Siste episoder av Ayahuasca Podcast with Sam Believ podcast

1. Dr. Ido Cohen on integration, shadow work and Jungian archetypes13.11.2025 (01:01:35)

   In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Ido Cohen, a clinical psychologist specializing in Jungian and relational depth psychology. He is the founder of The Integration Circle, focusing on psychedelic integration, shadow work, and turning peak experiences into lasting transformation. • 00:56 Early experiences in India and discovery of integration • 03:08 Why integration is hard & cultural context • 09:00 The illusion of quick transformation • 12:18 Balancing work, business, and integration • 14:40 Integration for busy modern lives • 19:35 Why self-care feels like work • 22:12 Ceremony continues after the ceremony • 25:07 Archetypal & transpersonal dimensions • 29:42 Common archetypes and possessions • 34:52 Soul, religion & invisible forces • 48:02 What is the shadow and shadow work • 52:20 Shadow encounter vs. shadow work • 56:32 Turning darkness into growth If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dr. Ido Cohen at theintegrationcircle.com or on Instagram at @theintegrationcircle

2. Joe Moore - Safe Access, breath work and building a psychedelic informed world02.11.2025 (00:58:49)

   In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Joe Moore, co-founder/CEO of Psychedelics Today. Joe is a longtime voice in psychedelic education and media (700+ interviews), a holotropic breathwork facilitator, and the creator of the Vital year-long training program focused on psychedelic-informed practice and harm reduction. • Origin story: books, Grof, breathwork, first aya, launching Psychedelics Today (01:13–04:17) • 700+ interviews, role split with Kyle (04:17–04:55) • Burnout/community dynamics during Denver decrim (04:59–06:00) • Harm reduction, safe supply, and intra-community conflict (05:46–07:27) • Indigenous exchange, access, climate & conservation takes (09:11–11:18) • Agroforestry & ayahuasca reforestation co-ops (11:18–11:59) • Drug war history, othering, and safe supply vs. prohibition (11:59–16:46) • Rebranding Colombia: coca vs. ayahuasca, fentanyl era (17:43–19:35) • Why psychedelic education matters; Vital’s inclusive scope (20:52–25:40) • What success looks like: humility, community, model-agnosticism (27:52–29:33) • Favorites: Team LSD, mushrooms, 2C-B; psychedelic minimalism (29:33–31:22) • How psychedelics heal: competing models + Grof’s container (33:17–36:39) • Breathwork for prep/integration; box breathing & long cycles (36:39–45:33) • Podcasting as decentralization; universities & free libraries (46:09–50:28) • Bitcoin/crypto & decentralizing money/power (50:28–52:06) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Joe Moore at psychedelicstoday.com and on Instagram: @jomo137.

3. Love as medicine, mysticism, sufism and psychedelics with Danielle Herrera25.10.2025 (01:00:36)

   In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Danielle Herrera, a California-based licensed psychotherapist and psychedelic-assisted therapy specialist. Danielle blends somatic and Jungian work with harm reduction, draws on Indigenous lineage and Sufi mysticism, and trains new facilitators with Beckley Academy. We explore how love, right-relationship, and spiritual technologies help people heal trauma and integrate psychedelic experiences into daily life. 00:01–01:22 — Intro and Danielle’s background 01:22–08:14 — Origin story: chaotic childhood, harm reduction path, ketamine/MDMA training, founding Tender Heart Healing Arts 08:41–12:48 — “Loving people for a living”: centering love in psychotherapy; Indigenous and Sufi lineages 13:14–17:11 — Trauma as absence of holding; parenting parallels; harm-reduction lens 17:12–22:03 — Why some grow from pain: “jet fuel,” ayahuasca discomfort, meaning-making 22:32–25:10 — Transmutation of pain; rites of passage and village containers 26:01–29:46 — Shamanism vs “psychosis”: the role of container (Crazywise reference) 29:46–36:30 — Sufism 101: Rumi, polishing the heart, spiritual technologies; resonance with ayahuasca/Icaros 37:32–42:43 — Mystical experiences in therapy; clinician competence and frameworks 42:43–47:02 — Spiritual emergence: signs, tenderness, intuition, “magic is real” 47:02–51:40 — Addiction: “don’t ask why the addiction—ask why the pain”; right-relationship with medicines 51:40–54:19 — Real integration: becoming better to those you’re responsible to love If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Danielle Herrera at tenderheart.us (yourtherapistlovesyou.com) and Instagram: @yourtherapistlovesyou

4. Holding the mystery. Somatics, TRE and integration with Simon Tennant16.10.2025 (00:52:16)

   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).

