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This is part one of a heartfelt two-part episode, Siobhan welcomes back her friend and veteran Burner Brenda, fresh off a year of seismic life shifts, new job, facing eviction, and finding unexpected joy (and love) at the Fireside. What begins as a personal catch-up quickly evolves into a full-on Burning Man bootcamp, equal parts dust, wisdom, and radical self-discovery.

Brenda draws from seven burns and her years volunteering with the Gate crew to drop real Playa wisdom: everything from how to avoid “Playa dreadlocks” and overpacking to why gifting isn’t about reciprocity. She also opens up about anxiety, resilience, and rebuilding her confidence at 50, proving that growth doesn’t come from comfort, it comes from showing up, sweating it out, and saying yes to new beginnings.

This episode kicks off a special Burning Man series: this week, Brenda preps Siobhan for her first Burn; next week, we’ll hear how it all went down the dust, the lessons, and the magic that followed. Whether you’re heading to the desert or navigating your own season of change, this conversation will leave you prepped, inspired, and maybe craving tacos, community, and a little bit of chaos.