Episodit
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In a world beset by tragedy its important to learn how to grieve.
If you donât feel your feelings youâre going to have problems, but how exactly should we tend to our grief? Today, we are welcoming back Camille Barton to celebrate the publication of their first book, Tending Grief: Embodied Rituals for Holding Our Sorrow and Growing Cultures of Care and Community. In our conversation today, you'll learn how untended grief can have harmful consequences.
We begin with one of my favorite topics: healing culture and the difference between grief and the ubiquitous concept of trauma. We explore how Camille's journey, from rave culture to recovering from an abortion, led to writing this book. We touch on colonization, the idea that hurt people hurt people, and how, at some point, we were all colonized. We discuss the limits of psychedelic medicine and delve into something Camille calls the Void. Lastly, we cover the Dagara people's grief-tending practices and Camille's grief rituals, including how to make a grief altar.
Camille Sapara Barton is a writer, artist, and embodied social justice facilitator dedicated to creating networks of care and livable futures. As a facilitator, consultant, and curator, their work spans grief, pleasure, and drug policy. Camille is certified in the Resilience Toolkit and developed the GEN Grief Toolkit. Based in Amsterdam, they directed the Ecologies of Transformation masterâs program at the Sandberg Institute from 2021 to 2023. Camilleâs recently book "Tending Grief," explores collective grief and its impact on communities.
Links:
Camille Barton Tending Grief Cami | Embodied Ethics, Grief, Dance & Harm Redux Decolonize Your Body â Life is a Festival #85Timestamps
(04:15) - Grief, trauma, and healing culture (15:30) - How Camille came to writing their book from rave culture to recovering from an abortion (23:45) - Colonization: hurt people hurt people (43:45) - Limitations in psychedelic medicine (50:00) - The Void (1:01:00) - How the Dagara people tend grief (1:09:15) - How to make a grief altar -
Tina Nance, yin yoga and embodiment specialist returns to Life is a Festival to share her evolving ideas around gender, trauma healing, and embodiment.
In today's episode, we continue our exploration of gender and sexuality. We dive into processing trauma within the nervous system and whether a finite amount of psychological "garbage" needs to be processed for healing. Our conversation spans mythopoetic femininity through the lens of the Egyptian pantheon and masculinity through archetypes. We also discuss the contentious concept of the divine feminine, polarities of masculine and feminine energies, menstruation from a mythopoetic viewpoint and the Yang of Kuan Yin .
Tina Nance brings over 25 years of experience in yoga practice and nearly two decades of teaching globally through classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings. She is the founder of Held: School of Embodied Self Integration, focusing on yoga therapy, yin yoga, restorative yoga, and techniques for nervous system regulation and trauma integration. A prominent figure at The Yoga Barn in Bali, Tina leads extensive training programs and is currently developing the Held Online Yoga and Embodiment School. Tina holds advanced qualifications in yoga therapy, health sciences, and various therapeutic modalities.
Links:
Tina Nance Tina Nance on Instagram Tina Nance on Yoga Barn ONLINE Life is a Festival: Embodiment Practices for Healing TraumaTimestamps:
(06:00) - Processing trauma in the nervous system (19:00) - Embodying the mythopoetic feminine through the Egyptian pantheon (25:00) - What does it mean to be a man? (36:30) - The problem with the divine feminine (45:30) - Masculine & Feminine or Yin and Yang (52:00) - Mythopoetic menstruation (58:00) - The Yang of Kwan Yin and the trans movement (1:08:00) - HELD: Tinaâs newest offering -
Puuttuva jakso?
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Today's episode is about love and all its messy colors. Guinevere Rhonwen & Lizz Larouge created the festival Colours of Love on the island d of Koh Phangan as their wedding celebration and continued it even as they were separating.
In this episode, we explore how they embraced love while parting ways at the place of their union. We cover a wide range of topics, including the festival's nature, whether it could be dubbed a "big gay wedding," the influence of female leadership on festival culture, and the concept of celebrating separation. We also touch on cultural sensitivity and the complexities of hosting events in foreign cultures, as seen through Guinevere and Lizzâs experiences in Thailand.
As founders of Colours of Love and the musical duo Wild Sirenda, Lizz and Guinevere share insights into the festival's upcoming iteration and their shared dreams. This episode is a testament to love's complexity. I hope it will help you embrace all the various shades of love in your own life.