5. Bridging western science with indigenous knowledge with Dr. Simon Ruffel08.10.2025 (01:12:18)

   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.

6. Nazis on Drugs, CIA LSD & The Psychedelic Liberation — with Norman Ohler25.09.2025 (00:55:11)

   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.

7. Bridging east and Amazon. Poetry, acupuncture and shamanism with Richard Grossman.18.09.2025 (01:09:14)

   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.

8. Clara Porwoll - Western medicine vs amazonian medicine. Lessons after 3400 cups served.09.09.2025 (00:55:34)

   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

9. Psychedelics and astrology, archetypes, karma and shadow work with Jessica DiRuzza29.08.2025 (00:55:11)

   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

10. Placebo, open science and microdosing with Rotem Petranker20.08.2025 (00:52:04)

    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.

11. Vitamins V.S. Antidepressants. Nutritional psychiatry10.08.2025 (01:06:02)

    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

12. Healing relationships with Psychedelics with Chandra Khalifian. Intimacy, trust, attachment and forgiveness.03.08.2025 (00:48:06)

    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.

13. Ashley Glowiak – Psychedelic Parenting, Rewiring Family Systems with Psychedelics25.07.2025 (00:59:15)

    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.

14. Brain mapping Ayahuasca experiences, Neuroplasticity, healing and measuring PTSD with Luke Jensen19.07.2025 (00:55:34)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Luke Jensen, a former US Marine and National Guard veteran turned psychedelic researcher and neurofeedback practitioner. After his own healing journey with PTSD, Luke now leads veteran-focused retreats in Peru and pioneers research on brain mapping with Ayahuasca and Wachuma. We touch upon topics of: Luke’s military background and PTSD healing journey (00:49–02:02) His first powerful Ayahuasca experience in the jungle (02:06–04:03) What to do when Ayahuasca “doesn’t work” right away (05:38–08:15) Unconscious healing and the idea for brain scans during ceremony (08:15–10:19) What is QEEG brain mapping and why Luke uses it (10:34–12:52) Neurofeedback as a healing and spiritual optimization tool (12:52–16:06) Importance of brain health in mental health recovery (16:31–18:35) Working with UFC fighters and brain injury recovery (19:03–21:30) First-ever brain imaging study on Wachuma (21:50–23:39) Differences between Ayahuasca and Wachuma (24:10–25:47) Science, skepticism, and cultural projections onto indigenous shamans (33:20–36:41) The role of science in legitimizing traditional medicine (36:41–41:11) How Luke became a self-taught neuroscientist outside academia (44:11–45:46) Brainwaves 101: delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma explained (48:24–50:09) Ego and the Default Mode Network (51:46–52:29) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Luke Jensen at neuroenlightenment.com

15. Winning a championship on megadose of mushrooms with Mark Irwin13.07.2025 (00:46:40)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Mark “The Shark” Irwin — former bare-knuckle boxing world champion turned psychedelic mental health advocate. Known for fighting on heroic doses of psilocybin, Mark now leads a nonprofit supporting athletes recovering from traumatic brain injuries through psychedelic therapy. We touch upon topics of: Mark’s story and fighting career journey (00:03:00) Microdosing and traumatic brain injury recovery (00:04:00) Fighting competitively on psilocybin (00:05:00) Flow state and performance enhancement through psychedelics (00:07:00) Legality and controversy around psychedelics in sports (00:09:00) Intentions and different uses of plant medicine (00:10:00) Psilocybin tolerance and intentional usage (00:11:00) Boxing, childhood trauma, and emotional release (00:13:00) The therapeutic use of psychedelics for brain healing (00:15:00) Mental health, masculinity, and emotional expression (00:20:00) Psychedelics and ego dissolution (00:29:00) Suicidal ideation, healing, and hope (00:33:00) Recovery protocols: red light, HBOT, integration (00:38:00) Future vision: healing others post-fighting (00:40:00) Movement, fitness, and somatic integration (00:42:00) Athletes Journey Home nonprofit & fundraising (00:44:00) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Mark Irwin at www.athletesjourneyhome.com or on Instagram @markthesharkirwin

