Ayahuasca Podcast
Explore Transformative Experiences

and Ancestral plant medicines

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Dr Dave Rabin

We touch upon subjects of how psychedelics work from neuroscience

Neuroplasticity

Studies Dave has conducted

Apollo neuro

Group work vs individual work

Legalization of MDMA

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to

www.lawayra.com

Find more about Dave at

www.drdave.io

@drdavidrabin

www.apolloneuro.com

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Ben Malcolm aka Spirit Pharmacist

We touch upon subjects of importance of preparation to Ayhauasca, Ayahuasca diet from scientific point of view, science of psychedelics and how his own journey was inspired by DMT experience.

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to

www.lawayra.com

Find more about Ben at

www.spiritpharmacist.com

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Ayla Schafer a renowned medicine musician.

We touch upon subjects of how medicine music is created, how music affects the ceremony, we talk about her hero’s journey, music as tool for healing, the crisis earth is facing and healing yourself first.

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to

www.lawayra.com

Follow Ayla on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/aylaschafer?igsh=cTBmcWR1MXEydnk0

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Joe Tafur. Joe Tafur is the author of Fellowship of the river, one of the best books about Ayahuasca.

We talk about how Ayhauasca works both from spiritual and medical perspective, about importance of healthy scepticism, differences between different types of Ayahuasca – Colombian Yage and Peruvian Ayahuasca, why healing is a state of receptivity, how science and spirituality are slowly merging.

Find more about Joe Tafur at www.drjoetafur.com

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Kyle Buller. Kyle is Cofounder and co-host of psychedelics today podcast.

We touch upon subjects of Breathwork, how Breathwork can help navigate the psychedelic experience. Kyle tells us about his near death experience and how it was a trigger for the start of his spiritual journey. We talk about trauma release and more.

Find more about Kyle Buller at www.settingsunwelness.com

Here is Kyle’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/settingsunwellness?igsh=MTAzODhmNzduYXFrdg==

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ has a conversation with Rachel Harris.

We talk about the difference between the psychedelic guide and a therapist,  psychedelic ubderground in US, Rachel’s New book swimming in the sacred

Find more about Rachel and her books at www.swimminginthesacred.com

New Episodes

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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

 

WhatsApp Image 2023-12-10 at 4.00.42 AM

Founder & Host

Sam Believ

Sam had a life-changing experience with Ayahuasca with the medicine taking away his depression and helping him find his purpose. Now Sam is on a mission to spread the word about Ayahuasca with AyahuascaPodcast.com as well as provide affordable and accessible Ayahuasca experience at his retreat – LaWayra.

LaWayra has become the most reviewed Ayahuasca retreat in South America in 3 years of its existence and has changed lives of 1000s of people.

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Hamilton Souther on the topics of shamanism, growing psychedelic tourism, meaning of life and more.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ has a conversation with Dr. Lauren Alderfer, an award-winning author, educator, and microdosing coach. Lauren has over 20 years of experience living in the Indian subcontinent, decades of meditation practice, and a unique perspective on mindfulness and microdosing.

We touch upon topics of:

Lauren’s introduction to plant medicine in Ecuador (01:02)

The benefits of microdosing versus macrodosing (03:58)

The importance of mindfulness in microdosing (05:19)

How mindfulness enhances psychedelic experiences (07:12)

Cultural misconceptions about microdosing (07:58)

Using mindfulness to enhance macrodosing journeys (08:43)

The analogy of microdosing as a ‘dirt bike’ on the journey to mindfulness (13:26)

Differences between microdosing various substances (14:22)

Matching intention with the right plant medicine (15:21)

The importance of discernment in microdosing practices (16:17)

Lauren’s journey as a mindfulness-based microdosing coach (47:23)

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.

Find more about Lauren at www.laurenalderfer.com and on Instagram @laurenalderfer.

 

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Ashley Townsend on the topics of can bling people see psychedelic visions, are visions important, her personal work with Psychedelics and overcoming trauma with men.

If you want to reach out to Ashley via WhatsApp this is her number

+1 (386) 871-4016

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Natasja Pelgrom, a thought leader in personal growth and psychedelic transformation, founder of Awaken the Medicine Within, and host of the Awaken Podcast.

We touch upon topics including:

Natasja’s journey with psychedelics (1:51-10:29)

Entrepreneurship in the psychedelic space (10:58-15:50)

Leadership and psychedelics (17:18-24:13)

Authenticity as a core value (24:48-29:17)

Space-holding techniques (30:13-36:50)

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats, go to www.lawayra.com.

Find more about Natasja at natasjapelgrom.com or through Awaken the Medicine Within.

 

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Simon Tennant on the topics of psychotherapy and psychedelics, masculinity and femininity Ballance and role in a retreat, collective unconscious, archetypes in the group, what effect can psychedelics have in therapy world.

Find more about Simon at deepfeeling.nz

Simon’s YouTube channel @deep.feeling

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Lily Eggers on the topics of psychedelic therapy for couples, keys for a good relationship, Ayahuasca for couples and more.

