In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of http://www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Metta Beshay, a filmmaker, musician, and creator known for his citizen-scientist approach to ethnobotany and plant traditions. Metta explores misunderstood substances, Indigenous cultures, and the realities behind modern plant-medicine tourism with humor, skepticism, and deep curiosity.
We touch upon topics of:
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Metta’s path from viral videos to ethnobotany storytelling (03:30–05:00)
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The realities of the Amazon jungle vs romanticized ideas (34:00–36:30)
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Indigenous cultures, tribal politics, and modern monetization (07:30–09:30)
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Comparing Aya experiences with other altered states (26:00–28:00)
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Music, icaros, and sound as a healing tool (19:00–24:00)
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Spirituality vs skepticism and cultural context (38:00–41:30)
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Ethics of retreat culture and shaman training (43:30–45:30)
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to http://www.lawayra.com
Find more about Metta Beshay on YouTube and Instagram at @MettaBeshay