Wade Davis, one river, Amazon and pharmacological mystery of Ayahuasca

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