Dispatch from the LA Fires

In this episode, we take a very personal look at the devastating LA fires, Burners stepping up to help, and the way our community shows up in moments of crisis. Today’s episode features a conversation with Burner Podcast regular Dr. Kim Perkins and her husband Ranger Philtopia, both Black Rock Rangers, as they reflect on their experience living just around the corner from the the Altadena burn perimeter.

Before that, you’ll hear a 15-minute call with Efrain Vega De Varona, who has been working tirelessly on the front lines, coordinating direct relief efforts for those impacted by the fires. Efrain shares how he found himself in impromptu disaster relief, what’s happening in real-time in Los Angeles from his perspective, and how you can help support those affected.

While Kim and Phil’s home was spared, many others were not. Our primary incentive for getting this episode out ASAP is the show notes. Below you’ll find a list of fundraisers, GoFundMe pages, and direct action efforts that you can support.

🔥 Contact Efrain: Efrain Vega De Varona on Facebook

🔥 Support efforts via Debs: Debs on Facebook

🔥 Full list of fundraisers and resources: Google Drive

🛠️ facebook.com/BurnersWithoutBordersLosAngeles

🛠️ burnerswithoutborders.org

🎙️ burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes/episode-75-to-build-a-better-tomorrow

🎧 Episode 155

📍 Recorded in Pasadena, CA

📝 Contributing Producer: Kim Perkins

Burner Podcast is independently produced and fueled by a rotating crew of amazing contributors. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend, and if you’re feeling extra generous, check out burnerpodcast.com for ways to support the show.

Love, light, and all that other crap. 💜

Arash reconnects with Halcyon for a lively and candid conversation about Burning Man 2024. In this episode, they kick off by reflecting on Burner culture at large and frustrations with the growing toxicity in online spaces like the Facebook group. From there, they dive into some favorite art pieces, highlights from the playa, and a bit about attendance. They also chat about e-bikes and why having a ‘sparkle pony year’ brings some unexpected advantages.

Episode number 154

Recorded in San Diego, CA on October 12, 2024

Contributing Producer: John Halcyon - hugnation.com @halcyon

Photo by Mark Fromson @autobiographica

About Burner Podcast:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and hosted by founder ‘Mister Arash,’ Burner Podcast has been a fixture in the global Burning Man community since 2013. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, it ranks in the top 5% of podcasts worldwide (Listen Notes). Discover a decade of meaningful conversations at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

DJ sets featured on Burner Podcast can be found here: soundcloud.com/burnerpodcast/sets/burner-podcast-closing-sets

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based(ish) professional photographer, writer, and community-building addict. Find him at arashafshar.com

For bookings and inquiries, contact Arash’s manager and Burner Podcast Executive Producer Patrick Dylan Riley at properconcept.us/contact-us.

The Annual Pre Playa Planner™

For this year’s annual Pre Playa Planner, Arash joins Dusty Bottoms, Fantastic Sam, Nikki Darling in Long Beach, CA to geek out about all things Burning Man 2024. As always, this is the episode where Arash outsources all the real work to the his guests. The group chats about art projects we’re eager to see, dance floors we love and experiences we’re looking forward to diving into as well as some semi-valuable survival tips for your so called ‘vacation’ in the inhospitable Nevada Black Rock Desert.

Episode 153

Recorded in Long Beach, CA on July 13, 2024

Learn more about the 2024 Temple: burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes/an-ego-cant-build-a-temple

Your playa roadtrip audio toolkit! burnerpodcast.com/roadtrip

Previous Pre Playa Planners: burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes/category/pre-playa-planner

The Unofficial Mini-Encyclopedia BURN-tanica Kindle Edition by Karnitas Talk-oh - https://a.co/d/01toZnja

Contributing Producer: Dusty Bottoms of Camp Acorn Oasis

About Burner Podcast:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and hosted by founder ‘Mister Arash,’ Burner Podcast is the longest-running traditional podcast in the global Burning Man community and is listed among the top 5% of podcasts globally. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore a decade’s worth of conversations at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

DJ sets featured on Burner Podcast can be found here: soundcloud.com/burnerpodcast/sets/burner-podcast-closing-sets

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based(ish) professional photographer, writer, and community-building addict. Find him at arashafshar.com

For bookings and inquiries, contact Arash’s manager and Burner Podcast Executive Producer Patrick Dylan Riley at properconcept.us/contact-us.

