Burning Man LIVE

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of art at Black Rock City. Discover the creative journeys behind 12 stunning installations, including the transformative Sphinx Gate and the emotional Pillar of Potolo. Hear how art fosters community healing and self-discovery, while addressing profound themes like resilience and sustainability. Delve into personal stories, the challenges of motherhood in an artistic landscape, and the merging of spirituality with modern technology. It's a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration!

Guests Molly, also known as DJ Toil, and Andie Grace, known as Action Girl, share their vast experiences since the '90s at Black Rock City. They reveal pro tips for thriving at Burning Man in 2025, discussing sock secrets and managing FOMO. The duo emphasizes the importance of giving, accepting help, and nurturing relationships among campmates. Humor and wisdom blend in their tales of preparation, safety tips for tent setups, and the transformative power of participation and observation in this vibrant community.

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Rose, former executive director of The Long Now Foundation and current innovator at Automattic, shares his unique vision for the future. He talks about creating a library for Black Rock City, which serves as an ephemeral resource for civilization. Rose delves into the importance of long-term thinking, the fascinating 10,000-Year Clock project, and the cultural significance of literature, blending nostalgia for the past with innovative hopes for the future. His insights on community and tradition at Burning Man are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

In this illuminating discussion, guests Dr. Jukka-Pekka Heikkilä, who leads the Burning Stories project, Kiana Kaiser, an AI researcher from Switzerland, and Chad Elish, creator of the Verse-O-Matic poetry camera, dive into AI's transformative role in art at Black Rock City. They explore how AI shifts storytelling, amplifies voices, and enhances creativity while addressing ethical concerns. With personal stories being transformed into unique dialogues, the conversation reveals the beautiful interplay between technology and human expression in a vibrant community.

Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired Magazine and a visionary futurist, discusses his radical optimism for the future. He critiques prevalent narratives of utopia and dystopia, introducing the idea of 'protopia'—a focus on incremental progress. The conversation spans the impact of AI on society, the cultural significance of Burning Man, and the power of storytelling to inspire optimism. Kelly encourages a shift towards continuous learning and adaptability as key components for navigating and shaping a brighter future.

Jesse Houck, also known as The Scumfrog, shares his 13 years of DJing at Burning Man, discussing how the festival reshapes DJ culture into something extraordinary. Neil Kelly, The Professor and camp lead at Playa Jazz Cafe, recounts the improvisational magic of jazz in the desert. They dive into the eclectic musical landscape of Black Rock City, from thumping EDM to soulful jazz, illustrating the vibrant community spirit. Their anecdotes highlight the transformative power of music, capturing the unique blend of spontaneity and collaborative expression that defines the Playa.

Leo is a pioneering light artist, bringing teams and tech together to activate buildings, bridges, and bastions. He started Burning in 1994, founded Disorient camp, and is part of Black Rock City every year.Here he shares his journey from crafting a single beacon at his tent to leading monumental art projects that reshaped skylines. He illuminated the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, the historic bridges of London, and projects everywhere from NYC to Tokyo.Join Leo and Stuart on how the open-source innovation of BRC impacts the default world. Leo shares his process for conjuring tech, from customizing LED fixtures to coding sequences. He describes how artists can engage with their communities outside of their comfort zones. He tells stories of the convening power of photons as an artistic medium, as a digital campfire for all.Hear him flip the switch, and stay until the brilliant end.villareal.net/biovillareal.net/urban-scale-artworksburningman.org/about/board-of-directors/#LeoVillarealdisorient.info LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG

Marisa Winter, a seasoned leader of Thunderdome in Black Rock City, shares over two decades of insights from her experiences in the iconic theme camp. She discusses the art of letting people learn from non-permanent mistakes and emphasizes the importance of community involvement. The dynamics of leadership come alive as she talks about making tough decisions quickly to attract the right individuals. With humorous tales of chaotic interactions and the concept of 'gentile violence,' Marisa offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Thunderdome, combining showmanship with invaluable life lessons.

Harley K Dubois, Founder & Chief Cultural Officer at Burning Man, dives into the enchanting world of theme camps. She shares insights into their history and legacy, emphasizing the blend of communal effort and self-expression that makes them unique. Through personal anecdotes and discussions on the creative dynamics of camp placements, the importance of collaboration shines. The conversation also touches on maintaining environmental responsibility and the joy of interactive experiences that deepen connections at Black Rock City.

Solar power is simple now, thanks in part to Burners who gift the power of the sun. The Burners in this episode also gift steamed rolls with savory fillings, called bao — so much delicious bao.The theme camp “Bao Chicka Wow Wow” has been a part of Black Rock City for a decade. Its campmates share the prosperity of bao with artist groups, volunteer teams, and participants lucky enough to find their camp or their pop-up “restaurant row,” all powered by custom solar kits.David Hau (Chairman Bao), Marcus De Paula (Next Level), and their campmates also refined their solar systems to power a charging station for EVs and e-Mutant Vehicles. They share their learnings with neighboring camps, the Temple Builders Guild, and us right here in this episode.This is how to wean off gas generators, or bring more power to your offerings at BRC, your Regional event, your home, or even the collapse of civilized civilization. This conversation is lively and informative. It’s a feel-good story set for foodies and those of us growing into gifting and solar energy.BaoChickaWowWow.comGoGridSystems.comBurning Man 2025: Tomorrow TodayBurning Man Inspires Sustainable Solutions Worldwide (Burning Man Journal)Net Zero Black Rock City 2022 LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG