Burning Man LIVE

Burning Man Project
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Oct 30, 2025 • 46min

Architecture as Poetry

“I think therefore I am.” ~DescartesJohn Jennifer adds: I care therefore we are… and you cannot think your way to ‘we’John Jennifer is a poet, an architect, and a cultural instigator. He helped create The Museum of No Spectators which includes Burning Man art of snark and social justice, but no velvet ropes. He’s a paradox embracer. In a world of binaries, he asserts that between black and white is not a gradient of gray; between black and white is all the conceivable colors.Hear him philosophize about different styles of art and artists, from avant garde to architecture, from Salvador Dalí to Frank Lloyd Wright. They explore how a glittery clothespin alligator and a museum-grade sculpture both share the humanity of the giver.They explore playa art — genre-defying, genre-defining — and the value of both fine art and participatory art at Burning Man.They explore how creative expression went from being seen as a hobby to a human need, and how creative community proliferates.Listen in on their profound and playful chat. 🎙️🔥form4inc.com/person/johnmarxmuseumofnospectators.com   LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG
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Oct 16, 2025 • 59min

Ranger Keeper - Frontier Principal

She’s a longtime senior leader of the Black Rock Rangers and the principal of the Gerlach K-12 School. Keeper lives year-round in Gerlach, one of the smallest and most remote towns in the US, and the closest community to Black Rock City.In this storytelling episode, she shares her unique perspective on blending the worlds of Burning Man and rural life.She tells the tales of keeping the town’s school open after the local mine closed, transforming it into an all-ages institution of families. She shares about how locals offer a year-round outpost for helping townsfolk and visitors stay safe and thrive.Keeper’s dual roles—Ranger and Principal—are deeply informed by the principles of Gifting, Civic Responsibility, and Radical Inclusion. Woven in is the philosophy of building supportive environments where everyone feels they “belong here.” How? And how does a school that is barely on the map support its kids to be local ambassadors and worldly humans?Hear how now! And in the words of Ranger Keeper (and Bill & Ted), be excellent to each other!Black Rock RangersIf you’re curious about Ranger learnings, check out the publicly available Ranger Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Training on Burning Man Hive.gerlach.washoeschools.netRanger Takes Gerlach School from Remote Town to National Stage (Burning Man Journal)Class Trip to Black Rock City (Burning Man Journal)burningman.org Gerlach Black Rock Station LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG
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Oct 4, 2025 • 37min

Black Rock Observatory - From the Playa to the Planets

Robin and Zoom Newhouse, father-son duo and astronomy enthusiasts, lead the Black Rock Observatory at Burning Man. They chat about transforming the desert into a cosmic hub with telescopes showcasing planets and deep-sky wonders. Their meteorite museum, housing ancient rock samples, and engaging space talks with renowned scientists make the observatory a unique educational space. They also discuss their passion for inspiring kids and explore the intriguing fusion of science and spirituality, all while sharing awe-inspiring experiences that connect humanity to the universe.
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Sep 17, 2025 • 44min

20 Years of Mutant Vehicles - Jon Sarriugarte & Zolie

Recorded in Black Rock City, you can hear the grainy gravitas of their voices...For decades now, Jon Sarriugarte, Kyrsten Mate, their daughter and their team build mobile art. From a meter maid cart turned space shuttle, to a custom copper retro fire snail on wheels, their creations make up part of BRC's moving landscape. They built a trilobite to ride, a gilded golden zeppelin car, and a noir submarine buggy.Then there are the Serpent Twins. Back in 2011, when the playa glowed with now outdated EL wire, these 50-foot long slithering dragons rippled with color from a touch of their LED skin.What about this green insect rocket?Project: EMPIRE returned to BRC with more sights, sounds, and stories. It’s a NASA spaceship and a giant bug, a bewildering blend of art, engineering, and a delightfully conspiratorial backstory…On playa we tracked down Jon and his daughter Zolie who has been Burning her entire life. They shared stories of the absurd early days, and the adventure of navigating the desert in a two-ton masterpiece. We talked about bringing radical self-reliance to the default world, and the mechanics of a legacy built, piece by painstaking piece, in the name of art.formandreform.com/empire-of-dirtwww.jonsarriugarte.comprojectempire.orgoilpunk.com20 Years of Mutant Vehicles (Burning Man Journal) LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG
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Aug 22, 2025 • 60min

Desert Arts Preview - Hear the Stories

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!
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21 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 9min

Pro Tips for Black Rock City 2025

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.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 44min

Alexander Rose - Thought Experiments in Time

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.
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7 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 2min

AI in Art in Black Rock City

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.
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32 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 48min

Kevin Kelly - Optimists Create the Future

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.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 59min

Playa Music - From Bebop to Dubstep

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.

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