A collection of voices recorded at Burning Man 2016

Cabina Exuro was a Burner Podcast-sponsored art project designed by Ramiro Martinez Jr. that went to Black Rock City in 2016. Externally, it appeared as a triambic icosahedron sculpture, adorned with intricate laser-cut patterns and LED lights. Upon closer inspection, participants discovered an entryway that transported them into a 1940s-era radio station set, where they were invited to become radio guests and answer prompts which were recorded and saved to be shared someday in the future. About 100 Burners stumbled upon this unique project and recorded their voices, sharing personal stories, reflections, and experiences. These recordings were never shared publicly—until now. In this very special episode of Burner Podcast, we bring you some of those voices from Burning Man 2016.

ramarchdesign.com/#/burningman2016

mrarash.com/cabina-exuro

Episode 152

Recorded at Black Rock City, Nevada, during Burning Man 2016

Additional recording in Laguna Niguel, CA, 2024

Some sound effects courtesy of Zapsplat.com

This episode was produced by all the folks who helped bring Cabina Exuro to Burning Man, including (but not at all limited to) Ramiro Martinez Jr., Tori Massie, Navjeet Sarna, Little Bear, Sam Godar, Amber Rose, Paul McCarthy, Arthur Roehr, Joseph Plummer, and Denise M. Lozano.

About Burner Podcast:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and hosted by founder ‘Mister Arash,’ Burner Podcast is the longest-running traditional podcast in the global Burning Man community and is listed among the top 5% of podcasts globally. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore a decade’s worth of conversations at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

DJ sets featured on Burner Podcast can be found here: soundcloud.com/burnerpodcast/sets/burner-podcast-closing-sets

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based(ish) professional photographer, writer, and community-building addict. You can find him at arashafshar.com.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Arash’s manager and Burner Podcast Executive Producer Patrick Dylan Riley at properconcept.us/contact-us.

Glitter Kitty embraces community and shadow work in her vision for Burning Man 2024’s Temple of Together

Lebanese-bred and Brazil-born Caroline Ghosn learned to place a high value on deep connections from an early life lived in a larger variety of cities than your average childhood. The “activist entrepreneur” became Glitter Kitty in 2015 and has brought to the playa the sculptures Do Not Cross and Disturb My Slumber, paving the way for arguably her greatest feat, Burning Man’s 2024 Temple of Together.

Arash interviews Caroline in April 2024, just as the temple team begins their transition from individual fundraising to the next phase of their efforts. Their conversation explores multi-generational trauma, the spiritual compulsion that is art-making, and multiple geek-outs about Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way.

Chapter One: Highly Sensitive

Chapter Two: When You’re in Hell, Keep Walking

Chapter Three: Tiny Cute little Human Ego

Chapter Four: Why Temple

Chapter Five: The Gardner and the Architect

Chapter Six: Gratitude

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/carolineghosn

https://www.2024temple.com

https://www.glitterkitty.art

https://journal.burningman.org/2024/01/black-rock-city/building-brc/introducing-the-2024-temple/

Recorded at Robot Heart Residency chill space at all The Loom makerspace in Oakland, California, on April 20, 2024. (theloom.net)

https://robotheart.secretparty.io

https://www.robotheart.org

https://www.instagram.com/robotheartfoundation

Additional recording at Dome Asylum in Ramona, CA

hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-dome-asylum-hippie-homestead

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32937-d16645997-Reviews-Dome_Asylum-Ramona_California

instagram.com/domeasylumramona

This episode was produced by Kelly Smith (kellysmithcassidy.com)

Executive Producer Patrick Dylan Riley (ra.co/dj/patrickdylan)

About Burner Podcast:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and hosted by founder ‘Mister Arash’, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional podcast in the global Burning Man community. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore a decade’s worth of conversations at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

DJ sets featured on Burner Podcast can be found here: soundcloud.com/burnerpodcast/sets/burner-podcast-closing-sets

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based(ish) professional photographer, writer and community building addict. Send him love or hate mail directly at mrarash.com/hello and follow his writing on Substack at yesterdayiwasclever.com, where he publishes new pieces on culture, Art and identity every Friday.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Arash’s management at properconcept.us/contact-us

Arash reflects on a decade of Burning Man, the Burner community and Burner Podcast

Arash recorded the interview portion of the very first episode of Burner Podcast before attending his first Burning Man. With the transformative nature of Burning Man baked into the show, Arash reflects on a decade of growth, adventure and community. Unlike any previous editions of the show, this milestone episode features a solo scripted memoire by the host in six chapters: The Call, The Refusal, The Road, The Abyss, The Change and The Return.