16. Elizabeth Ramirez - conscious entrepreneurship, awakening, bridging business and ancestral wisdom.06.07.2025 (01:00:43)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Elizabeth Ramírez, a Colombian mentor, speaker, and former corporate strategist who left behind a high-powered consulting career in Switzerland to follow her heart into the world of ancestral medicine, spiritual coaching, and conscious leadership. Elizabeth now helps guide others in their own healing and awakening journeys through a blend of plant medicine work, meditation, and transformational teaching. We touch upon topics of: [00:02:00] Leaving the corporate world and returning to Colombia for healing [00:04:00] First Ayahuasca experience and its subtle long-term impact [00:07:00] What “receiving medicine” really means vs. what people expect [00:08:00] Cultural conditioning, gender roles, and the pressure to be a “good girl” [00:13:00] Spiritual transformation after moving back from Switzerland [00:16:00] Rebranding Colombia away from drugs and toward nature and medicine [00:23:00] Meditation as a path to awakening and connection [00:29:00] Dangers of rushing Ayahuasca breakthroughs and the value of patience [00:31:00] Ego, integration, and learning the real lessons from the ceremony [00:38:00] Her mission to unite leaders through heart-centered, spiritual entrepreneurship [00:43:00] The role of mushrooms and their connection to creativity and integration [00:49:00] Life as ceremony and creating sacredness in the everyday [00:54:00] Manifestation, physics, and aligning with desired realities If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Elizabeth Ramírez at @elramirezdu on Instagram.

17. Dennis McKenna - Ayahuasca, mushrooms, human symbiosis with Nature.29.06.2025 (01:03:45)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dennis McKenna, PhD—renowned ethnopharmacologist, author, co-founder of the McKenna Academy, and pioneer in psychedelic research for over 40 years. A central figure in the psychedelic renaissance, Dennis has explored the intersection of plant medicine, indigenous wisdom, and science since the 1970s. We touch upon topics of: Dennis’ early trips to Colombia and the origins of the “La Chorrera” experiment (05:10) The unexpected role of mushrooms in his spiritual awakening (11:50) DMT and the search for orally active psychedelics (15:30) Shifts in his scientific path after the La Chorrera experience (22:20) Conducting biomedical studies with the UDV in Brazil (31:45) Differences between psilocybin and ayahuasca (45:15) The ethics and cultural impact of ayahuasca tourism (49:00) Sustainable ayahuasca cultivation and community economics (53:30) The myth of how indigenous people discovered ayahuasca (59:10) The importance of preserving tradition in modern psychedelic use (1:06:40) The vision for global symbiosis between North and South through plant medicine (1:13:20) Climate change and the message of Gaia through psychedelics (1:17:55) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dennis McKenna at https://mckenna.academy or on Instagram @dennismckenna_

18. Jason Grechanik - tobacco, cosmovisión, the path of curandero.21.06.2025 (01:26:37)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Jason Grechanik — a curandero, tabacero, and the host of The Universe Within podcast. Jason spent over a decade living in the Peruvian Amazon training in the Shipibo tradition. His work bridges plant medicine, traditional cosmologies, and deep healing practices through tobacco and Ayahuasca. We touch upon topics of: Jason’s path to becoming a curandero and his early interest in spirituality and martial arts (00:27–03:39) The concept of Ayahuasca "calling" and plant consciousness (04:02–06:36) Tobacco as a master plant and its traditional uses (07:06–11:57) The role and practice of a tabacero (12:09–14:34) Tobacco initiation and altered perception (15:01–20:28) Intention and the neutrality of plant medicines (21:02–25:44) Sam’s personal relationship with tobacco and the loss of tradition (26:29–29:20) Risks of Ayahuasca being misused or misunderstood (29:20–36:40) Cosmovision and how worldview shapes experience (39:45–47:25) Definitions of spirit across traditions (47:30–54:35) Understanding spiritual disease (55:02–60:06) The emergence of plant medicines into the modern world (62:09–67:32) Advanced civilizations, pyramids, and Ayahuasca as ancient technology (68:02–82:50) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Jason Grechanik at nicotianarustica.org or on Instagram @jasongrechanik. You can also listen to his podcast The Universe Within on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