Find more about Lily Eggers at https://lilyeggers.com

Can #ayahuasca be helpful for #veterans dealing with PTSD? Short Answer is yes and Jesse Borgelt a combat vet will tell us about his experience with Ayahuasca. 

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ has a conversation with Berto Cartagena 

We touch upon subjects of spiritual awakening, Ayahuasca and Christianity is Ayahuasca a sin?

Find more about Berto

https://www.instagram.com/bertocartagena

Podcast Transcript:

Guest Introduction

In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, we talk to Berto Cartagena, who shares how his Ayahuasca experience led to a profound spiritual awakening. We delve into Ayahuasca, its connection to Christianity, the Bible, and whether using Ayahuasca is considered a sin. Hosted by S. Belief, this podcast features Berto, a previous patient at Ayahuasca, discussing his journey and transformation.

Berto’s Initial Experience

Berto’s journey with Ayahuasca began in 2018, influenced by Gerard Adams, a thought leader who shared his transformative experience with Ayahuasca. Berto was initially hesitant, fearing an encounter with his deceased mother. Despite the fear, he continued meeting people who praised Ayahuasca’s transformative power, leading him to finally take the plunge in 2023, seeking fulfillment and personal growth.

Choosing Ayahuasca

Initially planning to visit Peru for a traditional Ayahuasca ceremony, Berto chose Ayahuasca in Colombia due to its affordability and a trusted recommendation. Skeptical at first about its commercial appearance, he was reassured by the responsive communication and positive reviews. A fellow yoga class attendee who had a transformative experience at Ayahuasca also influenced his decision.

The First Ceremony

During his first ceremony, Berto experienced faint visions and profound realizations. Initially seeing his face on magazine covers, his trip took a darker turn when he saw the face of a woman next to him melting. This led him to question whether to drink more Ayahuasca, but he ultimately decided to surrender to the experience, which was both challenging and enlightening.

A pivotal moment for Berto was his interaction with the Taita, who comforted him and reinforced the idea that the temple of Jesus is within. This connection provided reassurance and deepened his spiritual journey. Berto realized that true transformation involves understanding and embracing the basic, essential aspects of life, such as love and family.

Spiritual Realizations

Ayahuasca revealed to Berto the importance of operating from a place of love. He experienced profound moments with family members, feeling their pain and understanding their perspectives. These realizations helped him uncover blocked emotions and emphasized the significance of family and love in his life.

Berto’s journey continued with a significant message from God during a later ceremony, instructing him to be a messenger and marry his ex-girlfriend, Julia. Despite initial doubts, he followed through, proposing to Julia and embracing his role as a spiritual guide. This journey also highlighted the importance of faith and following divine guidance.

Christianity and Ayahuasca

Berto explored the connection between Ayahuasca and Christianity. Through discussions with the Taita, he learned about the belief that Jesus introduced Ayahuasca to their ancestors. This insight, combined with Berto’s biblical visions and experiences, reinforced his belief in the spiritual legitimacy of Ayahuasca.

Ayahuasca, for Berto, was not just a spiritual experience but a call to delve deeper into his Christian faith. He discovered that many of the visions and messages he received during his ceremonies were aligned with biblical teachings. This realization led him to explore the Bible more intensely and to understand how his spiritual experiences were connected to his Christian beliefs.

Life After Ayahuasca

Currently, Berto focuses on creating content and helping others become unstuck. He aims to share his spiritual insights and guide others towards personal and spiritual growth. Berto emphasizes the importance of choosing trusted and experienced Ayahuasca facilitators, especially for first-timers. He believes that a safe and supportive environment is crucial for a transformative experience.

Berto’s life after Ayahuasca has been marked by a commitment to spiritual and personal development. He continues to explore his faith and how it intersects with his Ayahuasca experiences. His journey has led him to understand the importance of living a life of love, forgiveness, and spiritual alignment.

Conclusion

Berto’s journey with Ayahuasca has been transformative, leading him to a deeper understanding of spirituality and love. His experiences highlight the profound impact Ayahuasca can have on personal growth and spiritual awakening. You can follow Berto’s journey and insights across social media at Berto Cartagena.

In this episode of AyahuascaPodcast.com host Sam Believ of LaWayra Ayahuasca retreat interviews Rick de Villiers

I found Rick’s video on topic or integration and really liked his explanation, so I invited him on the podcast to explore this subject more thoroughly.

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In each episode of Ayahuasca podcast we explore the history, cultural meaning, and personal journeys related to this special plant medicine. We talk with shamans, researchers, and people who share their own experiences and insights. Join us to understand how ayahuasca affects the mind, body, and spirit.

Prepare for Your Ayahuasca Journey with the Ayahuasca Podcast

If you are already on the healing path with Ayahuasca you will get insights on how to grow so much more with this medicine and integrate it into your life. If you are yet to sit with the medicine Ayahuasca Podcast is a perfect place for you to learn and prepare so by the time you are in the ceremony you will be very confident and prepared.
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