Recorded in Las Vegas, NV, April of 2024

Additional recording at Proper Concept Studio in Long Beach, CA, March 2024

Closing set by Christian Goodell

soundcloud.com/christiangoodell

soundcloud.com/bureauofhindsight

Hear the full set at https://on.soundcloud.com/SPr4s5jrrVXqNB4d7

Recorded at Burning Medellin on 2-9-24 at Heard From in El Poblado, Medellin, Colombia

Executive Producer Patrick Dylan Riley (ra.co/dj/patrickdylan)

Read the compendium to this episode: Sometimes Just [censored] It

About Burner Podcast:

Independently produced by a revolving team of contributing producers and hosted by founder ‘Mister Arash’, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional podcast in the global Burning Man community. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore a decade’s worth of conversations at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

DJ sets featured on Burner Podcast can be found here: soundcloud.com/burnerpodcast/sets/burner-podcast-closing-sets

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based(ish) professional photographer, writer and community building addict. Send him love or hate mail directly at mrarash.com/hello and follow his writing on Substack at yesterdayiwasclever.com.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Arash’s management at properconcept.us/contact-us

Scientifically Proven Quantum Manifestation?

Dr. Kim Perkins and Arash talk spirituality and science

For the first new episode of 2024 Arash welcomes back one of the Kims (from episode 140) for a fun conversation about the intersection of spirituality and science. In addition to holding the honor of being Arash’s previous housemate, Dr. Kim Perkins is an organizational psychologist with a PhD in positive psychology. Arash and Kim dive into topics often brushed off as 'hippie stuff,' exploring their academic backing and practical applications. The episode closes with a portion of DJ Maxx Polishuk's full vinyl set from BRCU at Burning Man 2013.

Recorded January of 2024 at Philtopia in Pasadena, CA

• Kim Perkins' Website
• More Episodes Featuring Kim Perkins
• DJ Max Polishuk's Vinyl Set Live at BRCU Burning Man 2013

_____________________________________

About the Show:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and Hosted by founder (mr)Arash, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional audio podcast in the global Burning Man community. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore 140+ episodes at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based professional photographer and community builder. Connect with him directly at mrarash.com/hello.

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Episode 148: Christmas in Vegas

A Dispatch from Las Vegas with Snarky Santa

Arash gets to know a different side of Las Vegas with Randy Winsett AKA Snarky Santa. A father, anarchist, cancer butt kicker and host of Shouting Fire’s SIR Radio, Randy brings a mix of deep insight and irreverent humor to this episode, serving as the de facto co-host for Arash’s Las Vegas adventure. In a conversation at least five years in the making, we'll explore Randy’s roots in Oklahoma, nerd out on that #radiohostlife, explore the Las Vegas Burner community and dissect the existential lessons of cancer. Expect a a fairly even blend of serious emo crap and snarky giggle fests. Also a lot of Christmas crap.

Rerecord in Las Vegas, December 2023

snarkysanta.com - The Official Home for all things Randy

shoutingfire.com/members/snarky-santa-aka-randy-winsett - Randy’s ShoutingFire landing page

dashboard.transistor.fm/shows/the-snarky-santa-show - Archives of past shows

facebook.com/snarkysantalv

facebook.com/randytales - Facebook home for #RandyTales

Watch Randy’s #CancerTales Live At Burning Man 2018 - youtu.be/2lHizUiMdvg

Listen to Iris’s full funky Christmas set here: soundcloud.com/iris_refractions/on-the-friday-before-christmas-there-was-funk-in-the-house

Iris’s has tons music up at soundcloud.com/iris_refractions

And follow Iris at instagram.com/iris_refractions

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and Hosted by founder (mr)Arash, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional audio podcast in the extended international community of Burning Man. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore 140+ episodes at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based professional photographer and community builder. Connect with him directly at mrarash.com/hello.

