At Burning Man 2025 inside the Playa Alchemist Pyramid, I sat down with legendary mycologist Paul Stamets to explore mushrooms, mycelium, and the cosmos. Through scratchy playa dust voices, we connected fungal intelligence with Burning Man culture, random acts of kindness, and the future of psychedelic medicine.

Our conversation ranged from Stamets’ new book Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats,, to reflections on mycelium as a cosmic organizing principle and the healing power of biodiversity. We discussed the dangers of misidentification, the promise of clinical trials, and how Burning Man functions as a living ritual for transformation.

Paul Stamets is a pioneering mycologist, author of eight books, and an Invention Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has discovered new species of mushrooms (including Psilocybe stametsii), collaborated on breakthrough fungal research, and is known widely as the guide of Fantastic Fungi. His work bridges ecology, medicine, and culture with a vision of mushrooms as allies in human and planetary evolution.

Timestamps

• (04:00) – Stamets introduces his new book Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats
• (06:00) – Trickster mushrooms: dangers of misidentification
• (10:00) – Random acts of kindness vs. AI’s transactional mindset
• (17:00) – Psychedelics as a creative leap 
• (20:00) – Mycelium as metaphor and cosmic network
• (25:00) – Burning Man as default-mode reset and the importance of biodiversity and discomfort.
• (29:00) – Lightning, vibration, and music: how mycelium “listens” to thunder and drums.
• (34:00) – Clinical trials: comparing pure psilocybin vs. whole mushrooms, healing and neuroplasticity.
• (46:00) – Mushrooms vs. other psychedelics, democratization of psilocybin, and accessibility.
• (49:00) – Bees, immunity, and mycelium as planetary medicine: discoveries with pollinators and viral resistance.

Links

• Paul Stamets - Mycologist
• Paul Stamets (@paulstamets)
• Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats

• Fungi Perfecti
• Give Bees a Chance

• PlayAlchemist
• Roots to Thrive: Community-Based Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• ClinicalTrials.gov

There’s no greater mythic mind in modern podcasting than Josh Schrei, the voice and vision behind The Emerald. If you, like me, are already a fan of his deeply poetic and perspective-shifting show, then you’ll understand why I’ve wanted to have him on Life is a Festival since the moment I heard his episode on festivals. 

In this conversation, Josh and I explore the revival of myth in our modern moment. We talk about the ancient power of festivals, structure and fluidity of gender, the soul’s longing for meaning, and the complex challenges facing young men. We also touch on the pitfalls of self-importance and how myth can humble and reorient us. Finally, we explore the necessity of daily ritual, and how embodiment through practice keeps the sacred alive.

Josh Schrei is a mythteller, teacher, podcaster, and founder of The Emerald, a beloved show that brings together sweeping narratives, cinematic sound design, and interviews with renowned thinkers to reawaken the mythic imagination. A lifelong student of mythologies—particularly from the Indian subcontinent — Josh brings decades of study in yoga, meditation, wilderness rites, music, and the arts into his teaching. He also leads The Mythic Body, an immersive course designed to re-enliven the soul through story and practice.

Timestamps

• (05:03 The Power of Myth in Modern Times
• (23:44) The Role of Festivals in Human Culture
• (39:18) The Mythic Relationship to Gender
• (42:34) The Need for Young Men's Rituals
• (57:33) The Healing Journey and Plant Medicine
• (01:05:36) Daily Practices for Healing and Connection
• (01:10:23) The Importance of Relational Coherence

Links

• Joshua Michael Schrei | Creating The Emerald
• The Mythic Body: Home
• The Emerald | Podcast on Spotify
• Josh Schrei (@the_emerald_podcast)
• Festivals! Initiation and the Brilliance of Eternity

I recently revisited Iboga — the psychedelic root bark from Equatorial West Africa — six years after first experiencing it in a traditional Bwiti ceremony in Gabon. This time, I received Ibogaine treatment at Beond in Cancún. (Full disclosure: I produce their podcast, Ibogaine Uncovered.)

To my surprise, my mentor Benjamin also spends time at Beond, quietly supporting others through their Ibogaine journeys. After my own treatment—complete with a flood dose and a booster dose—the best way to share my experience felt like a conversation with Benjamin himself.

I also interviewed Tom, Beond’s CEO, for The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast — check that out for more details on the clinic and Ibogaine. As always, you’ll find links in the show notes. Now, please join me for my chat with my mentor, spiritual guide, and extraordinary role model, Benjamin.

Links

Timestamps

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, as half the country celebrates and the other half mourns, Alex Ebert and I find ourselves doing what grown men often do to process complex emotions—we make a podcast about it. It's our fourth time using this particular hack for male friendship, but something feels different, more urgent this time. The exit polls reveal young men swinging dramatically rightward, and I can't help but see this through the lens of masculinity—specifically, the left's failure to provide an aspirational vision of what it means to be a man in these complicated times.

On today's show, we dive deep into why progressive spaces have become increasingly inhospitable to young men, who are drifting toward figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson while the left seems to have lost its grip on the masculine imagination. Alex shares his personal journey of integrating the feminine through meditation and inner work, while we examine everything from RFK Jr.'s campaign to Bernie's legacy to the archetypal pull of Elon Musk. We're using this modern ritual—two microphones and a quiet room—to explore the very crisis of connection that makes such spaces necessary in the first place.