Links
Colours of Love Colours of Love (@wearecoloursoflove) Wild Sirenda (@wildsirenda) Wild SirendaTimestamps
(05:00) - The messy colors of love (16:00) - Was it a Big Gay Wedding (25:30) - A Womanâs Touch (32:00) - Celebration of Separation (40:00) - How to Choose Love (46:00) - Why Koh Phangan (51:00) - Cultural sensitivity -
I've never had so many requests for guests to return to the show as I have for Sami and Sharon.
As you may recall, a few days after the events of October 7th, I asked Midburn co-founder and artivist Sharon Avraham, and his Palestinian theme camp co-lead, peace activist Sami Awad, to come on the show and share their immediate experience. Much has happened since then, and many of you have wanted an update from these two friends.
You will be happy to know that they are involved in an ambitious peace project called the Lighthouse, which they share on the show today. We start with the role of the spiritual community amidst conflict and the impact of conflict on personal relationships. We talk about the reality of violence and hope for change in the region and the role of the festival community in peace efforts. Then we get into this ambitious Lighthouse Project, which is really a vision for peace in the Middle East taking place outside of the Middle East. It gets a lot of inspiration from other movements, specifically from Tamera, which was showcased on the last episode, a healing biotope in Portugal. We discuss the three pillars of the Lighthouse. They have a very clear map for what they're trying to do there. And we discuss the challenges of building the Lighthouse and how you, dear listener, can get involved.
Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn and the Fugara art collective, uses photography and installations to explore human connections. A passionate artist-activist, he's collaborated with Palestinian Peace Activists, documenting and bridging diverse realities. His works span from intimate portraiture to broader social narratives. Sami Awad is the Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust and is deeply influenced by his family's history in Palestine and teachings of nonviolent resistance. Educated in the U.S., he holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and promotes global peace.
Links
The Lighthouse ProjectTimestamps
(07:00) The Role of the Spiritual Community Amidst Conflict (10:30) The Impact of Conflict on Personal Relationships (16:30) The Reality of Violence and the Hope for Change (23:00) The Role of the Festival Community in Peace Efforts (32:00) The Lighthouse Project: A Vision for the Future (38:00) Inspiration from Tamera (43:00) The Three Pillars of the Lighthouse (1:00:00) The Challenges of Building the Lighthouse (01:10:30) The Role of the Burning Man Community -
Does open relating always lead to polyagony? Or is there a way to heal the wounds of gender and experience love free from fear?
Today we are revisiting an episode originally released in 2019 with Ian McKenzie and Julia Maryanska about the Love School at Tamera. Their documentary "Village of Lovers," will be available at a global streaming premiere on February 7th. We revisit this discussion about love, relationships, and intentional communities today in a new edit.
In this episode, we dissect the complex dynamics of free love, the challenges and solutions prototyped by Tamara, and the personal journeys of those seeking healing within communal witnessing. Julia shares her contrasting experiences between One Taste and Tamara, offering a unique perspective on sexuality-based communal living. We explore the significance of personal healing for collective benefit, especially in romantic relationships, and tackle the myths surrounding the concept of 'The One.' The conversation also navigates through the nuances of jealousy, brotherhood in romantic contexts, and establishing genuine connections beyond superficial narratives. We touch on sensitive topics like women's safety in polyamorous spaces and the political implications of healing gender relationships.
Ian MacKenzie is a filmmaker, writer, activist and host of the Mythic Masculine podcast. His films include Occupy Love, Amplify Her, and the Village of Lovers. Julia is a filmmaker who has worked on numerous award-winning documentaries. Her work re-imagines how we look at womenâs bodies, relationships and our approach to sensuality through video poetry, her other film UNION and her photographic project âSensual Surrealism.â Along with their co-director John Wolfstone, Julia and Ian are part of the filmmaker collective Re/Culture Films.
Discover the pioneering role of Tamara in addressing the intricate challenges of love and connection in Village of Lovers, available on February 7th.
Links
The Village of Lovers - What Will It Take To Regenerate Trust? A Cry From the Future - Free Online Summit Feb 10-14 Tamera Peace Research & Education Center in Portugal Julia Maryanska Julia Maryanska (@juliamaryanska) IAN MACKENZIE | New Paradigm Visionary Artist Ian MacKenzie (@ian.mackenz)Timestamps
(09:30) - The Origin and Evolution of Tamara (12:00 )- Contrasting the One Taste and Tamara (17:00) - Personal Healing in Witness and Service of the Collective (27:30) - Free Love and the Myth of the One (34:00) - We Canât All Live in Tamara (41:00) - Eros and Eco Villages (43:00) - Dealing with Jealousy (48:00) - Making Contact by Dropping Your Story (58:00) - Womanâs Safety in Polyamorous Spaces (1:06:00) - The Personal is Political: Healing Gender Relationships -
In Part Two of our Taoist sexuality series, focusing on womanâs bodyâs and yin principles, I speak with the Senior Womanâs Instructor at Tao Garden, Gillian Reid.
