#157 - Marian Goodell et al: Inside Burning Man’s Worst Case Scenario

Life is a Festival

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?

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