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Episode 147: Sarge’s Orders

Torrey Pines Smith of Sextant fame goes full tech bro

Join Arash for a delightful reunion with Torrey Pines Smith, affectionately known as Sarge from Sextant camp. Life's taken some turns for Torrey since his last appliance on Episode 72. He's embraced being family man and launched into entrepreneurial life with his startup, Endiatix. From the dust of BRC to shaping a venture capital firm, Arash explores with Torrey topics of transformation and evolution, wrapped in the spirit of the Burner community. Delve into the world of 'liquid smooth, organic robotics,' a metaphor for the seamless blend of technology and human experience as Torrey shares his insights on ego, intuition, and life’s surprises.

Interview recorded in Hayward, CA in November of 2023

Post production recordings at The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego, CA

Episode 72 with Torrey Smith

endiatx.com/team

The Dropout Podcast

About the Show:

Independently produced by a revolving team of volunteers and Hosted by founder (mr)Arash, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional audio podcast in the extended international community of Burning Man. Focused on year-round Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore 140+ episodes at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based professional photographer and community builder. Connect with him directly at mrarash.com/hello.

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.

Episode 146: Black Astronaut

Kamal X on love, rage and photography

Dive into the world of photographer Kamal X. In this episode, host Arash sits down with Kamal in after as showing of one of his pieces to discuss his powerful book, "Black Astronaut," a culmination of three years of deep work capturing America’s chapter of protest. Kamal shares his experiences of global travel and how these adventures have influenced his approach to photography.

The turning point in Kamal's career came from a moment of clarity at Burning Man, which profoundly impacted his life’s direction. The conversation explores how Kamal's personal experiences, including childhood trauma, have informed his work, creating a unique blend of intensity and empathy in his images. This episode offers a glimpse into Kamal's perspective as a photographer, revealing how his art narrates powerful human stories and emotions.

Interview recorded in San Francisco, November 2023

Post production recordings at The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego, CA

Kamal X's Instagram | instagram.com/iamkamalx

Kamal X's Website | iamkamalx.com

Amazon link to his book: https://a.co/d/abGm1W5

jacobscenter.org

Hosted by (mr)Arash, Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional audio podcast in the extended international community of Burning Man. Independently produced, it focuses on Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest. Discover over 140 previous episodes at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based professional photographer. Connect with him directly at mrarash.com/hello.

Produced by Arash and a team of burners, including instagram.com/darthjfizz, instagram.com/muloka, instagram.com/lolmonday, and instagram.com/leehemingway among others.

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for updates.

Episode 145: Stupider Than Burning Man

Bat Country blazes a trail of mischief through Black Rock City

Gather for a summit with the infamous Bat Country, a camp that emerged from the dust and has grown into a global community. Arash is joined by Handful, Begley, and Kip as they embark on a journey back to their crew’s beginnings, from the Mad Max-esque early days of Burning Man to the current LED-infused Black Rock City. We’re treated to an array of stories, including their participation in New Mexico’s SunBurn and the founding of West Virginia’s Frostburn.

The conversation begins with Bat Country’s gathering at the La Jolla Playhouse for The Untitled, Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical and eventually delves into the infamous "Flat Gate" incident from Burning Man 2019 before wrapping with some enchanting playa magic stories. Join us for an insider's perspective on the dynamic world of Bat Country and the captivating tales of their journey through the Burner community.

This episode was produced by Ferrell Jesus and was recorded at The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego, CA.

facebook.com/visitbatcountry

www.frostburn.org

theloveburn.com

nmsunburn.com

jacobscenter.org

The full DJ set by Big Yachty can be heard here on Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/EgK2tWsKtXNVemv38

Hosted by (mr)Arash, the original Burner Podcast is the longest running traditional audio podcast in the extended international community of Burning Man. Independently produced and focused on Burner consciousness and topics of intracultural interest, explore 140+ previous episodes at burnerpodcast.com/previous-episodes.

Burner Podcast host Arash Afshar is an Iranian-American SoCal-based professional photographer and founder of Justified Hype creative collective. Connect with him directly at mrarash.com/hello.

Burner Podcast is produced by Arash and a rotating team of burners including instagram.com/darthjfizz, instagram.com/muloka, instagram.com/lolmonday and instagram.com/leehemingway among many others.

Follow instagram.com/BurnerPodcast and facebook.com/burnerpodcast for wildly irregular updates.