Gillian shares her insights on yin and yang energy, self-love, and intimacy. Beginning each day with gratitude and stretching, she highlights the importance of focusing on the heart and finding balance in one's daily activities. She also discusses how to harness one's energy using principles of Taoism, including the microcosmic orbit and the jade egg practice. Reid shares the ways in which Taoism views the use of psychedelics and sexual fantasy, emphasizing the principle of cultivating and conserving one's own energy. Reid imparts valuable wisdom on embracing and working with contrasting energies in relationships and personal experiences. She also announces her upcoming online workshop aimed at women who want to learn more about these practices.
Gillian Reid is trained in Tai Chi under Master Franco Mescola, with significant contributions to the Tai Chi Research Centre and Metodo Biospirali. Her journey in internal arts like Qigong, Taijiquan, and various martial forms has been transformative, guiding her to help others achieve health and spiritual growth. Trained by Grandmaster Mantak Chia, she has become a Senior Instructor and Holistic Operator of the Universal Healing Tao System. Gillian also serves as the Italian Coordinator and Organizer for the Tao Garden community.
Links:
Gillian Reidâs Website - Biotaolife Gillian Reid instructor profile - Tao Garden Tao GardenTimestamps:
(06:58) Understanding the Taoist Approach to Energy (08:28) Exploring Personal Energy and Work-Life Balance (10:28) Journey into Tai Chi and Spiritual Growth (14:28) Influence of Master Franco Mascala and Biospirals (25:42) Understanding Yin and Yang in Modern Context (39:14) Understanding the Microcosmic Orbit (40:02) The Benefits of Jade Egg Practice (42:20) The Impact of Kersai Massage (45:02) Yin and Yang in Relationships (49:27) The Role of Daily Practice and the Taoist Perspective on Psychedelics (55:16) Exploring Sexual Fantasy and BDSM in Taoism (58:39) The Importance of Cultivating Energy and the Future of Taoist Practices -
Guys, have you ever wished that instead of ejaculating and falling asleep, you could shoot orgasmic energy up the back of your spine to revitalize your mind and experience rolling orgasms? Well, it turns out there's an ancient Taoist practice that teaches just that, and all it takes is a bit of training.
After an erotic detox last year, I embarked on a pilgrimage to the renowned Tao Garden, located just outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, to learn from Master Mantak Chia. Master Chia, a celebrated Taoist teacher, is best known for his book "The Multi-Orgasmic Man" and his expertise in the alchemy of erotic energy.
In our conversation, we start with the basics of Qi and Five Elements Theory, delve into Mantakâs journey from Christianity to Taoism, and discuss how to cycle erotic energy using the microcosmic orbit. We also examine the release of stagnation through the controversial kersai treatment and conclude with the Three Gates technique, a Taoist method for pleasing a woman. The discussion wraps up with a Taoist perspective on psychedelics, sex addiction, and spiritual growth.
Mantak Chia is not only a Taoist master but also a globally recognized spiritual teacher. He has authored over sixty books, including the bestseller "The Multi-Orgasmic Man.â He is the founder of both Tao Garden in Thailand and the Universal Healing Taoist System and has shared his knowledge with hundreds of thousands of students worldwide for over fifty years.
This episode is the first of a two-part series on Sexual Kung Fu, focusing on yang - the male perspectives and experiences. The subsequent episode will offer a balance with yin, delving into the feminine experience. Remember, this exploration transcends gender binaries and invites all to learn from both perspectives.
Links:
Master Mantak Chia Mantak Chia & Universal Healing Tao Tao Garden Grandmaster Mantak Chia (@mantak_chia) The Multi-Orgasmic ManTimestamps:
(12:30) - Qi Gong and Five Elements Theory (17:00) - How Mantak Chiaâs Christianity influenced his Taoist teaching (23:00) - Yin/Yang, Masculine/Feminine, and genderfluidity (28:30) - The Microcosmic Orbit (33:30) - Kersai treatment (36:30) - Taoist perspective on sexual addiction (40:00) - The Three Gates for pleasing a woman (44:00) - Do psychedelics have a place in Taoism? -
Lately I've noticed a curious trend: many of my female friends, particularly those from the Burning Man community, are exploring a path of sexual healing by becoming Professional Dommes. To shed light on this phenomenon, I spoke to Colette Pervette, a professional dominatrix and the mentor behind MistressClass, an immersive program designed to guide women into the realm of becoming a dominatrix.
