Born on the South Side of Chicago and based in Seattle, Chris Offutt (aka Black Velveteen) is a pillar of the Pacific Northwest creative community and the founder of the Sage Rites record label. Her musical foundation, built on a childhood range of Motown to Mozart, manifested in a career navigating the cultural textures of San Francisco and Seattle, including her 2011 London-based radio show Progressions in House . This session, recorded at sunrise on ¡AXOLOTL! Art Car, Burning Man 2024. Black ...
Apr 13, 2026•2 hr 15 min
Ben Haldeman is backing up our collective memories across the stars Published [3/31/26] Ben Haldeman is an engineer, explorer, and the visionary founder of LifeShip — designing pyramids filled with DNA archives and cultural time capsules to send to the Moon and beyond. A former early employee at Planet Labs, Ben left to follow a calling that crystallized during a vision quest through the forests of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. In this conversation, Arash and Ben look past technical specifications to...
Mar 31, 2026•2 hr•Season 2026Ep. 161
Alkaline A068: Shamiran (Camp YOUniversal) 📅 [3/18/26] The Soundtrack to Your Burn In this session, we welcome a true sonic ambassador of the global community. Born in Iran and based in Los Angeles, Shamiran is an artist, musician, and sonic selector who has become a mainstay at Camp YOUniversal, known for their Persian Tea House (designed by the legendary Gregg Fleishman). A community activator and human rights activist to the bones, Shamiran can usually be found on playa with the sound and pr...
Mar 18, 2026•1 hr 47 min
Burner Podcast Presents: Alkaline A067: Piccaya at Afrikaburn 2025 Welcome to the all new, all different ( but mostly the same same ) Burner Podcast Presents Alkaline — the soundtrack to your burn. Our new season opener welcomes back Piccaya, last featured in episode 90 of Burner Podcast , this time sharing one of his many sets from Afrikaburn 2025. Piccaya is a sonic traveler and storyteller based between Brussels and Barcelona, known for deep, organic, tribal-infused soundscapes that bridge th...
Dec 26, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Season 702Ep. 67
A Post-Burning Man 2025 chat with 20-year veteran & camp lead Rand Pate The dust has barely settled, and Arash is still shaking it out of his hair—and maybe out of his brain. In this post-Burning Man 2025 debrief, he sits with Rand Pate, a 20-year veteran and long-time camp lead of Bubble Lounge , to unpack what might have been the roughest year on record. From hurricane-force whiteouts and shattered shade structures to an unexpected birth, a tragic homicide, and the most international popul...
Oct 25, 2025•2 hr•Season 143Ep. 160
Roadtrip to Burning Man 2025 The Annual Pre-Playa Planner™ It's that time again, kids! The Pre-Playa Planner is the yearly tradition where Arash delegates all the actual research to his way-more-responsible guests. This year's dialed-in crew to help you mentally prepare for your adventures ahead: Esquire, founder of Bubble Lounge Saffron aka Sara Barnett, repping Art Support Services (A.S.S.) instagram.com/cornepeli Shamiran, artist, musician, sonic selector and Camp YOUniversal mainstay instagr...
Aug 03, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 702Ep. 159
And on his seventh Burn, Tyler Williams truly came Home For his first six Burns, musician and professional Las Vegas community builder Tyler Williams attended Burning Man the millionaire way — flying in late, partying big, and heading out before the Temple burn. After the tragic death of his friend and boss, Zappos founder Tony Hsieh, Tyler returned to the playa — this time sober and with a deeper sense of intention. In this interview memoir, Tyler shares his story of growing up in the church, l...
May 19, 2025•2 hr 14 min•Season 702Ep. 158
Anthony Bondi refuses to let Las Vegas's arts history disappear For over two decades, Anthony Bondi has been a living archive of Las Vegas' arts and counterculture movements. From his large-scale tactile installations at Burning Man to his massive independent archive, Las Vegas Arts in Print Media, 1990–2015 , Tony has tirelessly documented the ephemeral and forgotten corners of creative expression in Sin City. In this conversation, Tony and Arash explore the nature of cultural memory and the ro...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 702Ep. 157
Burner Podcast Presents The Dispatch Joseph Mancuso, better known as Joman, is the producer behind the Burner Podcast theme song, a remix of America's "Horse With No Name." In this Dispatch, Arash and Joman catch up about dance music culture, his move from Denver to Austin, and his latest evolution as a video content creator. From viral bootlegs to Beatport charts, Joman's journey weaves through Denver's underground, Burning Man, and beyond. 🎧 Featured Tracks: "Distance and Time (for Allie)" "D...
Apr 01, 2025•26 min•Season 702Ep. 3
The Dispatch – Episode 002: Rat Lady Guest: Rat Lady Recorded on: 2/28/25 Arash hops on a call with Rat Lady of Mobility Camp to discuss practical ways we can all practice Radical Inclusion by making our Burns more accessible for participants with disabilities—and how to bring that mindset into the default world. Fun takeaway: No one gets to be a sparkle pony, not even at Mobility Camp! We don't have to be perfect but a little effort goes a long way. mobilitycamp.org About Burner Podcast Present...
