Psychedelics, Creativity, and the Future of Work in the Age of AI with Paul F. Austin
"The drugs we've accepted in society—alcohol, nicotine, caffeine—were chosen for productivity, not well-being."
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What if the stories we’ve been told about psychedelics were wrong? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, to explore how microdosing and intentional psychedelic use are helping people heal, focus, connect, and live more purposeful lives.
With a background in education and entrepreneurship, Paul has spent the last decade helping reframe the narrative around substances like psilocybin and LSD—not as dangerous drugs, but as ancient tools being rediscovered for modern growth.
They discuss the data behind microdosing, the role of psychedelics in mental health and creativity, and how narrative shifts in culture require patience, education, and empathy. You’ll also learn how this resurgence intersects with storytelling, business innovation, community building, and AI—and why those looking to find their voice, their path, or their tribe might want to look a little deeper.
Whether you’re skeptical or curious, this conversation will open your mind to the potential of storytelling on a molecular level.
In the episode, you will learn to:
Understand how to reshape public perception by aligning your message with your audience’s pain points and using stories that connect rather than confront.
Recognize psychedelics not as escapes, but as tools for transformation—especially in emotional, mental, and professional transitions.
Explore how microdosing supports clarity, creativity, and behavioral change without overwhelming your daily routine.
Challenge cultural narratives through storytelling by reframing long-held beliefs with nuance, data, and empathy.
Draw connections between community, consciousness, and creativity, and see how shared experiences (not solo journeys) are driving a new paradigm of wellness and leadership.
"The drugs we've accepted in society—alcohol, nicotine, caffeine—were chosen for productivity, not well-being."
- Paul F. Austin
If you want to understand how to change the narrative of a controversial topic, as well as tap into your inner creative... this is the episode for you!
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Some of the highlights of the episode:
00:00 - How Do You Change a Narrative That’s Deeply Stigmatized?
02:04 - The Rise of Psychedelics as Tools for Mental Health
05:57 - Meet Paul Austin: Founder, Teacher, and Psychedelic Educator
09:43 - Why Microdosing Is the Bridge for Many First-Time Users
12:08 - Paul’s First Experiences and the Path That Followed
15:44 - A Father-Son Journey with Psilocybin
18:56 - Cannabis vs. Psychedelics: Why the Latter Moved Faster
22:13 - Why the Psychedelic Space Is in a Healthy Hibernation
26:21 - The Risks of Overcorrection and Overuse in Normalizing Drugs
27:48 - Who Microdoses and Why: From Depression to Performance
30:07 - LSD vs. Psilocybin: Which One Works Best for Focus?
33:15 - The Legal Gray Area of Access—and the Push for Regulation
35:12 - Microdosing as a Practice, Not a Pill
38:58 - One-on-One vs. Group Therapy: The Power of Community
43:15 - How Psychedelics Can Help Us Thrive in the Age of AI
45:25 - Regeneration, Not Extraction: A New Model for Business
47:25 - Enhancing Humanity, Not Competing with Machines
49:52 - Pattern Recognition: The Real Gift of Psychedelic Insight
53:45 - Designing a Life (and World) That Aligns with Our Biology
55:20 - Final Thoughts and Resources to Learn More
As always, I hope you enjoy the episode!
Rain
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