Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ

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.
 

JM Ryerson. Leadership and winning with Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca Podcast

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with JM Ryerson, entrepreneur, author, and performance coach with over 20 years of experience. JM is the co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win, an organization dedicated to improving leadership, company culture, and peak performance. He is also the author of Let’s Go Win: The Keys to Living Your Best Life and host of the Let’s Go Win Podcast.
We touch upon topics of:
[01:22] Personal development and the inspiration behind Let's Go Win
[03:15] The impact of studying abroad and embracing cultural diversity
[05:40] JM’s journey with Ayahuasca and how it changed his life
[08:48] Synchronicities, spiritual growth, and the role of numerology
[15:01] Overcoming failure and embracing faith
[17:50] Tools for self-development, including breathwork and meditation
[25:51] JM’s challenging yet transformative Ayahuasca experiences
[34:36] The idea of Ayahuasca retreats for team-building and corporate growth
[36:34] Cultivating a growth mindset and unlocking potential
[43:28] JM’s books and how they can help individuals and businesses thrive
[46:04] The importance of vulnerability in leadership and personal growth
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about JM Ryerson at www.letsgowin.com.
 

Don't be afraid to uncover childhood trauma. Ayahuasca Podcasts with Jillian Acosta

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Jillian Acosta, a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist specializing in functional medicine and the psychology of eating. Jillian is the founder of The Root Cause Method, where she helps clients achieve health and vitality by addressing trauma, often integrating ketamine therapy to transform relationships with food and emotions.
We touch upon topics including:
(00:58) Jillian’s personal journey with eating disorders and emotional eating.
(02:21) How ayahuasca revealed the root of her trauma.
(04:09) Her early ayahuasca experiences and integration challenges.
(08:45) Rebuilding her life after ayahuasca, including leaving her marriage and launching her business.
(12:59) The connection between trauma, eating disorders, and chronic illness.
(17:39) Jillian’s perspective on emotional and energetic weight.
(27:41) Guidance on processing trauma and reconnecting with the body.
(39:08) Comparing ayahuasca and ketamine as therapeutic tools.
(45:49) The gut-brain connection and its role in mental health.
(48:24) The spiritual aspect of healing and gratitude for past experiences.
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Jillian Acosta at therootcausemethod.com or on Instagram at @jillianacosta._.rd.
 

Healing brain tumor without surgery. Ayahuasca Podcast with Pauli Kulikowska

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Pauli Kulikowska, a holistic therapist and founder of the Healing Institute. Pauli brings over 15 years of experience in therapeutic work, integrating clinical psychology, yoga, and energy modalities. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology, is a certified yoga teacher, and specializes in merging Eastern, Western, and Indigenous healing approaches.
Topics Discussed:
Pauli’s journey from depression to healing with ayahuasca and yoga (01:01–05:18)
Healing her brain tumor through plant medicine and lifestyle changes (05:19–08:25)
The integration process: yoga, meditation, and nervous system regulation (07:25–09:44)
Addressing cultural appropriation in plant medicine facilitation (10:15–11:40)
The role of ethics and preparation in healing practices (19:08–20:47)
Integrating Eastern, Western, and Indigenous knowledge in the Healing Institute (21:27–22:24)
Practical integration methods, including pranayama breathwork (33:27–35:52)
Traditional Tantra and its connections to shamanic practices (55:29–56:27)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Guest Information: Find more about Pauli and her work at www.healinginstitute.eu.
 

Psychedelics and neuroscience of consciousness with James Cooke

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with neuroscientist and author James Cooke.
James shares his journey from a profound spiritual awakening as a teenager to studying neuroscience and exploring psychedelics as tools for consciousness and healing.
We touch upon topics such as:
00:17 - James’ spiritual awakening and scientific path
01:45 - How psychedelics sparked emotional healing and trauma work
03:40 - The unique perspective of a neuroscientist on Ayahuasca and DMT
05:46 - Entity encounters and their possible scientific explanations
11:58 - Sam’s experiment idea: enhanced reality and psychedelics
19:26 - Where thoughts originate: brain, consciousness, or antenna?
26:49 - How science and spirituality intersect
30:26 - James’ personal emotional healing with psychedelics
37:12 - Neuroplasticity and the long-term transformative effects of psychedelics
40:12 - Meditation vs psychedelics: mechanisms and outcomes
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about James Cooke and his book The Dawn of Mind at www.jamescooke.info

100 Ayahuasca ceremonies in 1 year. Zen, shamanism and facilitation with Mark Bodner

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Mark Bodner.
 
Mark was a head of facilitation at LaWayra and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge while working here. Mark is Brown University graduate and a Zen Practicionaire. 
 
We touch upon subjects of facilitating Ayahuasca retreats, zen Buddhism and Ayahuasca, how it feels being punched in the ceremony, doing hundred ceremonies in one year, bringing your parents to the Ayahuasca retreat and more.
 
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to 
www.lawayra.com
 

Psychedelic supplementation and biohacking. Ayahuasca podcast with Shawn Wells

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Shawn Wells, a biochemist, best-selling author, and renowned "Ingredientologist" known for formulating over a thousand supplements and patenting 40 unique ingredients.
Shawn shares his journey of overcoming mental and physical challenges and delves into topics including:
[00:28] Transformational journey into nutrition and biochemistry
[05:14] First psychedelic experiences with psilocybin
[12:28] Ayahuasca ceremonies with the Huni Kuin tribe in Peru
[21:22] The role of fasting and supplements in preparation for ayahuasca
[33:39] Neuroplasticity and post-journey integration
[44:21] Longevity lessons from Blue Zones
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, visit www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Shawn Wells at www.shawnwells.com or on social media @shawnwells.
 

Retiring in Colombia. Living at an Ayahuasca retreat. Ayahuasca Podcast

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Mike and Kelly, a couple who visited LaWayra Ayahuasca retreat earlier this year and fell in love with it so much that they decided to retire in Colombia.
We touch upon topics such as:
How Mike and Kelly discovered Ayahuasca and what brought them to LaWayra
Their life-changing experiences with Ayahuasca at the retreat
The decision to retire in Colombia and the challenges they faced
What makes life in Colombia so fulfilling for them
Why LaWayra feels like home and their ongoing connection to the retreat
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.
About the Guests:Mike and Kelly are a retired couple from the United States who discovered a new purpose and sense of community through Ayahuasca. Now living in Colombia, they spend their time embracing the culture and supporting the transformative work done at LaWayra.