19. Ayahuasca, masculinity, volunteering at LaWayra with Rinus Van Offeren14.06.2025 (01:04:01)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Rinus van Offeren. Rinus is a former Dutch special forces bodyguard who once protected royalty and politicians, and is now a men’s coach helping others heal through emotional reconnection and plant medicine. His transformation from a high-stress, emotion-suppressing life to spiritual awakening through Ayahuasca is a powerful and moving journey. We touch upon topics of: 3:01 — Midlife crisis, depression, and loss of purpose 4:30 — Stress, hypertension, and hospitalization 5:50 — Breakup and emotional collapse 7:59 — Suicidal ideation and sitting on the rock in Ibiza 9:45 — First Ayahuasca ceremony in the jungle of Mexico 11:34 — Belief in God and spiritual awakening 13:38 — Feeling connected to everything (God as unity) 15:10 — The soul’s journey and view on death 16:46 — What to do if you’re feeling suicidal 18:00 — Plant medicine vs psychiatry 21:07 — “What if Ayahuasca saved Chester Bennington or Kurt Cobain?” 22:16 — Letting go of control and facing inner darkness 23:09 — The difficulty and reward of healing 24:41 — Emotional repression, stress, and physical symptoms 25:35 — Rinus’s past as a teenage drug dealer 27:30 — Transition to government work and emotional detachment 29:12 — Reconnecting with emotions and becoming human again If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Rinus van Offeren on Instagram or linked in @rinusvanofferen to learn more about his coaching work with men. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinusvanofferen

20. David Londoño - bad trips, safety, healing, integration and Colombian plant medicine.06.06.2025 (00:44:35)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with David Londoño. David is a Colombian psychologist and researcher at ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service). With over 20 years of experience, he focuses on the therapeutic use of Ayahuasca, safety protocols, and integration practices. David bridges Western psychology with traditional Amazonian wisdom, helping improve mental health outcomes in modern plant medicine contexts. We touch upon topics of: David’s personal journey into Ayahuasca and clinical psychology (01:11) The therapeutic potential and risks of Ayahuasca (03:02) The AyaSafety course and best practices (04:28) How to properly prepare, serve, and integrate Ayahuasca (07:39) Psychological screening and who should avoid the medicine (11:48) What integration really means and why it matters (14:17) Cultural differences: Colombian vs. Western attitudes (19:08) Magical realism and the spiritual worldview of Colombia (25:18) What “bad trips” really are and how to understand them (29:05) Ayahuasca as a tool for depression, trauma, addiction, and grief (34:16) Reconnecting with self, nature, and spirituality through Ayahuasca (38:07) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about David Londoño by searching “David Londoño psychology” on Google to access his professional profiles and connect with his work.

21. Troy Casey - certified health nut, from Versace model to jungle medicine, ripped at 60.30.05.2025 (00:58:33)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Troy Casey, also known as the Certified Health Nut. Troy is a holistic health coach, author of Ripped at 50, and former Versace model who transformed his life through fasting, herbal medicine, breathwork, indigenous healing, and ayahuasca. We touch upon topics of: Troy’s transformation from fashion model to health advocate (01:17–03:50) His early ayahuasca experiences in the Amazon and three life-changing visions (06:43–12:50) Humanity’s spiritual awakening and vision for a conscious future (16:24–23:20) Environmental destruction, geopolitics, and the rainforest (24:25–29:10) Rockefeller history, pharma, and the Flexner report (29:36–31:02) First principles of health and his 9 Pillars of Wellness (37:02–41:20) Views on purpose, fatherhood, and feminine roles in raising children (38:27–40:50) Urine therapy, Maori healing, and unconventional yet effective practices (42:19–44:26) Ego, balance, emotional processing, and the spiritual journey (45:26–50:14) Troy’s powerful definition of Ayahuasca and its healing potential (54:23–57:50) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Troy Casey at www.certifiedhealthnut.com or follow him on social media @CertifiedHealthNut across platforms.

