Live From Burning Man Information Radio (Encore)

Explicit content warning

08/21/24 • 52 min

Today’s episode is an encore presentation of a show that aired live on Burning Man Information Radio (BMIR) in 2019 to get you all juiced up for this year’s dirt rave. It features a playful conversation about vulnerability, consent, the trickster, and instant manifestation with Jax, Wolverine, and David Block, the Human Experience.

Also, every year, I give a Harm Reduction talk at my camp. For the first fifteen minutes of this episode, I’m offering that information. Please check out more info about fentanyl adulteration, psychedelic peer support, and how to talk to cops at Burning Man in the links below.

If you need something to listen to on the ride, you can check out other Burning Man-related content from Life is a Festival here.

Have a great Burn! It’s better with you here!

Links

Timestamps

(06:00) Harm Reduction at Burning Man
(15:30) Live from BMIR(
23:00) Vulnerable shares
(30:50) Masculinity on Playa and performative vulnerability
(37:00) Trickster and Play
(43:00) Consent at Burning Man
(50:50) Instant Manifestation

If you need something to listen to on the ride, you can check out other Burning Man-related content from Life is a Festival here.

Have a great Burn! It’s better with you here!

Links

Timestamps

(06:00) Harm Reduction at Burning Man
(15:30) Live from BMIR(
23:00) Vulnerable shares
(30:50) Masculinity on Playa and performative vulnerability
(37:00) Trickster and Play
(43:00) Consent at Burning Man
(50:50) Instant Manifestation

Previous Episode

Chip Conley: Midlife is also a Festival

You know those pithy BuzzFeed listicles about being too old for music festivals? Well, the idea is rather silly. Festivals are multi-generational celebrations where children with glittering faces play alongside elders who share their wisdom. The adventure of a festival is enriched by all ages, much like how our lives are enriched by various stages and transformations. Today's episode is special because we have a returning guest, my longtime friend and mentor, Chip Conley. I used to work with Chip on Fest300, an online guide to the world's best festivals. Chip's latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age," is the focus of our conversation. Chip believes midlife is not a crisis but a chrysalis—a time for transformation and growth.

In our conversation, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of midlife. We discuss the concept of "successism," where societal pressure to achieve can lead to misery, and how to break free from this mindset. Chip shares his insights on embracing imperfection, continuing to love and learn, and viewing midlife as a transformative period akin to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. We also touch on mortality, as Chip reflects on his own journey with cancer and how it has shaped his perspective on aging. Throughout our discussion, Chip reaffirms his love for festivals, emphasizing their importance in our increasingly virtual world.

Chip's illustrious career includes founding the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, contributing to Airbnb's success, and creating the Modern Elder Academy, a wisdom school for midlife. His latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife," offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating this pivotal stage of life.

Links:

Timestamps:

(11:00) Breaking the spell of successism
(14:00) Don’t compare yourself to Tim Ferris ... or anyone for that matter
(23:30) To love being raw and imperfect
(29:30) The transformation of the Phoenix and the Butterfly
(32:45) Life is a festival because it ends
(42:30) The more virtual we get, the more ritual we need

Next Episode

Burning Man Isn't Cool Anymore

Today's podcast is in two parts: First, my reflections (rant) on Burning Man 2024, and second, a repost of my appearance on the Burning Man Live Podcast from a few years ago.

During my solocast, I celebrate recent changes in Burning Man, read from a short section of my upcoming book about the concept of cool, and share part of Caveat Magister’s piece about Burning Man passing the torch to the regional network. Finally, I share some changes in the Life is a Festival podcast moving forward.

On the Burning Man Live Podcast, I discuss Burning Man’s place in festival culture, the meaning of transformation, exploring masculinity, and what—at the time—I believed lies ahead for the global festival community.

Timestamps