In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ speaks with Dr. Richard Louis Miller, a clinical psychologist with over 60 years of experience in humanistic psychology and addiction recovery. Dr. Miller is a former faculty member at Stanford University and the University of Michigan, an advisor to the President’s Commission on Mental Health, founder of the Wilbur Hot Springs Health Sanctuary and the Cokenders program, and author of Psychedelic Medicine.

Dr. Miller shares his journey through the early psychedelic movement, the historical and political factors behind drug prohibition, and his personal protocols for longevity and health.

Key Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• First Psychedelic Experiences & The 1960s Renaissance (01:36 – 08:31) Dr. Miller recounts his first experiences with DMT, Sandoz LSD at the Esalen Institute in 1967, and ingesting Morning Glory seeds after reading Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert’s work. He discusses how the subsequent 50-year government shutdown affected early research.

• Pioneering Holistic Addiction Treatment (04:38 – 06:19) Establishing the Wilbur Hot Springs sanctuary and the first holistic health chemical dependence program, integrating meditation, exercise, nutrition, and acupuncture to safely detox over 1,500 individuals.

• Societal Structures, Politics, and Psychedelics (12:53 – 25:11) Dr. Miller and Sam explore how psychedelics dissolve boundaries and foster a sense of planetary unity. They discuss why governments have historically restricted these substances, the pitfalls of societal division, and alternative models of social care and taxation.

• Longevity Protocols at 87 (32:25 – 41:42) Dr. Miller shares his personal maintenance routine for longevity: weightlifting, daily aerobic conditioning, strict nutrition, drinking half his body weight in ounces of water daily, and maintaining active social connections in line with Blue Zone principles.

• Overcoming Terminal Health Diagnoses & Microdosing (43:15 – 47:58) How Dr. Miller reversed terminal heart failure and survived nodular melanoma, highlighting the role of double aerobic exercise, a strong immune system, and disciplined LSD microdosing in his recovery.

• LSD, Creativity, and Innovation (47:58 – 52:16) The historical impact of LSD on scientific discoveries and technology (such as DNA sequencing and Silicon Valley innovation), and the lost potential caused by ongoing restrictions.

Mentioned Books by Dr. Richard Louis Miller

• Psychedelic Medicine

• Master Your Mind

• The Adverse Effects and Therapeutic Benefits of Psychedelic Medicine (Upcoming)

Connect & Learn More

• Ayahuasca Retreats: Visit http://www.lawayra.com

• Dr. Richard Louis Miller: Learn more at wilburhotsprings.com or find his books and content on Amazon and social media platforms.

In this episode of the Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of Lawayra) sits down with Beth Weinstein—a spiritual business coach, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the psychedelic integration space. Beth is the host of the Medicine for These Times Podcast and creator of the annual Psychedelics, Sacred Medicines, Purpose, and Business Summit.

Blending her background in NYC fashion startups, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and extensive plant medicine work, Beth shares insights on bridging the gap between deep mystical experiences and practical, soul-aligned business success.

Key Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• Childhood Activations & Early Experiences (01:02 – 03:09) Beth reflects on early childhood experiences in California contemplating existence, mortality, and her first unexpected acid trip at age 14 that opened her eyes to the vast potential of the human mind.

• Discovering Ayahuasca & Transitioning from Corporate Life (03:09 – 09:09) How major life changes and a strong spiritual foundation led her to sit with an Ayahuasca master from Peru. She discusses leaving behind the corporate/tech-startup world to answer the call of entrepreneurship.

• Ego, Illusions, and Discerning True Visions (09:09 – 15:29) Beth and Sam dive into how plant medicine illuminates your true self, but warn against the trap of ego inflation—such as quitting your job on a whim to become a facilitator after a single retreat. She shares methods for integrating visions thoughtfully over time.

• Avoiding the “Starving Healer” Archetype (15:29 – 21:16) Practical advice for transitioning out of standard careers into the psychedelic or coaching space without operating from financial desperation or chasing social media illusions.

• The Reality of Running Retreat Centers & Sacred Reciprocity (21:16 – 31:20) Sam and Beth pull back the curtain on the massive, hidden operational costs and physical labor required to sustainably source plants, run retreats, and support teams. They unpack the misconceptions around pricing, undercharging, and sacred reciprocity.

• Stepping Out of the “Psychedelic Closet” (42:43 – 51:34) Addressing the stigma surrounding psychedelic use in professional environments, the importance of non-judgmental integration support, and why normalizing these experiences is crucial for societal growth.

• Aligning with Your Soul’s Purpose (51:57 – 57:40) Reframing “soul purpose” not as a rigid career endpoint, but as making space for what makes you feel alive—whether that’s art, music, or business—and combating midlife burnout.

Connect & Learn More

• Ayahuasca Retreats: Visit http://www.lawayra.com

• Beth Weinstein: Learn more at bethweinstein.com, listen to the Medicine for These Times Podcast, or follow her on Instagram @bethweinstein.