22. David Hodges - god, mushrooms and law.26.05.2025 (00:59:16)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dave Hodges. Dave is the founder of the Church of Ambrosia, a psychedelic church in Oakland, California, known for its use of mushrooms as sacraments. With over 125,000 members, Dave is one of the most outspoken advocates for entheogens as religious tools and has pioneered breakthrough dose work for spiritual insight, healing, and consciousness exploration. We touch upon topics of: Founding a psychedelic church and early raids (01:24–03:29) Legal challenges and city pushback (04:01–06:04) Psychedelics as religious sacraments (06:24–07:34) Understanding the soul and afterlife (07:38–08:35) What is a breakthrough dose and how it’s calculated (09:15–12:37) Dangers of overdose and gradual dosing (12:46–13:52) Origins of religion through mushrooms (14:36–15:47) Aliens, dimensions, and God (17:04–20:38) What it’s like running a psychedelic church (21:04–22:05) Safe environments and the “God’s Sitters” project (22:12–24:40) Can the soul get lost? (25:34–26:40) Church leadership, books, and the Book of Ambrosia (26:46–29:25) Encounters with dark entities during ceremonies (30:09–32:31) The war on drugs and financial incentives (33:08–40:16) Legal battles and how the church fights back (40:29–41:24) Who comes to the church and why (42:05–43:18) Business model and sacrament contributions (44:03–44:39) Dave’s vision for humanity and the soul (45:02–46:01) Risks and special conditions (48:01–49:27) Integration practices and audio journaling (49:42–51:59) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Dave Hodges at ambrosia.church, zydedoor.com, or follow him on Instagram at @davehemp420.

23. Micah Stover - healing psychedelics, trauma, integration and the power of the village.17.05.2025 (00:45:46)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Micah Stover, a certified psychedelic somatic therapist, educator, and author of Healing Psychedelics. Based in Mexico, Micah specializes in trauma healing through plant medicine, blending clinical models with indigenous traditions. Her work is rooted in personal experience with complex trauma, motherhood, and cross-cultural wisdom. We touch upon topics of: Micah’s traumatic birth story and healing journey (01:28) Birth and motherhood as psychedelic experiences (04:31) Postpartum depression and ancestral trauma (06:11) The role of MDMA and psilocybin in healing (12:39) Nature as a co-facilitator in integration (16:28) Cultural insights from Mexican and Latino worldviews (20:28) The power of playfulness and reverence for children (25:50) Travel and relocation as healing catalysts (28:06) The importance of community and "finding the village" (29:22) Group vs. one-on-one healing work (32:55) Lessons from curanderas and traditional medicine perspectives (36:08) Science vs. spirit in psychedelic healing (40:14) Understanding and healing complex trauma (42:56) Accessing preverbal trauma through somatic memory (46:05) A profound healing story involving mobility restoration (48:35) Who Micah’s book is for and why she wrote it (50:48) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Micah Stover at www.micahstover.com and on Instagram @micahsugarfoot.

24. Choosing the right healing path with LanaRose Berger08.05.2025 (00:54:46)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Lana Rose Berger, a holistic health advocate and the founder of Conscious Concierge, a wellness service offering personalized guidance for those exploring alternative healing modalities. Topics discussed in this episode include: Lana’s journey from a high-pressure career in New York to holistic healing (1:29) The role of Ayahuasca in her personal transformation (3:49) Challenges of integrating Ayahuasca experiences in modern life (5:58) The concept of karmic entanglements and lineage healing (17:54) Responsible approaches to recommending Ayahuasca (19:58) Conscious entrepreneurship and integrating spirituality in business (41:29) The impact of AI on conscious living and future perspectives (46:42) Common challenges faced by high achievers seeking spiritual growth (33:26) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com. To learn more about Lana Rose Berger, visit www.yourconsciousconcierge.com or follow her on Instagram at @yourconsciousconcierge and TikTok at @consciousconcierge.

25. Filming the best Ayahuasca Documentary with Sam Lipman-Stern01.05.2025 (01:24:28)

    In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Emmy-nominated documentary director Sam Lipman-Stern. Known for HBO’s Telemarketers, Sam opens up about his journey from media burnout and antidepressant use to profound emotional transformation through Ayahuasca, which inspired their upcoming documentary. We touch upon topics of: Synchronicity and how they met Initial skepticism and misconceptions about Ayahuasca DMT visions and being called to the jungle Stopping antidepressants and mental health struggles Burnout and disillusionment with mainstream media Rebranding Colombia from cocaine to Ayahuasca The power of storytelling and why this documentary matters Using humor and depth in the documentary Ayahuasca showing childhood purpose and healing trauma Emotional awareness and masculinity Cultural conditioning, parenting, and emotional repression Challenges of post-Ayahuasca integration Sam’s daily integration routine If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Sam Lipman-Stern at @sam_lipmanstern and watch Telemarketers on HBO Max.