James Barr II and Shira Smillie
Recorded
May 1, 2023
Archived
May 1, 2023
37:50 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mby022674
Description
James "Chef Daddy" Barr II [no age given] sits down with StoryCorps facilitator Shira Smillie (26) and tells her about Burning Man, how his values intersect with those of the festival, and his family.Subject Log / Time Code
James (J) explains to Shira (S) what the Burning Man is. J details the leave-no-trace aspect of the festival and what goes into planning the event.
J describes how he got the nickname Chef Daddy.
J talks about what he likes to cook.
J says Burning Man is important to him because he shares similar values to the original organizers such as leave-no-trace and pay it forward. J says talks more about Burning Man festivals around the world.
J says there are a lot of people who do not understand Burning Man. He says it is not all about sex, drugs, and rock and roll but also about art, learning to give to others, and community.
J shares that he is sharing his home with two people who are houseless.
J says he got his generosity from his parents. J tells S about his children and grandchildren.
J tells S about his time as a record store owner and when he had to go to jail for possession of cocaine.
J remembers his experience being a caretaker for his mother at the end of her life.
J shares the most important lesson he has learned in life: being kind to others.
J says his favorite places he has traveled to include Barcelona and Bali.
Participants
- James Barr II
- Shira Smillie