Ep 10: Wanderlust / One Commune with Jeff Krasno

Wanderlust / One Commune with Jeff Krasno

Episode 10: Show Notes.

Joining us on the show today is Jeff Krasno, bluegrass enthusiast and the founder of Commune and the Wanderlust Festival! Jeff's story is truly inspiring; from the many phases and seasons he has lived through to the movements he has helped propel, Jeff has continued on his path with curiosity and passion at every turn.

We hear from Jeff about the central role that music has played in much of his life as well as the formative experiences he had growing up all over the world! Jeff also unpacks the unlikely road building a new type of festival with Wanderlust, bridging the gaps between yoga, wellness and music. He takes us all the way through to his work currently and the Commune project that now takes up most of his time. Jeff is a wonderful storyteller and this lends itself to this longer form episode, jam-packed with twists and turns and the fruition of seeds planted much earlier.

Our guest's story is such a strong example of how events that can seem random, often contribute to our outlook in important ways that are only apparent in hindsight. Jeff has reached remarkable places and experienced so much of what life has to offer, all the while learning more about himself and what he has to offer the community around him. We hear about how his mission has evolved, from craving acceptance and connection to building a shared experience and lasting impact. For this fantastic and deep conversation, listen in with us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Jeff's childhood fascination with Batman while moving around a lot.
Global citizenship from a young age, learning languages and pastoral life in Europe and South America.
Childhood difficulties in Brazil and Jeff's experiences of being teased and ostracized.
Jeff's sympathetic nature and how this relates to a desire to connect and belong.
The tumor that Jeff developed at the age of 13 and his experiences in Sloan Kettering.
The aftermath of losing weight and the changes Jeff experienced at a new high school.
Music in Jeff's life growing up; family roots and developing an ear for sound.
Jeff's pursuit of his future wife, Skyla, during his time at college.
Radio djing, banjo playing and organizing bluegrass shows with some big acts.
How Jeff juggled his budding career in music and his college commitments.
Jeff's work as a hip hop producer in the 1990s and producing Soulive.
Making use of the Starbucks market and helping Sonya Kitchell get discovered.
Life after 911, Skyla's new yoga studio and the beauty of community and compassion during crisis.
The beginnings of Wanderlust and Jeff's mental state coming out of the music business.
Fundraising for Wanderlust and the business skills that Jeff had to develop.
Grassroots promotion and trying to get the word out on the first Wanderlust festival.
Establishing a new connection between previously disparate health practices.
Jeff's biggest takeaways from his experiences through Wanderlust
The work that now means the most to Jeff; alignment with one's highest principles.
Opportunities that are currently available to us in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transcending the self through various means; Jeff's understanding of spirituality.
The birth of Commune and Jeff's work in podcasting and beyond.
Moving oneself first, doing the work and being ready.
Jeff's initiative to provide those laid off in the pandemic with free meditation classes!