Life is a Festival
Transformational gatherings, the communities they build, and the teachers who help us bring that open-hearted joy home.
From Crisis to Coronation
Life is a Festival #60: Charles Eisenstein (Sacred Economics)
How long is the journey from crisis to coronation? It may be very long and will certainly be very difficult, but a more beautiful world is possible.
Is Life Still a Festival?
Life is a Festival #59: World of Wisdom Podcast with Nils von Heijne
This repost from an interview I did on the World of Wisdom podcast is the best articulation I’ve made of the Life is a Festival philosophy and why even though there are no gatherings to attend and the world is filled with grief and anxiety, we should keep the fire of celebration burning.
Festival Medicine on the Frontlines
Life is a Festival #58: Richard "Wolverine" Gottlieb (RGX Medical)
What can civilians do to support healthcare workers in the fight against coronavirus and how does festival medicine make Wolverine uniquely suited for the battle ahead.
Turn Isolation into a Spiritual Playground
Life is a Festival #57: Nino Mendes (Nino Yoga - China)
With self-isolation and shelter in place proliferating the globe, here’s some good medicine from a yogi who spent 5 weeks in lockdown in a small apartment in China.
My Sacred Morning Ritual
Life is a Festival #56: Solocast
A morning ritual tailored to your personal needs is a wonderful way to pack in all the incremental changes you’d like to see over time, whether that’s in physical health, mental wellness, creativity or new hobbies.
A Love Letter to Earnestness
Life is a Festival #55: Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros)
Raging against the gatekeepers of cool and waxing about the importance of being earnest. Fame may seem to be a way to transcend death, but if every life is an epic, we are all already famous.
The Acid Countess and the Art of Consciousness
Life is a Festival #54: Amanda Feilding (Beckley Foundation)
I ask the sphinx of psychedelia all my favorite acid questions, like whether medicalization is the best path to legalization and how to avoid unnecessary emotional downturns (sugar it turns out). We dive deep into her research, the nature of the ego, and the jealousy between different psychedelic compounds.
Wilderness First Responder
Life is a Festival #53: Ryland Gardner (NOLS)
Life can still be a festival when it all goes wrong, but only if we develop our resiliency and practice the skills necessary to keep everyone safe.
The Marvelous Mother Shucker of Mardi Gras
Life is a Festival #52: Katrina Brees (The Bearded Oysters)
We go deep into the history of Mardi Gras with fabulous parades and exclusive balls, prideful showings and pubic wigs. We discuss Katrina’s work advocating against gun violence, microdosing for mental health, and throwing a lemonade party when life gave her its sourest lemon.
How to Help Someone Having a “Bad Trip"
Life is a Festival #51: Sara Gael (The Zendo Project)
The key is to keep them safe and trust their inner healer. Sounds simple right? In fact, it’s a profound art, which requires specialized training and can be incredibly personally rewarding.
Serve in the Way that Feeds You Most
Life is a Festival #50: Christopher Breedlove (Burners Without Borders)
How can we weave service into our lives for the betterment of our communities, our friends, and our own mental health?
Party to Escape or Celebrate to Connect?
Life is a Festival #49: Live at Spotify Stockholm with Gustaf Tadaa
Fostering deep connections is one of the core tenets of the festive life.
The Boy Hero Must Die
Life is a Festival #48: The Mythic Masculine Podcast with Ian Mackenzie
It is the humility of the failed hero that allows him to truly connect with his brothers
The Work of Art
Life is a Festival #47: Amanda Sage
“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
Tales of an English Folk Hero
Life is a Festival #46: Jay McAllister (Beans on Toast)
From helping Banksy launch sky lanterns, to extolling the virtues of a bamboo toothbrush, Beans is the paradigm of a festive life that makes a difference.
Life is a Festival Top 10 of 2019
Life is a Festival 045: Top 10 of 2019
From psychedelic origin stories, to following your erotic destiny, these were the most popular podcasts of 2019.
The Terrifying Delight of Self-Surpassing
Life is a Festival #44: Michael Murphy (Esalen Institute)
Evolutionary panentheism, the magic of Esalen, and a menagerie of friends who’ve since become legends.
A Brief History of British Festivals
Life is a Festival #43: Live from Spotify London with Marcus Barnes
Britain’s brilliant festival history from country fairs and fêtes, through the goliath of Glastonbury, the acid house revolution, and the explosion of festivals today.
Work, Wealth, and Self-Worth
Life is a Festival #42: Tim Chang (Mayfield)
This is a more personal installment of Life is a Festival. On today’s episode I ask my friend Tim, to explain to me how to get a job.
Iboga, the Mount Everest of Psychedelics
Life is a Festival #41: Tricia Eastman & Dr. Joseph Barsuglia
Here he comes… Doctor Iboga!