The Psychedelic Podcast

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and microdosing policy advocate John Downs for a replay of a live event originally held on June 10th, Microdosing vs. SSRIs: What’s Happening in the Brain and Why It Matters. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312b/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312b/?ref=278] Together, they explore the scientific distinctions between SSRIs and psychedelics, focusing on neuroimaging, brain entropy, emotional processing, and the REBUS model. Dr. Carhart-Harris shares key insights from landmark studies on psilocybin therapy and discusses the evidence (and limitations) around microdosing. John Downs closes the conversation with an update on the Microdosing Collective’s efforts to shift policy and expand access. Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD is a neuropharmacologist, psychologist, and Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. He leads the Psychedelics Division at UCSF’s Neuroscape and formerly founded and led the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. John Downs is Executive Director of the Microdosing Collective, advocating for responsible policy reform and legal access to microdosing. With 25 years’ experience in sales, business development, and emerging markets, John helps individuals optimize mindset, performance, and purpose. Episode Highlights: * Why SSRIs blunt, while psychedelics reset emotional processing * How psilocybin compares to antidepressants in clinical trials * Brain entropy, plasticity, and the REBUS model explained * The role of the default mode network in mental health * Why microdosing research is still so limited * Ketamine vs. psilocybin: differences in brain mechanisms * Is serotonin syndrome a real microdosing risk? * Can psychedelics reverse long-term SSRI effects? * The Microdosing Collective’s mission for policy reform * What Robin Carhart-Harris’ upcoming book will explore Episode Links: * Robin’s lab & upcoming book [https://www.carhartharrislab.com/] * Microdosing Collective [https://microdosingcollective.org/] * Join Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at our Practitioner [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/psychedelic-intensive/?ref=12] Intensive [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/psychedelic-intensive/?ref=12] (November 5–10, Costa Rica) Episode Sponsors: * Golden Rule Mushrooms [https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/thirdwave/?utm_source=podcast-episode&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=2025-ad1] - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout * Psychedelic Coacing Isntitute's  Intensive for Psychedelic Professionals [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/psychedelic-intensive/?ref=12&utm_source=player&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] in Costa Rica - a transformative retreat for personal and professional growth.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes back J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS—a longtime friend, therapist, and psychedelic pioneer. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-312/?ref=278] Ashley shares her journey from community activism to clinical work with ketamine and MDMA, and her new illustrated guide to IFS, Quieting the Storm Within. J. Ashley T. Booth, LCSW, MS has led the Southern California Psychedelic Society, served as MAPS trial coordinator for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy, co-founded a ketamine clinic, and offers IFS, Hakomi, integration, and harm reduction training. Her illustrated picture book introduces IFS concepts through visuals and metaphor. Highlights: * Ashley’s 8‑year evolution from community to clinical work * The origin and intent behind Quieting the Storm Within * Clouds & sun: A visual metaphor for the internal landscape

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes anthropologist and author Dr. Manvir Singh to explore the enduring power of shamanism as a psychological and cultural technology. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-311/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-311/?ref=278] Singh discusses insights from his fieldwork with the Mentawai people and Amazonian Yopo shamans, explaining how ritual, performance, and belief help people manage uncertainty and catalyze healing. Together with Paul, he examines the contested history of ancient psychedelic use, the risks of neo-shamanic narratives, and the deep psychological roots of sacred ceremony. Dr. Manvir Singh is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, Davis. He holds a BA from Brown University and a PhD in human evolutionary biology from Harvard. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Wired, The Guardian, and top academic journals. His first book, Shamanism: The Timeless Religion [https://amzn.to/45S5IfX], was published in 2025. Highlights: * Shamanism as a psychological technology * Performance, otherness, and credibility in healing * Yopo, bufotenine, and entheogenic archaeology * Why ancient psychedelic use is hard to verify * The tension between tradition and neo-shamanism * What happens when ceremony loses its context Episode Sponsors: * Golden Rule Mushrooms [https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/thirdwave/?utm_source=podcast-episode&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=2025-ad1] - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Natalie Baird-King, a board-certified attorney in marital and family law who discovered the transformative power of forgiveness through psychedelic experiences. