The Psychedelic Podcast

What do the ancient mysteries of psychedelics have to do with the modern technology of cryptocurrency? There are several surprising similarities, including global interconnectedness, the move toward personal freedom and sovereignty, and long-term sustainability. In this episode, Paul Austin talks with Brandon Quittem, entrepreneur and enthusiastic Bitcoiner, about the curious overlaps between psychedelics, the mycelium network, Bitcoin, the healthcare system, original American values, and the empowerment of the entire world.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Rick Strassman, pioneering psychedelic researcher and author of "DMT: The Spirit Molecule." Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-284/?ref=278 Dr. Strassman shares insights from his groundbreaking DMT research in the 1990s, discusses recent developments in extended-state DMT studies, and explores the complex relationship between psychedelics, spirituality, and organized religion. Drawing from his new memoir "My Altered States," he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal experience, clinical research, and spiritual growth in the psychedelic field.

A native of Los Angeles, Rick Strassman obtained his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, general psychiatry training at UC Davis, and a clinical psychopharmacology research fellowship training at UC San Diego. Joining the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1984, his clinical research on melatonin discovered its first known function in humans.

Between 1990-1995 he performed the first new US clinical research with psychedelic drugs—DMT and psilocybin—in a generation. From 1995-2008 he practiced general psychiatry in community mental health and the private sector. He has authored or co-authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed papers, has served as guest editor and reviewer for numerous scientific journals, and consulted to various government, non-profit, and for-profit entities. His best-selling book DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2001) has been translated into 13 languages and is the basis of a successful independent documentary that he co-produced.

In 2008, he co-authored Inner Paths to Outer Space. His interest in Hebrew biblical prophecy and psychedelia resulted in his 2014 book DMT and the Soul of prophecy. His first novel, Joseph Levy Escapes Death, was published in 2019. The Psychedelic Handbook appeared in 2022, and My Altered States, an illustrated collection of personal narratives, will appear in December 2024.

Highlights:

• Origins of DMT research at University of New Mexico and initial melatonin studies
• The relationship between DMT and the pineal gland, discussing recent scientific findings
• Exploration of DMT's role in modulating our sense of reality
• Discussion of entity encounters in DMT experiences
• Extended-state DMT research and therapeutic applications
• Personal journey with psychedelics and Buddhist practice
• Challenges between psychedelics and organized religion

Episode links:

• Dr. Strassman’s new book, My Altered States
• Dr. Strassman’s website
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule (book)
• (podcast) Navigating Complexity: Psychedelics, AI, & Extended-State DMT - Alexander Beiner
• (podcast) Beyond the Mainstream: Insights from Psychedelic Chemistry, Culture, & Consciousness - Hamilton Morris

Episode Sponsor:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

Vanessa Crites, founder of Sobriety of the Soul, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss the intersection of recovery and psychedelics.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-235-vanessa-crites/

Vanessa shares her personal journey of recovery and how she became interested in psychedelic medicine. She explores the intersection of recovery and psychedelics, highlighting the spiritual principles of the 12-step program and the history of psychedelics in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Vanessa unpacks her educational program, Sobriety of the Soul, which provides resources and support for individuals in recovery interested in working with psychedelics. She discusses the unique challenges faced by people in recovery, and the need to normalize the conversation around psychedelics within that group. She also emphasizes the importance of discernment when it comes to the intentional and responsible application of psychedelics in recovery.

Vanessa closes with resources and recommendations and shares her vision of sobriety of the soul as the next frontier for those in recovery.

Vanessa Crites

Vanessa Crites is a recovery strategist and educator dedicated to the thoughtful integration of psychedelics into sober living. She guides individuals towards profound healing and personal growth through mentorship and her flagship program Sobriety of the Soul. Drawing from a wealth of professional experience and personal recovery since 2005, Vanessa blends the rigor of evidence-based practices with the depth of spiritual wisdom to offer a safe and responsible pathway for those in recovery.

Rooted in 12-Step principles, Vanessa’s approach bridges the gaps between traditional recovery models and the expansive potential of psychedelics, delivering a holistic understanding that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. She is devoted to debunking misconceptions while championing harm reduction, prioritizing both personal and public well-being. Through her work, Vanessa illuminates a path beyond the confines of traditional sobriety approaches, guiding those in active recovery towards the empowerment of an awakened, authentic existence—what she calls “Soulful Sobriety.”

