Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

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
 
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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)

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

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.

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

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.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Metta Beshay, a filmmaker, musician, and creator known for his citizen-scientist approach to ethnobotany and plant traditions. Metta explores misunderstood substances, Indigenous cultures, and the realities behind modern plant-medicine tourism with humor, skepticism, and deep curiosity.
We touch upon topics of:
Metta’s path from viral videos to ethnobotany storytelling (03:30–05:00)
The realities of the Amazon jungle vs romanticized ideas (34:00–36:30)
Indigenous cultures, tribal politics, and modern monetization (07:30–09:30)
Comparing Aya experiences with other altered states (26:00–28:00)
Music, icaros, and sound as a healing tool (19:00–24:00)
Spirituality vs skepticism and cultural context (38:00–41:30)
Ethics of retreat culture and shaman training (43:30–45:30)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Metta Beshay on YouTube and Instagram at @MettaBeshay

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , founder of . Based in Colombia, Danielle has spent over a decade working closely with Indigenous communities to produce ethically sourced, high-quality ceremonial cacao. Her work bridges traditional knowledge, sustainability, and modern processing while supporting local farmers and regenerative practices.
We touch upon topics of:
Danielle’s first Aya experiences and how they led her to cacao (02:00–05:30)
Building Origin Cacao with Indigenous communities in Colombia (06:00–11:00)
Cacao as a daily connection practice vs ceremonial use (13:00–20:30)
Cacao as an integration tool after Aya ceremonies (21:00–26:30)
Ethics, sourcing, and avoiding exploitative cacao industries (29:00–32:30)
Fermentation, roasting, and why “raw cacao” is a myth (55:00–58:30)
Replacing coca crops with cacao and Colombia’s agricultural future (38:30–44:30)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Danielle de Kisere and her work at origencacao.com and on Instagram @origencacao.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , also known as Mycopreneur. Dennis is the creator of Mycopreneur, often called the “Onion of the psychedelic space,” a leading media platform exploring the business, culture, and future of mushrooms through sharp satire, journalism, and long-form interviews with founders, scientists, and visionaries.
We touch upon topics of:
Dennis’ early fascination with mushrooms and altered states (01:30–04:30)
Humor and satire as tools for integration and cultural critique (05:00–10:00)
Trustafarians, influencer culture, and spiritual ego (07:20–12:00)
Ethical concerns, wild-west dynamics, and retreat culture (12:20–16:30)
Visionary exploration vs healing journeys over time (16:30–20:30)
The role of the jester archetype in psychedelic culture (22:00–24:30)
Meme culture, media, and modern communication (51:00–55:30)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dennis Walker at mycopreneur.com, on Instagram @mycopreneur, and through the Mycopreneur newsletter and podcast.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , a clinical psychologist, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and co-founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont. With decades of experience in addiction, anxiety, and depression treatment, Rick bridges traditional recovery models with modern psychedelic-assisted therapy, drawing from both personal recovery and clinical practice.
We touch upon topics of:
Rick’s early addiction and path into recovery (00:50–05:30)
Addiction, youth, and the challenge of getting sober early (03:50–06:00)
Replacing addiction with meaning, purpose, and spirituality (07:48–11:00)
Psychedelics, sobriety, and common fears around relapse (12:14–16:05)
Therapy vs retreat models and why multiple paths can work (17:02–19:30)
Integration, spiritual bypassing, and real long-term change (21:08–26:00)
AA, community, and where recovery models succeed or fail (33:05–36:40)
How psychedelics disrupt addictive patterns and cravings (37:46–40:37)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Rick Barnett at vermontpsychedelic.org, on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrRickBarnett, and through the Solquinox conference in Vermont.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , the creator of the Adeptus Psychonautica YouTube channel. Rob is known for his grounded, humorous, and skeptical approach to altered states, sharing honest self-experiments, retreat reviews, and long-form reflections as “an ordinary person having extraordinary experiences.”
We touch upon topics of:
How an Aya retreat led Rob to start his YouTube channel (02:55–04:45)
Good retreats vs badly run retreats and red flags to watch for (05:10–11:40)
Spiritual ego, cult dynamics, and predatory facilitators (08:40–12:30)
Separating the medicine experience from the retreat organization (10:00–11:50)
Exploring different Aya traditions beyond Peru (13:10–15:20)
What it means to be a psychonaut and inner exploration (16:00–19:40)
Creativity, storytelling, and integration after difficult life periods (21:00–23:30)
Healing family relationships through shared ceremonies (23:30–25:30)
Consciousness exploration and daily practice vs ceremony work (26:00–29:20)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Rob and his work on YouTube at Adeptus Psychonautica.