In an episode of “A Healthy Point of View” podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, sat down with Sam Believ, Founder of LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, to explore a sacred and ancient form of healing that’s steadily gaining attention in the modern wellness world—ayahuasca.
Ayahuasca, a powerful plant-based brew from the northwestern Amazon, has long been used in indigenous traditions to treat emotional, psychological, and even physical afflictions. But what makes this medicine so compelling today is how it’s helping modern-day seekers break free from depression, trauma, addiction, and spiritual disconnection.
Sam Believ Drank Ayahuasca and His Life Changed Forever | Ep. 60
From Curiosity and Desperation to Transformation
Believ’s journey into ayahuasca wasn’t sparked by trend or hype, but by “a mix of curiosity and quiet desperation.” He felt something was off—an unshakable sense of unhappiness and disconnection. That inner unrest, combined with a growing curiosity as ayahuasca kept appearing in his life—from conversations to YouTube videos—led him to eventually drink the medicine. What started as a personal quest transformed into a life mission after his seventh ceremony, when he received a spiritual vision to open his own retreat.
Today, LaWayra has become one of the most respected and accessible ayahuasca retreats in the world, with an emphasis on healing done right—safely, traditionally, and holistically.
Not Just a Brew—A Ceremony of Healing
Ayahuasca isn’t something you sip casually. It’s a thick, bitter brew made by combining the ayahuasca vine with a DMT-containing shrub, and it’s always taken in a ceremonial setting, guided by experienced shamans.
Each ceremony is deeply ritualistic. There’s an altar. There’s prayer. There’s music. The shaman assesses each participant individually, deciding the right dosage based on intuition and experience. This is not a recreational experience—it’s a spiritual, mental, and physical journey that, as Believ puts it, “is like using a chainsaw for your mental health—not a hammer.”
Preparing the Mind, Body, and Soul
LaWayra prepares each guest weeks in advance with specific dietary and mental cleansing protocols. Dairy, fermented foods, alcohol, cannabis, and processed foods are off the table. But beyond food, Believ emphasizes the importance of clearing the mind. That means minimizing social media, steering clear of negative news, and setting a deep, personal intention.
The reason? Ayahuasca doesn’t just work on the body—it works on repressed trauma, deep-seated fears, and limiting beliefs. “You begin detoxing the moment you say yes to the medicine,” Believ shares.
What to Expect: Purging, Visions, and Rebirth
One of the most talked-about aspects of ayahuasca is the purge—vomiting, crying, laughing, shaking, or even diarrhea. While off-putting to some, the purge is widely seen as a sacred and necessary release of emotional and spiritual baggage.
And then, there are the visions. Though often misunderstood as the central element, visions are just 5% of the ayahuasca experience, according to Believ. What matters more is the depth of insight and connection that unfolds—whether it’s reliving a suppressed childhood memory or experiencing ego dissolution, where the boundaries of self melt away and everything becomes one.
Healing for All Walks of Life
Contrary to the stereotype that only spiritual seekers or elite biohackers try ayahuasca, LaWayra attracts people from every background—carpenters, veterans, corporate professionals, doctors, couples on the verge of divorce, and individuals struggling with PTSD or suicidal thoughts.
“Unfortunately, it’s the rich that drink, because most retreats are overpriced,” Believ admits. LaWayra’s mission is to change that by offering high-quality, shaman-led ceremonies starting under $1,000.
It’s Not a Quick Fix—It’s the Start of a New Path
Tejada highlights that ayahuasca doesn’t give you what you want—it gives you what you need. This often means facing discomfort, old wounds, or even redefining your purpose. While some report a decrease in their business drive post-retreat, Believ argues that this is often a recalibration toward purpose, not laziness. “If your ambition is rooted in trauma, ayahuasca will strip that away. But if it’s purpose-driven, it will strengthen you.”
Doing It Right: Safety and Tradition Matter
With ayahuasca becoming trendy, Believ warns against DIY ceremonies and self-proclaimed shamans. Authenticity, he stresses, matters. At LaWayra, all ceremonies are led by indigenous shamans from the Inga tribe, whose lineage spans generations. The brew is made traditionally, with reverence and without dangerous additives. And there’s always medical oversight and emergency protocols in place.
As for legality, Believ is hopeful that ayahuasca will become more accessible in the U.S.—but only if it’s done in a way that respects its roots. “Ayahuasca without tradition and shamanism is a Frankenstein monster,” he warns.
Ayahuasca isn’t for everyone. But for those who feel called—who are ready to confront their shadows and commit to real healing—it can be one of the most powerful tools on Earth.
“The world doesn’t need more pills,” Tejada says. “It needs healing. Real, lasting healing.”
And maybe, just maybe, it begins with a cup of bitter brew in the middle of the Colombian jungle—guided not by hype, but by intention, humility, and ancient wisdom.