Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #370 – Paul Austin: Can Psychedelics Unlock Performance—Without Losing the Plot?

Introduction

In episode #370 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in an enlightening conversation with Paul Austin, the founder and CEO of Third Wave—a platform dedicated to advocating for the responsible use of psychedelics in personal and leadership development. Released on May 16, 2025, this episode explores the transformative potential of psychedelics, particularly microdosing, in enhancing creativity, leadership, and overall well-being.

Guest Background and Personal Journey

Paul Austin shares his deeply personal journey with psychedelics, tracing back to his teenage years. Growing up in a traditional Midwest family with a strong Christian upbringing, Paul describes his early experimentation with cannabis at age 16, which eventually led to more profound experiences with psychedelics in his late teens and early twenties.

"The early psychedelic experiences I had were very impactful. They helped me recognize how much shame and guilt I had been conditioned into in my religious upbringing." (05:36)

These experiences fostered his unconventional thinking and propelled him to travel the world, teaching English and eventually founding Third Wave in 2015. Paul emphasizes that psychedelics, when used responsibly, can be powerful tools for personal growth and societal transformation.

Benefits and Applications of Psychedelics

Paul delineates the historical context of psychedelic use, identifying three waves:

1. Ancient and Indigenous Use: Highlighting historical figures like Plato and traditional practices such as ayahuasca ceremonies in South America.
2. 1960s Counterculture: The resurgence and subsequent prohibition of psychedelics due to irresponsible use.
3. Third Wave: Modern, responsible usage focused on personal and professional development.

He underscores the importance of intention in psychedelic use, distinguishing between purposeful exploration and recreational disassociation.

"If someone is interested in psychedelics, make sure you do this with a professional. It could be a coach, it could be a therapist, it could be a medical doctor, it could be even a shaman or an indigenous healer." (10:50)

Microdosing vs. Higher Doses

The discussion delves into the nuances between microdosing and consuming higher doses of psychedelics:

• Microdosing: Involves taking approximately one-tenth of a standard dose, two to three times a week over 30-60 days. Benefits include improved mood, increased energy, better sleep, and enhanced creativity without the intense psychedelic experiences.

  "Microdosing is just a tool to help you get there. But ultimately, it is your responsibility to make the changes in your life that are going to help you feel better." (23:18)

• Higher Doses: Require more preparation and often lead to profound self-reflection, facilitating significant behavioral and cognitive changes. These experiences can uncover deep-seated issues and catalyze transformative decisions.

Paul likens psychedelics to a skill that can be developed with practice, emphasizing that they are catalysts rather than magical fixes.

"Psychedelics make it easier to release dysfunctional behaviors and patterns. They do not do the work for you, but they catalyze new patterns, thoughts, and behaviors." (17:50)

Legal and Medical Considerations

Paul addresses common misconceptions surrounding the legality and safety of psychedelics:

• Legality: While psychedelics remain illegal in many regions, there are exceptions. Countries like the Netherlands, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Mexico offer legal avenues for psychedelic use. In the U.S., states like Oregon and Colorado have legalized certain psychedelics, and cities like Oakland and Seattle have decriminalized possession.

  "In the Netherlands, these truffles are legal. We had people come from Hong Kong, all over Europe, all over the United States and Canada..." (30:31)

• Misconceptions: Contrary to popular belief, psychedelics are not addictive and are considered safer than substances like alcohol, tobacco, and opioids. They primarily interact with serotonin rather than dopamine, reducing the risk of addiction.

  "When we think of nicotine, when we think of cocaine, when we think of opiates or methamphetamines, these are all largely active on dopamine... Psychedelics are active on serotonin." (35:45)

• Medical Risks: Individuals with a predisposition to psychosis, schizophrenia, or certain personality disorders should avoid psychedelics. Proper assessment and professional guidance are crucial to mitigate risks.

  "For people who have certain personality disorders, psychedelics are contraindicated." (16:02)

Safety and Responsible Practices

Paul outlines five key elements for safe and effective psychedelic use:

1. Assessment: Professional evaluation to determine suitability.
2. Preparation: Educating oneself and setting clear intentions through practices like journaling and meditation.
3. Facilitation: Engaging with a qualified guide or therapist during the experience.
4. Integration: Processing and applying insights gained from the experience.
5. Microdosing: Sustaining benefits through regular, controlled use.

"The five key elements are assessment, preparation, facilitation, integration, and microdosing." (36:25)

He emphasizes the mantra "start low and go slow," encouraging beginners to begin with microdosing to acclimate before considering higher doses.

"If you're interested in working with psychedelics, start with a microdose and just see how that feels." (35:00)

Sustainability of Microdosing Benefits

Addressing concerns about whether microdosing is merely a temporary fix, Paul explains that microdosing serves as a catalyst for long-term change rather than a band-aid solution. By fostering neuroplasticity, it enables individuals to make sustainable changes in their lives.

"Microdosing doesn't become a crutch... It allows you to structurally change things in your life so you can actually be more content and happy with the existence you're living." (23:45)

Conclusion

Paul Austin provides a comprehensive overview of the responsible use of psychedelics, highlighting their potential to unlock human performance and creativity when approached with intention and care. He advocates for a well-structured framework that includes professional guidance, deliberate practice, and integration to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

"The most important thing is that you have to really want to do this. It has to be a willful choice with a commitment to exploring these substances." (36:45)

As the legal landscape evolves and societal perceptions shift, Paul remains optimistic about the role of psychedelics in personal and professional transformation. His insights offer valuable guidance for leaders, creatives, and anyone seeking to outgrow themselves through intentional change.

Notable Quotes

• "Psychedelics make it easier to release dysfunctional behaviors and patterns. They do not do the work for you, but they catalyze new patterns, thoughts, and behaviors." – Paul Austin (17:50)

• "Start low and go slow... you can always take more, you cannot take less." – Paul Austin (35:00)

• "The most important thing is that you have to really want to do this. It has to be a willful choice with a commitment to exploring these substances." – Paul Austin (36:45)

Final Thoughts

Episode #370 of Chief Change Officer provides an in-depth exploration of psychedelics as tools for personal and leadership development. Paul Austin’s expertise and candid sharing of his journey offer listeners a nuanced understanding of both the potential and the responsibilities that come with integrating psychedelics into one’s growth practices.

For more insights and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit Third Wave’s website and explore their extensive educational materials.