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Science of Mind
Altering Medicine

AN IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

PHOENIX AZ | APRIL 28-30TH 2023

Note: this is our website using general terminology so we can advertise the event on traditional channels. You can visit our original site here.

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A conference focused on mind altering medicine designed to educate, inform, and enlighten the public for healthier outcomes. Together let's shift the culture around mind altering medicine through science. 

OUR SPEAKERS

DEDICATION. EXPERTISE. PASSION.

Hand-picked speakers at the forefront of their respective fields. Our conference is designed to help spread knowledge and learnings for people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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Hamilton Morris

Host of Vice's Hamilton's Pharmacopia

Uses and Efficacy of Lesser Known Therapeutic Substances

Morris is a well-known advocate in the mind altering substances space. In addition to being a scientific researcher, a journalist and a filmmaker, he has the television show Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia, in which he investigated the chemistry, history, and cultural impact of various psychoactive drugs. He is a correspondent and producer for Vice on HBO, as well as a contributor to Harper's Magazine. Morris frequently consults with media on the subject of psychoactive drugs and conducts pharmacological research at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia with an emphasis on the synthesis and history of dissociative anesthetics.

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Aubrey Marcus

Experimentalist, Human Optimizer

Mind Altering Medicine for Life Optimization

The Aubrey Marcus Podcast, with 50 million listens, is a destination for conversations with the brightest minds in athletics, business, mindset, psychedelics and spirituality. Aubrey is the founder of Onnit, a holistic health brand based on a philosophy of Total Human Optimization. Podcaster Joe Rogan was his business partner with Onnit which was acquired by Unilever. He's the author of the NYT Bestselling book Own The Day, Own Your Life and has been featured on the cover of Men’s Health, the Joe Rogan Experience and Tim Ferris Show and many other publications. He produced the documentaries including, Dragon of the Jungle, Ayahuasca, & Huachuma, Awake In The Darkness. He's the visionary behind the donation based coaching platform Fit For Service. He’s most passionate about raising awareness for psychedelic medicine, including dedicated philanthropic support to MAPS.org & Heffter Institute.

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Rick Doblin

PhD, Founder of MAPS (Multi-Disciplinary Association of Psyched. Studies)

The Past, Present & Future of Mind Altering Medicine

Psychedelic Research has shown us highly promising results for the treatment of PTSD, Depression, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Alcoholism & Suicide. In this fascinating dive into the science of psychedelics, Rick will explain the history of Psychedelic Medicines, Where we are now and how we go forward with drugs like LSD, psilocybin & MDMA. He’ll discuss how they affect your brain — and show how, when paired with psychotherapy, they could forever change the way we treat PTSD, depression, substance abuse, anxiety and more. Rick will also touch on studies that show MDMA can more than double the efficacy of PTSD therapy from 23 percent without MDMA, to up to 66% effectiveness with MDMA.
 

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James Fadiman

PhD, "Father of Microdosing", Researcher

Microdosing and the Fadiman Protocol

James Fadiman is an American writer known for his research on microdosing psychedelics. He co-founded the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, which later became Sofia University. Dr. James Fadiman is known as the “Father of Microdosing” for his pioneering explorations and scientific studies on microdosing. Since 2010, he’s been collecting reports from thousands of people around the world who have tried microdosing. Many of them followed his suggested microdosing routine of one day on, two days off—coined the Fadiman Protocol. The reports are full of stories of people that overcame their insecurities, anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as migraines, cluster headaches, and menstrual complaints. This leaves Dr. James Fadiman convinced that microdosing can have enormous psychological and health benefits while hardly having any risks. 

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Deran Young

Founder, Black Therapists Rock, NYT Bestselling Author

Reversing Racial Trauma Through Collective Healing

Deran Young is a licensed therapist specializing in racial trauma and legacy burdens. She is also a Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, a retired military officer, & founder of Black Therapists Rock and a Psychedelics accessibility advocate for marginalized communities. Black Therapists Rock is a non profit organization with a network of over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. Her passion for culture and people has led her to become a highly sought after diversity and inclusion consultant working with Facebook, Linked In, and YWCA and Brene Brown.

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Zach Leary

Host of MAPS Podcast, Author, Facilitator at Evolution Retreats

Mind Altering Medicine in the 21st Century and How to Use Them

After spending many years as a digital marketing expert for some of the worlds largest brands, Zach had a wake up call over 10 years ago that thrust him back into the center of the psychedelic cyclone thanks to the influence of his primary teacher and mentor, Ram Dass. Since, then he has found his own unique voice and method in being able to contribute to the revolutionary new psychedelic movement we find ourselves in. As a health and wellness facilitator, integration coach, guided session therapist and seeker of all things mystical – Zach has worked to help heal many people with the assistance of psychedelic medicines. Zach currently hosts The MAPS podcast and is a facilitator at the Evolution Retreat Center in Negril, Jamaica. As an author, Zach’s first book “And Now, The Work Begins – Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them” will be published by SoundsTrue in late 2023.