Mar 02, 2025•16 min
The Dispatch – Episode 001: Public Menace Guest: Jonny aka Public Menace Recorded on 2/25/25 Jonny, also known as Public Menace , shook up Reddit with his independent 180-page audit of Burning Man. In the inaugural episode of The Dispatch , Arash and Menace hop on a call to chat about some takeaways. Transparency, Transparency, Transparency Burners are usually 10 years ahead on everything—why not this? How do we as Burners want to be governed? Reddit: @Public__Menace Email: jonny@thealvara.com t...
Mar 02, 2025•15 min
📅 2/29/2025 The importance of physical community spaces has never been greater. In this episode, we dive into the story of CoLab, San Diego's maker space—where it started, what it took to get to where it is now, and why spaces like this are essential for the future of our communities. The go-live day of this episode marks CoLab's 11th birthday! CoLab's lease began on March 1, 2014—making it the perfect time to reflect on how it came together and why having a dedicated space for creators, builde...
Mar 01, 2025•2 hr•Season 702Ep. 156
Burn Perimeter 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 Efr...
Feb 02, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 702Ep. 155
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, C...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 11Ep. 154
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 inhosp...
Jul 13, 2024•2 hr•Season 11Ep. 153
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...
Jul 13, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 11Ep. 152
An Ego Can't Build a Temple 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, Bur...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 15Ep. 151
Ten Years: A Burner Podcast Memoire 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...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 15Ep. 150
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 th...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Season 11Ep. 149
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 #radiohost...
Dec 31, 2023•2 hr•Season 11Ep. 148
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 t...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Season 10Ep. 147
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 mom...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Season 10Ep. 146
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 M...
Oct 19, 2023•2 hr•Season 10Ep. 145
Episode 144: The Burn You Need The Super Official Post Burning Man 2023 Official Recap with Halcyon Mud Man, Raining Man, Mud Burn or whichever other remix of the name you're into, it is pretty much collectively agreed that Burning Man 2023 was a doozy! Arash and Halcyon reunite for their annual post Burning Man recap. Topics include the privilege of getting to attend Burning Man, dealing with mud in the portos, Diplo-gate and how it was definitely better next year. This interview was recorded o...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 49 min•Season 10Ep. 144
Episode 143: From Austin to Black Rock The Burning Man 2023 Pre-playa Planner with Monday and Maria Gotay Arash is joined by Monday and Maria Gotay to geek out about Burning Man 2023. Monday, a member of the Placement Committee for Burning Man, and Maria, co-leading the massive art project called 1000 Hands, share their anticipation and excitement for the upcoming "Big Burn." This special annual episode is a must-listen for burners on their way to Burning Man, as Arash, Monday, and Maria exchang...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Season 10Ep. 143
Episode 142: Candids and Consent With Texas-based Photographer Mike Whitten Join Arash for a captivating conversation with photographer Mike Whitten, as the two explore the culture of photography at regional Burns and Burning Man. Having recently resettled in Austin, Texas, Mike shares his experiences shooting since the film days and reflects on his 20-year fascination with Burning Man before finally hitting the playa. In this candid discussion (pun a little intended), Arash and Mike delve into ...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 10Ep. 142
Episode 141: A Particular Set of Skills SDCAP Board President Cable King In this episode, Arash delves into an insightful conversation with Cable King, the board president of San Diego Collaborative Arts Project (SDCAP). As the non-profit organization behind YOUtopia, San Diego's regional Burning Man event, and CoLab, the region's Burner maker space, SDCAP plays a crucial role in fostering the local creative community. With 16 years of playa experience, Cable shares his life journey and offers v...
Jul 20, 2023•2 hr 8 min•Season 10Ep. 140
Episode 140: Addiction to Certainty Psychologists Dr. Mayra Gomez Padua and Dr. Mia Sarno on Burner life and mental health Arash sits with psychologists Dr. Mayra Gomez Padua and Dr. Mia Sarno to explore a Burner community perspective on personal mental health. The discussion taps into just some of the challenges and obstacles folks often face when attempting to access therapy and considers both the providers' and recipients' perspectives. Dispelling common misconceptions about what therapy and ...
Jun 20, 2023•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 140
Episode 139: A Conversation on Commodification with business owners Jon Ray, Dawn Sardinas and Francisco Serna Arash is joined by a group of talented business owners who are passionate and active contributors to the Burning Man community. Entrepreneurs Jon Ray, Dawn Sardinas, and Francisco Serna share their perspectives and reflections on how to balance thriving in their respective businesses while upholding the ten principles of Burning Man. This roundtable discussion offers tips and reflection...
Apr 25, 2023•2 hr 49 min•Ep. 139
Emmy Award winner Terence Pratt always has a camera with him For episode 138, (mr)Arash interviews Terence Pratt, a two-time Emmy Award-winning director of cinematography and co-founder of Profiles in Dust. Terence shares his fascinating experiences filming art projects and docuseries in far-flung locations ranging from magical fire-lit nights in Black Rock Desert to mystical experiences under the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Egypt. In this thought-provoking interview, he shares some of his ...
Apr 01, 2023•3 hr 30 min
