Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #238 Title: Paul Austin on Rethinking Growth: Can Psychedelics Unlock Your Potential—Legally? Release Date: March 16, 2025 Host: Vince Chen Guest: Paul Austin, Founder and CEO of Third Wave

Introduction

In Episode #238 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chen engages in a profound conversation with Paul Austin, the founder and CEO of Third Wave. The discussion centers on the transformative potential of psychedelics, particularly within personal and leadership development. Paul shares his extensive experience in the field, elucidating how responsible use of psychedelics can act as a catalyst for growth, creativity, and improved decision-making.

Paul Austin's Journey and Background

Paul Austin opens up about his early life and the experiences that led him to his current role.

• Early Exposure and Rebellion:

  • [05:28] Paul recounts his upbringing in a traditional Midwest family heavily influenced by the Christian church. His introduction to cannabis at 16 marked the beginning of his journey with psychedelics, illustrating a desire to break free from conditioned shame and guilt.

    "When I started to work with psychedelics at a young age, they really inspired me to think differently, think in an unconventional manner."

• Embracing Digital Nomadism:

  • At 21, Paul moved to Turkey to teach English, eventually becoming a digital nomad. This period was instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit and deepening his engagement with psychedelics.

• Founding Third Wave:

  • In 2015, recognizing the shifting cultural perceptions towards psychedelics, Paul established Third Wave. The platform has since educated over 25 million people on the benefits and risks associated with psychedelics, emphasizing intentional and responsible use.

Understanding Psychedelics: Benefits and Misconceptions

Paul delves into the nuanced landscape of psychedelics, addressing both their potential and the misunderstandings that surround them.

• Historical Context:

  • [10:26] Paul outlines the "three waves" of psychedelic use:
    1. First Wave: Ancient and indigenous use, with references from Plato, Vedic scriptures, and South American ayahuasca traditions.
    2. Second Wave: The 1950s-60s counterculture movement, which led to widespread prohibition due to irresponsible usage and political motives.
    3. Third Wave: Modern, responsible, and research-driven approach spearheaded by platforms like Third Wave.

• Intention Matters:

  • [10:26] Emphasizing the importance of intention, Paul states:

    "The big difference between responsible and irresponsible use comes down to something that I call intention."

• Benefits of Psychedelics:

  • Clinical Applications: Effective in treating conditions like depression, addiction, PTSD, and anxiety.

  • Enhancing Creativity and Leadership: Promotes neuroplasticity, fostering creativity, improved mood, enhanced energy, and courageous decision-making.

    "Psychedelics support something called neuroplasticity or neurogenesis... they help us to think new thoughts, they help us to make new choices."

• Risks and Limitations:

  • Legal Risks: Psychedelics remain illegal in many jurisdictions, posing legal dangers.

  • Psychological Risks: Potential for instability if not used with proper support, especially for individuals predisposed to psychosis or certain personality disorders.

    "The riskiest thing about psychedelics is that these are still largely illegal everywhere... someone may end up getting arrested for their use."

Applications for High-Performance Roles

The conversation explores how psychedelics can be beneficial beyond clinical settings, particularly for leaders and creatives.

• Psychedelics as a Skill:

  • [17:13] Paul likens psychedelics to a skill that can be cultivated to enhance various aspects of personal and professional life.

    "Psychedelics are a skill that we can develop and cultivate... to enhance creativity, to become better communicators, to become more courageous decision makers."

• Microdosing vs. Higher Doses:

  • Microdosing: Involves taking a tenth of a standard dose regularly to improve mood, energy, and focus without inducing a psychedelic experience.

  • Higher Doses: Facilitate deeper self-reflection and significant behavioral changes, often requiring professional guidance.

    "Microdosing is not a magic pill. It catalyzes neuroplasticity. It makes it easier to change."

• Real-World Impact:

  • Leaders experiencing burnout or feeling stuck have reported enhanced clarity and renewed inspiration through microdosing, enabling them to make impactful decisions and foster healthier work environments.

Legal and Medical Landscape

Paul provides an overview of the evolving legal status of psychedelics and addresses common misconceptions.

• Current Legal Status:

  • Legal in specific jurisdictions like the Netherlands, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, and recently in Oregon and Colorado (USA).

  • Ongoing legalization efforts in Massachusetts and Washington, along with decriminalization in cities like Oakland, Seattle, Detroit, and Washington, D.C.

    "Political motives led to prohibition, not scientific or medical reasons."

• Misconceptions:

  • Contrary to popular belief, psychedelics are non-addictive and can aid in overcoming addictions.

    "Psychedelics are anti-addictive. They actually help people to heal from addictions."

  • Safety compared to other substances:

    "They are the safest drug that we have available. They're safer than alcohol, they're safer than tobacco... much safer than heroin and cocaine."

• Barriers to Acceptance:

  • Stigma rooted in historical and political contexts hinders broader acceptance and integration into societal norms.

Safety Considerations and Responsible Practices

Ensuring safety is paramount when exploring psychedelics for personal growth. Paul outlines essential practices to approach psychedelics responsibly.

• Five Key Elements:

  1. Assessment: Evaluating suitability through professional intake processes.
  2. Preparation: Educating oneself and setting intentions through journaling, meditation, and reflection.
  3. Facilitation: Engaging with trained professionals or supportive guides during the experience.
  4. Integration: Processing insights post-experience to implement meaningful changes.
  5. Microdosing: Ongoing low-dose use to support continuous growth and integration.

  "Start low and go slow... ask that coach or guide or therapist, how do you assess clients? How do you prepare clients?"

• Commitment and Personal Responsibility:

  • Success with psychedelics requires a committed and intentional approach, ensuring that users take active steps to integrate their experiences into daily life.

    "It has to be a willful choice. There has to be a commitment and a devotion to exploring these substances."

• Avoiding Risks:

  • Legal Compliance: Engage with psychedelics in legal jurisdictions to avoid legal repercussions.

  • Professional Support: Utilize the services of coaches, therapists, or facilitators to navigate the psychedelic experience safely.

    "Work with a coach or therapist who can help you to navigate that."

Conclusion

Paul Austin's insights present psychedelics as powerful tools for personal and professional transformation when used responsibly. By understanding their benefits, navigating the legal landscape, and adhering to safety protocols, individuals can harness psychedelics to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change in their lives and communities.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Austin [05:28]:

  "These early psychedelic experiences... taught me that life is much more malleable than we think it is."

• Paul Austin [10:26]:

  "The big difference between responsible and irresponsible use comes down to something that I call intention."

• Paul Austin [16:02]:

  "Psychedelics are not a magic pill, but they are a catalyst to new patterns, new thoughts, and new behaviors."

• Paul Austin [23:18]:

  "Microdosing is not a magic pill. It catalyzes neuroplasticity. It makes it easier to change."

• Paul Austin [26:45]:

  "Psychedelics interrupt the default mode network, allowing us to establish new patterns and new behaviors."

• Paul Austin [30:31]:

  "Start low, go slow. You can always take more. You cannot take less."

• Paul Austin [36:25]:

  "Psychedelics are not for the light or for the faint of heart. That commitment, that choice is the most important aspect."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer provides a comprehensive exploration of psychedelics as tools for unlocking human potential. Paul Austin's expertise and personal experiences offer valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the responsible use of psychedelics for personal growth and leadership development.

For more insights and resources, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Chief Change Officer on LinkedIn, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and to follow Vince Chen for ongoing discussions on transformation and growth.