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Dr. Lia Jiannine

PhD, Host of Sex Talk on PBS Florida

Sex and Mind Altering Medicine Panel: Discover How Psychedelics are Enhancing Sexual Experience, Healing Sexual Trauma & being used to Strengthen Relationships and Communication

Dr. Lia Jiannine is the Co-founder of INTIEM. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance. She holds a Ph.D. specializing in Sport Science with a cognate in Public Health.  Dr. Jiannine’s research interests focus on physical fitness, supplements, sexual functioning and psychedelics. Dr. Lia Jiannine has made it her mission to cure HSDD as well as other disorders with the use of pharmaceuticals and sex therapy. Lia has been invited to be present on a variety of sexual health topics both nationally and internationally. She is the host of “Sex Talk with Dr. Lia,” which is the top South Florida Program on PBS.

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Louie Schwartzberg

Award Winning Director of Fantastic Fungi

Visual Healing: The Ideal Settings for Your Mind Altering Medicine Journey. 

Louie Schwartzberg is the director of the breathtaking box office sensation Fantastic Fungi, the #1 documentary on Apple TV, with 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This film has been a major catalyst for the psychedelic renaissance over the past several years. Louie’s Visual Healing, currently being use in psychedelic journey’s at Pacific Neuroscience Institute are stunning immersive films that seamlessly bring nature and music together to deliver positive physical, emotional, and psychological benefits in healthcare, hospitality and psychedelic journeys. The Visual Healing program is used to transform spaces into life-like natural environments.

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Nathan Kohlerman

US Army Vet, Integration Coach, Breathwork Practitioner, and Founder of NeuIntention

Veterans Access To Mind Altering Medicine

With a background in entheogenic medicine, transpersonal psychology, somatic therapy, metaphysics, energy medicine, mysticism, and shamanic healing, Nathan has worked with professional athletes from the NFL & PGA, 7 & 8 figure companies, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, veterans, and elite coaches on how to awaken their inner wisdom, heal from trauma, and build an unshakeable nervous system using The NeuIntention® Method.

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Stephan Kerby

5-MEO-DMT Expert

Unity Consciousness and Egoic Liberation with the World's Most Potent Mind Altering Medicine

5- MEO-DMT has been called The God Molecule, the Toad, and the Power. The Magnitude of Experience as a psychedelic is unparalleled & when taken at a regular dosage produces extraordinary states of unity consciousness and ego dissolution.  This can lead to a deep unraveling of trauma stored in the nervous system, consciousness expansion, and feelings of unconditional love.  But this substance is not for the light-hearted and also carries risks as well as often requiring thorough integration.  Stephen Kerby has both experienced and facilitated hundreds of 5- MEO journeys and mentors other facilitators and is a Trauma Informed Psychedelic Facillitator. He'll discuss the experience, the science, screening criteria, harm prevention and safety protocols as well as Toad Conservation and synthetic 5- MEO-DMT. Get up to speed, on the world's most powerful psychedelic substance.

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Joe Tafur MD

Founder, Ayahuasca Researcher

Ayahuasca Healing Meets Medical Science

Dr. Tafur is trained in both allopathic and traditional medicine, and works to integrate Western medicine and spiritual healing. He spent years working at a traditional healing center in the Peruvian Amazon, working with Ayahuasca ceremony and traditional techniques. In the Amazon, Dr. Tafur saw hundreds of people find help for problems that Western medicine was unable to heal. Drawing from his first-hand experience as a Shipibo-trained healer and Medical Doctor, Dr. Tafur has learned about the importance of acknowledging the emotional body and its role in disease. Spiritual approaches can be used to heal the emotional body which, in turn, promotes healing in the mind and physical body. Modern research supports the concept that improvements in spiritual well-being can facilitate this deeper emotional healing. This has been shown in traditional healing approaches in the Amazon and in clinical research with modern psychedelic psychotherapy.

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Ian McCall

Former MMA World Champion

Healing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Long Term Pain with Mind Altering Medicine

Ian McCall is a Former Mixed Martial Arts MMA World Champion and UFC star. He is a Psychedelic Researcher, and Psychedelic Integration Coach for Professional Athletes and High Level performers. 
He credits psychedelics for successfully recovering from many traumatic brain injuries and beating his decades long dependence on pain me
dication.
Since his retirement, he has become one of the most prominent advocates for the decriminalization of plant medicine and their safe use in professional sports. Ian is currently doing research with The McCall Method and Dawn Scientific as well as studying the performance benefits of psilocybin for all parts of life. He is also the director of psychedelic advocacy for BetterU ketamine. He has been featured in Forbes magazine twice, graced the cover of LA weekly and been on HBO’s Real Sports with Brian Gumball. 

