Nine-Year-Old Julia Wolfe’s TEDx Talk about Burning Man

Julia Wolfe is a Burning Man veteran. Also, she’s nine. You’ll want to take a moment out of your day to watch her wonderful talk at TEDxABQ in Albuquerque, New Mexico about her transformative experiences at Burning Man, and how she’s taken the lessons learned into her day-to-day life.

Julia contributes to the Children’s Hour weekly live radio show on Albuquerque’s KUNM public radio.

About the author: Will Chase

Will Chase

Will Chase is Burning Man's former Minister of Propaganda, working on global communications strategy. He was the editor-in-chief for the Jackrabbit Speaks newsletter and the Burning Man Journal, and content manager for Burning Man’s web properties. He also oversaw the ePlaya BBS and Burning Man’s social media presence. Will first attended Burning Man in 2001. He volunteered as the Operations Manager for the ARTery (Black Rock City’s art HQ) and was on the Burning Man Art Council from 2003-2008. He was Web Team Project Manager and Webmaster from 2004 until he transitioned to the Communications Department in 2009.

20 Comments on “Nine-Year-Old Julia Wolfe’s TEDx Talk about Burning Man

  • Diana Rabina says:

    Love her message. Been told by others I NEEDED to experience Burning Man once in my Life Time. And not to Believe ALL I’ve heard .
    So I’ve been trying to watch and learn as much as I can. An I’m curious about going now**

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  • Brotherlu v says:

    2002 – at Flattery Camp, a little 9 yr old Sara visited daily from Lamp Lighters next to our camp. After a week of learning to flatter – we made her an honorary Flattery Camp Member and the question was given regarding her first time at Burning Man. What is Burning Man: After much though and giggles – she replied the most amazing answer ever from a 9 yr old – She said – “Burning Man is where children are treated like royalty and adults act like children” ….. could not of said it better.
    Brotherluv

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  • Dennis LaPrairie says:

    Should go at least once in your lifetime. I don’t go anymore after 22 years but still make it to Gerlach in the off season, 4 trips this year, always an adventure.

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  • Jim Fowler says:

    Very eloquent, young lady! I went in ’05 for my sixtieth BD with my son and daughter. My son’s LA crew and their camp was an amazing group of health professionals sharing ideas, massage, white noise relaxation lounges and health food. It is indeed the happiest city on earth!

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  • samson says:

    Awesome! Recycle Camp doesn’t melt down cans, though, we sell them and donate the funds to the school in Gerlach. That is our bike crusher, though! I’m glad she had fun!

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    • Stitch says:

      I remember a jeweler from San Francisco from Dragon smelter camp who set up at Recycle Camp and melted aluminum and made coins and gave them out. I have one, it was a very cool experience. Perhaps that is what she is talking about?

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  • Wanja says:

    Julia. Please invite me.

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  • Blaze says:

    Thank you Julia for being such an amazing advocate for our culture! NM Burners are so proud of you and we look forward to seeing what you and other Kids dream up in regional land!

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  • Bones says:

    Julia I have been to Burning Man a couple times but you inspired me to one day bring my 9 year old to Burning Man!

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  • Amandaroo says:

    Amazing how she GETS IT more than many adults!

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  • Sassy Danger says:

    Julia you are a gem! I’m the lady who you camped with who gave you and your dad the grilled cheese sammiches when you arrived in the AEZ village at 4:00am. We had a blast with you all week long. Last year we met and hosted your mom too. We love you – from all the folks at camp Coco Velvet. xoxoxo

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  • Suzy Switzer says:

    Wow Julia! Bravo on a great talk and a great message. You rock!
    Mucho aloha and keep the good times rolling.
    xxoo

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  • Mini-schnitzel says:

    What an amazingly eloquent young lady. Nice job, Julia! Loved your presentation. Those are some of my favorite principles too. :)

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  • Julia is so right! she does get it, spot on! and I love the quote that BM is where “children are treated like royalty and adults act like children”
    Thanks so much for posting this!

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  • Amazing. 9 years old and she totally gets Burning Man. She will grow up to be quite the articulate and interesting woman.

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  • Before we begin, we’ll click here set it to a regular 100%
    cotton, 25% cotton, 100% cotton.

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  • One of the best TED talks I’ve seen! I’ve wanted to go there since I heard about it “way back in college.” I hope to make it to an actual Burning Man someday… but how do I find out about local similar celebrations? My husband and live in Tacoma, WA. but would travel a couple of hundred miles to participate in something like this.

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    • Guilty says:

      To find an event in your area, try going on the burning man website and looking for regional events, or you can google “regional burn” and the name of the area in which you live. It’s a wonderful community, and Julia has done a great job of relaying that feeling!

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