In this episode, we explore the origins and motivations behind kink and Colette and I role play a man seeking the services of a dominatrix. Our discussion ranges from the potential for burnout, to contrasting male and female doms, and the intricate dynamics of power in BDSM. Colette shares the intersection of kink and Buddhism, the experience of participating in one of her Mistress Classes, and the empowering role of a coven in teaching BDSM. As our conversation progresses, we become aware of a power dynamic unfolding between us, offering valuable insights for us both.
Colette, a professional Dominatrix with over 18 years of experience, combines deep practice and theoretical understanding of BDSM into an alchemical, spiritual approach to kink. With a Ph.D. in Education from UC Berkeley, she focuses on dispelling misconceptions about kink and alternative sexuality through her teaching and writing. As an Educatrix, she instructs women and couples in the art of FemDom and BDSM, guiding them to discover and wield their personal power. Her online course, MistressClass, offers an immersive journey into becoming a Dominatrix, helping hundreds of women and femmes step into their full power and authority.
Links
Colette Pervette Colette Pervette, PhD (@colettepervette)Timestamps
(10:30) - Why are all my friends becoming Professional Dommes? (12:00) - The childhood seeds of Colette Pervette (17:45) - Does kink come from the Collective Unconscious (26:45) - What type of person visits a Dominatrix? (32:00 - Do you get burnt out as a Pro Dommes? (36:00) - The difference between a male Pro Dommes and a Dominatrix (41:30) - What is a power dynamic? (46:00) - Kink and Buddhism (51:00) - The Dom is subconscious and the sub is self-conscious (55:30) - The power of a coven for teaching BDSM (1:00:30) - How can men support -
Today we're immersing into immersive experience design through one of the world's most iconic theatrical experiences, Sleep No More. Joining the production right out of college, my guest Ilana Gilovich-Wave is now Sleep No Moreâs Chief Storyteller.
In todayâs episode, I chat with Ilana about Sleep No More, immersive experience design, and carving out a path as a young artist. We also delve into how Ilanaâs career path can inspire those just starting out. We cover advice for young creatives in experience design and explore Punchdrunk's unique approach, which includes utilizing derelict buildings and the anonymity afforded by their signature masks. We discuss the productionâs blend of Shakespeare and Hitchcock, and why effective experience design is inherently transformational. We conclude with a deep dive into ephemerality and the impact of impermanent experiences. This episode traverses a range from the erotic to the concept of death, mirroring a Shakespearean journey in its own right.
Sleep No More is a production by the British theater company Punchdrunk, the brainchild of directors Felix Barrett, Maxine Doyle, and the entire Punchdrunk team. It's currently running in New York City until February 25th, 2024.
Links
Ilana Gilovich-Wave Ilana Gilovich~Wave (@lanzyponz) Sleep No MoreTimestamps
(10:00) - Donât say Macbeth (13:30) - Advice to young creatives who want to get into experience design (21:15) - Dynamic ingredients from derelict buildings to attendee masks (30:30) - The marriage of Shakespeare and Hitchcock through movement (40:15) - Why good experience design is transformational (50:15) - Death and the potency and ephemerality -
Apparently, ancient Ireland was like the Amazon, with impenetrable forests navigable only by rivers, deep mysticism, and its very own indigenous medicine, the psychedelic Liberty Cap mushrooms. Today on the show, recorded in Southern Ireland, Iâm speaking with Darragh Stewart. Darragh is not only a molecular biologist and a passionate advocate of Celtic mysticism and Irish culture, but he's also the co-founder and scientific lead facilitator at Inward Bound, one of the world's first psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands.
Our conversation is particularly special as it comes after an unforgettable adventure in Ireland. Being of Irish ancestry myself and visiting Ireland for the first time, I was fortunate to have Darragh guide me through sacred sites in the southern part of the country. Join us as we share insights from our travels and how we incorporate the essence of festivals into our lives.
During the show, Darragh and I delve into the ancestral pain of the Irish and compare ancient Ireland to the Amazon. We explore the use of Liberty Cap psychedelic mushrooms as indigenous medicine in Ireland, discuss the Irish School of Shamanic Studies, and recount our journey through sacred sites. Lastly, we talk about Darraghâs work with Inward Bound psychedelic retreats.
