Springfield, Missouri — The Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks (PSOTO) today announced its featured speakers and an exclusive comedy performance for the 2026 Psychedelic Freedom Conference, themed “Knowledge for the Front Lines,” taking place October 3, 2026, at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom in Springfield, Missouri.
The announcement highlights keynote speaker Lt. Sarko Gergerian, alongside retired federal agent and bestselling author K.L. “Kemmi” Sadler, attorney Tarin S. Hale, Esq., and board-certified neurologist Dr. Ken Sharlin — plus a lunchtime comedy performance from award-winning comedian Shane Mauss.
Lt. Sarko Gergerian will open the conference with his keynote, “Awakening the Warrior to the Guardian: Psychedelics, Trauma, and the Future of Public Safety.” A law enforcement leader and mental health counselor with more than 15 years of frontline police experience, Gergerian is the co-founder of CLEAR (Community & Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery), an award-winning initiative that bridges policing and public health through compassionate crisis intervention, proactive outreach, and trauma-informed response. He was also showcased in Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind docuseries on Netflix, and a guest on the Joe Rogan Podcast.
K.L. “Kemmi” Sadler, a retired U.S. diplomat and federal law enforcement officer with more than 25 years of service, will present “Beneath the Badge: Moral Injury, Identity and the Journey Back to Self.” The #1 Amazon bestselling author of From the Badge to the Vine, Sadler walked the Camino de Santiago in 2026 carrying the names of 56 first responders lost to suicide, and founded Nona’s Way, a first-responder mental health awareness and storytelling project.
Tarin S. Hale, Esq., a practicing attorney for more than 30 years, will present “In Defense of Religious Use of Psychedelics.” Hale has focused his practice on the advocacy and defense of entheogenic plants, including helping a nurse facing prison time for growing psilocybin mushrooms and advising on religious protections for members of the psychedelic community.
Dr. Ken Sharlin, a board-certified neurologist and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, will present “The Bioenergetics of Neuroplasticity — The Science of Brain Repair.” The founder of Brain Tune Up!® and Sharlin Health & Neurology in Ozark, Missouri, Dr. Sharlin is the #1 bestselling author of The Healthy Brain Toolbox and has served as principal investigator on more than two dozen clinical trials.
Rounding out the day, Shane Mauss will bring his signature blend of science and stand-up to the conference with an exclusive lunchtime comedy performance, “TRIPS: Third Dose.” Mauss is an award-winning comedian known for his appearances on Comedy Central, Conan, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and as host of the Here We Are podcast, where he interviews scientists about life’s biggest questions. He will also moderate the conference’s ayahuasca panel, “Wisdom of the Vine: Ayahuasca, Transformation, and the Journey Beyond the Ceremony.”
With the conference just weeks away, a limited number of premiere sponsorship opportunities remain. PSOTO is extending a final invitation for aligned businesses to join this year’s event as a Sacred Mycelium Sponsor ($2,500) or Lunch Sponsor ($2,000). Both tiers pair a high visibility presence with prominent recognition across the conference and its marketing — placing your brand directly beside the leaders, clinicians, advocates, and community members shaping the next chapter of psychedelic-informed wellness in the Ozarks. For organizations whose values align with responsible dialogue, education, and community healing, this is a meaningful way to stand with — and reach — the people on the front lines. Interested businesses are invited to apply at www.psychedelicsoto.org before the remaining spots are filled.
“Our goal with this conference is to bring credible education and meaningful conversation to the people on the front lines of this rapidly evolving field. By bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, first responders, veterans, policymakers, and community members, we’re creating a space where knowledge can lead to greater understanding, safer practices, and real-world impact,” said Joshua Wahba, President and Chairman of the Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks.
Tickets and the full conference schedule are available at www.psychedelicsoto.org.
The Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks (PSOTO) is a Missouri-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering education, community connection, advocacy, and responsible dialogue surrounding psychedelics and consciousness exploration. Through educational events, community gatherings, and its annual conference, PSOTO works to create informed conversations that support healing, personal growth, and public understanding.
The 2026 conference, “Knowledge for the Front Lines,” takes place October 3, 2026, at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom in Springfield, Missouri.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joshua Wahba, President
Email: president@psychedelicsoto.org
Website: www.psychedelicsoto.org
