Episode 28: Unveiling the Magic: A Journey Through Walter Where?House with Kirk Strawn

 
 

Episode Summary:


Step into the immersive world of Walter Where?House with Gordon, Jen, and owner Kirk Strawn as your guides on the latest episode of The Plant. Body. Soul. Podcast. Explore hidden gems and the storied past of this remarkable space where creativity knows no bounds, and every corner exudes love and respect. Discover the magic that makes Walter Productions a beacon of community and self-expression, from jaw-dropping flame effects to transformative art installations. Hear firsthand accounts of legendary parties and groundbreaking events, and learn how you can get involved with the nonprofit work shaping the future of this vibrant cultural hub. Gain deeper insights from Kirk into the passion and vision behind Walter Where?House and feel inspired to join the journey. Tune in now to unlock the secrets of this extraordinary venue and prepare to be captivated by the wonders within.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: Introduction to Peace Train and Love Car

  • Timestamp: [00:01:14 - 00:04:27]

  • Introduction to Peace Train and Love Car at Walter Where?House in Phoenix, Arizona

  • History and purpose behind Peace Train and its cars: Love, Gratitude, Forgiveness

  • Repurposing military hardware for peace and the concept behind each car

Segment 2: The Message of Love and Peace

  • Timestamp: [00:04:27 - 00:07:32]

  • Significance of starting with love, gratitude, and forgiveness on the journey to peace

  • Challenges in finding love amidst worldly distractions and fears

  • Importance of self-reflection and asking whether actions come from a place of love or fear

Segment 3: Interactive Elements of Love Car

  • Timestamp: [00:07:43 - 00:09:50]

  • Interactive aspect of Love Car: copper panels for leaving marks and messages

  • Purpose behind allowing visitors to interact with the car's design

  • Description of the sleeper car and its use during events like Burning Man

Segment 4: Exploring the Playa and Where?House History

  • Timestamp: [00:09:58 - 00:12:26]

  • Explanation of 'playa' and its presence in the Love Car from Burning Man

  • History of Walter Where?House as the permanent home for art cars

  • Transformation of the Where?House into a space for creativity and community

Segment 5: Exploring the History of the Space

  • Timestamp: [00:12:26 - 00:15:32]

  • Kirk explains the history of the building, previously a paper company's headquarters.

  • Discussion on the significance of paper in the past compared to its role today.

  • Transformation of the building from an obsolete business space to a vibrant cultural hub.

Segment 6: The Surprising Success of the Where?House

  • Timestamp: [00:15:34 - 00:20:34]

  • Reflection on the surprise success of the Where?House's transformation into a cultural center.

  • Discussion on the economic viability of hosting events and maintaining sustainability.

  • Emphasis on the accessibility of events and the conscious decision to keep ticket prices affordable.

Segment 7: The Bar Car and Gratitude

  • Timestamp: [00:21:46 - 00:22:42]

  • Introduction to the Gratitude Car.

  • Exploration of the personal history and struggles of the lead artist behind the bar car.

  • Discussion on the meaningful use of recycled materials and family photos in the design of the bar car.

Segment 8: Forgiveness Car

  • Timestamp: [00:22:44 - 00:25:54]

  • The Forgiveness car encourages visitors to leave their emotional baggage behind, symbolized by old suitcases.

Segment 9: Mona Lisa and Flame Effects

  • Timestamp: [00:25:58 - 00:30:58]

  • Mona Lisa car features flame effects controlled like a keyboard, emitting liquid propane ignited by a spark plug.

  • Fire and pyrotechnics are recurring themes in Walter's creations, aiming to surprise and captivate audiences.

  • The Big Friendly Flame (BFF) is a nitrogen pressurized liquid propane flame effect that can shoot flames 15 stories tall, designed for Burning Man and Chandler, Arizona.

Segment 10: Calliope and Big Red

  • Timestamp: [00:30:58 - 00:36:56]

    • Kalliope, an over-the-road semi-trailer from the 1960s, is transformed into a platform for musical artists, symbolizing poetry and music.

    • Big Red, a 1950s Walter airport fire truck, features a converted beetle chassis with a diesel engine and serves as a training ground for Walter's vehicle crew.

    • Kirk contemplates the intelligence and personality of Walter, suggesting a desire to teach Walter how to communicate.

Segment 11: Art Gallery and Community Engagement

  • Timestamp: [00:38:09 - 00:43:50]

  • The art gallery within the Where?House showcases various pieces from different artists, providing a platform for up to 75 artists to display and sell their work.

  • The space is intentionally designed to change regularly, fostering an environment of freshness and novelty for visitors.

  • The Where?House serves as a hub for community engagement, allowing artists and visitors to express themselves freely and interact in a welcoming environment.

Segment 12: Role of Ambassadors and Safety Measures

  • Timestamp: [00:43:51 - 00:43:34]

  • Ambassadors play a crucial role in setting the tone of events by expressing themselves radically and ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees.

  • Safety is a priority, with measures in place to make the space as safe as possible while still encouraging playful exploration.

  • The ethos of self-expression and acceptance extends to all visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and freedom.

Segment 13: Venue Transformation and Performance Spaces

  • Timestamp: [00:43:54 - 00:46:14]

  • The venue's adaptability allows for transformations based on events, with spaces like the elevated platform serving various purposes, from hosting DJs to providing a unique viewing experience.

  • Historical context informs decisions about venue layout, such as the relocation of performers from the elevated platform to engage more directly with the audience.

  • Experimentation continues to refine the layout, considering artist preferences and audience engagement to optimize the experience for all parties involved.

Segment 14: Gratitude and Invitation to Get Involved

  • Timestamp: [00:52:18 - 00:53:38]

  • Jen expresses gratitude for the tour and acknowledges the significance of the Where?House as a space filled with love and respect.

  • Kirk highlights the honor of bringing this space to the community and invites others to get involved.

  • Information is provided on how to engage with Walter Productions, whether through volunteering, supporting nonprofit work, or enjoying the brewery and restaurant at Walter Station.

Segment 15: Podcast Promotion and Future Events

  • Timestamp: [00:53:39 - 00:53:58]

  • Jen encourages listeners to follow the podcast on various platforms and connect on Instagram and the website.

  • A teaser is given for future events at Walter Where?House, hinting at exciting experiences to come for those engaged with the podcast and the community.


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Connect with our guest:

Kirk Strawn

Tony Jensen