Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ
Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ
The #1 resource for Ayahuasca, Psychedelics, and Mental Health.
Explore the transformative world of plant medicine and psychedelic therapy with Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat. This podcast dives deep into the healing power of Ayahuasca, offering expert clinical insights, indigenous wisdom, and raw success stories of trauma recovery and spiritual awakening.
What you’ll learn:
-
Expert Interviews: Conversations with world-renowned scientists, doctors, and shamans.
-
Healing Stories: Real-life accounts of overcoming PTSD, depression, and addiction through Ayahuasca.
-
Integration & Safety: Practical advice on Ayahuasca integration, preparation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
-
The Frontiers of Science: Latest research on Ayahuasca, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and the intersection of science and spirituality.
Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced practitioner, join us as we bridge Western medicine with ancient Amazonian traditions to help you heal and transform your life.
Visit our home: www.ayahuascapodcast.com Retreat with us: www.lawayra.com
Top Featured Guests
International Public Figures
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Gabor Maté (World-renowned expert on trauma and addiction)
-
Dennis McKenna (Legendary ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer)
-
Wade Davis (National Geographic Explorer, world-famous anthropologist)
-
Paul Austin (Founder of The Third Wave, major figure in microdosing)
-
Ian McCall (Former UFC fighter and psychedelic advocate)
-
Bill Richards (Psilocybin research pioneer at Johns Hopkins)
-
Troy Casey (The "Certified Health Nut," major social media presence)
-
Hamilton Souther (Well-known shaman and founder of Blue Morpho)
Influential Thought Leaders & Authors
-
Dave Rabin (Neuroscientist/Psychiatrist, Apollo Neuro founder)
-
Lauren Taus (Leading psychedelic-assisted therapist)
-
Bia Labate (Executive Director of Chacruna Institute)
-
Norman Ohler (Author of the NYT bestseller Blitzed)
-
Spring Washam (Prominent meditation teacher and author)
-
Joe Tafur (Author of The Fellowship of the River)
-
Alex Beiner (Author and executive director of Rebel Wisdom)
-
Jesse Harless (Expert on recovery and heart-centered leadership)
-
Tracey Tee (Founder of Moms on Mushrooms)
-
Kyle Buller (Co-founder of Psychedelics Today)
Industry Experts & Specialized Practitioners
-
Marc Aixala
-
Rick Barnett
-
Steve Thayer
-
Rotem Petranker
-
Salimeh Tabrizi
-
Ayla Schafer
-
Lex Pelger
-
Daniel Shankin
-
Natasia Pelgrom
-
Nick Courtright
-
Matt Zemon
-
Shawn Wells
Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ
The #1 resource for Ayahuasca, Psychedelics, and Mental Health.
Explore the transformative world of plant medicine and psychedelic therapy with Sam Believ, founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat. This podcast dives deep into the healing power of Ayahuasca, offering expert clinical insights, indigenous wisdom, and raw success stories of trauma recovery and spiritual awakening.
What you’ll learn:
-
Expert Interviews: Conversations with world-renowned scientists, doctors, and shamans.
-
Healing Stories: Real-life accounts of overcoming PTSD, depression, and addiction through Ayahuasca.
-
Integration & Safety: Practical advice on Ayahuasca integration, preparation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
-
The Frontiers of Science: Latest research on Ayahuasca, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and the intersection of science and spirituality.
Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced practitioner, join us as we bridge Western medicine with ancient Amazonian traditions to help you heal and transform your life.
Visit our home: www.ayahuascapodcast.com Retreat with us: www.lawayra.com
Top Featured Guests
International Public Figures
-
Gabor Maté (World-renowned expert on trauma and addiction)
-
Dennis McKenna (Legendary ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer)
-
Wade Davis (National Geographic Explorer, world-famous anthropologist)
-
Paul Austin (Founder of The Third Wave, major figure in microdosing)
-
Ian McCall (Former UFC fighter and psychedelic advocate)
-
Bill Richards (Psilocybin research pioneer at Johns Hopkins)
-
Troy Casey (The "Certified Health Nut," major social media presence)
-
Hamilton Souther (Well-known shaman and founder of Blue Morpho)
Influential Thought Leaders & Authors
-
Dave Rabin (Neuroscientist/Psychiatrist, Apollo Neuro founder)
-
Lauren Taus (Leading psychedelic-assisted therapist)
-
Bia Labate (Executive Director of Chacruna Institute)
-
Norman Ohler (Author of the NYT bestseller Blitzed)
-
Spring Washam (Prominent meditation teacher and author)
-
Joe Tafur (Author of The Fellowship of the River)
-
Alex Beiner (Author and executive director of Rebel Wisdom)
-
Jesse Harless (Expert on recovery and heart-centered leadership)
-
Tracey Tee (Founder of Moms on Mushrooms)
-
Kyle Buller (Co-founder of Psychedelics Today)
Industry Experts & Specialized Practitioners
-
Marc Aixala
-
Rick Barnett
-
Steve Thayer
-
Rotem Petranker
-
Salimeh Tabrizi
-
Ayla Schafer
-
Lex Pelger
-
Daniel Shankin
-
Natasia Pelgrom
-
Nick Courtright
-
Matt Zemon
-
Shawn Wells
Episodes
Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
57 min
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.
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
58 min
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.
Jan 20, 2025
Lauren Taus - Emotional eating and Ayahuasca
Jan 20, 2025
Jan 20, 2025
1hr 38 sec
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.
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
1hr 23 sec
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.
Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
52 min
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.
Jan 1, 2025
Jan 1, 2025
53 min
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.
Dec 26, 2024
Dec 26, 2024
1hr 54 sec
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.

Dec 17, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
49 min
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

Dec 9, 2024
Dec 9, 2024
1hr 14 min
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

Dec 2, 2024
Dec 2, 2024
52 min
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.







