In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Paul Ryder, founding minister of the Congregation for Sacred Practices, about an alternative framework for psychedelic work rooted in spirituality, ritual, and community rather than medicine alone.

Paul Ryder shares how his own experiences led him to treat psychedelics as sacraments, and why he believes the medical model, while valuable, represents only an early phase of the psychedelic renaissance. Together, they explore how CSP operates as both a church and a seminary, training licensed ministers to hold ceremonies ethically, safely, and within a religious legal framework.

The conversation also examines the role of community in long-term transformation, the distinction between therapists and ministers, and why practices like breathwork, meditation, and integration circles are central to spiritual development. Throughout, Ryder offers a grounded perspective on how psychedelics can support not just healing, but maturation, responsibility, and a deeper sense of purpose.

You can find the full episode summary and related resources here:
https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-342/?ref=278

Episode Links

• The Congregation for Sacred Practices

Episode Sponsors:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

Disclaimer: 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.

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.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta, a traditional Andean curandero from Cusco, Peru, about lineage, ceremony, and responsibility within Indigenous wisdom traditions.

Find full show notes and links here:
https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-341/?ref=278

They explore Andean cosmology as a living worldview and reframe master plant work as a form of deep education rather than clinical healing. The conversation emphasizes mentorship, initiation through lived experience, and healing as a relational process rooted in land, ancestors, and community.

Maestro Jhaimy Alvarez Acosta has walked the path of Andean wisdom for over thirty years, guiding ceremonies and pilgrimages throughout the Andes and internationally. His work emphasizes humility, relationship, and long-term commitment to lineage-based traditions.

Highlights:

• Fear as a guide rather than an obstacle
• Initiation through lived experience
• Huachuma in Andean tradition
• Roles within Indigenous healing lineages
• Master plants as teachers, not tools
• Healing as acceptance and relationship
• Andean cosmology in the modern world
• Mentorship and community-based learning

Episode Links:

• Children of the Seven Rays
• Heart of the Condor Podcast
• Jhaimy's Instagram
• Microdosing San Pedro for Nervous System Regulation | Traditional vs Modern Protocols

Episode Sponsors:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

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."

Can Europe Legalize Psychedelic Therapy?

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Théo Giubilei, founder of PsychedeliCare, about how psychedelic therapy could become a public health issue at the European Union level.

Find full show notes and links here:
https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-340/?ref=278

They discuss how EU policymaking works, why stigma and political risk continue to shape reform, and the challenges of coordinating psychedelic care across multiple healthcare systems. The conversation also explores why patient testimony and citizen-led advocacy may be essential to shifting public health policy in Europe.

Théo Giubilei is a Brussels-based mental health advocate and founder of the PsychedeliCare European Citizens' Initiative. A graduate in European Politics and Public Affairs from Sciences Po Strasbourg, he previously worked in European public affairs before dedicating himself full-time to psychedelic policy reform. Since 2022, Théo has led a grassroots coalition across all 27 EU member states working to advance safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelic therapies as a public health issue.

Highlights:

• European Citizens' Initiative explained
• Political and cultural barriers to reform
• Patient testimony in policy debates
• U.S. vs EU access models
• Public funding and coordination

Episode Links:

• PsychedeliCare Initiative
• PsychedeliCare on Instagram

Episode Sponsors:

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

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."