00:23:00] Pre-registration, open data, and transparency in psychedelic research
[00:35:00] Different epistemologies: indigenous wisdom vs. neuroscience
[00:37:00] Comparing LSD and psilocybin microdosing (duration, variability, safety)
[00:39:00] Benefits and drawbacks of microdosing—mood, anxiety, sleep
[00:42:00] Microdosing vs. antidepressants and side effect profiles
[00:45:00] Bro-science explanation of SSRIs vs. psilocybin and how little we know
[00:47:00] Why open science matters and how to evaluate credible research
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dr. Rotem Petranker at @rpetranker and through the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science.

Vitamins V.S. Antidepressants. Nutritional psychiatry

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) speaks with Taron Fletcher, a biochemist and research specialist at Hardy Nutritionals, known for science-led mental health supplements. We explore:
[00:01:00] Taron’s journey into nutritional research and the origins of Hardy Nutritionals
[00:05:00] Lessons from animal nutrition applied to human mental health
[00:07:00] Key factors in creating effective supplements: completeness, balance, ratios, chelation, and research-backed efficacy
[00:12:00] How supplements can support safe tapering from SSRIs and other psychiatric medications
[00:20:00] Typical taper timelines and indicators for dose reduction
[00:24:00] Specific nutrients and adjuncts for mood, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms
[00:42:00] Challenges of tapering from different drug classes, including SNRIs and benzodiazepines
[00:50:00] Understanding RDA, upper limits, and why higher balanced doses can be beneficial
[00:53:00] Nutritional deficiencies and the impact of processed diets on mental health
[01:00:00] Cost, support, and process for starting Hardy Nutritionals’ program
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Taron Fletcher at www.hardynutritionals.com

Healing relationships with Psychedelics with Chandra Khalifian. Intimacy, trust, attachment and forgiveness.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Chandra Khalifian, a clinical psychologist, researcher, and educator based in San Diego. Chandra is a pioneer in psychedelic-assisted couple therapy and co-founder of ENA, a clinic and research center focused on healing relationships through ketamine and MDMA-assisted therapy.
We touch upon topics of:
Ketamine-assisted couple therapy and its origins [00:02:00]
Intimacy development and trust violations in relationships [00:06:00]
PTSD in couples and how MDMA therapy helps [00:10:00]
Why "it’s never about the dishes" – deeper relational wounds [00:14:00]
How psychedelics like Ayahuasca can shift ego and improve relationships [00:16:00]
The challenge of integrating solo psychedelic work in a couple dynamic [00:18:00]
The idea of conscious uncoupling with psychedelics [00:20:00]
Ketamine’s safety, addictive potential, and dosing differences [00:25:00]
The published framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy [00:28:00]
Attachment styles, co-dependency, and emotional regulation in couples [00:31:00]
Teaching couples to validate each other’s emotional experiences [00:34:00]
Integration tools and the need for more research on psychedelic couple therapy [00:38:00]
A powerful story of forgiveness during a ketamine-assisted session [00:42:00]
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dr. Chandra Khalifian at www.enamarie.org or contact her directly at chandra@enamarie.org.

Ashley Glowiak – Psychedelic Parenting, Rewiring Family Systems with Psychedelics

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Ashley Glowiak, a licensed marriage and family therapist, PhD candidate in transformative studies, birth and postpartum doula, yoga teacher, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trainee with MAPS. Ashley specializes in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for families, with a deep focus on maternal health and intergenerational trauma.
We touch upon topics of:
Ashley’s healing journey and entry into psychedelics and family systems therapy (00:02:00)
Parenting with consciousness and the concept of “family ecology” (00:06:00)
Intergenerational trauma and Family Constellation work (00:08:00)
Spiritual and epigenetic layers of ancestral healing (00:12:00)
Using Ayahuasca and psilocybin to address family trauma (00:14:00)
A practical framework for healing cycles and trauma with plant medicine (00:17:00)
Somatic integration and neurogenesis post-ceremony (00:20:00)
Breaking relationship and behavior cycles consciously (00:23:00)
How to identify what is truly your authentic self (00:26:00)
Postpartum depression and the healing role of microdosing (00:33:00)
The importance of natural birth, rite of passage, and community support (00:41:00)
The “village mindset” and raising children in community (00:50:00)
Birth as a psychedelic experience and the hormonal reality of labor (00:47:00)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Ashley Glowiak at www.ashleyglowiak.com and follow her private membership community for support on microdosing, family-centered retreats, and integration work.