Dr. Darragh Stewart, a Ph.D. molecular biologist, is a passionate advocate of Celtic mysticism and Irish culture. He is the Co-founder and Scientific Lead Facilitator at Inward Bound, one of the world's first legal pioneering psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands, and is deeply involved in menâs work.
Links
Inwardbound: Irish, Celtic Psychedelic Psilocybin Retreats Dr. Darragh Stewart PhdTimestamps
(08:00) - The ancestral pain of the Irish (15:30) - Ancient Ireland was like the Amazon (19:00) - Liberty Cap Mushrooms are the Indigenous Medicine of Ireland (28:00) - Dunderry, the Irish School of Shamanic Studies (32:00) - Darraghâs, the PhD biologistâs, first Irish mushroom (44:00) - Our journey through Irish sacred sites (52:00) - Darraghâs Inward Bound psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands -
On October 7th, Natalie Sanandaji, a Persian Jew from New York, attended a psytrance festival, to dance and feel the acceptance she only finds among her fellow peace-loving trancers. The events of that day and what has followed are deeply etched in our global consciousness. Today on Life is a Festival, Natalie tells her story.
Our conversation today isnât about sensational details or moral positions. Instead, Natalie and I have deliberately chosen to focus exclusively on the experience of a young person caught in an unbelievable situation. For those seeking an Israeli and Palestinian dialogue, I recommend my previous episode with Midburn co-founder Sharon Avraham and Palestinian peace activist Sami Awad who handle the topic with love and grace. The point of todayâs talk is to illustrate how one young woman is transforming terror into service and to recognize the extraordinary courage and care of the good souls of the Tribe of Nova.
On the show, Natalie shares the unique magic of psytrance in fostering acceptance and peace and we pay tribute to the souls lost at the Nova festival. Natalie recounts the harrowing experience of making choiceless choices in the face of terror, how she's psychologically processing the attack, and her emergence as a leader and spokesperson, including her involvement in a New York fundraiser for victims where we first met.
Natalie, an Iranian Jew born and raised in New York, is a survivor of the Nova Festival Hamas terror attack. She hosts the Person Girl Podcast where she and her cohost Millie Efraim discuss topics deemed taboo in the Persian Community and interview a wide range of guests who offer a new perspective.
Links
ĆĂ€tööƥh đ«¶đœ Ś ŚŚŚ (@nataliesanandaji) Persian Girl Podcast Persian Girl Podcast (@persiangirlpodcast) Sharon Avraham & Sami Awad: The Prayers of an Israeli and a Palestinian BurnerTimestamps
(06:30): Natalieâs Persian Girl Podcast (11:00): The special magic of a psytrance festival (17:30): The good souls of the Tribe of Nova (27:30): Natalieâs out of body experience and making choiceless choices (37:00): What itâs like to run from terror (44:30): Rescued by a hero in a white pickup truck (51:00): The rise of anti-semitism after the attack (57:30): Howâs Natalie doing⊠really -
In light of the recent tragic events in Israel, particularly the horrific attack at Nova festival, I wanted to offer the global festival community a conversation centered on hope. Today's Life is a Festival episode features Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn, and his theme camp co-producer, Palestinian activist Sami Awad, as they extend a call for healing.
On the show we discuss Midburn, Israel's Burning Man regional event, and Samiâs dedication to nonviolence. The two talk about their joint camp for Israelis and Palestinians at Midburn, reflect on Supernova's heartbreaking events, and share their hopes for the global community's response. Ultimately, we examine how festivals can present an alternative vision for connection and peace.
Midburn, the largest Burning Man regional event in the Middle East, blends the Hebrew term for "desert" with the English "burn.â This yearâs event which was set to take place in early November has been cancelled.
Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn and Fugara art collective, uses photography and installations to explore human connections. A passionate artist-activist, he's collaborated with Palestinian Peace Activists, documenting and bridging diverse realities. His works span from intimate portraiture to broader social narratives.
Sami Awad is the Executive Director of Holy Land Trust and is deeply influenced by his family's history in Palestine and teachings of nonviolent resistance. Educated in the U.S., he holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and promotes global peace.
Links
Midburn || ŚŚŚŚŚšŚ: Home Sharon Avraham Holy Land TrustTimestamps
(12:00) - Sharon co-creates Midburn (15:30) - Samiâs nonviolent activism (19:30) - Creating a camp for Israelis and Palestinians at Midburn (23:30) - The horror of attacking a festival (31:30) - How would Sharon and Sami like the global community respond? (38:00) - Why festivals and burns are the alternative -
Today we dive deep into the magical world of shenanigans â or immersive experience design for the uninitiated â with our guest, Tyler Hanson, the brain behind Kulturehaus, a trailblazing agency for festival immersive imagineers.
