A Look into Conscious Journeys at SXSW

Alex Canterbury
SXSX 2025 - SJMC Student Media Coverage

As the conversation around psychedelics gains mainstream traction, South by Southwest is set to host compelling discussions on the topic, including the intersection of these powerful substances with the world of travel. Titled "Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Travel," this fireside chat at SXSW 2025 will feature lifestyle journalist Michaela Trimble and communications consultant Eva McGarry, who will delve into the nuances and insights of this emerging trend.

 McGarry reached out to Trimble in 2016 to pitch stories about hotels. Nine years down the line, their friendship holds true and they’re sharing the SXSW stage together.

Trimble approaches this topic from a storytelling angle, emphasizing the importance of portraying the psychedelic experience with accuracy and care. 

"It's like a double trip almost in a sense,” Trimble said. “Not only are you literally going somewhere else like traveling, but you're literally going somewhere else inside." 

Her work focuses on the human experience related to travel and the search for personal growth, which naturally led her to explore the world of psychedelics. She aims to present a realistic view, acknowledging that these experiences are not a "24-hour fix" but rather a door to deeper understanding and healing.

McGarry, with a background in public relations, non-profits and experience in the psychedelic industry at veteran retreat centers, will offer a pragmatic and ethical viewpoint. Having worked with drug development companies, as well, she is deeply involved in the policy side of things. Her concern lies with ensuring safety, proper integration and responsible practices within psychedelic tourism. She is also interested in the potential for these experiences to catalyze change in society. That said, there’s an importance of understanding that psychedelics are not a panacea, and McGarry had highlighted Trimble’s belief that it is key for responsible journalism to paint the most realistic picture of the story.

The chat will address several key themes:

  • The merging of travel and psychedelics: The speakers will explore how the physical
    journey of travel and the internal journey of psychedelic experiences create a unique
    opportunity for self-discovery.
  • Ethical considerations: Discussions will revolve around how to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals participating in psychedelic retreats, as well as how to support local communities in a way that is mutually beneficial. The conversation will also touch upon the potential for exploitation and the importance of respecting and giving back to the local communities where these retreats occur.
  • The role of media: Both speakers will emphasize the responsibility of journalists and
    other media professionals to present balanced narratives that avoid romanticizing the experience while acknowledging the potential benefits. They aim to convey the nuances of psychedelic experiences, including potential harms and the work required for integration.
  • Conscious Travel: The speakers aim to encourage listeners to consider the impact of
    their travel choices on themselves and on others. They hope to highlight the potential for powerful stories to create positive change.
     

"Everyone will hear what they need to hear," McGarry said, underscoring the subjective nature of these experiences and the many lenses through which they can be interpreted.


SXSW attendees are invited to join this insightful conversation. The "Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Travel" fireside chat promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that offers a 360-degree view of this complex and evolving topic. The discussion will take place on March 8 at 10 a.m. in Room 201-202 of the JW Marriott.