Alexander Ebert makes his fourth appearance on Life is a Festival, bringing his unique perspective as an award-winning artist, composer, and philosophical troubadour. Known for fronting both Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Ima Robot, Ebert has evolved into a penetrating cultural critic through his Bad Guru Substack. Having explored spiritual narcissism and psychedelic culture with us before, he's the perfect companion for examining these thorny questions of masculinity, power, and the possibility of healing our collective wounds.

Timestamps

Links

On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, we’re exploring the theme of participation, a principle central to both Burning Man culture and our role as citizens. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Miller, former Director of Communications for Burning Man, to talk about how civic responsibility and active engagement can help us navigate this complex cultural moment. I’ve also included a clip from a recent Substack article by one of my favorite thinkers, Jamie Wheal, to set the stage for our conversation.

On the show, Megan and I discuss the importance of civic responsibility and the role of local government, especially in a time of political polarization. We delve into her 2020 article, Reaching Across Party Lines, and examine how festivals like Burning Man can foster unity. We also touch on gender and the dynamics in the 2024 election, as well as the way forward after November.

Megan served as Burning Man’s Director of Communications from 2014 to 2021 and is a seasoned political strategist with experience in the U.S. Senate, political campaigns, environmental advocacy, and HIV/AIDS prevention. She brings her expertise in public engagement and strategic communications to today’s discussion, helping us think about participation beyond the election.

Timestamps

Links

Atish last joined us four or five years ago for a powerful conversation about authenticity, anxiety, and life as an artist. Now, as he takes a break from touring to prioritize mental health, I knew it was time to have him back for an inspiring and candid conversation.

In this episode, Atish and I discuss the challenges of touring, redefining success as a DJ, and Atish’s unexpected desire for a “day job.” We explore the validation cycle between DJing and social media, the courage in vulnerability, and what it means to connect with the South Asian community as an artist. Together, we even do a little men’s work, unpacking the ideas of service, legacy, and giving back to one’s community.

As many of you know, Atish is a celebrated DJ, producer, and mentor—he even composed the opening music for this podcast! His unique blend of vulnerability and presence has always inspired me, and I’m honored to share our conversation with you. 

Timeline

LINKS

How does Burning Man stay relevant for a new generation and beyond the Black Rock Desert?

The dust has settled from Burning Man, and the photo dumps have all been dumped but today we're diving into a deeper conversation about the relevance of the event itself. My guest, Will Chase was Burning Man’s Minister of Propaganda until 2016. He’s done more than most to bring the open-hearted play of Burning Man to the default world (ie make life like a festival). 

In our conversation, we explore Burning Man as a pilgrimage, the magic of serendipity, and the lasting influence of Larry Harvey. Will shares personal stories and thoughtful insights as we explore the magic of Burning Man and what this community should focus on now.

Will Chase was a key figure in Burning Man from 2003 to 2016. He co-founded Fireside Storytelling in San Francisco and is the president of We Are From Dust, which places interactive art globally. He also hosts "Pants Optional" on Shady Pines Radio and co-founded Peak, an immersive experience design company.

Timestamps

Links:

Today's podcast is in two parts: First, my reflections (rant) on Burning Man 2024, and second, a repost of my appearance on the Burning Man Live Podcast from a few years ago.

During my solocast, I celebrate recent changes in Burning Man, read from a short section of my upcoming book about the concept of cool, and share part of Caveat Magister’s piece about Burning Man passing the torch to the regional network. Finally, I share some changes in the Life is a Festival podcast moving forward.

On the Burning Man Live Podcast, I discuss Burning Man’s place in festival culture, the meaning of transformation, exploring masculinity, and what—at the time—I believed lies ahead for the global festival community.

Timestamps

Today’s episode is an encore presentation of a show that aired live on Burning Man Information Radio (BMIR) in 2019 to get you all juiced up for this year’s dirt rave. It features a playful conversation about vulnerability, consent, the trickster, and instant manifestation with Jax, Wolverine, and David Block, the Human Experience.

Also, every year, I give a Harm Reduction talk at my camp. For the first fifteen minutes of this episode, I’m offering that information. Please check out more info about fentanyl adulteration, psychedelic peer support, and how to talk to cops at Burning Man in the links below.

If you need something to listen to on the ride, you can check out other Burning Man-related content from Life is a Festival here. 

Have a great Burn! It’s better with you here!

Links

Timestamps

You know those pithy BuzzFeed listicles about being too old for music festivals? Well, the idea is rather silly. Festivals are multi-generational celebrations where children with glittering faces play alongside elders who share their wisdom. The adventure of a festival is enriched by all ages, much like how our lives are enriched by various stages and transformations. Today's episode is special because we have a returning guest, my longtime friend and mentor, Chip Conley. I used to work with Chip on Fest300, an online guide to the world's best festivals. Chip's latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age," is the focus of our conversation. Chip believes midlife is not a crisis but a chrysalis—a time for transformation and growth.

In our conversation, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of midlife. We discuss the concept of "successism," where societal pressure to achieve can lead to misery, and how to break free from this mindset. Chip shares his insights on embracing imperfection, continuing to love and learn, and viewing midlife as a transformative period akin to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. We also touch on mortality, as Chip reflects on his own journey with cancer and how it has shaped his perspective on aging. Throughout our discussion, Chip reaffirms his love for festivals, emphasizing their importance in our increasingly virtual world. 

Chip's illustrious career includes founding the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, contributing to Airbnb's success, and creating the Modern Elder Academy, a wisdom school for midlife. His latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife," offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating this pivotal stage of life.

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