[NEW EPISODE] The 10 Radical Principles of Burning Man

“The mission of Mind Body Health & Politics is to expand consciousness, stimulate thought, enhance mental and physical health, and encourage community.” — Dr.

I'm excited to share my recent interview with Marian Goodell, CEO of Burning Man Project – an organization unlike any other.

In 1986 I attended a small beach gathering that grew into today's 80,000 person event.

In the Bible, the figure of Miriam helped free Jews from slavery in Egypt. Today Marian has brought people into the desert to find freedom at Burning Man.

Unlike traditional for-profit events, the Burning Man festival operates as a gift economy focused on radical inclusion, creative expression, and environmental stewardship. Marian joined the founders in 1997 and now leads their global efforts to spread the festival's ethos worldwide. If every CEO took her approach of people and planet over profits, the world would be far richer.

In our conversation, Marian traces Burning Man's origins from that small gathering of friends on a San Francisco beach. Guided by founder Larry Harvey's Ten Principles, it grew into an annual temporary metropolis and cultural movement. She explains how these principles now enable 80,000 people to self-organize, express themselves freely, gift unconditionally, and “leave no trace” in the Nevada desert.

Burning Man demonstrates an alternative model for building community, one we need more of. While apolitical, its principles have social ripple effects - seeding humanistic values, care for our planet, and a culture of participation and self-expression. I see this as the future for evolving humanity's potential.

Marian shares how Burning Man faces tensions in spreading its ethos, wanting to inspire broader change without being prescriptive. Its principles aim not to impose, but plant ideals that participants integrate into their lives. This speaks to the need for a shift in mindset more than a new political movement or ideology.

I met Marian in person at Wilbur Hot Springs and we connected deeply. I know for a fact that she lives the principles, leading by example.

I know you'll be as inspired as I was hearing Marian speak about Burning Man's principles and our capacity for creating community.

Please listen and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of science, spirit and society.

Tune in for this healthy conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Transcript