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Iván Chocron

San Pedro/Huachuma and Peyote

How mescaline-containing plants heal your emotional body through the opening of the heart

Iván has facilitated over 400 journeys with mescaline-containing plants over 10 years. With a background in chemistry, he is the author of an exciting upcoming book on plant medicine facilitation and healing work. He'll enlighten us on the effects of using mescaline-containing plants from a psychological, scientific, chemical and spiritual lens, understanding better in which ways these plants have a more masculine energy, historical context, the meta analysis, as well as the differences to Ayahuasca, LSD, and Mushrooms. He'll also discuss conservation, adapting its usage to a modern western context and the benefits of integrating these experiences when used in conjunction with Ayahuasca.

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David Roberson

CEO, Neurobiologist, Drug Engineer, PhD, MBA

Mind Altering Medicine For Chronic Pain Relief: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Headaches, IBS, Back or Pelvic Pain, and Many Other Forms of Pain

David Roberson received his PhD in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School. He is co-founder of 4 pain-focused biotech companies & supervises an active research program at Cacti Therapeutics developing next generation psychedelics for treatment of pain, headaches, & central nervous system sensitization. 

 

Most people are aware of the benefits of Psychdelics in alleviating Mental & Emotional disorders however, very few are aware that approximately 40% of US adults suffer from Chronic Pain. Dr. Roberson will give an overview of how Psychedelics may provide lasting relief for chronic pain issues such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Headaches, IBS, Back or Pelvic Pain, and many other pain issues. Join us to hear one of the few cutting edge researchers uncovering the use of Psychedelics for pain management and relief.

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Sam Chapman

Campaign Manager for Oregon's Legalization of Psilocybin Therapy

Government, Policy and Reform: The Future of Mind Altering Medicine Advocacy and Access

Sam Chapman is the Executive Director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting safe, high quality, and accessible state-regulated psilocybin services, beginning with Oregon and Colorado. Sam was the campaign manager for Oregon’s successful Measure 109 campaign in 2020, to permit licensed service providers to administer psilocybin-producing mushroom and fungi products to individuals 21 years of age or older--the first of its kind in the United States. In 2013 Sam co-authored House Bill 3460, the Oregon law that legalized medical marijuana dispensaries.Sam has 13 years of experience advocating for progressive drug policy reforms at the local, state, and national levels. 

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Juan Pablo Cappello

CEO, Co-Founder of Nue.Life, Ketamine Telehealth

Mind Altering Medicine Telehealth: The Next Frontier

As Co-Founder and CEO at nue.life Juan Pablo’s goal is to help one million people address the root cause of their depression and anxiety leveraging AI, personalized medicine and the healing power of psychedelics.  Juan Pablo was exposed to the indigenous plant medicine traditions as a young child in his native Chile, and he helped bring the Sumak Kawsay Native American church to South Florida a decade ago. In another life Juan Pablo built the first online bank in Latin America which he helped sell to Banco Santander for $700 million.

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Melissa Lavasani

Founder of Decriminalize Nature DC

Women Are Welcome in Mind Altering Medicine Panel Discussion

Melissa Lavasani is the founder of the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, and Former Chairwoman of Decriminalize Nature DC lobbying for psychedelic medicine at the Federal, State, and local levels of government.She's been featured in the hit Netflix Documentary "How to Change Your Mind" produced by Michael Pollan, The New York Times, Wall St. Journal And Rolling Stone. Having utilized psychedelics to heal her severe postpartum depression, Melissa led the Decriminalize Nature DC campaign to the largest ballot initiative victory in the history of our nation’s capital. Melissa advocates for policies that support research and safe, equitable access to psychedelics.

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Awais Spall

Founder of Regenerative Brain Protocol

Boost Your Microdose

Functional Medicine & Ayurvedic Expert Awais Spall, creator of the Regenerative Brain Protocol, was a member of a research team examining the abilities of botanicals and adaptogenic brain boosters to be utilized with Psylocibin to speed up brain-healing in soldiers recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury. How does microdosing improve cognitive performance and what botanicals, adaptogens, peptides can be used with or without microdosing to boost your brain? Join us to get answers. 