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-310/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-310/?ref=278] Natalie shares her journey from childhood abuse and depression to spiritual healing catalyzed by ayahuasca. As the author of Forgiving Unforgivable, she explains her HOPE model (Harken back, Open your heart, Proclaim forgiveness, Experience freedom) and how forgiveness—particularly self-forgiveness—became the key to healing her trauma and stepping into her purpose. Natalie also discusses how her psychedelic experiences improved her professional approach as a mediator, bringing more compassion to her legal practice and inspiring her to share her story despite potential professional risks. Natalie Baird-King is an accomplished author, transformational coach, and TEDx speaker dedicated to helping others overcome trauma and embrace forgiveness. She is the author of Forgiving Unforgivable and is currently working on her second book focusing on self-forgiveness. A survivor of childhood abuse, Natalie channels her personal experiences into coaching high-performing professionals to overcome emotional barriers. Inspired by her late father-in-law, legendary broadcaster Larry King, Natalie uses storytelling to empower others to heal and thrive. Highlights: * Stumbling upon forgiveness through ayahuasca * The practice of self-forgiveness as liberation * Reconnecting with her father in a celestial journey * Breaking free from depression and alcohol dependency * The HOPE forgiveness model * Bringing compassion to the legal profession * Challenging professional stigma around psychedelics * Mentorship from legendary broadcaster Larry King * Advocating for psychedelic healing within legal circles * Transforming anger into purpose Episode links: * Forgiving Unforgivable (Book) [https://forgivingunforgivable.com/] * Natalie Baird Mediations [https://nataliebairdmediations.com] Episode links: * Golden Rule Mushrooms [https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/thirdwave/?utm_source=podcast-episode&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=2025-ad1] - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Rachel Pastor and Tiffany Hurd, leaders behind Golden Rule Mushrooms [https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/thirdwave/?utm_source=podcast-episode&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=2025-interview], a woman-led microdosing company pushing the boundaries of accessibility, education, and intention in the psychedelic space. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-309/?ref=278 [https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-309/?ref=278] From overcoming heroin addiction and corporate burnout to leading a values-driven microdosing brand, Rachel and Tiffany share their powerful personal journeys and the mission that fuels their work today. They dive into the evolving landscape of legal psychedelics, the challenges of running a public-facing microdosing company, and the line between recreational use and intentional wellness. This candid conversation explores how Golden Rule is reframing the perception of psychedelics by offering trustworthy, well-branded psilocybin and LSD microdoses paired with community support and education. Rachel Pastor is the co-founder of Golden Rule Mushrooms and a passionate advocate for healing through psychedelics. After overcoming heroin addiction and years of trauma, she became a leader in the wellness space, working in fitness and personal development before discovering the transformative power of microdosing. Today, she channels her lived experience into helping others access safe, supportive, and empowering psychedelic tools. Tiffany Hurd is the co-founder of Golden Rule Mushrooms, a microdosing advisor, leadership mentor, and speaker with over seven years of experience in the psychedelic space. She has guided hundreds of individuals and teams through intentional microdosing journeys using neuroscience-backed protocols. Tiffany’s work bridges personal transformation and professional growth, helping people build emotional resilience, unlock creativity, and heal with integrity. Ready to try Golden Rule? Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout. Click Here [https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/thirdwave/?utm_source=podcast-episode&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=2025-interview]. Highlights: * From heroin addiction to fitness leader to microdosing advocate * Creating accessible, trusted microdosing products * Navigating legality and risk in a gray-market space * Building a woman-run company rooted in lived experience * The role of education in safe microdosing use * Wellness vs. recreational use * Can microdosing be overused or misused? * Microdosing as a catalyst—not a cure-all Episode Sponsor: * The Practitioner Certification Program [https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.institute/practitioner-certification-program/?ref=12&utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tw-podcast-ad] by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.