Episode 6: Fueling Creative Fire: Kirk Strawn's Insights on Art Cars, Consciousness, and the Power of Transformative Experiences
Episode Summary:
In Episode 6 of the Plant.Body.Soul. Podcast, we have the pleasure of welcoming Kirk Strawn, a retired medical professional turned community creator and meditation enthusiast. Join us as we embark on a fascinating conversation that touches on Kirk's love for the outdoors, his experiences of staying awake all night, and his thoughts on retirement. We'll dive deep into Kirk's inspiring career transition and his dreams of adding a unique off-road vehicle to his collection. Along the way, Kirk extends a warm invitation to all listeners to join the Walter community, where they can participate in various events and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere they cultivate.This engaging discussion is sure to captivate your interest and introduce you to new practices and communities. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of exploration and inspiration. Tune in and join us on this incredible adventure!
Show Notes:
Introduction and Guest's Background (00:00:00 - 00:03:48)
Introduction to the guest, Kirk Strawn, the founder of Walter Productions.
Strawn shares details about his personal life, the Walter Project, and the non-profit Walter Hive.
Discusses his past life as a family physician and his upbringing in Iowa, where he originally planned to become a veterinarian.
A Change of Heart and The Love Story (00:03:48 - 00:06:16)
Strawn reveals his realization that he wasn't meant to be a veterinarian because he found it hard dealing with sick animals.
Shares his love story with his wife Mary, how they met at a hospital, and their 30-year long marriage.
Strawn and his wife renew their vows every five years and are looking forward to their seventh wedding.
The Origins of Walter Project (00:06:18 - 00:11:54)
Strawn explains how the Walter Project started, which was initiated by a significant lifestyle change when his first daughter was born.
He talks about the decision to live a non-traditional path, including living in a small garage and then in a school bus.
The concept of the Walter Project was born during their family trip to Burning Man, inspired by the community and art they encountered there.
A Life in Medicine, Meditation, and Mindfulness (00:11:54 - 00:17:02)
Strawn discusses his shift to human medicine after witnessing practices in veterinary medicine that disturbed him.
He shares his interest in alternative treatments for the very ill and his exploration of meditation and yoga.
Strawn also discusses how the practice of mindfulness has had profound impacts on his personal and professional life.
The Journey to Burning Man and Finding Walter [00:17:08 - 00:18:57]
Kirk talks about the origins of his interest in Burning Man, which started when he met the Commissioner of Volkswagen Bus Camp at Burning Man at a Volkswagen bus camp out.
The Commissioner told Kirk about the unique vehicles at Burning Man, sparking an interest that would lead him to attend the festival years later.
Kirk shares the story of how he found Walter, a vehicle that he fell in love with instantly.
The Origin of Walter [00:18:58 - 00:22:44]
Kirk explains the history of the Walter Motor Truck Company and how he named his vehicle after it.
The company was founded in the late 1800s by a candy machine maker, started building cars, and later focused on heavy-duty four-wheel drive systems.
The company went out of business in the 1980s, but its impact in revolutionizing human interaction with harsh environments was significant.
Walter, Kirk's vehicle, was a 1963 airport firetruck whose original purpose was to save lives by putting out fires in plane crashes.
Art and Brain Plasticity [00:22:45 - 00:24:33]
Kirk talks about the Hive, an organization started by his wife Mary, where she works with various groups, from children to dementia patients, to create art.
The conversation transitions into a discussion about the brain's plasticity, a revelation that contradicted what Kirk was taught in medical school in the 1980s.
Kirk emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in all fields, including medicine.
Bringing Art Cars to Life [00:24:34 - 00:25:02]
Kirk begins to talk about his experience with creating art cars, inspired by the complex, artistic creations at Burning Man.
Journey with Walter and Creation of Other Art Cars [00:25:02 -32:02 ]
Kirk shares more about the journey he had with Walter, from the truck's initial breakdown to how it was revitalized by the community.
He also tells the story of how other vehicles, such as Heathen and Big Red, came into existence and the community's role in building them.
The journey led to Walter and his other art cars gaining significant attention, which took them to various locations and events, such as Google, SpaceX, Twitter, Zappos, EDC, Bonnaroo, and more.
Kirk mentions the creation of Peace Train, a new project built out of a US military Humvee, reflecting on the forgotten history of the World War II era.
The Story and Intention Behind Walter's Art Vehicles [00:32:01 - 00:36:12]
Kirk Strawn shares how every art vehicle at Walter has a story and intention behind it. He talks about the liberating feeling of not needing to explain the story behind the art vehicles, yet how it enhances the appreciation and understanding of the art when the story is shared.Jennifer Miles and Gordon Ogden discuss the depth of stories and intentions behind Walter's creations, and how they barely scratch the surface when talking about them.
Kirk shares the idea that the art vehicles are infused with so much fun that it becomes a part of what one experiences there.
He also shares the symbolic meaning behind Walter as a firetruck, and how he perceives Walter to have saved his life, similarly to how Mary saved his life. He believes that we can save each other in many ways and wants to spend his time doing just that.
Principles That Guide Walter [00:36:18 - 00:40:52]
Kirk Strawn shares the principles that guide Walter and the Walter project, which include: showing up as the best version of oneself, being nice, cleaning up after oneself, dreaming big, using what one has, being grateful, resolving conflicts and forgiving, surprising people, making Walter spaces safe, and keeping the project going.
He reveals an additional unofficial principle, "We don't always do what we're told," emphasizing the importance of being independent and going against the grain when needed.
