The Psychedelic Podcast
Third Wave
Recent Episodes
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin reconnects with longtime Buddhist practitioner and former Synthesis co-founder Martijn Schirp, founder of Upāyosis. They explore his journey from pioneering modern psilocybin retreats to creating A Path Between Worlds, a year-long contemplative training that integrates Buddhist practice, ecological ethics, and psychedelic skillful means.
Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-333/?ref=278
Martijn shares lessons from Synthesis's rise and collapse, how time in the Himalayas reshaped his contemplative path, and why "ego porousness" may offer a healthier frame than "ego death." He and Paul discuss how Buddhist principles like interdependence and skillful means can guide responsible psychedelic work — and why awakening today must include service to a planet in crisis.
Martijn Schirp is a longtime Buddhist practitioner and founder of Upāyosis, where he leads A Path Between Worlds, a yearlong contemplative training blending Buddhist practice, ecological ethics, contemplative science, and optional psychedelic components. Previously, he co-founded the Synthesis Institute, helping pioneer modern, medically supervised psilocybin retreats and training programs. He writes, teaches, and mentors at the intersection of Buddhist wisdom, contemplative science, and psychedelic practice.
Highlights:
- From Synthesis to spiritual renewal in the Himalayas
- Lessons from crisis: leadership, burnout, impermanence
- What Buddhism can teach the psychedelic field
- The fifth precept and "skillful means"
- First principles of skillful psychedelic use
- Ego porousness vs. ego dissolution
- Ecological ethics as spiritual practice
- A Path Between Worlds: a contemplative year of service
Episode Links:
Episode Sponsors:
- The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- Golden Rule Mushrooms - 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.
Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, a Zen Buddhist monk, psychologist, and psychedelic psychotherapist whose new book Truth Medicine explores how awakening and clinical science meet through the heart.
Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-332/?ref=278
They discuss how Zen simplicity informs psychedelic work, the nuances between psychedelic-assisted and psychedelic psychotherapy, and how Dr. Sapiro tailors ketamine sessions for trauma recovery in first responders and veterans. Together they unpack the art of surrender, the role of spirituality in therapy, and why genuine healing begins with nervous-system regulation long before medicine is introduced.
Dr. Sapiro is teaching a seven-week live video course, "Truth Medicine," at The Shift Network starting January 6, 2025. This course will offer a deeper journey into conscious living, authenticity, and the principles explored in his new book.
Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, PsyD is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, clinical and first-responder psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, author, and meditation teacher. He serves as integrative psychologist at Boise Ketamine Clinic, runs international transformational retreats, and appears in the documentary An Act of Service on ketamine treatment for first responders (featured by The New York Times). His work within the special-operations and first-responder communities centers on trauma recovery, ethical service, and awakened leadership. His book Truth Medicine: Healing and Living Authentically Through Psychedelic Psychotherapy is available now.
Highlights:
- Zen Buddhist ordination and early training
- How Zen shapes psychedelic psychotherapy
- Assisted therapy vs. psychedelic psychotherapy
- Ketamine dosing nuance and "golden hour"
- Working with first responders and veterans
- Non-dual states and "I am love" experiences
- Spiritual ethics in psychedelic care
- Nervous-system preparation for medicine
- Community, retreats, and the sacred heart
Episode Links:
- Dr. Sapiro's Website
- Dr. Sapiro's book, Truth Medicine
- Dr. Sapiro's seven-week live video course starting Jan 6, 2025
Episode Sponsors:
- The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- Golden Rule Mushrooms - 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.
Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Chen Lizra, founder of the Power of Somatic Intelligence. A somatic coach, TED Speaker, and plant medicine facilitator, Chen bridges embodiment, trauma healing, and shamanic wisdom to help high achievers reconnect with the body's innate intelligence.
Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-331/?ref=278
Drawing from her own healing journey and decades of work in the Amazon, Chen shares how somatic intelligence allows us to regulate the nervous system, dissolve ancestral imprints, and reclaim authentic power. She and Paul explore how movement, breath, and plant medicine can open pathways to emotional mastery and feminine embodiment.
Chen Lizra is the founder of The Power of Somatic Intelligence, a somatic coach, TED Speaker, professional dancer, and plant medicine facilitator helping high achievers heal their nervous systems and release emotional blocks. With more than 30 years of experience blending embodiment, somatics, and shamanic wisdom, Chen guides clients toward inner alignment and authentic expression. She also leads retreats in the Amazon with a shamanic maestra, combining plant medicine, dieta, and somatic coaching for deep transformation.
Highlights:
- How trauma lives in the body—and how to release it
- The five pillars of somatic intelligence
- Why nervous system regulation precedes spiritual awakening
- Integrating shamanic plant medicine with embodiment work
- Healing ancestral imprints through somatic awareness
- Balancing divine feminine energy and grounded power
- Moving from survival patterns to inner alignment
- The art of "feeling safe enough to feel"
Episode Links:
- Power of Somatic Intelligence
- Chen's Ayahuasca & Somatic Healing Retreat – Mention 'Third Wave Special' for $300 off.
Episode Sponsors:
- The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout
Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.
This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Jeff Stevens and David Shisel, co-founders of Psyched Wellness, the first publicly traded company in North America to bring an Amanita muscaria extract to market.
Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-330/?ref=278
Together, they discuss the mushroom's unique pharmacology, Psyched Wellness' multi-year path through Health Canada's safety testing, and the broader implications for the future of functional fungi. Paul also explores the tension between innovation and regulation, as Jeff and David share insights from operating in the gray area between supplements and psychedelics.
Jeff Stevens and David Shisel are the co-founders of Psyched Wellness. With backgrounds spanning capital markets, legal compliance, and product development, they've led the effort to bring Amanita muscaria into mainstream wellness through rigorous science and education.
Highlights:
- Understanding Amanita muscaria's active compounds
- Why Health Canada approval took three years
- How Psyched Wellness rebranded a controversial mushroom
- What separates Amanita from psilocybin
- Legal gray zones and ethical entrepreneurship
- Microdosing Amanita: early findings and consumer safety
- Building trust through transparency and research
Episode Links:
Episode Sponsors:
- The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- The Microdosing Practitioner Certification by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute helps you master Paul F. Austin's microdosing protocol and build a meaningful, profitable coaching practice in just 4 months. Early Bird pricing ends November 23. Program begins January 6, 2026.