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Kaitlin Roberson

CEO Cacti Therapeutics

Sex and Mind Altering Medicine Panel

Kaitlin is CEO of Cacti Therapeutics, a biotech company developing FDA-approved psychedelic therapies for chronic pain and sexual dysfunction. Kaitlin received her Master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and has professional experience in trauma care and business finance. Her passion is helping people experience growth and transformation through the adversity of spiritual, sexual or attachment traumas.

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Derek Goeriz

Veteran’s Need Access to Mind Altering Medicine Panel

Army Special Forces Veteran and Intelligence Operator

Derek is a former Special Forces soldier and Intelligence Community professional experienced in business development and strategy.  Derek is active in helping special operations veterans integrate their healing of trauma and war-based moral injury using psychedelics. He holds a BA in Political Science from Yale University and an MA in International Affairs from UCSD’s School of Global Policy & Strategy. He resides in San Diego with his daughter enjoying politics, philosophy, & the arts.

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Kimberly Juroviesky

President Ketamine Taskforce, CAPT, USAF, Retired

Using Ketamine As A Modality For Pain Treatment

Capt. Kimberly Juroviesky is a disabled Air Force veteran and Nurse Practitioner. She was injured on active duty and developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. She began ketamine infusions which saved her life. She decided to start a 501c3 organization called the Ketamine Taskforce when she realized there was an issue with patients unable to afford infusions and insurance companies refusing to cover treatment claiming that it was experimental or off label use of the medication. Kimberly is working through the Taskforce on getting insurance to cover ketamine fully for both mental health and pain. She is also working to advocate for patients and make sure that everyone has access to this important medicine. Kimberly also is the author of Ketamine Infusions A Patients Guide. She also recently published her new book, Ketamine Journey’s a Journal for Integration of Ketamine experiences, both available on Amazon.

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Adam Bramlage

Founder/CEO of Flow State Micro

The Wonderful World of Microdosing: The Basics of Many Different Mind Altering Medicines

Microdosing educator Adam Bramlage will be discuss microdosing best practices, protocols and dosages for safe and effective microdosing as well as the ancient use of microdosing through time from Stoned Apes to Silicon Valley.  Bramlage has coached thousands of people including professional athletes & Olympic Gold medallists to successfully utilize microdosing to improve performance, mood, creativity and aid in easing anxiety and depression. For the last three years, Bramlage has worked closely alongside Dr. Jim Fadiman PHD., the Father of modern microdosing, educating & sharing the positive benefits of microdosing around the world. This talk will cover the  basics, best practices, history and different substances that can be used to microdose.

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Robert Johnson

Expert in the Field of Functional Mushrooms

Boost Your Microdose with Brain Nootropics

Founder & CEO of Mycroboost a Functional Mushroom Company, Robert has worked in the nootropic supplement space since 2008, and has built up a wealth of knowledge around plant-based medicine, and supplements including numerous beneficial pharmaceutical grade products in cannabis, hemp, kratom and mushrooms, including the first softgels on the market.

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Nadeem Al Hasan

Psychoactive Breathwork Facilitator, Psychonaut, Cannabis Industry Pioneer

Out of this World Mystical Experiences with Mind Altering Medicine

Traveling to other dimensions, profound healings, meeting beings from a different world? People's experience with psychedelics is often not just healing but healing because they are profound. As much as there is a science, mystical experiences with psychedelics are normal but less talked about. Seeing Heaven and Hell, Angels, Aliens or other dimensions is not uncommon. What do they signify? Discussion of extraordinary psychedelic experiences and the implications to us all. Nadeem is the Chief of Operations for Somatic Breathwork and has a team of more than 700 practitioners globally. An avid psychonaut, Nadeem enjoys exploring the depths of mystical experiences - whether through psychedelic substances or induced breathwork practices. A lover of learning, Nadeem speaks passionately about happiness, business, and how to live a life by design.

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James Kneller

MD, Cardiologist, Author of Forthcoming "Livestream to God"

Extraordinary Mystical Experiences with Mind Altering Medicine

Dr. James is a cardiologist and Heart Rhythm Expert with a special interest in the spiritual dimensions of human physiology and experience. An introduction to psilocybin mushrooms in Oaxaca Mexico elicited an extraordinary and exquisitely detailed tour of hell and heaven, which he now calls "the god space" and details in his upcoming book titled "Livestream to God".

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More Speakers Coming Soon!

Check Back Often.

We Will Continue To Add Speakers Every Month.

Our goal is to add speakers covering many modalities and social issues surrounding alternative and new forms of medicine and healing. Please consider joining us in-person or virtually this April 28-30th.

More Speakers Coming Soon

Check back often. We will continue to add speakers up until the month of the conference.

CONTACT US

Thanks for submitting!

ADDRESS

Herberger Theater

222 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

©2023 by Desert Sky Productions

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