Stuart Mangrum, Director of the Burning Man Project’s Philosophical Center and a veteran of the Cacophony Society, dives deep into his eclectic journey through Burner culture. He shares wild stories from early Black Rock City, including publishing the Black Rock Gazette and crafting absurd themes like the Church of the Ham. Stuart also humorously tackles conspiracies, reflecting on his military background and survival training. Through it all, he emphasizes the principles of decommodification and the transformative spirit of the playa.