days
hours minutes seconds
until
Welcome to the 2025 Arizona Psychedelic Conference
Awaken the desert. Ignite the mind.
Psychedelics like ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD are being explored as powerful tools for healing PTSD, depression, and emotional trauma. Science is catching up to what ancient traditions have known for centuries.
This one-day gathering brings together doctors, researchers, healers, and storytellers—uniting modern medicine and sacred ceremony to help us remember what it means to truly heal.
You’re not just attending an event.
You’re stepping into a movement.
There will be breath work before the conference at 10:30am
A drum circle will be held after the conference to close out the evening.
1 E. Main St
Mesa, AZ 85201
Keynote Speaker:
Professor G. William (Bill) Barnard
Author of Liquid Light | Professor, SMU
Dr. Bill Barnard is a Professor of Religious Studies at SMU and author of Liquid Light, a deep exploration of ayahuasca and the Santo Daime tradition. With over 15 years of immersive research, he bridges ritual, mysticism, and consciousness studies.
His work examines how psychedelics challenge our understanding of self, reality, and healing, and he teaches courses like Religion and Psychedelics and Plants of the Gods.
Speaking 7:15pm-8:30pm
James Hosobe, MS
Pharmaceutical Scientist | Psychedelic Music Researcher
James Hosobe studies how music shapes psychedelic experiences. He has contributed to psilocybin clinical trial playlists, evaluated therapeutic soundscapes, and played a key role in Arizona’s Psilocybin Annual Report. His work bridges science, safety, and indigenous respect.
Speaking 12:00pm-12:45pm
Chad McLean
Veteran | Founder of Mental Joe
Chad McLean is a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Mental Joe, a nonprofit apparel brand that supports mental health awareness and psychedelic-assisted healing. After surviving trauma, addiction, and a near-suicide, Chad turned to ketamine therapy and now advocates for non-traditional treatments for veterans and first responders.
Speaking 12:55pm
Mike Manion
Founder of Arizona Warrior Assembly & Co-Founder of Healing Frontline Heroes
Mike Manion will represent both Healing Frontline Heroes and Arizona Warrior Assembly at the event. Drawing from his own transformative journey through plant medicine and ancestral healing practices, Mike now devotes his life to helping other veterans and frontline heroes reconnect with themselves, their communities, and their purpose. As a panelist, he’ll share insights from his healing path and the work he continues to do in service of others walking theirs.
Speaking 12:55pm
Jess Starwood, MS
Herbalist | Author | Integration Guide
Jess Starwood is an author and integrative health practitioner with a background in herbal medicine, mycology, and psychedelic integration. She blends nature-based healing and creative expression to help others reconnect with themselves through the wisdom of plants and fungi.
Speaking 2:00pm-3:00pm
Jamie Blazquez
Advocate | Co-Founder of Normalize Psychedelics
Jamie Blazquez is a grassroots organizer and educator leading the Decriminalize Nature movement in Arizona. As co-founder of Normalize Psychedelics, she works to shift public perception through storytelling, policy reform, and sacred access advocacy, helping communities reclaim their right to heal with nature’s medicines.
Speaking 3:00pm-4:00pm
Frank Genova
Clinical Researcher | Psychedelic Science Advocate
Frank Genova explores the latest clinical trials on psilocybin and LSD, focusing on their potential to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety. His work bridges cutting-edge research with public understanding, helping audiences grasp what the science is showing us so far.
Speaking 5:00pm-6:00pm
Dr. Joe Tafur, MD
Physician | Curandero | Author of The Fellowship of the River
Dr. Joe Tafur is a Colombian-American family physician and traditional healer working at the intersection of Western medicine and Amazonian plant medicine. He is the author of The Fellowship of the River and Medicine Song, and co-founder of Modern Spirit, a nonprofit bridging spiritual healing, psychedelics, and epigenetic research.
Trained in both clinical care and curanderismo, Dr. Tafur speaks globally on topics like psychoneuroimmunology, ayahuasca healing, and the future of integrative psychedelic medicine.
Speaking 6:00pm-7:00pm
Sponsors
Wisdom Inner Healing
Led by Kari Roe, NP, Wisdom Inner Healing provides compassionate care through ketamine-assisted therapy and integrative trauma support. With certifications in trauma practice and psychedelic-assisted therapies, Kari offers a safe and holistic path to healing for individuals seeking transformation and inner balance.
13350 N 94th Drive, Suite B-102, Peoria, AZ 85381
(623) 688-2255 wisdominnerhealing.com
Anothony Morelli and S.A.C.R.D.
S.A.C.R.D. (Synchronizing Action on Cacti Resiliency Directives) is a BIPOC-led nonprofit in Arizona dedicated to preserving the Sacred Peyote cactus. Their work focuses on cultivation & seed banking, conservation and rewilding, and empowering Indigenous communities through education and sustainable greenhouse practices.
The Medicine Way
Founded by Andrea Taahaabaah Twitchell, an Indigenous Diné (Navajo) therapist and ceremonial practitioner, The Medicine Way is a nonprofit spiritual-holistic community dedicated to balanced living (Hózhó). Blending clinical counseling, art therapy, and Indigenous healing traditions, Andrea facilitates trauma-informed plant medicine ceremonies and integrative practices that honor both ancestral lineage and modern therapeutic insight.
602-753-8480 medicineway.org
FunGirls Fungi
Founded by Julie Trotta, FunGirls Fungi is a women-led brand dedicated to celebrating the magic of mushrooms — from their healing power to their artistry. Through community, creativity, and fungi-inspired offerings, Julie brings awareness to the role mushrooms play in health, culture, and conscious living.
Mental Joe
Mental Joe is a veteran-founded apparel brand with a mission to spark conversations around mental health. With bold designs and impactful messages, they raise awareness, break stigma, and give back to organizations supporting those battling PTSD, depression, and trauma. Every piece of clothing carries a story — empowering people to wear their courage and “conquer the battle within.”
Arizona Warrior Assembly (AWA)
The Arizona Warrior Assembly (AWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through alternative healing pathways, community, and connection. Rooted in service and resilience, AWA creates safe spaces for warriors to heal from trauma, rediscover purpose, and walk their path with strength. Through brotherhood, ceremony, and education, they help those who have served our nation continue their journey of healing and growth.