On the show, we explore the crucial role of humor in human survival. We take a historical journey of immersive art from the circus to vaudeville to Dada, to beatniks and hippies, and all the way to the Cacophony Society and Burning Man. Tyler shares how he became a Possibility Artist and the creation of Kulturehaus. We close by dissecting an extraordinary shenanigan, the Chapel of the Golden Promise. Join us for this playful conversation as we uncover the key ingredients and ultimate goals of crafting shenanigans.
Tyler Hanson, a renowned cultural engineer and visionary, has dedicated two decades to orchestrating innovative projects worldwide, blending imagination and reality. He has been pivotal in the inception and success of numerous startups, art shows, festivals, and real estate ventures, earning recognition as a producer, creative director, curator, and advocate for transformative change. Tyler founded Kulturehaus, a groundbreaking consulting agency from 2008-2020, creating unparalleled art experiences by connecting pioneering artists and ideas with integrated live events.
Links Kulturehaus "Flat Earth" Panel at Symbiosis 2016 Tales of the San Francisco Cacophony SocietyTimestamps
(09:00) - The value of humor for survival (15:00) - What is a shenanigan? (21:00) - From the circus to Vaudeville to DADA to Beatniks (28:00) - The Diggers, the death of the hippie and Emperor Norton (32:00) - Cacophony Society and Burning Man (38:00) - Kulturehaus and becoming a possibility artist (49:00) - The Chapel of the Golden Promise (59:00) - The ingredients of a good shenanigan (1:06:00) - The goals of shenanigans -
Burning Man 2023 was many things, most of which were not accurately portrayed in the media. We experienced a weather event that united us, tested our resilience, and sparked a renewed sense of purpose while also accelerating a critical examination of where Burning Man stands in the broader context of sustainability.
Today on the show, I've asked five different guests to help craft a comprehensive picture of the 2023 event, the state of our culture, and the future of Black Rock City.
(01:00) - Eamon's Intro (12:00) - Part 1: Katie Bain (Billboard): "Whimsy Is Reliance" | Katie Bain, Director of Billboard Dance, cuts through the media noise with her balanced and playful perspective on this year's Burning Man. (28:00) - Part 2: Katrina Gordon (Camp KISS): The Grasshopper Prepares | Katrina Gordon, one of the leads of my own Camp KISS, gives the nitty-gritty of camp management and resilience. (51:00) - Part 3: Emily Collins (Seven Circles): Burners of the World Unite! | Emily Collins, an environmental protester, challenges us to consider the ethical implications of such a large-scale event in the face of climate change. (1:14:00) - Part 4: Matthew Sundquist (Fly Ranch): A Slow Burn to Sustainability | Matt Sundquist, director of Fly Ranch, discusses the 2030 Sustainability Roadmap and using a Theory of Change approach to sustainability. (1:41:00) - Part 5: Marian Goodell (Burning Man Project): The Storm is our Portal to the Future | Co-founder and CEO of Burning Man shares her real-time decision-making and unique insights into Burning Man's evolution and its role in the broader climate conversation.Whether you're a seasoned Burner or a curious onlooker, today's episode promises to be a rollercoaster of emotion, insight, and, yes, a bit of whimsy. Because at the end of the day, we're all asking the same questions: In an age of climate uncertainty, should we be gathering for events like Burning Man? Or is it precisely these communal experiences that teach us resilience and keep our spirits high?
Links
Burning Man Project: 2030 Environmental Sustainability RoadMap Burning Man 2023: Relatively Normal, Honestly Great (Billboard) Thrival Guide RAVE REVOLUTION Fly Ranch - Burning Man Project Burning Man Sustainability Participation Opportunities Climate Change Is an Existential Threat to Black Rock City What is Theory of Change? -
Happy procrastination week, my fellow burners! In aid of my own procrastination, I've repurposed an early episode, which is still my favorite on the subject of Burning Man. In this interview, I discuss the philosophy of Black Rock City with Burning Manâs Philosopher Laureate, Caveat Magister (the pen name of Benjamin Wachs). Additionally, I offer a short excerpt from the book Iâve been writing.
On the show, we discuss what it means to burn, the power of gifting in building community, and how Burning Man doesn't necessarily need to be a transformative experience. We talk about how itâs okay to be miserable at Burning Man, delve into who âruined" Burning Man, and discuss whether Burning Man is primarily a "white people thing.â We wrap up with a deep dive into the 10 principles and their shadow opposites.
