In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Wade Davis. Wade is a world-renowned ethnobotanist, anthropologist, and explorer; former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence; and author of One River, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Wayfinders, and Magdalena. Together, they explore Wade’s early journey into Colombia, Richard Evans Schultes, the roots of Yahé/ayahuasca knowledge, ayahuasca tourism, and Wade’s mission to liberate coca from the shadow of cocaine.

We touch upon topics of

• 00:01–00:52 Wade Davis intro and why this conversation matters

• 00:55–09:38 Wade’s first arrival in Colombia, “destiny,” and meeting Schultes (plus Schultes’ advice to try ayahuasca)

• 09:38–22:55 Did Schultes go deep with entheogens? Set & setting, pioneers, and the psychedelic era context

• 22:55–25:28 Yahé vs ayahuasca in Colombia: pharmacology, MAOIs, admixture plants, and early research

• 25:28–36:02 Why Peru became the ayahuasca “center” and how access shaped tourism (and why Colombia being overlooked helped)

• 36:02–41:10 Colombia, violence, and the “peace dividend” of a more intact Amazon

• 41:10–01:01:38 Coca: benefits, racism behind demonization, nutrition, WHO/UN policies, and why it matters for Colombia

• 01:01:38–01:14:23 Wade’s travels, National Geographic mission, and the McKenna brothers story (Dennis vs Terence)

• 01:14:23–01:27:16 Ayahuasca vs other entheogens: frequency, respect, terrifying vs ecstatic experiences, San Pedro comparisons

• 01:27:16–01:33:04 Sam’s “third S” (skill): preparation, dosage, integration, and how modern retreats can work well

• 01:33:04–01:36:31 Wade’s closing lesson: “Take your side and get on with it”

• 01:36:31–01:37:59 Where to start with Wade’s books + invitation to visit LaWayra

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

Find more about Wade Davis at www.daviswade.com

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with , an Australian multi-instrumentalist, ceremonialist, and trauma-informed facilitator best known for his work in Spiritus Breathwork, somatic healing, and sound-based transformation. With over a decade of experience, Tim blends breath, movement, energy work, and music to guide deep healing and integration.

We touch upon topics of:

• Tim’s journey from elite Muay Thai fighter to healer after a life-altering injury (00:41–02:16)
• First Aya experiences, shamanic awakening, and long-term integration (02:16–03:46)
• Apprenticeship in the jungle and the origins of Spiritus Breathwork (04:16–06:41)
• Breathwork vs Aya: similarities, differences, and altered states (11:56–17:59)
• Trauma, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing (16:32–29:56)
• Dangers of spiritual bypassing and over-doing the work (30:05–34:01)
• Breathwork inside ceremony: grounding vs amplifying (34:15–38:47)
• Sound, music, and vibration as healing technologies (58:19–62:33)

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

Find more about Tim Morrison on Instagram at @timmorrison__ or contact him at info@tim-morrison.com.

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of 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:

• Metta’s path from viral videos to ethnobotany storytelling (03:30–05:00)

• The realities of the Amazon jungle vs romanticized ideas (34:00–36:30)

• Indigenous cultures, tribal politics, and modern monetization (07:30–09:30)

• Comparing Aya experiences with other altered states (26:00–28:00)

• Music, icaros, and sound as a healing tool (19:00–24:00)

• Spirituality vs skepticism and cultural context (38:00–41:30)

• Ethics of retreat culture and shaman training (43:30–45:30)

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

Find more about Metta Beshay on YouTube and Instagram at @MettaBeshay