Burner Curious Podcast

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Curious about Burning Man? Did you know about smaller Regional events? In this podcast, the diversity of Burning Man attendees are interviewed conversationally to share their raw and real experience. You'll get to find out about who they are as a human being, what relevant experiences they had before their first Burn, and of course, the experiences and thoughts about the Burn itself!

Episodes

  1. Jan 5

    6. Burning Man 2025 (Nevada) - Jess Starwood, 42-year-old single mom, artist, van-lifer, and first-time Burner

    Welcome to the Burner Curious Podcast - where first time burners share their background and experience of their first burning man event, whether it was at the Big Burn or a smaller Regional Burn event around the world.  TODAY'S GUEST & EPISODE SNEAK PEAK:  Jess Starwood is a 42-year-old artist, creative entrepreneur, and long-time van-lifer who recently relocated from California to Arizona after a major life transition. A single mom for over a decade, Jess has built a strong foundation of self-reliance through solo travel, camping, and creative work outside conventional structures. In this episode of Burner Curious, Jess shares about attending Burning Man (Big Burn) 2025 in Nevada as her very first burn—nearly 20 years after first feeling called to the culture. She talks about joining a small theme camp, arriving early for build week, and navigating the event through challenging weather conditions. Jess reflects on what drew her to Burning Man, how creativity and participation shape the experience for her, and what advice she would give to other first-time burners—especially those coming from periods of personal transition or rebuilding. Disclaimer: Burner Curious and its creators share personal stories for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not encourage, promote, or endorse any illegal activities, including illegal drug use. Please always follow the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction.

    51 min
  2. 11/26/2025

    4. Where the Sheep Sleep (Netherlands) 2025 - Eva van Zeeland - single Dutch mom (3 kids) and conscious 5D dating business founder

    Welcome to the Burner Curious Podcast - where first time burners share their background and experience of their first burning man event, whether it was at the Big Burn or a smaller Regional Burn event around the world.  TODAY'S GUEST & EPISODE SNEAK PEAK. Eva van Zeeland joins Burner Curious to share her first experience at Where the Sheep Sleep 2025, the Dutch regional Burning Man. A single mom of three from Eindhoven and creator of 5D Dating, Eva is a conscious business leader and keynote speaker on topics ranging from AI to starseeds and human design (she’s a projector learning to manage her energy). With a background in techno festivals, family camping trips, surfing getaways in furnished tents, and a sober 5-day tantra festival (ISTA in Israel), she arrived at her first burn craving me-time and ready to co-create with costumes, wings, and a film contribution for the festival’s movie night. Arriving early and fully prepared, Eva quickly discovered the challenges of non-stop music, tight camping layouts, cold desert-like nights, and a heavy party atmosphere. After a fully sleepless first night, she made the difficult but self-honouring decision to leave after about 24 hours — choosing to protect her health and nervous system rather than force the “full five-day burn.” Eva shares what she still loved about the experience: the radical gifting culture, the creativity of the camps, the oneness and community she saw emerging, and the unique feeling of a no-commerce environment. She also speaks openly about the contrast between Burns and sober, intentional events like ISTA, and offers grounded advice for first-time burners on energy management, flexibility, and staying true to your boundaries over social expectations. 👉 Connect with Eva: www.evavanzeeland.com

    25 min

About

Curious about Burning Man? Did you know about smaller Regional events? In this podcast, the diversity of Burning Man attendees are interviewed conversationally to share their raw and real experience. You'll get to find out about who they are as a human being, what relevant experiences they had before their first Burn, and of course, the experiences and thoughts about the Burn itself!