Caveat Magister is the Philosopher Laureate of the Burning Man Project. Before this role, he lived in a Buddhist monastery in India, covered international nightlife for Playboy.com, earned a master's degree in interdisciplinary linguistics, taught autobiographical writing to high school age students in prison, and was a founding member of Burning Man's Philosophical Center. Caveat has authored five books, including "The Scene That Became Cities," which offers a definitive look at Burning Man philosophy, and his most recent, "Turn Your Life into Art: Lessons in Psychomagic from San Francisco's Underground," a manual for creating transformative experiences. For more, visit www.FascinatingStranger.com.
Timestamps
04:00 - An excerpt from the book Iâve been working on 19:00 - What does it mean to Burn 23:00 - Giving gifts and building community 27:00 - Burning Man doesnât have to be transformational 37:00 - Itâs okay to be miserable at Burning Man 47:00 - A brief history of who ruined Burning Man 55:00 - Is Burning Man a white people thing? 1:06:00 - The 10 Principles as skills and their shadow oppositesLinks
Caveat Magister FASCINATING STRANGER The Scene That Became Cities by Caveat Magister A Brief History of Who Ruined Burning Man Is Burning Man a âWhite People Thing?â It's okay to be miserable at Burning Man -
My guest today is Max Stossel, an award-winning poet who was named by Forbes as one of the best storytellers of the year. Max and I are talking about one of my all-time favorite subjects: our relationship with the creative muse. You might learn a thing or two about getting unstuck creatively, but at the very least, you are about to hear some exceptional poetry.
The show opens with a candid discussion of authentic vulnerability. We discuss the creative process, how to use and break structure, and Max reads a poem about the muse as a lover. He describes the way you are your art's first customer. We explore techniques for getting unstuck creatively, such as parallel creative ventures and accountability. We also discuss artificial intelligence and creativity, and we end with a splendid poem from Max called "The Death of a Former Self."
Max is not only an award-winning poet but also a filmmaker and speaker. He serves as the youth and education advisor for the Center for Humane Technology, which is dedicated to realigning technology with humanity's best interests. His one-man show, "Words that Move," is available now.
Links:
Max Stossel: Words that Move Max Stossel (@maxstossel) âą Instagram photos and videos Death Of A Former Self Center for Humane TechnologyTimestamps:
:07 - The challenge of authentic vulnerability :22 - Using and breaking structure :30 - How to cultivate the muse :38 - A poem for the muse as lover :45 - You are your artâs first customer :56 - Getting unstuck with parallel creative ventures and accountability 1:01 - AI and creation 1:14 - Death of a Former Self -
Today's episode is dedicated to my dear friend, Eviatar Frankel, who died a week ago from complications related to a rare lymphoma. I was privileged to sit with Ev in a men's circle throughout his battle with cancer. Each week, and in countless private conversations, he displayed remarkable grace.
This podcast features readings from Eviatar's personal philosophy, deeply rooted in determinism, and includes two interviews. On the show we hear from Erica Dean, a mutual friend pivotal in Ev's care journey and a woman committed to the path of ceremonial medicine. We also welcome back my mentor and spiritual guide, Benjamin, who shared in the men's group experience with Ev. Additionally, we'll share a voice message from Eviatarâhumorous, playful, and insightfulâthat he sent to many friends after a potent experience in the hospital.
Rarely do individuals possess the courage, wisdom, or awareness to confront death with genuine presence. Yet, in Eviatarâs worldview, he perceived this opportunity for presence in the face of death as a gift. He approached his journey as a ceremony, and it was an incredible privilege for all of us to participate in that ceremony with him.
As the Yawanawa people say, âweak body, strong spirit.â
Eviatar, we cherish you. Thank you for gracing us with your wisdom, humor, and boundless joy.
Timestamps
:08 - Who Eviatar Frankel Was :16 - Eviatarâs Letter :23 - Evâs Principles on Waking :36 - The cancer journey as a ceremony :39 - Evâs voice memo from the hospital :56 - How to be helpful -
Psychedelic Science, the largest psychedelic conference in history, put on by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, has come and gone. Today, to recap this event and to emphasize the vital role of the trickster in the psychedelic movement, I'm speaking with Dennis Walker, the Instagram satirist well-known for his roastings of all things psychedelic.
In this episode, we explore the role of satire in holding social movements accountableâa necessity in our current times. We discuss the trickster archetype and Dennis, adopting his popular persona, the narcissistic neo-shaman Don Chad, recaps Psychedelic Science. We conclude our discussion with how humor keeps psychedelics entertaining and helps level the playing field.