Highlights:

Vanessa’s recovery journey and path to psychedelics

The spiritual and psychedelic origins of AA and the 12 Steps of Recovery

How Bill Wilson’s LSD experiences impacted his recovery

Vanessa’s journey incorporating psychedelics into her recovery

Sobriety of the Soul’s origin story and programming

Synthetic vs. plant medicines for recovery

The discernment needed to avoid reliance on psychedelic experiences

Normalizing conversations about psychedelics in addiction recovery communities

Resources for psychedelics and recovery

Links:

Sobriety of the Soul: https://sobrietyofthesoul.com/join-sos961348?am_id=paul179

Vanessa’s free Recovery-Informed Microdose Guide: https://bit.ly/45FgylL

Bill Wilson’s article, “The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety”: https://silkworth.net/alcoholics-anonymous/the-next-frontier-emotional-sobriety/

Episode Sponsors:

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The Coaching Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

Paul F. Austin welcomes Nichol Bradford, founder of Transformative Tech, for an enlightening discussion on psychedelics, technology, and human potential.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-250-nichol-r-bradford/

Nichol shares her journey from the tech industry to pioneering a community dedicated to human flourishing.

Discover how psychedelics integrate with tech and consciousness, the lessons nature teaches us, and the impact of AI on our future.

Nichol R. Bradford stands at the forefront of human potential and AI, accelerating human transformation through technology investments, research, and global thought leadership. Today, Nichol serves as Executive-in-Residence for AI + HI at The Society for Human Resource Management, shaping global thinking on Human-AI collaboration. She is also Co-Founder and Partner of Niremia Collective, an early stage venture fund focused on human potential technologies, and she co-founded TransformativeTech.org, the largest global ecosystem of founders, investors and innovators building tech for human flourishing.

Previously, as a senior interactive entertainment executive, Nichol held strategy, operations, marketing and production roles at major brands including Epic Games, Activision-Blizzard, Vivendi Games and Disney. She led operations for World of Warcraft China and Blizzard properties in China, played a key role on the Vivendi team responsible for the landmark $18B Activision-Blizzard merger deal, and helped produce record-breaking events in the metaverse at Epic Games.

Nichol has an MBA from The Wharton School, is Faculty at Singularity University, a Trustee at CIIS, and has been a Lecturer and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University. Moving forward, Nichol is focused on advancing human potential through ethical and empowering AI -- catalyzing a global ecosystem of innovators to create technology for human thriving.

Highlights Nichol’s background and the origin of Transformative Tech The integration of psychedelics into the tech and consciousness spaces The role of technology in remembering our connection to nature Exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence on human potential The Impact of AGI on work and the redefinition of jobs The importance of experimentation and learning with AI

Episode Sponsors:

• Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers: Use code THIRDWAVE for 10% off any order
• Soltara Healing Center: Use code TW200 to receive $200 off your next retreat.
• Neurohacker Collective: Use code THIRDWAVE for an additional 15% off Qualia Mind.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dave Schoof, a master certified coach and international leadership consultant.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-272?ref=278

Dave shares his journey from working in intelligence to becoming a leadership coach, and how he eventually incorporated psychedelics into his practice. He discusses the power of integral theory in organizational development, the importance of emergence and unfolding in leadership, and how psychedelics can catalyze personal growth and leadership transformation. Dave also reflects on his experience in the Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program, and offers insights on the future of leadership in our complex world.

Dave Schoof is an international leadership consultant specializing in helping leaders and teams build on their capabilities and move to the next level of performance and effectiveness. With over 25 years of experience across corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, Dave works with clients globally. He is a master-certified coach from the International Coach Federation and Integral Coaching Canada. Dave's background includes a 20-year career in the intelligence community. A long-time meditator, he enjoys finding practical ways to operationalize wisdom from various traditions into his work with leaders. Dave lives near Lausanne, Switzerland, where he enjoys hiking and photography.

Highlights:

• Dave's journey to Switzerland
• Dave's background in intelligence and transition to leadership coaching
• The development and impact of integral theory
• How psychedelics found Dave and their potential for leadership development
• The importance of nervous system regulation and safety in psychedelic experiences
• Dave's transformative experience at the Brave Earth retreat
• The evolving landscape of psychedelic acceptance in leadership circles
• The need for a new paradigm of leadership in the face of global challenges

Episode Links:

• Dave on LinkedIn
• The Psychedelic Coaching Institute’s Practitioner Training Program