The Role of Music in Walter's Experiences [00:40:52 - 00:44:36]
Kirk talks about how music plays an integral role in the experiences they create with Walter. From their roots in underground Phoenix music scenes, bluegrass, and rock and roll to their transition into electronic music at Burning Man, music has always been a significant part of their journey.
Kirk describes their sound systems and how they've invited artists to play on their stage, explaining how this approach has fueled the growth of the Walter project.
Jennifer Miles adds that music is transformative and is heart-opening, reinforcing its significance in the Walter experience.
Interplay Between Cannabis, Psychedelics, and the Culture at Walter [00:45:02 - 00:45:11]
Gordon Ogden brings up the topic of cannabis and psychedelics and their role in the Burning Man environment and the culture at Walter, setting up the conversation for the following segment.
On Cannabis and Altered States (45:39 - 50:38)
Kirk shares his personal experience with cannabis, saying it is a very personal journey and individuals should use it to see how it affects their own life and personal growth. He first started using it at 15.
He discusses the potential for growth and development from various altered states of being, from cannabis to meditation. Kirk says that meditation changed his mind and allowed him insights he hadn't had before.
Kirk believes there are many doors to mindfulness, and challenges listeners to challenge their own preconceived notions and reactions on a daily basis.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment, and believes that there are numerous ways to do this - from pharmacological means to exercise, music, and travel.
Future Projects (50:38 - 53:21)
Kirk is currently involved in the construction of a giant sculpture in Douglas, Arizona. The project is a collaborative effort with Burning Man artists and Walter, and they're hoping that it lasts for another hundred years.
He expresses interest in current technological advancements. His healthcare company is data and technology-driven and he's fascinated by how technology can help society.
Kirk hopes that technology can be used to solve the many problems faced by the planet and society. He believes that at present, technology creates more problems than it solves and that there are ways technology could play a more positive role.
Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence (53:25 - 55:36)
Kirk believes that the current fear of machines as autonomous entities is misplaced. He sees the potential for humans and machines to work together to solve specific problems.
He is not in favor of supporting autonomous machine entities, but rather sees the value in human-machine partnerships.
Kirk emphasizes the need for smarter tools to address the problems we face, and believes that technology can help if we think about it differently.
Kirk believes that good humans with good tools can make a significant difference in the world.
Advice for Aspiring Artists (55:52 - 58:04)
Kirk advises aspiring artists to take the long view and understand that it will take time to achieve their dreams.
He suggests finding a community, sharing ideas, and understanding that success may not happen immediately.
Kirk advises artists to avoid falling into traps of self-centeredness, focusing on money, or seeking attention. He emphasizes the importance of starting and keeping going, regardless of the challenges faced.
Spirituality and Connection (58:36 - 60:18)
Kirk describes himself as spiritual in the sense that he believes in the connection of everyone and everything. This belief emerged from his meditation practice.
He believes in the connection across time and that there are things that we will never understand. He emphasizes the importance of not overstepping in terms of claiming to know answers to spiritual questions.
Kirk expresses his belief in the constant present moment and states that he's never found a moment that wasn't "now".
A Perfect Day (1:01:19 - 1:01:57)
Kirk describes his perfect day as starting with a routine he has followed with his partner Mary for the past 30 years: he makes the coffee, she opens the shades, they clink glasses and share a kiss.
A Day in the Life (01:02:21 - 01:03:007)
Kirk Strawn shares his ideal day: being outdoors, spending time with his wife and kids, enjoying lunch outside, listening to music, watching the sunset, and then staying up all night to see the sunrise.
He notes how his training in medicine has prepared him to stay awake all night.
Balancing Rest and Activity (01:03:07 - 01:04:34)
Jennifer Miles discusses her routine, which includes early bedtimes, early rising, and meditation for about three hours every day.
They both talk about the challenge of staying awake all night, especially at events like Burning Man, and how some professions (like medicine or police work) train you for that kind of schedule.
Reflecting on Retirement (01:04:34 - 01:05:49)
Kirk and Jennifer discuss the concept of retirement. Kirk, who is retired, wonders what it's like to have no responsibilities.
They explore the meaning of retirement, suggesting it might involve doing more of what you love and less of what you don't.
Dreaming Big and Potential Projects (01:05:49 - 01:06:49)
Kirk discusses a type of off-road vehicle made in Ukraine called a Sherp, which he dreams of adding to his collection despite his wife's objections.
Jennifer encourages him to "dream big."
An Inspiring Journey (01:06:49 - 01:07:52)
Jennifer expresses admiration for Kirk's career journey, from medicine to meditation to community creation.
Kirk modestly attributes much of the success to Walter, the fire truck that inspired much of his work.
Getting Involved with Walter (01:01:05 - 01:09:24)
Kirk invites listeners to get involved with Walter by visiting their website, attending shows, or finding Walter Beer at their local pub.
He emphasizes the community's non-judgmental, welcoming atmosphere.
Food, Yoga, and More with Walter (01:09:24 - 01:09:53)
Gordon and Jennifer highlight other opportunities to engage with the Walter community, including restaurants at the studios and brewery and a monthly yoga class.
Closing Thoughts (01:09:53 - 01:10:11)
Kirk, Jennifer, and Gordon express gratitude for their deep, collaborative relationship and the opportunities to introduce new practices to others.
Wrapping Up and Final Words (01:10:11 - 01:10:37)
Jennifer reminds listeners to subscribe, follow them on YouTube and Instagram, and sign up for their email list for more updates and events.