Dennis Walker, our guest today, hosts the Mycopreneur podcast, which showcases and supports fungi entrepreneurs from around the globe. He's a contributing writer at Lucid News, and his popular Instagram channel frequently goes viral due to his candid satirizing of the psychedelic community.
Links:
Mycopreneur Mycopreneur Podcast (@mycopreneurpodcast) âPsychedelic Fascism: Too Big To Fail?â by Jamie WhealTimstamps
:12 - Dennis' San Francisco intro to psychedelics :16 - The role of satire in psychedelics :27 - The trickster archetype :37 - Don Chadâs Psychedelic Science Conference Recap :49 - How humor keeps psychedelics fun and levels the playing field -
Today on the show, I'm speaking with the Godfather of ketamine therapy, author of The Ketamine Papers, and creator of the ketamine lozenge, Dr. Phil Wolfson. This episode marks the first time Phil has shared his insights on this mercurial molecule for those who use it recreationally, or as he prefers to term it, "ground use." As Phil stresses on the show, he doesn't condone any illegal behavior and provides his comments strictly for educational purposes.
Our conversation starts with Phil's activist experiences in the sixties and his perspective on non-therapeutic use of psychedelics. He unpacks ketamine's unique signature as a dissociative anesthetic and its therapeutic value, specifically focusing on routes of administration. We navigate the realm of non-clinical, or shall I say, festival ketamine use. I had the chance to pose all my burning questions about Special K to Phil, including some of your questions from Instagram. We discuss whether there's a genuine difference between S and R isomers, if one should "spit the drip" to avoid bladder damage, and if frequent ketamine use leads to memory loss. Most importantly, we address the severity of ketamine dependency.
Dr. Wolfson serves as the President and CEO of the Ketamine Research Foundation and spearheads The Ketamine Training Center. He is the author of 'The Ketamine Papers' and 'Noe â A Father/Son Song of Love, Life, Illness, and Death.â He served as the Principal Investigator for the MAPS study on MDMA treatment for those with life-threatening illnesses. His substantial work in clinical psychiatry and psychedelic medicine spans decades, with interests reaching into politics, secular Buddhism, consciousness, and activism for social and ecological justice.
Links
Phil Wolfson, MD | Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Ketamine Research Foundation The Ketamine Training Center The Ketamine Papers: Science, Therapy, and Transformation Noe: A Father-Son Song of Love, Life, Illness, and Death Ketamine Testing Kit From DanceSafeTimestamps
:10 - Philâs experience in the 60s and the idea of ârecreationalâ substance use :23 - Ketamineâs unique dissociative signature :29 - S & R isomers and why ketamine experiences are so different and the story of the K-Hole :33 - Therapeutic ketamine use and routes of administration :47 - Equity & Access to psychedelics :58 - Is my party ketamine use therapeutic? 1:10 - Does ketamine cause issues with memory? -
Today on the show, I'm in conversation with Sophie Strand, the mistress of mycelial masculinity and author of The Flowering Wand. Healthy masculinity has been a passion of mine for years and it was an honor to learn from this neo-troubadour animist and her poetic insights.
During our discussion, we discuss the androgynous rockstar Dionysus, modern misunderstandings of Odysseus, and the theriomorphic archetype of masculinity. Sophie elucidates why healing is always relational and the role of the festival in helping to "wed our wounds to the earth." Sophie's central thesis is that the trouble with masculinity is that it is like a gut dysbiosis and what we need is to give the masculine a big probiotic hug.
Sophie Strand is a Hudson Valley-based writer who explores the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. She has authored a collection of essays titled âThe Flowering Wand: Lunar Kings, Lichenized Lovers, Transpecies Magicians, and Rhizomatic Harpists Heal the Masculine.â She also wrote âThe Madonna Secret,â an eco-feminist historical fiction that reimagines the gospels.
Links
Sophie Strand Sophie Strand (@cosmogyny) âą Instagram The Flowering Wand | Book by Sophie Strand The Madonna Secret | Book by Sophie StrandTimestamps
:06 - Androgynous rockstar Dionysus
:13 - Modern misunderstandings of Odysseus :21 - Why healing is relational :27 - The role of the festival in healing :34 - How we âwed our wounds to the Earthâ :39 - How do we heal masculinity :45 - Theriomorph (half man half human) - rich inheritance of masculinity 1:02 - How to learn like Sophie - Näytä enemmän
